OTA

[shannonteverius]

Shannon had been spending more time out in the evenings and at night lately. He hated the sight of an empty bed and tried to avoid it until it was absolutely necessary. Because of this, he was also branching out from his usual haunts. Not too far from them but the places he spent his time were becoming slightly more eclectic.

Tonight he was in a local jazz club. He wasn't a fan of jazz per se but the place was nice and the music gave him an excuse to be there besides drinking. The clientele were a little more classy than a regular bar as well which he appreciated.

He accepted his glass of wine from the bartender and took a seat at a small table some ways back from the stage. He would rather someone join him to socialize than to listen to the music for the whole evening.

Comments

[hollow_moon]

"My uncle's trying to get me married off and settled down. My mother's doing, I'm sure," the dark haired man sighed. "I'm Valentine, by the way. Valentine Collingwood. ...I'd be polite and offer my hand, but were already so close, anything less than a kiss on the cheek would be rude- And with this table between us, that seems unlikely to happen. You'll just have to trust I usually have much better manners," he quipped with a grin.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon smiled, flattered by Valentine's charm. "Shannon Teverius," he said. "And that sounds absolutely dreadful." Marrying a woman sounded like a nightmare to Shannon. "As your friend I won't stand for it."

[hollow_moon]

"No worries, she's as interested in wedding me as I am her, so it's all fine really- I just can't stand another minute of my uncle attempting small talk," Val replied, groaning a bit, as if the thought alone caused him physical pain.

"So, friend, why are you sitting all by yourself tonight? You're far too pretty to be lonely."

[shannonteverius]

Complements never failed to please Shannon. His smile warmed, making his face even prettier. "I was waiting for you, of course," he said. "Though I wonder how it is we haven't met before."

[hollow_moon]

"Bad timing, perhaps?" Val suggested cheerfully,

[shannonteverius]

"A trait you will have to improve on if we are to remain such good friends," Shannon teased before taking a sip of his wine.

[hollow_moon]

"Sounds like a very good reason for me to finally invest in a watch," Val quipped cheerfully.

[shannonteverius]

"We'll go watch shopping on our next outing then. Friday, perhaps?"

[hollow_moon]

Grinning, Val leaned in and wet his lips with a flick of his tongue. "We're going shopping, are we? How fun. I'd very much love to see you try a few things on," he purred playfully.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon was unaccustomed to playing with such brazen flirting. Felix didn't do it, and any time someone else had been so bold he'd viciously put them in their place. He wasn't taking Val's advances as an insult, quite the contrary in fact, but he wasn't sure what route to take when responding. Teasing seeming the best course for now. "Do you really think my wrists are so exciting?" he asked, giving them a once over appraisal.

[hollow_moon]

"Positively tantalizing," Val assured him, winking and then leaning back in his seat.

His Uncle waved from across the way, obviously trying to coax him back over, but Val pretended not to understand, and offered a pleasant smile as he waved back and spoke through gritted teeth.

"That man absolutely will not take a hint," he muttered. "I don't suppose I could convince you to leave with me? I'll gladly repay your kindness with strong tea, and something sweet from the bakery," he offered, daring to sound hopeful.

[shannonteverius]

That was a much easier offer to cope with. "I would love to," Shannon said. "The music is starting to wear on me."

[hollow_moon]

"Really?" Val asked, grinning brightly. "Then let's not linger a moment longer. I'll even try not to sprint out the door."

[shannonteverius]

Shannon took a last sip of his wine and rose. "Shall we then?"

[hollow_moon]

Val nodded, waving goodbye to his uncle, who looked far from amused as his nephew slunk off with the blonde.

"Oh, thank god. I thought I was never getting out of there," he laughed, offering the other man a joyful looking smile.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon gave him a pretty smile in return. "I take it your uncle is the persistent type, even when the outcome is hopeless?" he asked.

[hollow_moon]

"He's eager to be the one to get me to settle down. It would win him plenty of favour from my mother," Val laughed.

[shannonteverius]

Shannon was grateful his brother wasn't keen on getting him married. He thought Stephen have given up on the idea since he'd been with Felix for so long. Once Stephen found out that Felix had left him, he wondered what his brother and his sister would say about the matter.

"Why does you mother want you married so badly?"

[hollow_moon]

"She wants grandchildren, badly," Val laughed. "I keep telling her, I can hardly look after myself. How could I possibly look after a child?"

[shannonteverius]

Raising a child was as appealing to Shannon as dating a woman. "You don't have any siblings who could fulfill that wish instead?" he asked.

[hollow_moon]

"Only child," Val replied, shaking his head.

[shannonteverius]

"My condolences," Shannon said.

[hollow_moon]

Val smiled at that, his eyes bright and happy.

"Come on, let me get you that tea."

[shannonteverius]

Shannon's answering smile lit his whole face. "And something sweet. Don't forget," he teased.

[hollow_moon]

"Ah, here I was thinking you were the sweetness, but alright, I'm sure I can find us something just as delicious to nibble on," he joked playfully.