{ confidence is key }

Simon Owens, 37, taken. Full-time resident at The Complex. I live here with my cat, Jennifer. Don't hesitate to have a chat. I like to talk.

[electrahuxley]

Wouldn’t drinking coffee before trying to sleep be counter-productive?

[simonxowens-blog]

The order is negotiable.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

The other man gave out a short chuckle, knowing that it was probably wise to tell him now, rather than later. “Yeah. It’s really a problem of mine. That and classical music….” He let his gaze drop to his hands, forgetting how weird he felt whenever he talked about himself. “Just if we ever do get into a situation where we are watching a movie together, I really hope that you don’t pull any tricks while the movie is playing. I’ve had that happen a couple times in college.” He smirked, “But, I will do my absolute best to make sure that you know that I know that you are there watching it with me.” Roman was slightly shocked by his word choice, knowing that that was something he rarely did, jumble his words like a mad man.

As Simon did, Roman looked out the window at the passerbys. He enjoyed where he was right now with Simon, he didn’t care about what was coming next or if he would have this play out the same way it did last time. All he cared about was being with Simon.  Roman shrugged his shoulders, locking eyes with Simon, “I don’t see why we have to leave. Unless you have something else going on.” Roman thought that he might just be getting restless on the couch, hoping that he wasn’t making the conversation awkward in any way. “But, we can leave if you feel that best.”

[simonxowens-blog]

Simon became increasingly less comfortable as Roman talked about 'pulling tricks' while watching movies. His mind wandered back to his college years with Derek... He forced himself to stop. He rarely engaged in movie dates since those years, because it brought back too many harsh memories. He wished those memories had been the ones lost, not the good ones with Roman. At his boyfriend's rambling, he smiled a little. It was extremely cute when he got flustered. In an attempt to be nonchalant, Simon reached over and took Roman's hand; it was something he was fond of doing, even on early dates, but obviously this was nothing new. Nothing new to Roman, that is - to Simon it was their first time holding hands. He liked it and vowed to get back into the habit.

Simon leaned back against the couch. "You're right, no rush," he said, glad that Roman didn't want it to end, either. "Old saying, you know - leave while you're still having fun. But I doubt much can go wrong at a coffee shop." He smiled, squeezing Roman's hand in his. "I mean, unless you'd rather proceed with the date elsewhere," he added. He smirked. "They might kick us out if we stay too long without buying another drink."

[electrahuxley]

I can’t tell if I really need coffee or I really need sleep.  It’s one or the other.

[simonxowens-blog]

Generally I find both are good if you're unsure.

[schoolofrock-rpg-blog]

No, my birthday was on Saturday, actually..

[simonxowens-blog]

Happy belated birthday, then. Sorry - but at least I have an excuse for forgetting.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

With the nudge, a smile crept on Roman’s face, knowing that most of the tension in the room had left between them. That single motion confirmed that everything was going to be alright between them. The amnesia did have an effect on the man’s character, no doubt, but the Simon Roman knew and grew to love was still there. It would just take some time for him to come back.

"Well I’m glad to be off service." Roman winked rustling in his seat to fully look at Simon. Besides the scratches and scars, Simon was still there. Even if he had put him through so much stress, Roman was glad that it was the man in front of him that caused all of that. Because Roman knew that it would be okay. No matter what.

He smirked, not really knowing where to go on either. “Well, I don’t really know either…” Roman was reminded of something that he probably should warn his boyfriend about. “Just a quick reminder and fair warning. If we ever go to the movies and I have never seen the movie, you don’t want to interrupt me during the length of the movie. I don’t know if you remember this but I have a rather large obsession with all things movies.” He smiled, trying to play it off the best he could.

[simonxowens-blog]

Simon frowned. "Then I'm sure you know that I'm a talker during movies," he said, knowing this was problematic if they ever had a movie date. He chuckled. "We'll just have to exclusively watch movies that you've already seen, then," he said. Then he nodded. "But yeah, I think I knew that, somewhere in the back of mind you're a cinephile." He winked, just teasing, but inside it worried him a bit, seeing as he didn't know much about movies in general. Hopefully, as Roman so gratefully did in every other aspect of Simon's life, he would overlook it.

Simon looked out the window. Briefly he took a moment to watch people go by in their warm apparel and really didn't want to leave yet. Then he looked back at Roman, and the feeling heightened. But he shuffled on the couch so he was perched on the edge and turned to Roman. "Should we go?" he asked, not wanting this to go on for so long that it became awkward. He would rather cut things short than make it uncomfortably wrong.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

Roman hummed as he sipped on the last of his latte. He really would love to take Simon overseas to see the world. Hearing that he hadn’t really seen much, only what was found in photographs, Simon sounded like it was something he wanted to do. And, many have told him that Roman became a different person when overseas with people much less fortunate than him. “Simon, I don’t think I could think of anyone else than the one sitting in front of me.” He responded, with a little shove on the shoulder. At this point, Roman didn’t mind being who he was with the old Simon. He was simply glad he could be comfortable around him.

