Write 365 Day 44: Fake Dating
Jason was a little surprised by the sheer amount of people he saw before they even stepped foot inside the art gallery. Once they crossed the threshold he instinctively took Tim’s hand, lacing their fingers together.
“So, what’s the usual procedure for one of these things? B never took me to any of ‘em when I was a kid.”
Tim grinned up at him and he swallowed, trying to convince himself the only reason his smile was so bright was because of the florescent lights beating down on them.
“Well typically there are three main components to a gallery showing. The first is to drink. Similar to a gala there is lots of alcohol and even some refreshments. Second, and what’s supposed to be the main reason for coming to this, we look at the art and make vague comments about the style or the ‘deeper meaning behind it.’ And third, we make up some bullshit to impress the other guests.”
Jason tilted his head to the side. “Is the bullshit about our own personal lives or about the art?”
“Yes.”
“Great,” he snorted. “Please tell me they at least have something better than champagne.”
“They typically have wine, too...” he trailed off, standing on his tip-toes to try and see over the crowd.
Jason spotted a uniformed worker holding a tray of glasses and tugged on Tim’s hand, pointing him in the right direction when he looked at him. They shuffled through the crowd and Jason nearly cheered when he saw the red liquid in the glasses.
“Thank god it’s not champagne,” Jason muttered as he took a sip.
Tim snickered as the server walked away to offer drinks to the other guests. “Oh am I going to see what you get like when you get wine drunk today?”
“Oh my, Tim Drake is that you?” a high-pitched voice called.
Tim turned and came face-to-face with an elderly woman clutching her purse against her side and cradling a wine glass in a hand covered with so many rings Jason was surprised she could hold it up.
“Good afternoon Mrs. Geraldine, how are you doing today?” Tim asked, slapping on the smile he used when talking to all of the wealthy snobs.
“I’m doing wonderful dear,” she said, her eyes sliding past Tim to Jason. “And who is this with you? I do believe I saw the two of you together at the last Gala Mr. Wayne hosted.”
Tim nodded. “Yes, this is my boyfriend, Jason. I thought it might be nice to show him some of the art by one of Gotham’s local artists.”
“Well it’s lovely to meet you,” she said, nodding at Jason. “We were all so surprised when you arrived with a date since you normally come to such events on your own. You really should’ve introduced him sooner.”
Jason watched as more women wandered over, eavesdropping on the conversation. He could tell it wouldn’t be long before they started asking their own questions as well.
“Well I didn’t want to overwhelm him with too many galas or fancy events. You know how stuffy they can be sometimes.”
She chuckled. “How did the two of you meet anyway? It must be quite the story if he managed to capture your heart.”
“We’ve known each other for years-”
“So you’re childhood friends?” one of the women who’d been eavesdropping asked.
Tim looked a little surprised at her question. “Um, no not exactly-”
“Did you go to school together then? University?” a third woman asked, joining the circle forming around.
Jason kept his eyes on Tim, but he still seemed relaxed despite the extra attention. He was a little surprised he was so easily talking about their supposed relationship. Especially after he was stressing about what their story would be.
“Our families know each other and through a series of social events we got to talking, started spending more time together, and things just went from there.”
The three woman cooed.
“Does this mean there’s a possible engagement in your future?” Mrs. Geraldine asked, gaze sliding to Jason.
Tim flushed. “No-I mean, not in the immediate future. I don’t think either of us are quite ready for that yet. We haven’t been dating that long even though we’ve known each other longer.”
The three women didn’t do much to hide their disappointment and Jason could see they were gearing up for another round of questions. Even though Tim’s smile was still in place, Jason could see the weariness tightening his features.
“If you don’t mind,” he said, flashing his most charming smile at the women. “I think the two of us are overdo for a look at the artwork on display. I’m sure we’ll have more time to chat later.”
Before they could stop them, Jason pulled Tim into the crowd and put some distance between them.
Tim sighed and leaned against him. “Thanks.”
Jason smiled and squeezed his hand. “Now, I was promised some artwork, so how about we find out what the big deal is for this event?”
“Sounds great.”
~~
“Is that really supposed to be Gotham?”
“Jason!”
“Can you blame me? It looks like the leftovers of a very unfortunate dinner.”
~~
“How unfortunate. A crayon was murdered. It was so young and had so much potential.”
“Jason,” Tim hissed.
“There were so many trees it didn’t get to color in,” he huffed, wiping a fake tear from his eye.
~~
“911, what’s your emergency?”
“Jay-”
“It’s terrible, my child ate my blueberry pie and suddenly turned into a balloon! When I tried to lasso him, my foot got stuck!”
~~
“Really, they aren’t even trying with this one!”
Tim squeezed his hand, trying not to laugh.
“They literally drew a pile of shit. I’m surprised flies aren’t hovering around the canvas because that is just...wow.”
Tim pressed his face against Jason’s arm, trying to muffle his giggles from the rest of the guests.
Jason grinned triumphantly, glad that Tim’s exhaustion had long since faded and he was able to keep him laughing. Compared to some of the other stuff they got roped into, these gallery showings weren’t half bad.
“Come on,” he said, nudging Tim’s shoulders. “Let’s go look at that one next.”
Tim grinned, cheeks flushed. “Okay!”
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