my midwest

"It understood you just so far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey."

[wxthin-wxthout]

it's that time of year

[jurassicsniper]

“I could tell. They’re frightful bores… But, they get invited to these events because they love to throw their money around.” Robert seemed much more relaxed once they were safely outside. His shoulders dropped and his posture looked much more comfortable and less stiff. “You know, you’re too good for that lot. Don’t let them get to you.”

[wxthin-wxthout]

Laughing softly, Nick merely shook his head. “Oh, I was more annoyed by their efforts to rile me up than genuinely offended I assure you. Perhaps they’re such bores they want to cause scenes to entertain themselves? At any rate, I appreciate the escape, and your and Denis’s time spent to welcome this continental newcomer.”

[jurassicsniper]

“Well, I owe you that much at least for your camaraderie in the trenches, dear boy. Anyone who fought the good fight deserves a drink and a chance to see my country at its best instead of its worst.”

Chuckling lightly, he walked Nick toward the taxi stand. “If you need a ride to your lodging, I can accompany you part of the way. If you’re still making your rounds here, this is where I’m afraid we must part for now.”

[wxthin-wxthout]

"I'll be heading back to the hotel now," Nick said, subtly checking his wallet for the right amount of cash for the ride. "I won't stop you from joining me, but I'm sure a taxi ride with a stranger isn't your idea of a good time."

[jurassicsniper]

“I could tell. They’re frightful bores… But, they get invited to these events because they love to throw their money around.” Robert seemed much more relaxed once they were safely outside. His shoulders dropped and his posture looked much more comfortable and less stiff. “You know, you’re too good for that lot. Don’t let them get to you.”

[wxthin-wxthout]

Laughing softly, Nick merely shook his head. "Oh, I was more annoyed by their efforts to rile me up than genuinely offended I assure you. Perhaps they're such bores they want to cause scenes to entertain themselves? At any rate, I appreciate the escape, and your and Denis's time spent to welcome this continental newcomer."

[jurassicsniper]

“If you would be so kind.” Robert turned to look at his rather shameful countrymen. “I’m sorry to disrupt your conversation so abruptly, gentlemen.” His polite smile didn’t reach his eyes as he locked his gaze briefly on each man in turn before turning away. He could probably buy and sell these snobs twice over. Not everyone had fared well financially after the war as his family had done. And those that had lost everything but their pride seemed to cling to it twice as tenaciously, even in the face of their peers’ quiet scorn.

Turning to Nick, Robert nodded toward the door. “If you’d be kind enough to lead the way… I don’t want to lose the track,” he said lightly, a slight hint of mischief in the quirk of the corner of his mouth.

[wxthin-wxthout]

"Of course," Nick said smoothly. He inclined his head to each man in turn, offering the politest of smiles. "Pardon me, but we'll have to pick this back up later." And blessedly they left the duo and with them a weight off his shoulders.

Once they'd passed through the door an well out of hearing range, Nick let out a deep sigh. He faced Robert with a genuine smile. "Thanks. I really needed that out."

[jurassicsniper]

Just as Robert was beginning to take his leave, he spotted Nick looking like he could use an excuse to leave a conversation. Wending his way through the drinking men, soldiers and social climbers alike, he tapped Nick lightly on the shoulder. “Ah, there you are. Pardon me, lads,” he said, disrupting the discourse. “Er, you’ve not seen Denis, have you? I was just about to head out when I remembered I lent him my cigarette case. I only hope he hasn’t left yet.”

Making a show of looking around over the heads of milling gentlemen, he tried to enlist Nick in his search. If, perhaps, he drew him away from these rather disagreeable chaps, so much the better.

[wxthin-wxthout]

Thank the Lord.

Nick did not latch on to this lovely excuse immediately, as that would show his eagerness to get away from the duo much too openly, and while they had barely shown him basic decency, he chose to depart as the bigger man here. Nick hummed in thought. "I might have seen him step out earlier, but I'm not entirely sure. I was just going for some fresh air myself--need a hand?"

[jurassicsniper]

With another faint smile, Robert took his leave. Nick would probably make his rounds and greet the man of honor, but Robert would be found at the bar, lingering over a cigarette and idly sampling appetizers as he people watched.

Nick had made quite an impression on him to be sure. He was the most attractive young man in the room by far, at least in Robert’s estimation. And being American made him that much more fascinating. But it wouldn’t do to be caught staring, so he busied himself with food and making small talk with anyone who dropped by for a drink. When he judged he’d been antisocial long enough, he made his own rounds, shaking hands, slapping backs and counting the time until he could politely make his exit.