A smile formed on his face as he heard of Simon beginning to remember things. It was a relief to him and seemed like the date was working. “Well that’s really good. I was hoping bringing you back here would help with the memory loss.” He gave a soft smile as he put his empty drink down. Roman really didn’t know what to do next. Knowing the old Simon, though he hated categorizing the two as such, he would probably have ideas of what they could do, probably behind closed doors.

As for now, Simon was not there yet and Roman would have to wait. “Have you any other questions for me?”

[simonxowens-blog]

Simon nudged Roman back in response, revelling in their playful nature. He had been worried about awkwardness before, but now he could see that he and Roman had a natural chemistry that allowed them to talk and tease without reservation. And the idea of travelling with the other man was one that Simon enjoyed entertaining, even in his amnesiac state. It no longer felt like he had lost his moments with Roman - it was just as if his memory was not as great and therefore a bit fuzzy. It was better than nothing, he thought to himself, and knew that even if his memories never came back, he could still be content. After all, he would always be able to replace old memories with new.

Simon nodded. "I think just being around you is helping," he said honestly. He looked at Roman, feeling a pang of both affection and guilt. Affection, because he was with a man who genuinely cared about him and understood him, but guilt for putting him through all of this. As if he could have prevented it in any way.

Putting down his own cup, Simon shrugged on shoulder. "Nothing comes to mind right now," he replied. He didn't know how they were going to proceed now. It felt too soon to end the date now.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

Roman nodded, knowing that he didn’t want to fill up any ego he might have. “Yeah. it was nice. But, it wasn’t the best. Not the right people with me.” He winked right after say thing, shocking himself at how easy it was for him to do that. It came so naturally and yet, fit so well. It was like their usual, unspoken game they had with each other. “And, I think once things slow down with the holiday season, maybe I can get money to plan a trip for the spring. I have no idea the last time I have gone an international trip. It would be fun.”

Again, Roman smiled, “Yeah. I guess we didn’t cover everything in our lives.” And, he was completely alright with just how they were doing. There was just enough information left uncovered for the both of them to learn and grow from. But, Roman did have to break the news about his past once more. But, that would be fore another time. He felt Simon’s arm fall behind him, remembering how he did that before back on their second date. And, it looked like he was about to say something but stopped him.

Roman began to worry. “Is everything alright Simon? Need a glass of water?” He started to shift in his seat, hoping that everything was alright. Amnesia made everything unpredictable.

[simonxowens-blog]

"I'm sure you'll find the right person next time," Simon quipped, suppressing a grin. He was glad it was still this easy to communicate with Roman. Because, despite not really knowing the other man, flirting with strangers had always been a strength of Simon's. "Well, if you need a travel partner..." he said, not finishing his sentence to let the statement speak for itself. In the back of his mind, he hoped that things were better by the springtime. 

Simon blinked a few times, his focus turning back to Roman. "What? Oh, yeah," he said, blushing a little. "I got distracted. I remembered something, that's all." He took another drink; he was almost finished his coffee now. "I get a lot of little memories here and there. It feels like no big deal, but the doctors say that it's an important improvement every time." He hated talking about the doctors, in fact he hated discussing the amnesia at all, because it reminded him of just how much he had forgotten. But his instinctive ability to talk openly with Roman allowed him to have an easier time with the conversation. At least he had that, still.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

Roman smirked as Roman tried to pass by his volunteer work. It really wasn’t much, he liked just talking to people more than actually building houses for them. There were enough people whose passion that was. “Well, given my parents’ wealth, I usually budget enough for a small project that my fellow peers and I can accomplish for someone in need, wherever we went. There was an Italian restaurant that really needed a renovation and we were able to provide that.” Roman brushed off the thought, forgetting how much trouble they had run into with that project. “Might have to take a couple people here on a trip like that.”

He quirked an eyebrow at the mention of Simon not being a meat person. Roman would’ve never taken Simon for being a non meat type. But, of course, everyone has their little quirks about them. It was those quirks that Roman enjoyed the most about people. “Well, I’ll have to keep that in mind. That’s an interesting piece of information I didn’t know.” Roman smiled, catching the others’ eyes, again captivated b them. He tuned away, looking back to his coffee before taking another sip.

[simonxowens-blog]

Simon smiled as Roman explained what he did in Italy, about his volunteer work and bringing people with him. "That sounds amazing," he said. You sound amazing, he thought. "I would hope one of those few people would be me?" Simon thought that perhaps after he recovered he would like to travel a bit - recently he had a wanderlust that hadn't disappeared with his memories.

"Aha," he said, "so I've managed to tell you something you didn't already know." He took a drink, looking at Roman over the top of the cup. It relieved him that at least he wasn't repeating everything. It relieved him even more that Roman was so patient with him, too. 

