Prompt: extremely shy gender neutral reader gets hit on by Arin and is not sure how to respond
I super liked this idea so let’s see what I can do with it
Clubs weren’t your scene, always filled with obnoxious sounds and worse people. You were here with your friends, though, promising to be their designated driver and declining every drink that came your way from women and men alike. Your post was the table, keeping watch on their things and on your friends at once. You were proud of the job you were doing, even patted yourself on the back when no one was looking.
“You want a drink?” A voice said from in front of you. You popped your head up and before you stood a man, hair resting on his shoulders and a light smattering of facial hair hiding a smile behind it. You shake your head and he laughs, “I mean, like water? I noticed you came in with your friends and haven’t seen you on the floor since then.”
“Yeah, I’m keeping watch,” You said, “I don’t want any water you have to offer though. That seems more dangerous than taking a regular drink at this place.”
“That’s understandable. I don’t get a yes very often when I go around and offer designated drivers water.”
“How do you know I’m a designated driver?”
“Because out of your friends, you’re the only one who hasn’t approached the bar.”
“Have you been following me?” You said, staring at him with a wicked look.
“God, no,” He said, raising his hands, “Nothing against you, I just don’t follow people the way they assume I do. I just keep an eye on people who come in and try and make things easier to manage for those who have to deal with them when they leave.”
“Like some fairy godfather of the bar?”
“Exactly.” You laughed, as did he. It was a delightful sound, deep and musical in a way. You liked it, and you felt that he could tell that you did.
“I’m Arin, by the way.” He said. You gave him your name, and he nodded along to it.
“You wanna sit down? I’m sure you’ve going around all night and could probably use a friend yourself.”
“You know, I’ve been doing this for months now and not one person has invited me to sit down.”
“Yeah, except for the one person who invited me to sit on his dick and die.” Arin shrugged, “I gave him an A for effort, but he was drunk when he said it, so a D+ in delivery.” You laughed.
“I’m too kind for my own good sometimes.”
For a majority of the night, you and Arin were sat at the table, talking about any and everything. He was so comforting to talk to, almost like an old friend. You’d learned that he made youtube videos with his friends (“We’re called Game Grumps. I know, best name ever.”), and that he even started a video game band with his co-host and their other bandmate (“Holy shit, a Zelda rap? That sounds dope!” “And it was! You should listen to it some time.”). He was open and honest, and you liked that. Before long, though, your friends began piling back to the table, complaining about wanting to leave, about needing to find a new spot. You were their driver, so of course you had to oblige somewhat.
“Well, this is my cue to go.” You said. Arin frowned and as you stood up, he placed his hand on top of yours. Almost immediately, your body froze and you were stuck, staring down at him.
“It was really great talking to you,” He said, “We should do it again sometime.” This was exactly what you thought this was.
“Oh god.” You said, sliding down into your seat again.
“If you don’t want to, there’s no pressure! I wouldn’t wanna pressure you or anything like that and I’m not gonna call you an ass or anything if you say no.” Arin backtracked, waving his hands in front of himself defensively.
“No, no, it’s not that,” You said, “I just...I don’t really hang out like this? I don’t even like bars or clubs or party scenes in general. I only came out tonight because I was tired of my friends calling me to come pick them up from here at 2 in the morning.”
“That’s understandable,” Arin said with a frown, “Look, we don’t have to do any of that stuff. If you want, I can give you the address to our office space. It’s literally super chill, we’ve got a shit ton of video games, and the people are really nice. We’re not party people, we literally just...exist together in that one space.”
“That does sound nice,” You said, “But I don’t know if first dates should take place in an office place.” Arin’s face lit up at your words.
“How about we start at a Starbucks and follow it up with the office?” You smiled and pulled your phone out, placing it in his hand.
“Gimme a call, we start with Starbucks and go from there?”
“I’m down with that.” He smiled as he quickly tapped his number in.
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