James Manning

James | 36 | Firefighter “We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day.” - Brad Meltzer

[jamesmanning-matched]

Kalani barked a laugh at James’s response but settled down soon enough. “Yeah. Let me take a look at the app and see because I don’t remember,” he admitted, shifting in his seat to pull his phone out from his back pocket. “Let’s see… We can go to Hawaii, The Dominican, Greece, Italy or Mexico.” He looked to James to gauge his reaction to their options and then said, “I kinda feel like we could eliminate Hawaii. I wanna go there with you sometime to visit family but all these other places are out of the country and would probably cost more for us to go on our own. Since they’re covering it, I say we go for one of those.” He knew James’s schedule wasn’t as flexible as his own; he had a far more important and demanding job than Kalani did. Whenever it would work out for him, Kalani would make it work for his own schedule. He smiled a bit hearing about his in-laws. “So you learned to cook from your mom, or did you mostly learn on your own?” He thought back to their first date and how they had done their own version of Chopped with a fondness. At the mention of them getting to approach the barbecue like a second reception, Kalani smiled all over again. “I like the sound of all that.” His smile turned a bit prideful at James’s next comment. “I’ve always run hot for some reason. And I’m happy to share that heat with you and steal some kisses while I’m at it.”

“We should eliminate Hawaii. I think it would be better to go there to see your family. I’m sure they would let us stay with them for a few days at least,” he said. James was really looking forward to seeing Hawaii without being in the tourist trap areas. “I’ve always wanted to go to Italy. There are so many things to see there, and I’d want to eat so much food all the time. But I honestly don’t care which place we go to as long as we’re there together.” He knew how cheesy it was, but he was just excited to take a real vacation with his husband. “I learned a lot from my mom. Other stuff I learned from making recipes. Plus, a lot of what I make is bulk stuff for the firehouse. So a big baking dish filled with mac and cheese, a tray or lasagna, or a massive pile of hamburgers,” he explained. “It’ll be a fun night. We can just let loose. And I appreciate that you’ll share some heat with me. Is it stealing kisses if I give those to you willingly?”

[jamesmanning-matched]

“Cheesy and sweet? Well now I have to change my opinion,” Kalani joked with a playful huff added. He soon threw a lop-sided smile James’s way and then looked out through the windshield at the road ahead of them. “Nice and relaxing sounds perfect. And speaking of those two things, we’ll have to figure out where we’re gonna go on the honeymoon Matched is offering us.” Thoughts about a honeymoon were quickly and momentarily forgotten however at the mention of a barbecue. “Well now I’m really excited. A barbecue? Hell yeah. Plus we’ll get to be ourselves which is always great.” He’d had an ex where that wasn’t the case. And there had been an incident that ended with Kalani having knocked said ex’s cousin out cold. But that was a story for another day–a day where he wasn’t on his way to formally meet and spend time with his new husband’s family. “Sounds good to me. I’m not all that tired but it’ll be nice to stretch my legs and get my cuddle on with you while you sleep.”

James chuckled a little. “No, don’t,” he grinned. “It does, right?” He asked. “Oh yeah. We need to look at the places we were offered to go. I don’t want to miss out on taking a honeymoon just because I’m busy. I’ll be able to get the time off  work.” James didn’t remember the list of places they could go, but he did know they were all romantic locations. “Yeah, barbecue. My dad grills, but mom preps all the food. Dad is pretty useless in the kitchen, but he tries. Mom would grill, but she doesn’t want to get that close to fire,” he explained. “We can absolutely be ourselves. We can even think of the barbecue as a second reception. I’m sure they’ll put on music, and we can dance and have fun,” he grinned. “I love cuddling with you. You’re always nice and warm. It’s so nice.” It was one of the many things he liked about his husband. 

[jamesmanning-matched]

“I don’t think it will. Besides, I’ll be there with you, so I don’t see myself getting bored.” He threw a smile in James’s direction; it didn’t seem likely that he wouldn’t enjoy some time away from the bigger city for a little while. Plus he could tell that getting to really meet and spend some time with the Mannings was important to James, and Kalani was actually looking forward to it, even with the bit of nervousness bubbling lightly inside of him. Talking about their wedding for a moment, James said exactly what he was thinking. He wouldn’t have changed a thing about their ceremony or the setup of their reception; the only thing that would have made that day even better than it was, would have been if they had a chance to really talk with others. He was glad that James liked the idea of getting flowers before they reached their parent’s house, and he laughed a bit, knowing his mom swore quite a bit too. That bit of knowledge did help him relax because Kalani wasn’t the best at censoring himself in that way. He reached for one of James’s hands and brought his husband’s knuckles to his lips. “I’m glad to be here. And to be taking this weekend away with you.” And after dropping a kiss to James’s knuckles, Kalani asked, “Is your family big on planning things for visits like this, or is it more lax, go with the flow in the Manning home?”

