DISCORD THREAD FEATURING: Landon and @lorencourtier
MENTIONS: N/A
WHERE:Â Blue BarÂ
WHEN:Â the day after Khaiâs car accident
DESCRIPTION: After a few texts, they decide to go out for drinks and Landon picks Loren up after work. (Lordon first date)
TRIGGER WARNINGS:Â brief mentions of homophobiaÂ
Landon
Work was tough that day and Landon couldn't wait to get out of there. Not that he got much done as he spent most of his day staring at his computer and at his papers without actually seeing them. Every time he so much as tried to get anything done, his thoughts went to everything that happened in the last few days and he was back to square one. He was so relieved when he got a text from Loren and when the other boy agreed to meet up for a drink. Their conversation at the bar went really well and they exchanged numbers but Landon was a bit hesitant about texting first; he always was in these sort of things. Maybe a drink and a chat with someone who was disconnected from all of his drama was just what he needed to wind down and for his mind to stop spinning. He got in his car and checked the address one last time before making his way over. Thankfully, there was a free spot right in front of Loren's place and he honked his horn to announce his arrival. "Hey", he smiled, as soon as Loren was out.
LorenÂ
Loren had been thinking about Landon a lot since their first meeting. He knew he probably looked like a goob to the other male with how drunk he was. But now he had a chance to show him another side of himself. The sober side. He got off his couch and threw on a hoodie over his white tee and slipped into his old pair of converse. Making his way quickly outside to meet Landon once he had honked. He pulled the passengers side door open, his curls flying wild in the wind, and he offered the other male a smile. âHey yourself good lookinâ he smiled shyly. Sure he could be flirtatious and unfiltered sometimes. But that didnât mean he wasnât shy as fuck. âSo where we headed? Â You pick the place and Iâll pay the tabâ he winked. Strapping his seatbelt over himself after closing the door.
Landon
Even in a hoodie and jeans, Loren looked really good and it was nice to get to see him outside of the dim lights of the bar. "Oh um...I usually just go to Blue Bar for a drink but if you know of anywhere else, I'll try anything once." Why did he always have to be so awkward? He was fine with people he knew and even with people who he didn't really have any interest in. But the second he was confronted by someone he thought of as good looking, his brain turned to mush and made him sound like someone who'd never talked to anyone in his life. He started up the car and got out of the parking space.
Loren
Once Loren was situated in the seat, he leaned back and looked over at Landon with a smile. He was so cute how he seemed to get flustered, just by talking to him. âBlue Bar it is thenâ he nodded. âI go to Cherry Pop a lot, or Reggies. But, I like Blue Bar. Great atmosphereâ he nodded. He lifted his hand to push his curls back out of his face and lifted his brow as Landon began to drive. It was nice seeing the other male again. He was much cuter than Loren remembered. Even though he remembered him being pretty cute in the first place. Landons eyes were still punching him in the gut with how mesmerizingly blue they were.
Landon
"Hmm, I can only imagine what you get up to at Cherry Pop", he teased with a chuckle. Landon didn't go there as often as he knew others living nearby did as it wasn't exactly his scene. The few times he did go ended up being more enjoyable than he thought though. He didn't want to take his eyes off the road but he couldn't help the way his gaze redirected to Loren's hand as it was running through his hair. As much as he denied it to anyone who teased him about it, Landon had always had a thing for curly hair, and this time was no different. "So what did you get up to today, apart from laying on the sofa and thinking nice things about me?"
