[One might assume that Frank isn't taking in the smaller details. He is. Now that he knows that there are two men that share the same face, the same voice and expressions he is actively looking for the differences, looking closer than before. And he likes that Mike's hands have a softness to them in some places. Makes holding onto him even more enjoyable.]
Oh, I dunno.
[Frank is thick. And he's no easy going son of a bitch. They both are giving off red flags to any potential significant others left and right. Mike might be blind but he is aware of Frank's.]
Sure. Don't want you to slip and fall.
[Frank's not going to rushing out in the rain though. He pauses a moment, thoughtfully.]
[ Mike knows that he pays attention. Then again, if Frank didn't and he wasn't sharp, neither of them would still be here. Too much has gone down for both of them. Just like Frank takes in those details, Mike finds himself taking in certain things. The smell of the soap the other man uses even under all the gear he usually has on.
Its nice to have a night where that isn't on. They can just be two people on a date. ]
Gotta make you work for it at least a little.
[ He knows a lot about Frank and he's learning more and more as time goes on. He's glad for that time and these moments. The things he gets to pick up on, like the fact that he can sometimes smell fresh cut vegetables and knows that he was cooking for himself. ]
That would be a little embarrassing.
[ He shifts up and moves his backpack so that it is out of the way of his feet. He won't need it inside and he's got his wallet on him. Nodding, he quirks a grin in Frank's direction. ]
I don't mind.
[ When Frank opens his side, he does the same, and slides out of the passenger side door. The rain is falling in earnest, and Mike keeps close to the side of the van when he shuts the van door. He can hear the other man's footsteps come around the side, and reaches out to find his arm when he's close enough. This close, with the rain, he can make out so much more detail in the moment when he focuses on Frank. ]
[No fists fights, no shouting. That isn't what they do. The ceasefire between the two of them was quite some time ago. And it is nearly like they've never been in a conflict. Well. At least not in conflict together. Now it's what's happening in the streets or among brothers. All of that can be placed delicately on the back burner. Just the two of them here.]
I'll see what I can do.
[Like find small hideaways where no one knows their faces or makes the connection. Like suggesting to pick him up from wherever so that they can have time alone, undisturbed. Frank hasn't flat out called it a date, but it is. No mistaking it.]
Yeah, maybe just a little bit embarrassing. You're a bit more graceful than that. I've seen you.
[A bit he says.
Stepping out he turns up his collar to the weather. Chilly, it's fine. He steps carefully over the pavement and meets Mike. He's never seen this expression before.]
[ The last real fight they had was outside that biker gang's bar. Mike was too stubborn to sit it out and got his ass chained to a rooftop of all places. After that, well. Like they say, it's history. ]
You're not getting sweet on me, are you?
[ A running joke almost now. But he must be if he finds little places like this. Spots and moments they can just be themselves. That they can be who they are and still be together. ]
Graceful? I don't think I've ever been called that.
[ He reaches out for Frank's arm once he's close enough. The expression on his face is soft, and he blinks a bit when the water hits his face, dripping down. He doesn't make a move to hurry them in, though. ]
Everything's great. I---I don't get this very often. The rain, it's---[ He licks at his lips, catching a couple of droplets as well. ]---I can kind of---see more like this. More details.
[ And currently his only point of interest is Frank. ]
[The Dogs of Hell were more like puppies. Well. At least that's how they ended up when Mike was through with them Frank had his fair share. The rest of the nights were a blur. Really seems like so very, very long ago.]
Aw, shut up.
[With as much humor and warmth someone can put with those words. Frank is guilty though. Softening up at the edges and corners where their personalities touch and overlap. He has nothing and no one else to be like this with. Mike gets it. Never pushing or asking. Maybe that's why Frank can give up more of himself freely.]
Probably no one says it because no one's seen you bound around like a squirrel.
[Or ninja. Pick one.]
Oh yeah?
[And so being able to take a good look around at the world, Mike wants to look at his mug. Frank smiles. He's not a guy that blushes but it does pull up a bashful feeling.]
[ Well, they softened them up quite a bit, didn't they? Even if there had been more frustrating and painful things that had gone down that night. Mike has learned that they will never agree on everything. They have to find the gray area between them. ]
You going to make me?
[ He enjoys hearing the warmth in that. The way the other man has softened and shown more of himself on his own has been a real gift. Mike never would have expected it before. ]
A squirrel! Ha!
[ They've got nothing on him. ]
Yeah.