“That was very cheesy and sweet,” he grinned. James was glad his husband felt that way though. It would make the weekend easier if he didn’t have to spend a ton of time and effort trying to entertain. He was hoping to relax at least a little bit. James grinned and glanced over when Kalani kissed his knuckles. “Me, too. It’s going to be nice and relaxing. My family doesn’t really plan much. I know they’re doing a barbeque tomorrow with some extended family and friends. So you’ll get to meet people who weren’t able to make it to the wedding. Though nobody who would say anything because we’re married. My parents aren’t friends with homophobic assholes.” Just because it was a smaller town didn’t mean his parents tolerated that. “I figure we can go to the store and get flowers, head over to my parents’ house for a bit, then check into the hotel. We don’t have to stay super long at their house if you’re exhausted. I know long drives make me pretty tired.”

[jamesmanning-matched]

Kalani just grinned at himself and his own entertainment tactics. And he was glad that James found it funny too. The two of them having a good, shared sense of humor was one of the reasons he was glad he and James had been matched. He liked road trips, even if he hadn’t taken too many of them in a while. Plus, a good playlist added to the fun of longer car rides and he thought he’d come up with a pretty decent one for them.

“Good. I wanna see what you’ve got to show me.” He’d meant that. He more than liked James already and just wanted to keep getting to know him in every way he was afforded. As his husband reached for snacks, Kalani tilted the bag in his direction while musing, “Yeah. Weddings are kinda weird like that when you’re the one that got married.” He listened, occasionally nodding and replied, “Got it,” as James rolled his eyes. He smirked a bit, hearing more about what his mother-in-law, and well, both of his parents-in-law were like. “That should be easy enough to remember. My mom’s like that–particular about some shit. My dad’s not but he pretends to be the same way whenever Mom’s around.” He chuckled at the thought and then abruptly stopped and groaned, “Dammit, I just thought about it… I probably should’ve brought something. Flowers or something. Think we can find a place to stop and get flowers before we get there? Also, I should probably lay off the swearing…”

“Hopefully the town doesn’t bore you too much,” he grinned. He knew it wasn’t vibrant like the city was, but it was still home to James. “True. You have to say hello to so many people that you don’t have much time to talk to one person at a time.” It definitely felt rushed, but he was grateful they had the wedding they did have. “The rules there aren’t too strict. And I think that’s a dad thing - unless they’re the ones with the peculiarities.” He grinned a little when Kalani suggested they get flowers on the way to his parents’ house. “Oh, my mom would love that! The flowers that is. She won’t mind the swearing. She has a bit of a potty mouth herself,” he grinned. “I appreciate you coming with me, you know. A lot. This is going to be a nice, long weekend.”

[jamesmanning-matched]

Kalani sat in the passenger’s seat of James’s car, a bit reclined and relaxing. It had been a while since he’d been on a road trip and he was looking forward to getting to their destination. Along the way, Kalani had fiddled with a playlist on his phone to give them some music. He mildly entertained James with some playful falsetto singing to Bon Jovi’s “Living on a Prayer” and some air guitar and to Run DMC & Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way”.

When the music calmed down a bit, Kalani let his head fall back on the head rest; he looked to his husband when he spoke up and softly smiled. “Yeah, I wanna see your old stomping grounds–the whole Medford tour through your eyes.” Reaching into the snack-sized bag of Chex Mix in his lap, he then said, “I am too. I haven’t really seen them since the wedding and it was hard to be able to sit and talk with anyone for very long that night, but this’ll be great. Should I know anything before we get to your parents’ place? Taking my shoes off when I come in? Bowing, or curtsying to greet them?” At the bit of joking, he grinned but was genuinely interested in making a good impression while at his in-law’s home.

James laughed at the way Kalani sang along to “Living on a Prayer” and his air guitar playing was second to none. He couldn’t help chuckling and looking over every so often. It made him like his husband even more that he could mess around like that.

“They’re not the most fun stomping grounds, but I’ll show you all the same,” he grinned. “I know. Looking back at our wedding, not that it was very long ago, but we didn’t really have time to do much socializing. This will be good.” He reached over and grabbed a few pieces from the Chex Mix. “Oh god, no. Nothing like that. Definitely no bowing. Though they will have you take off your shoes. My mom is very particular about that. We’ll have to put the shoes on the shoe rack so they’re not in the middle of the entryway. That drives my mom nuts,” he rolled his eyes a little. “But other than that, you don’t have to worry about much. Um, use coasters on the wood table. Don’t leave cups sitting around after you’re done using it. Stuff like that. My parents’ house is tidy.”