Loren
âCan you now?â he asked with a blushing chuckle as he rubbed his legs. Landon kept looking over at him and it made him feel all jittery inside. He was trying so hard to hide it though. Sure, he liked to go out and have a good time. But Landon, he made Loren want to submit. Especially when he called him out for thinking about him. âNot a lot actually. I had the day off so I just laid around and watch some old movies. Have you ever seen When Harry Met Sally?â
Landon
Landon really hoped he didnât offend with his comment but judging by the blush on the otherâs cheeks, Loren knew he was only teasing. After all, no one went to Cherry Pop just to have a drink. âYeah, I think I have a pretty good idea.â He was going to say more but then held himself back. Things were still so new with them that he didnât want to make Loren uncomfortable with his teasing. âI have! Itâs actually one of my favourite movies. I love to watch it when Iâm feeling a little low. It never fails to lift up my spirits.â
Loren
âWell, Iâd love to hear your ideasâ he grinned. Reaching over and squeezing Landons leg gently as he playfully shook it. Loren knew the other male probably did know exactly what he got up to out there. But, hearing him say it would be sexy as hell. Especially coming from that sweet look he had on his face. Landon couldnât help it though really, he just had one of those faces. He looked like a rugged bad boy with an innocent smile. Plus, those blue eyes were just icing on an already incredibly delicious cake. âReally?â he asked a bit surprised. âItâs one of my favorite movies too. Just so... tumultueusement comiqueâ he smiled. âMaybe we can watch it together sometime. I mean, if youâd like that?â
Landon
Landon was going to take this as a lesson not to put his own foot in his mouth. Because he just knew that he was going to turn bright red no matter what he said but what else did he expect by making conversation about a strip club? âI think you go there to enjoy the show that they offer by having poles in the middle of their tables. Maybe pay a little extra to get a nice show? Iâm not sure if youâre a fan of their weekly burlesque entertainment though. Thatâs something youâre going to have to enlighten me on.â By the end of his rambling Landon was probably looking as red as a tomato and he was avoiding Lorenâs eyes, which was made easier by the fact that he was driving. Landonâs eyes widened when he heard him talk French and he bit his lip. Was he really one of those people who got affected by someone talking a foreign language? Apparently so. âI would love that actually, yeah.â
Loren
It was hard not to stare at Landon as his cheeks turned red. But, he did his best not to gawk. He didnât want to make Landon too uncomfortable after all. âYeah, youâre exactly right. Thereâs nothing wrong with getting a little naughty is there?â Loren bit the tip of his tongue as he smiled. His own cheeks heating up a bit as he flirted. âHowever, I do in fact enjoy the burlesque. I thinks itâs pretty fascinating and sexy.â Watching Landon bite his lip, his own lips parted. His tongue trailing slowly over the bottom as he thought about what it would be like kissing him. Â âYouâre cuteâ he spat out without even thinking twice. A wide smile spreading across his lips as he took in Landons features. âWe should definitely do it then. Itâs a date.â
Landon
Landon nodded, there was definitely no judgement from him. He wasnât as promiscuous as some people he knew but he definitely wasnât an innocent virgin either. There was absolutely nothing wrong with being a little naughty in his books. âDo you? I only watched a burlesque show but I have to agree. Thereâs something quite beautiful about it as well, isnât there?â Landon wasnât expecting such a statement from Loren and he smiled. Getting a compliment was always flattering, especially from someone so attractive. Couldnât Loren see himself? He was hot, yet adorable at the same time. If that was even possible. âItâs a date.â Landon could see the Blue Bar in the distance so he looked for an empty parking and parked in the first spot he saw.
Loren
âOh yeah, definitely! Sometimes I prefer the burlesque show over the strippers, honestly.â Loren could definitely get quite promiscuous, but it wasnât the most important thing to him. He liked having fun, and feeling good above all else. âGreat, I look forward to itâ he said  with wide smile a on his features. When  Landon agreed for a date he almost forgot that they were already kind of on one. âSo... is this a date too then?â he asked, hoping the other male would confirm. He could see the bar just ahead, and when Landon parked the car. He unbuckled himself from his seat belt and leaned over the console to kiss his cheek.
Landon
âI know what you mean. Thereâs something a bit more classy about them in a wayâ, he agreed. Landon wasnât expecting the question and wasnât sure of what the right answer was. The thought of this being a date was something he liked the sound of but he wasnât sure if Loren was on the same page. In the end, he figured honesty was the best policy and shrugged. âIâd like it to be if itâs something you want as well, no pressure though. Iâm sorry itâs not very original as far as first dates go.â Landon unbuckled his seatbelt as well and was about to head out of the car when he was surprised yet again by a kiss on the cheek. âThat...what was that for? Not that I mindâ, he hurried to explain.