[ Soft and gentle. He reaches up to rest a hand at Frank's shoulder, and finally works up the nerve to trace fingers along his jaw. They've grown close, sure. Exploring the myriad of scars on each other's bodies is one thing. This? This is far more personal. ]
[Again it is a threat in diction his tone of voice doesn't carry through. Since that night, since he busted open his ribs and laid out his sob story it's like Mike is looking for the cracks. Instead of seeing weakness, it's like he's getting glimpses of light. Yeah, they butt head still. That will happen until Frank breathes his last. Except there's more between them than that night. More moments, more understanding.
The rain keeps falling. And there isn't any wind so it just falls without any agenda across his face, through his hair and small rivets rolling on down. Mikey's hand is warm, warmer than what Frank would expect for a rainy night in the city.]
Hey, Red.
[Speaking softer than before, a smile at the corner of his mouth.]
[ A tease to the non-threat. Mike is more than grateful that they've gotten past the things that have happened in the beginning. It's against the odds that they did, but here they are. He's glad there's someone (that isn't his brother) that is there to call things into question. There's also more to understand between them. To make good on what Frank said about the things that get to "fix us".
He can't fix Frank. He's not looking to. But he can be there to help him along the way when he's able.
They must look a little ridiculous to any other people going by. The two of them just standing in the rain like that. Mike can't bring himself to care, though. After the gentle trace to his jaw, he works up the nerve to trace further, letting the echo of the rain show him the contours of Frank's face without the overt harshness of a world on fire that normally blots it all out. ]
And wouldn't you fucking know, I'm a man of action.
[Teasing on teasing. The tensions have passed in some ways, the other ways...they're not so bad at all. The magnetism can't be denied.
They both are brutal and battered people. All those wounds don't mean they're broken, though there is much to be fixed. Frank knows in Mike's presence that he's a little less brooding, less stuck in a gloom. While he would never go so far as to claim that he was stricken blind, the world lot it's light and color. Save for these moments.
Is there anyone else around? Frank doesn't notice. He's alert, aware to threats. Any passerby don't matter. He stays still, wondering just what is projected through the rain, through touch. Mike already knows he's got big ears and a big nose.]
[ It didn't stop in their worst moments sometimes. Like fighting the Irish Mob. It's not liable to stop now, the teasing.
They're still here now. That means something. Frank may not believe it, but Mike does. Maybe it's enough for both of them. He's grateful for these little moments they get to find with each other.
Mike can't help but notice what's happening around them. Gift and a curse. Frank makes it a little easier to focus just on him though. ]
I thought I was charming.
[ Foggy has said it more than once. Mike doesn't mean anything by it. Matt on the other hand? Well. He's got more experience with it. ]
[The curve of his mouth and the sly little digs. Attraction is a strange thing. It twists and turns what might be irritating into endearing. His eyes follow the droplets that try and cut smoothly through the bristle at Mike's jawline.
Two can play at this sweet, tender touching game. Frank cups his jaw and leans in. Just a peck. Brief and quick. Just putting his money where his mouth is. When someone calls your bluff, you best believe you follow through.]
[ They must like each other a lot now for how badly they irritated and frustrated the other in the beginning. Even if they do still have their moments. They probably always will.
Mike's face tilts a little at the hand at his jaw, relishing the warmth there and the quick press of Frank's mouth to his own. It's quick, barely there, but it earns a chuckle. Man of his word after all. Not that he ever doubted it. ]
You're not so bad yourself. [ A wistful sort of sigh. ] Ready to go in now?
[Was it always simply irritation before? Or was that what Frank thought the emotion was before further inspection? At any rate he lightly gives Mikes face a pat before guiding his hand to his arm.]
You're saying that because you're blind.
[And as if his attitude wasn't enough, Frank knows he's an acquired taste.]
Let's go. I'm pretty hungry.
[And while the place isn't far, and yes they are wet, there isn't any reason to run.]
[ Open and honest despite that teasing jab. Frank isn't easy, and Mike wouldn't have it any other way. ]
Me too.
[ The bonus is his nose has stopped the small amount of bleeding so everything won't taste terrible. Hand wrapped around Frank's arm, he lets him lead the way and enjoys the walk next to him. ]
[He doesn't believe it. How many mugs does he get to take a close look at? How many of them does he actually like? Frank won't go to battle for this. Mike's world view is softer, sweeter than what Frank is accustomed to. And raining on his parade is good, sometimes. Not all the time. Let him have some shine. Let that optimism stick around a little longer.]
A hint? Well...everything in here on the menu is edible.