[jamesmanning-matched]

Weekend Away || James & Kalani

James couldn’t say no when his parents asked him to come home for the weekend. If Kalani couldn’t get the time off work, he would have gone alone, but fortunately, Kalani was able to trade shifts with co-workers. The drive down wasn’t too bad. Only four and a half hours, which they could do on one tank of gas. And James offered to drive. He liked road trips and found them relaxing. Plus, he told Kalani he could be in charge of the music or audiobooks - whatever he wanted to listen to. Plus, he figured they would just chat for a bit. 

They were on the road, and he was driving in cruise control because he tended to go way above the speed limit during road trips. Between songs, he glanced over at his husband. “I’m really glad you are going to Medford with me. It’s no Portland, but it’s still a pretty cute place. I’ll have to show you where I went to school and hung out and stuff,” he grinned. “My parents and my sister are also looking forward to getting to know you better.”

[jamesmanning-matched]

People are strange sometimes. I think that’s the most I can chalk it up to. But I can’t say I’m surprised about the whole uniform thing, haha. That seems like that’s been the case for a long time–people being attracted to other people in uniforms. You’re probably gonna be dealing with that until you retire.

Oh, people are definitely strange! And yeah, it’s a thing with the uniforms. Even when I was in southern Oregon it was a thing. More so, I think, because it was a smaller town.

[jamesmanning-matched]

If it helps, I could come with you to the gym and introduce myself as your wife sometime…

I don’t think you’d pass as my wife. Even if you cut off your beard. I prefer the word husband anyway.

[jamesmanning-matched]

You certainly said it best. I’m glad that your situation stayed pretty harmless though, even with a woman approaching you. The ring should have been enough to tell her to take a hike, but I know we don’t live in “Should”-land. Shameless flirts aside, how are things with you, James?

That’s absolutely true. It also shouldn’t have to come to me showing her a ring. For men and women, ‘no’ is a full sentence. Other than that, I’m doing well. Work hasn’t been too bad, luckily. How are you doing?

[jamesmanning-matched]

You’re welcome. And don’t hit me with all those question marks, that was OBVIOUSLY a compliment. 

It was partly a compliment haha.

[jamesmanning-matched]

What does that even mean? “Too hot to be gay”? I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve heard something that moronic. I’m glad she eventually left you alone. At least you weren’t on the job and had to deal with this person.

I literally have no idea. It doesn’t make sense whatsoever. People of all attractive levels can identify with any sexual orientation. I’m glad she left me alone, too. I’ve had people try to hit on me when I’m on the job, too. There’s something about wearing a uniform that apparently means I’m free to flirt with.

[jamesmanning-matched]

Look at you, over there breaking hearts.

You know it, babe.

[jamesmanning-matched]

That sounds awkward. Really, really awkward. A little funny but awkward. I guess she was pretty hopeful though. I’m guessing she was pretty disappointed when you told her that you’re not only married but very married to a man?

Oh very awkward and very funny. Her face kind of fell and she told me I was “too hot to be gay” which doesn’t make sense. But then she walked away and I finished my work out. 

[jamesmanning-matched]

I’ve been hit on by guys and had to tell them something similar before I was married–about them barking up the wrong tree. Your situation sounds less annoying and more humorous but still. One guy got mad and asked if he was out of my league, as though I was being a snob. I flat out told him we’re playing for the same team and watching him work it out on his face was so satisfying.

Yeah, my situation definitely sounds more humorous. I know the way straight men can get - dangerous. So I really feel for all women when they’re hit on. But I’m sure when the realization hit him it was hilarious. Some guys are so dumb.

[jamesmanning-matched]

I was at the gym today, and this lady was making heart eyes at me for like ten minutes. I was just trying to get some cardio in, and I showed her my left hand with the ring on it. Then she walked over to me and said “Your wife is a lucky woman.” I had to let her know she was barking up the wrong tree. Not even in the same forest.

[jamesmanning-matched]

James is an old guy name and you’re way too hot to have a name that reminds me of my grandpa. 

You’re going to find that I have plenty of those. 

Thank you???

Ha! I believe it.

[jamesmanning-matched]

excuse you where have you been all my life? now I want bacon. 

Hahahaha let’s get some! Extra crispy.