Loren
Of course he wanted it to be a date. He liked Landon a lot, and he was curious to where things could go. âIt is  something I wantâ he assured with a smile. âI donât really like flashy first dates anyway. It kinda takes away from really getting to know someone. In my opinion anyway.â To be honest, he didnât care if the date was flashy or not. As long as he was with Landon. He let out a soft chuckle as his cheeks heated up and he shrugged slightly to one side. âJust for being your magnificently adorable selfâ he replied. Biting his bottom lip as he tried to read the expression on Landons face. âCome on, letâs go in and get you that drink. You look parched.â
Landon
It was nice to know that they were both of the same opinion and wanted to know what this could lead to. It was too early to tell but, apart from being really attractive, it was clear Loren was also very friendly and they were getting on really well so far. He provided him with a moment of tranquility in the mess that was his life at the moment and Landon couldnât be more grateful. âThatâs a relief because flashy dates tend to make me a bit uncomfortable and more awkward than I am already, if thatâs even possible.â Landon couldnât hold back a wide smile at the otherâs actions, he was so cute. He nodded and got out of the car, waiting for Loren to do the same and then they started walking towards the bar. âItâs been a long day so Iâd say youâre right.â
Loren
To be honest, Loren didnât really find Landon awkward at all. Maybe it was because he too could be very awkward. âWell, Iâm glad you told me that. I was about to get up on the bar and sing show tunes for youâ he grinned. The tone of his voice giving it away that he was only joking. He followed Landon toward the bar and pulled the door open for him. âIâm sorry you had a hard day. Hopefully I can  make it all better. Well, me and a couple of drinksâ he mused.
Landon
âI take back what I said. If that means getting a live musical act like in La La Land then Iâm a big fan of flashinessâ, he joked. In reality, anything like that would have him turning red like a tomato but it was entertaining to think about. Landon thanked him and walked in, making his way directly to the bar to order. âTrust me, youâve already made a huge difference just by agreeing to join me for a drink. Although youâre right, a couple of drinks will probably help as well. But mostly itâs your presence.â
Loren
Loren laughed as Landon tried to retracted his comment. It was cute how fluttered the other boy got at his quirkinesses. âI mean, itâs still a possibilityâ he mused. Following Landon to the bar and taking a seat. He ordered a white vodka cranberry and turned his attention back to Landon. âThatâs sweet, Iâm really glad Iâm here. Especially since itâs with you. Â I could do this everyday. Meet you here after your shifts, do a little dance and show for you. The whole works. Itâs the least I could do for someone sporting the most beautiful blue eyes Iâve ever seen this side of New Yorkâ
Landon
âIâll make sure to keep that in mind. Maybe after a couple of drinks, you can give me a little show like that first time we met. Maybe without you falling off the chair this time thoughâ, he teased. He couldnât hold back a chuckle at the reminder of when they talked for the first time, it was quite funny after all. Landon took a seat and ordered the same drink for himself. âThat sounds like an idea I could totally get behind but I wouldnât want to get on your nerves, having to see me everydayâ, he laughed. âIt would give me something to look forward to after work, thatâs for sure. And what kind Iâd show could I look forward to?â Landon but his lip bashfully over the compliment, he doubted it was ever going to stop having an effect on him. âYou know, flattery will get you everywhere in life but somehow I think Iâd still like you whatever you say.â
Loren
âOh, you better. I donât want you to be too surprised when I pull a full 180 on yaâ he laughed. âBut just for the record. That was a carefully choreographed maneuver to get your attention. Not a fall.â Of course that wasnât the truth, but Loren liked the sound of it. He hoped Landon would to. When their drinks arrived Loren popped a straw into his and took a couple of small sips. âWhat? Are you serious?â he asked. Displaying a faux face of offense as he placed his hand on Landons shoulder. âYou could never get on my nerves. I like hanging out with you. Besides, I liked the idea of giving you something to look forward to. I would look forward to it myself honestly.â Â He wasnât sure if it was a good thing that Landon would like him no matter what he said. But it made him smile anyway. âYou sure about that? I can say some pretty crazy things sometimes. Like this one time when I was about eighteen. I told this old man to get out of my way. I mean, to be fair he was trying to arrest me. Â But I was ruthlessâ he teased with a chuckle. Placing the straw back between his teeth as he lifted his brow.