[Hardy-fucking-har. They step carefully moving to the opposite sidewalk and there are a few awnings that offer some shelter from the rain. Frank walks conscious of Mike trying to match his pacing.]
[ He knocks their shoulders together gently as they go. He doesn't get to look at a lot, admittedly. It's not something that they really ask for a lot. It crosses a lot of personal boundaries that most people aren't comfortable with. He's glad, at least, that Frank indulges in his more gentle moments and unrelenting optimism. ]
That's a terrible hint. Narrows it down to absolutely nothing.
[ Said with a laugh, but he doesn't press for more. Mike keeps up with Frank's stride well enough, and takes advantage of the awnings to listen for more clues on his own. ]
Does it have coffee? I can't imagine you having a meal without it. I'm not sure you'd survive.
[How can he not want to participate? There is something ridiculously wholesome and soft about Michael. Maybe there are aspects of that in his brother that have yet to be seen. If he wants to take a look at the world the way he can, Frank is going to let him. No, he doesn't agree that he's handsome. Mike makes him feel attractive. And indulging in softer, sweeter emotions like he used to is a treat. He wouldn't trust just anyone like this.]
They don't serve coffee, they serve espresso.
[That is a better hint, right? There's music coming from one of the establishments. Some chintzy Sinatra stuff.]
[ Not something a lot of people Mike meets in the night end up saying about him. In fact, soft is probably the last thing on their minds before unconsciousness. The fact that Frank indulges and hell even encourages him with small things like this is such a good thing. He feels, a lot lately, that he hasn't been able to get moments like these. He likes experiencing the ones Frank feels by proxy. ]
Espresso, huh. Never figured you for that kind of a guy. Was it an old Marine buddy that got you to try the fancy stuff?
[ And if so, is he going to order one, or is it just wine? He's not sure that they'd have beer at this place, but with the Sinatra he's hearing, he could be wrong. When they finally go in, it's ridiculously obvious what kind of place it is, but it's the ambiance given off that's the most impressive. ]
[Chances are the people he meets don't end up conversing. And while Frank is well aware they stand in a sliver of grey between the black and white, there would be others that get to be in his good graces. Sometime. Might as well enjoy it.
He shivers off some of the rain drops as he gets the door. Sinatra swells. There's the smell of garlic, parsley and oregano. Tons of starch and cheese. They're greeted immediately.]
Espresso is good in a pinch, also pretty fucking good with ice cream.
[Does Mike know where they are yet? They're being lead to their seats.]
[ Depends on what the Devil is after. Sometimes talking (screaming?) is necessary. He's surprisingly good at interrogations. The bonus of being able to tell when someone is lying to him. He's glad, though, that he and Frank get this grey area together.
The change in temperature earns a brief shiver from Mike and he presses a little closer to Frank's side. Once they are inside it's fairly easy to figure out where they are at, or at least the type of restaurant. It smells amazing. ]
I've never had it with ice cream. You'll have to introduce me.
[ Once they are seated, Matt unzips his hoodie, and sets it to the side. Some other time he might have sat across, but this time he wants to sit next to Frank. He's got a soft, long sleeved shirt underneath, nothing fancy, just one of his softer Henleys in a light blue. ]
[There is such an irony in the fact that the Devil Frank knows is truly the better one. Telling them apart is easier after speaking. Then again Mike usually goes out of his way to differentiate. He's got his own burner phone. They have this steady stream of contact. This is all going somewhere. Fast.
Which is why he hasn't flinched from indulging in the time they share alone. Feelings like this were gunned down in a park or so he thought. He's going to roll with it.]
After dinner. You'll spoil your appetite.
[He doesn't mind that they sit side by side. Makes it a bit better that way.]
It's called ambiance, you swine.
[A waiter brings glasses of water and garlic bread with balsamic and oil. The menus are placed down.]
Well, shit. I didn't think about that but uh you got anything in mind? Standard Italian.
[ He's got significantly less issues with his temper. It comes in handy. Mike's so used to the little tells being something that only he and his brother know. Not another person in their lives. If one doesn't count Elektra.
This is a whole new experience for Mike. He never really gave it thought before, there was too much going on, and there never seemed to be time. Never mind the logistics of trying to be with another person while having a dual life. ]
Obviously.
[ A quiet laugh and he knocks Frank's shoulder gently with his own. ]
Ambiance, right. Can you spell that?