[wxthin-wxthout]

Alone once more, Nick made sure to finish his drink and, with liquid courage warming his veins, continued his stroll around the room, shaking hands and making polite introductions and chit chat--though none held his interest quite like the first two he'd met upon arrival. It didn't bother him, really; he was well-versed in social custom and this was just another thing one did, entertaining or not. Eventually he at last met up with the groom-to-be, a pleasant enough man off the battlefield when not barking orders. Though he barely seemed to recall Nick (not something he blamed him for), he seemed genuinely grateful for his presence at the affair, earning Nick a hardy slap on the shoulder that nearly made him stagger.

His duty for the night satisfied, he continued to make idle introductions with whomever would have him, interspersed with the occasional fresh drink. Most were well-mannered enough, at worst polite to the point of rigidity, until he stumbled upon a charming duo that gave him the impression they found him amusing in a patronizing way. Now and then a comment about his mother country graced his ears, subtle enough to not draw outright offence. Nick felt they were trying to quietly provoke him, to needle him until the passionate, boorish American snapped and made an ass of himself in a room of strangers. Well, pity for them. He wouldn't be taking the bait. He simply grit his teeth, held his glass tight, and awaited the moment he could leave this awful conversation.

[jurassicsniper]

There was a slight hint of a smile on the usually intense face. “Robert, please. My father is Mr. Muldoon. If the boredom grows too much, don’t trouble yourself about bothering me. I’m ever at your service.” Making sure Nick had his calling card, Robert stood and grasped him chummily by the shoulder before tearing himself away. Were they not both men, one might have the mistaken impression that Muldoon was flirting. But surely not, right?

[wxthin-wxthout]

'Robert' it was, then. Fine by him; truly, one tired of all the required Misters in a room of strangers. Nick gave the card a curious once-over, then stashed it in his breast pocket for safe keeping. He almost offered another handshake, but after that touch to his shoulder it seemed too formal. He smiled. "All right, Robert. I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

[jurassicsniper]

“Well, I’m going to go and grab something myself. I’m sure I’ve monopolized your attention long enough, after all. You’re probably keen to mingle with the other gentlemen.” After all, Nick came to attend a wedding and socialize, not have his time bogarted by an idle rich boy drawn to his pretty face.

[wxthin-wxthout]

Robert's departure seemed rather abrupt, but well, it wasn't as if the man were actually here simply to entertain him. A touch disappointing to lose a tentative connection and return to a room of strangers, but he could hardly keep the man all night. "Mostly I'm awaiting the man of the hour to give my congratulations," Nick said. "But it wouldn't hurt to have a go around the room. Thanks for the welcome, Mr. Muldoon." A small smile for good measure.

[jurassicsniper]

Robert couldn’t say he was sad to see Denis go. “I’m sure you’d like a moment to recover before you make your rounds. Shaking hands, forgetting names, that sort of thing.” He smiled at Nick politely, then finished his water. “I could have someone freshen your drink or bring over something light to eat so you’re not drinking on an empty stomach?” he suggested, wanting something himself but not wanting to be rude by eating without offering.

[wxthin-wxthout]

"Are you sure you're not also part of the staff here?" Nick dared to tease with a slight grin. "Thank you. But I caught a quick bite before coming here. So hopefully, I'll manage just fine."

[jurassicsniper]

Denis opened his mouth, but, judging by the look Robert gave him, it wouldn’t be wise to say what he’d been thinking. He just grinned sheepishly at his friend, then turned to face Nick, ignoring the stormy look on Robert’s face. “Anywhere, hm? I’m sure we can think of a few places you’d find… intriguing?”

“We’ll see. First, we have to survive this wedding.” Trying to recover his good humor, the Englishman fished his calling card from his pocket and offered it to Nick. “While I hope my… friend and I can call on you at your hotel, if you feel you have too much time on your hands and not enough to fill it, feel free to give me a ring whenever you like.”

“He’s always home, you see. The man has no social life,” Denis teased. Robert had to chuckle at that. Clearly, it was untrue. If nothing else, he had the Frenchman to irritate him on a regular basis. “In any case, I’ll leave you two to chat. I have to go and pay my respects to the groom before I excuse myself to a more pressing engagement. Monsieur Carraway, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He offered his own card and a parting handshake. “I look forward to showing you some of what this charming old city has to offer. For now, adieu. Keep an eye on my dear friend for me?”

[wxthin-wxthout]

After accepting Robert's card, Nick gave Denis a curious look, but nodded as he accepted the handshake. "I'll do my best." And silently, he wondered if it shouldn't be the other way around, someone keeping an eye on the ignorant tourist instead. "Until next time."

[jurassicsniper]

“Well, you’re going to have to be more specific… Maybe the Alnwick Poison Garden? Or the Palace of Westminster? Oh, and the Tower of London with all its dark secrets,” Denis suggested in a spooky whisper.