Landon
âWhy donât I believe that?â he laughed. In reality, he knew it probably wasnât the case since Loren was quite drunk the night they met but it was still nice to think about. And he had a point after all. While Landon already had his eyes on him because he was enjoying his singing, they probably wouldnât have started talking if it wasnât for the fall. âYeah? I guess thatâs a pretty solid plan then, as long as weâre both looking forward to it and enjoying ourselves.â He picked up his drink and took a sip, raising his eyebrows over what he was hearing. âYou told a policeman to get out of your way? Now that sounds like an interesting story. Hopefully one with a happy ending that isnât you behind bars. Iâm guessing you can get quite wild when you want to be.â
Loren
âYou should totally believe it. Does this look like the face of a liar?â he asked, making puppy eyes. The grin on his face never disappeared though. He was just having way too much fun flirting. He was truly grateful for that fall at the moment. If it had never happened he probably wouldnât be here with Landon right now. âOh, Iâm definitely looking forward to it. Iâm making it happen now. I have toâ he smiled widely. He took another sip of his drink as he watched Landons reaction to his words and he shrugged nonchalantly. âYeah, I guess you could say it was interestingâ he chuckled. âI was a pretty rebellious kid. When my parents divorced, my dad got remarried to this cunt of an actress, and believe me when I tell you she was a good actress. Cause when I was little, she acted like she actually fuckin gave a shit. But yeah, her and my dad kinda flipped a switch when I turned thirteen.â Loren wasnât sure why he was telling Landon all of this right now. But he wanted the other male to know him. The real and deeply disturbing truth of him. At least if he wasnât into, he could just away now and save Loren the trouble of heartache in the future. âSure, I was a handful. But, I mean what kid isnât?â he continued. âI met this guy who basically promised me the world. But thatâs a shit show story for another time. Anyway, my dad and new quote an quote step mom. They thought I was the devil incarnate. Sent me away to boarding school in hopes Iâd pray the gay away.â Now he was fondling with his straw in his drink. Spinning the ice cubes round and round. It was a sort of nervous tick of his. âWhen I got back, my dad kicked me out. He said I made Tamara, my step mom, uncomfortable. Of course I refused to leave, and he called the cops. The rest is just kind of history.â He leaned down to take another sip from his drink. A long lingering one this time, and then he smiled up at Landon. âIâm sorry. That was heavy. This isnât about me. Tel me about you... I wanna know everything.â
Landon
It was hard to deny him anything when Loren was looking at him like that so he ended up shaking his head in amusement instead. âI think Iâd call that the face of someone who knows how to get what he wants but I guess not a liar, no.â He was glad to know that theyâd already agreed about seeing each other again after today. Things were obviously still very new and Landon still considered himself to be a bit of a mess but it was nice to know there was something for him to look forward to. Landon couldnât hold back a wince at the mention of praying the gay away. Not out of judgement but because he knew he was very privileged in that aspect. His family were always nothing but supportive over his sexuality. His sister didnât even think twice about asking him to adopt her baby, even knowing he had a boyfriend who would very probably be in the picture. It was moments like these that reminded him how lucky he was and that not everyone was in the same boat as him. It also made him angry that anyone would treat the other boy like that, especially knowing it was the people who were supposed to love him unconditionally and be there for him. Loren was so nice and gave him a chance when others would have run away so Landon couldnât help but think he was the last person to deserve being treated that way. To call the cops on your own son for being gay...he might not always be the perfect parent but he liked to think heâd never get to that level. âIâm so sorry. They sounding complete assholes, no offense.â In reality he meant all the offense but it was still Lorenâs dad and he didnât want to hurt him in case he still looked up to him. âItâs fine, donât apologise. I like getting to learn things about you even though I wish you hadnât gone through something like that. I think youâre amazing and they donât know what theyâre missing out on.â Landon wasnât sure what he should say. He wanted to be open with Loren after the other trusted him with his story but where could he even begin?