[ What's a little love without a touch of gentle war? They're always going to be at odds in some ways. That's definitely ok. ]
The menu? It's fine, most places don't. [ He leans over for a reassuring peck to Frank's jaw. ] Anyways, I'm pretending to be as sighted as I can. Easier to get by.
[Both Matthew and Michael are the same height. They have an identical gait. Their voice is the same. The finer details like scars, like the way they carry a conversation are what give it away in the end. At least from Frank's point of view. He hasn't seen the act in progress with Karen or Foggy. Having one brother here to himself is more than enough.]
Yes. I can spell it. Thanks.
[A counter nudge. Just so.]
They got plenty of appetizers. Calamari, stuffed mushrooms, flat breads with and without meat.
[The peck has him feeling more buoyant. He gives Mike's hand a pat.]
They got your manicotti. Do you want it with spinach, cheese or beef? Or you can get the suprema with all of them together on a plate.
[ Most twins have some similarities outside of the physical attributes. Usually they grow apart in other ways. They've never been most twins. They've not really given themselves the opportunity to grow apart. Which might be part of the reason why they are having difficulty now.
He leans his head over so he can rest his chin on Frank's shoulder, feel the vibrations of his voice as he talks. ] Flat bread or stuffed mushrooms sounds good. We could split one?
[ He chases Frank's hand with his own at the pat, and traces fingers along his knuckles. ]
[Similarities yes, they've pretty much committed to being the same person. Frank has wondered from the outside how much of this singular person they've made is from Mike. Does he even get a say or do they just compromise?]
Yeah, let's definitely split one. We'll ask the waiter.
[The idle touching makes Frank less tense. He has had this place on his radar for some time. He would come here in the city ages ago. And there's been no danger, no crime. Originally it was a stake out for himself. With Mike coming into his life the way he has, it felt better to give it a try together. Real time together. No talks on icy rooftops or encounters in back alleys.]
Do you want any wine? They got beer too. Peroni, Morretti, an IPA and Budweiser.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
calltoaction) wrote2019-09-13 04:07 pm
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Oh, I dunno.
[Frank is thick. And he's no easy going son of a bitch. They both are giving off red flags to any potential significant others left and right. Mike might be blind but he is aware of Frank's.]
Sure. Don't want you to slip and fall.
[Frank's not going to rushing out in the rain though. He pauses a moment, thoughtfully.]
I don't care if I get wet, d'you?
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Its nice to have a night where that isn't on. They can just be two people on a date. ]
Gotta make you work for it at least a little.
[ He knows a lot about Frank and he's learning more and more as time goes on. He's glad for that time and these moments. The things he gets to pick up on, like the fact that he can sometimes smell fresh cut vegetables and knows that he was cooking for himself. ]
That would be a little embarrassing.
[ He shifts up and moves his backpack so that it is out of the way of his feet. He won't need it inside and he's got his wallet on him. Nodding, he quirks a grin in Frank's direction. ]
I don't mind.
[ When Frank opens his side, he does the same, and slides out of the passenger side door. The rain is falling in earnest, and Mike keeps close to the side of the van when he shuts the van door. He can hear the other man's footsteps come around the side, and reaches out to find his arm when he's close enough. This close, with the rain, he can make out so much more detail in the moment when he focuses on Frank. ]
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I'll see what I can do.
[Like find small hideaways where no one knows their faces or makes the connection. Like suggesting to pick him up from wherever so that they can have time alone, undisturbed. Frank hasn't flat out called it a date, but it is. No mistaking it.]
Yeah, maybe just a little bit embarrassing. You're a bit more graceful than that. I've seen you.
[A bit he says.
Stepping out he turns up his collar to the weather. Chilly, it's fine. He steps carefully over the pavement and meets Mike. He's never seen this expression before.]
Everything okay?
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You're not getting sweet on me, are you?
[ A running joke almost now. But he must be if he finds little places like this. Spots and moments they can just be themselves. That they can be who they are and still be together. ]
Graceful? I don't think I've ever been called that.
[ He reaches out for Frank's arm once he's close enough. The expression on his face is soft, and he blinks a bit when the water hits his face, dripping down. He doesn't make a move to hurry them in, though. ]
Everything's great. I---I don't get this very often. The rain, it's---[ He licks at his lips, catching a couple of droplets as well. ]---I can kind of---see more like this. More details.
[ And currently his only point of interest is Frank. ]
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Aw, shut up.
[With as much humor and warmth someone can put with those words. Frank is guilty though. Softening up at the edges and corners where their personalities touch and overlap. He has nothing and no one else to be like this with. Mike gets it. Never pushing or asking. Maybe that's why Frank can give up more of himself freely.]