"So..." he said, wondering what else they could talk about. He shifted his position on the couch, slinging an arm over the back behind Roman. This tended to be his most comfortable arrangement on couches. His thoughts were interrupted suddenly by a flashback of him sitting in the same way, in Roman's apartment. It didn't last long, just a brief memory, but it made him smile faintly as he thought on the new moment of that dinner date that he had now acquired.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

Roman gave a heavy sigh as he chuckled, “Yeah, I’ve been to Italy. Only twice though. The first time I was really little. Family Vacation. The second time, I did some volunteer work. Not as extravagant as the first trip.” Roman hated talking about his trips, or anything that tied to his parents. Yeah, his parents were wealthy. But, they didn’t invest much into his life. Roman would take the relationship over all the money.

He nodded, “Yes, I do remember that now.” He also remembered Simon’s habit to eat and talk at the same time. Maybe the amnesia got rid of that little habit of his. “I mean, what’s something that you don’t like eating? Everyone at least one thing that they don’t like.” He inquired, arching an eyebrow ready for a response.

[simonxowens-blog]

Simon was envious of Roman's travel experience. He rarely left the country, but he figured Roman would already know that. "Volunteer work," he repeated, latching onto that tidbit. "What kind of volunteering do you do, in Italy?" The thing about having amnesia was that Simon never knew if he was getting Roman to repeat himself or not - although he hoped he already knew a substantial amount about his boyfriend.

Simon pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow. "Something I don't like?" He thought for a few moments, wondering if he had an answer to that. He shrugged. "Alright, well there's meat - and it's not that I don't like it, because I actually do. But I will always pick a vegetarian option of there is one. I don't know why, because I like both. But I'll never pick meat if there's a vegetarian alternative." He smiled. "Also any milk over one per cent is not preferable to skim," he added.

[simonxowens-blog]

Not Just Getting Coffee, Part Two || Simon & Roman

[roman-sico-blog]

Roman nodded, “I’d like that. There are a couple broadway shows that I’ve wanted to see… Maybe now I have that chance.” Roman really only wanted to go for the music. but the whole production was also nice. Something about Simon taking him to New York sounded so normal for him. It was like what they used to  be, Simon always talking about doing things together and going places. Of course, Roman would want to take Simon a couple international trips but for now, New York seemed like a great idea.

As they sat, Roman found that they were closer than they were the last time they spent time on a couch, but it was probably still a good distance away for Simon. He then thought about the question posed to him, not really knowing what it actually was. “Yes, well I have had a couple foods with my traveling ventures.” He commented, looking at the evident wind picking up outside. “I’d say that my favorite food is probably pizza.” He chuckled.

"I never learned what yours was." Roman winked as he took a sip from his hot latte.

[simonxowens-blog]

Simon sipped his coffee, regretting his choice of an iced drink very strongly now, but it was delicious despite the freeze. He thought on the idea of going back home to New York City with Roman. The thought wasn't strange, which meant he had probably thought on it before he got his concussion. They had talked about travel in general, that he knew. He could remember bits of photography on Roman's walls, and he smiled a little to himself.

He grinned at Roman's choice. "Of all things," he laughed. "I bet you like Italy, then? Tell me you've been to Italy, at least." While Simon hadn't travelled much, he always enjoyed listening to other people's stories. 

"I don't have a favourite food," he said. "Surely you know that I'll eat almost anything that's put in front of me?"

[simonxowens-blog]

.

[laraholt]

Seven days!!!

[laraholt]

Well good. Only crazy people and those that don’t value their lives go sky diving.

[simonxowens-blog]

Somehow I feel that I'm getting a little old for that kind of thing. I'll stick to bars and mixers.

[rileyxsummers]

Oh no you won’t. I’ll be on your case about it every day starting now until it happens. I’m here to help you remember, forgetting isn’t allowed.

[simonxowens-blog]

Alright, alright.

[rileyxsummers]

Oh, I have faith in you.

[simonxowens-blog]

I wouldn't if I were you. Who knows, I might just forget that I'm required to give you a surprise.

[laraholt]

Seven days!!!

[laraholt]

Jeez. That’s not good. You should stick with skydiving, much more exciting.

[simonxowens-blog]

Yes, I'll remember that next time. Unfortunately it won't be a while before I'm allowed to go skydiving.

[laraholt]

Seven days!!!

[laraholt]

That sounds…. extremely unpleasant and somehow I don’t take you for a accident while rock climbing or sky diving kind of guy.

[simonxowens-blog]

Aha, no. Got mugged, actually, but good guesses nonetheless.

[luisxmendoza-deactivated2014120]

See I knew there was a reason I liked you.

[simonxowens-blog]

I'm so fragile that i'm becoming impressionable. It's actually my worst nightmare.