LorenÂ
The last thing Loren wanted was for Landon to pity him. Aside from his dad and his new wife, his life was pretty good. Sure he made a lot of poor decisions, and he tended to act a fool. But he was generally happy. At least he had a great relationship with his sister. Sometimes he wondered if he had moved with his mother, if maybe things would have been different for him. But he didnât wanna dwell on that. You canât change the past and Loren didnât even bother to try anymore. Landons reaction however, took him a bit by surprise. He didnât expect the other male to get so upset and intense over his admission. âThank you, Landonâ he spoke softly. Reaching out to place his hand on the smallers cheek. He let it sit there for a moment while he gazed into his eyes and smiled genuinely. âIâm not offended at all. Youâre right, their assholes.â He didnât want say that he didnât think they were missing out on much. Even though he felt that way, he didnât wanna ruin the moment. âCan you answer a question for me?â he asked. His hand trailing down Landons cheek to rest at his chin as his thumb traced over his lips. âHow do you feel about kissing on a first date?â Was that forward? Probably. But Loren really liked what he knew about Landon so far, and he hoped maybe he would let him express it.
Landon
Landon was glad that at least they were in agreement. It was true that no one could choose their family but that didnât give parents an excuse to treat their children in whatever way they wished for. He was glad to note Loren realised they were assholes and wasnât really trying to get their acceptance. It still pained him to know there were still people treating others like shit over their sexuality and vowed to himself that he would never take his familyâs acceptance for granted again. Landon nodded, curious over what Loren was about to ask and smirked at what he heard. It wasnât what heâd been expecting but he couldnât say he minded. He was never the sort of person to be against kissing on a first date especially if it was going as well as theirs was so he smiled. âI think kissing on a first date is a great way of showing the other person you think itâs a nice date. What do you think?â
Loren
When Landon smiled, Loren pulled his bottom lip between his teeth. His answer made him feel all tingly inside. Damn those butterflies! He sat for a moment just starring into Landons eyes before matching the others smile with one of his own. âI think youâre completely right. I couldnât have said it better myself.â Without even giving a second though, Loren leaned in closer until their lips were just barely touching. His lips brushing softly against Landons as he spoke again. âI think this is a really nice dateâ he practically whispered. The smile never leaving his lips as he pressed them softly against Landons. Kissing him slow and deep as his hand cupped the smallers face.
Landon
Landon knew what was coming but somehow it still took him by surprise when he saw Loren lean in until their lips were almost touching. He wasnât sure what heâd done right to get to this moment right here but whatever it was he was glad he did it. Before he could say anything in reply, they were kissing and Landon was using one of us hands to run it through the otherâs curls. Later he would think about how good it felt to do that and how soft Lorenâs hair was but, for the time being, he couldnât focus on anything other than the otherâs lips on his. This was turning out to be an amazing first date. He pulled back when the need for air got to be too much and he bit his lip. âThat was nice.â
LorenÂ
Loren kept his eyes closed when Landon pulled back for air. A sweet smile spreading slowly across his lips as he licked them. Savoring the taste of the other males lips upon his own. When he opened his eyes to take in the view of Landon biting his lip. His smile only grew wider. âYes, it wasâ he replied. A soft chuckle passing through his lips as he felt giddy and a bit dizzy from the adrenaline. Damn, Landon had some incredible lips, and he kissed by the book. It was enough to leave Loren sitting there mostly breathless. âWe should definitely do that more oftenâ he practically giggled. Pushing his hair back from his face before covering his mouth with his hand. He was being way to obvious with his blushing. But he couldnât help himself. âSo... you were about to tel me about you. What are your parents like?â
Landon
Landon almost felt like he was a sixteen year old boy on his very first serious date and he would bet the giddy smile on his face made him look that way as well. He just couldnât bring himself to care. Things seemed to be so easy between them and he really liked Loren so he wasnât going to bother trying to hide it. The kiss and the wide smile on Lorenâs face was confirmation enough that he wasnât on his own so he was determined not to ruin it with his tendency to overthink everything. âWhenever you wantâ, he confirmed, knowing theyâd probably end up kissing again at some point during the rest of their date. âOh, yeah. My mumâs pretty great. Sheâs always been very supportive of everything I wanted to do, even when my dreams were pretty farfetched. My dad...well he didnât really stick around after I was born so I never really met him but then my mum got married again and my stepfatherâs like my actual dad.âMessage #drinks-and-catching-up