Probably no one says it because no one's seen you bound around like a squirrel.
[Or ninja. Pick one.]
Oh yeah?
[And so being able to take a good look around at the world, Mike wants to look at his mug. Frank smiles. He's not a guy that blushes but it does pull up a bashful feeling.]
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You going to make me?
[ He enjoys hearing the warmth in that. The way the other man has softened and shown more of himself on his own has been a real gift. Mike never would have expected it before. ]
A squirrel! Ha!
[ They've got nothing on him. ]
Yeah.
[ Soft and gentle. He reaches up to rest a hand at Frank's shoulder, and finally works up the nerve to trace fingers along his jaw. They've grown close, sure. Exploring the myriad of scars on each other's bodies is one thing. This? This is far more personal. ]
Hey, you.
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[Again it is a threat in diction his tone of voice doesn't carry through. Since that night, since he busted open his ribs and laid out his sob story it's like Mike is looking for the cracks. Instead of seeing weakness, it's like he's getting glimpses of light. Yeah, they butt head still. That will happen until Frank breathes his last. Except there's more between them than that night. More moments, more understanding.
The rain keeps falling. And there isn't any wind so it just falls without any agenda across his face, through his hair and small rivets rolling on down. Mikey's hand is warm, warmer than what Frank would expect for a rainy night in the city.]
Hey, Red.
[Speaking softer than before, a smile at the corner of his mouth.]
Y'like what you see?
no subject
[ A tease to the non-threat. Mike is more than grateful that they've gotten past the things that have happened in the beginning. It's against the odds that they did, but here they are. He's glad there's someone (that isn't his brother) that is there to call things into question. There's also more to understand between them. To make good on what Frank said about the things that get to "fix us".
He can't fix Frank. He's not looking to. But he can be there to help him along the way when he's able.
They must look a little ridiculous to any other people going by. The two of them just standing in the rain like that. Mike can't bring himself to care, though. After the gentle trace to his jaw, he works up the nerve to trace further, letting the echo of the rain show him the contours of Frank's face without the overt harshness of a world on fire that normally blots it all out. ]
I do.
[ Said with an earnest tone and smile to boot. ]
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[Teasing on teasing. The tensions have passed in some ways, the other ways...they're not so bad at all. The magnetism can't be denied.
They both are brutal and battered people. All those wounds don't mean they're broken, though there is much to be fixed. Frank knows in Mike's presence that he's a little less brooding, less stuck in a gloom. While he would never go so far as to claim that he was stricken blind, the world lot it's light and color. Save for these moments.
Is there anyone else around? Frank doesn't notice. He's alert, aware to threats. Any passerby don't matter. He stays still, wondering just what is projected through the rain, through touch. Mike already knows he's got big ears and a big nose.]
You're a shameless flirt.
[Though he is totally participating.]
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[ It didn't stop in their worst moments sometimes. Like fighting the Irish Mob. It's not liable to stop now, the teasing.
They're still here now. That means something. Frank may not believe it, but Mike does. Maybe it's enough for both of them. He's grateful for these little moments they get to find with each other.
Mike can't help but notice what's happening around them. Gift and a curse. Frank makes it a little easier to focus just on him though. ]
I thought I was charming.
[ Foggy has said it more than once. Mike doesn't mean anything by it. Matt on the other hand? Well. He's got more experience with it. ]
no subject
Two can play at this sweet, tender touching game. Frank cups his jaw and leans in. Just a peck. Brief and quick. Just putting his money where his mouth is. When someone calls your bluff, you best believe you follow through.]
You're something alright.
no subject
Mike's face tilts a little at the hand at his jaw, relishing the warmth there and the quick press of Frank's mouth to his own. It's quick, barely there, but it earns a chuckle. Man of his word after all. Not that he ever doubted it. ]
You're not so bad yourself. [ A wistful sort of sigh. ] Ready to go in now?
[ Before they both end up completely drenched. ]
no subject
You're saying that because you're blind.
[And as if his attitude wasn't enough, Frank knows he's an acquired taste.]
Let's go. I'm pretty hungry.
[And while the place isn't far, and yes they are wet, there isn't any reason to run.]
no subject
[ Open and honest despite that teasing jab. Frank isn't easy, and Mike wouldn't have it any other way. ]
Me too.
[ The bonus is his nose has stopped the small amount of bleeding so everything won't taste terrible. Hand wrapped around Frank's arm, he lets him lead the way and enjoys the walk next to him. ]
So, do I get any hints yet?
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[He doesn't believe it. How many mugs does he get to take a close look at? How many of them does he actually like? Frank won't go to battle for this. Mike's world view is softer, sweeter than what Frank is accustomed to. And raining on his parade is good, sometimes. Not all the time. Let him have some shine. Let that optimism stick around a little longer.]
A hint? Well...everything in here on the menu is edible.
[Hardy-fucking-har. They step carefully moving to the opposite sidewalk and there are a few awnings that offer some shelter from the rain. Frank walks conscious of Mike trying to match his pacing.]
no subject
That's a terrible hint. Narrows it down to absolutely nothing.
[ Said with a laugh, but he doesn't press for more. Mike keeps up with Frank's stride well enough, and takes advantage of the awnings to listen for more clues on his own. ]
Does it have coffee? I can't imagine you having a meal without it. I'm not sure you'd survive.
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They don't serve coffee, they serve espresso.
[That is a better hint, right? There's music coming from one of the establishments. Some chintzy Sinatra stuff.]
Here we go.
no subject
Espresso, huh. Never figured you for that kind of a guy. Was it an old Marine buddy that got you to try the fancy stuff?
[ And if so, is he going to order one, or is it just wine? He's not sure that they'd have beer at this place, but with the Sinatra he's hearing, he could be wrong. When they finally go in, it's ridiculously obvious what kind of place it is, but it's the ambiance given off that's the most impressive. ]
no subject
He shivers off some of the rain drops as he gets the door. Sinatra swells. There's the smell of garlic, parsley and oregano. Tons of starch and cheese. They're greeted immediately.]
Espresso is good in a pinch, also pretty fucking good with ice cream.
[Does Mike know where they are yet? They're being lead to their seats.]
no subject
The change in temperature earns a brief shiver from Mike and he presses a little closer to Frank's side. Once they are inside it's fairly easy to figure out where they are at, or at least the type of restaurant. It smells amazing. ]
I've never had it with ice cream. You'll have to introduce me.
[ Once they are seated, Matt unzips his hoodie, and sets it to the side. Some other time he might have sat across, but this time he wants to sit next to Frank. He's got a soft, long sleeved shirt underneath, nothing fancy, just one of his softer Henleys in a light blue. ]
Candles, too? What a romantic.
no subject
Which is why he hasn't flinched from indulging in the time they share alone. Feelings like this were gunned down in a park or so he thought. He's going to roll with it.]
After dinner. You'll spoil your appetite.
[He doesn't mind that they sit side by side. Makes it a bit better that way.]
It's called ambiance, you swine.
[A waiter brings glasses of water and garlic bread with balsamic and oil. The menus are placed down.]
Well, shit. I didn't think about that but uh you got anything in mind? Standard Italian.
no subject
This is a whole new experience for Mike. He never really gave it thought before, there was too much going on, and there never seemed to be time. Never mind the logistics of trying to be with another person while having a dual life. ]
Obviously.
[ A quiet laugh and he knocks Frank's shoulder gently with his own. ]
Ambiance, right. Can you spell that?
[ What's a little love without a touch of gentle war? They're always going to be at odds in some ways. That's definitely ok. ]
The menu? It's fine, most places don't. [ He leans over for a reassuring peck to Frank's jaw. ] Anyways, I'm pretending to be as sighted as I can. Easier to get by.
But, uhh, manicotti sounds good.
no subject
Yes. I can spell it. Thanks.
[A counter nudge. Just so.]
They got plenty of appetizers. Calamari, stuffed mushrooms, flat breads with and without meat.
[The peck has him feeling more buoyant. He gives Mike's hand a pat.]
They got your manicotti. Do you want it with spinach, cheese or beef? Or you can get the suprema with all of them together on a plate.
no subject
He leans his head over so he can rest his chin on Frank's shoulder, feel the vibrations of his voice as he talks. ] Flat bread or stuffed mushrooms sounds good. We could split one?
[ He chases Frank's hand with his own at the pat, and traces fingers along his knuckles. ]
Spinach, please.
no subject
Yeah, let's definitely split one. We'll ask the waiter.
[The idle touching makes Frank less tense. He has had this place on his radar for some time. He would come here in the city ages ago. And there's been no danger, no crime. Originally it was a stake out for himself. With Mike coming into his life the way he has, it felt better to give it a try together. Real time together. No talks on icy rooftops or encounters in back alleys.]
Do you want any wine? They got beer too. Peroni, Morretti, an IPA and Budweiser.
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