Robert rolled his eyes at his friend. “The bridge is fairly popular… There are a number of parks and squares that are starting to finally recover properly after the war…”

[wxthin-wxthout]

He could feel the alcohol already loosening him up, earning Dennis a short laugh for his comment. He debated crossing his legs, then decided against it and simply leaned back against the couch in a more relaxed posture. "Oh yes, the bridge," Nick nodded in his direction. "I wouldn't mind seeing that as well. Truly, I'm not fussy; take me where you see fit for the city."

[jurassicsniper]

“Absolutely. Robert’s treat, of course,” Denis said, giving Nick a conspiratorial smirk.

Robert shot him a brief glare before turning back to Nick. “…What sorts of places do you enjoy? Would do no good to take a museum man to a horse show after all.”

[wxthin-wxthout]

"I suppose I'd like to see the famous sites, cliche as they must be to you," Nick decided. "Aside from that, wherever you think is best to show a tourist." He smiled crookedly. "I'm in both of your hands."

[jurassicsniper]

“Valuable? My good man, we’re idle rich, emphasis on idle. Having something to do, anything to do, is no waste of time. Robert was bored enough to go to war. I’m sure being a tour guide is much more pleasant than being shot at.” He ignored Robert scowling at him, a light laugh on his lips as he sipped his drink. “Besides, you’d be saving him from another endlessly dull lunch with his parents.”

[wxthin-wxthout]

"Well, if you absolutely insist, I wouldn't mind the company," Nick acquiesced. He figured, why not? Let the locals show him around this labyrinthine city and save him the time spent planning out routes. He flashed both men a grateful smile. "Thank you."

[jurassicsniper]

“Wonderful!” Robert said, looking a bit too relieved. “You’ll let us show you around, won’t you? We know all the best places to visit. None of the tourist traps. …Unless, well, unless you’re into those sorts of things?”

Denis nodded along readily. “Yes, we’re certainly experts on the London social scene.”

[wxthin-wxthout]

Nick wondered, not for the first time in his life, how he attracted people so eager to show him around places. Maybe he made a good background set piece for the rich and the eccentric. Still, the idea wasn't offensive. "I appreciate the offer," Nick said, "but I wouldn't want to take up so much of your valuable time."

[jurassicsniper]

If it was possible for two men to look more like sad dogs in the rain, well, it would have taken considerable talent… or rain. The two men exchanged an overly dramatic wounded look. “Not staying long? But… you’ve only just arrived. You’ve barely seen anything yet. Oh, do say you’re staying at least a fortnight,” Denis pleaded.

Robert set his glass aside and put his hands on Denis’s shoulders in solidarity. “Yes, you have to stay at least that long. Otherwise, what would have been the use of such a long journey? This boring wedding? No, you have to at least visit some of the best London has to offer.” It seemed they could cooperate on this much at least. Rivals needed something to compete for, after all.

[wxthin-wxthout]

The look of pain he received from his simple statement bordered on comical. Nick blinked at the two men for a moment before catching himself. "Well, I intended to stay a couple weeks," he said. "More than enough time to take in some sights and experiences, I should hope."

[jurassicsniper]

Robert sat down, peering at both men warily, like they were hiding some conspiracy between them. Denis smirked, then turned his attention back to Nick, knowingly needling his poor friend. “You never answered my question. Did you travel alone? Or is there a poor, lonely mademoiselle waiting by the window for you to return home?”

Robert narrowed his eyes slightly at this, then focused on drinking his water. Oh no, Denis. Don’t you dare. I saw him first.

[wxthin-wxthout]

Holding the glass by the rim between his fingers, Nick gave his drink a slight shake and watched the ice settle before taking a sip. The burn was refreshing. "Ah, no one like that, I'm afraid." He laughed again, perhaps somewhat self-conscious of his answer. "Just a solo trip. But that's fine by me. I won't be here very long regardless." He wondered if he'd even be away long enough to feel homesick. In France it hadn't taken long, but those had been considerably worse circumstances.

[jurassicsniper]

“Oh my. How far have you traveled? I suppose going to France from here would seem like no great burden.” Nick was so amusing. Denis always found Americans to be so fascinating, usually brash and blunt where the British were so much more stuffy and too concerned with manners to be direct. “Have you brought a companion for the wedding? I hope she’s not too far out of her depth on her own while you’re here.”

Robert came over with his glass of water, a flash of something like jealousy on his face at the sight of Denis putting a chummy arm around Nick’s shoulders. It was only there for an instant before his usual neutral expression returned. “Have I missed anything important?”

[wxthin-wxthout]

"I was born in the Midwest," Nick explained, "but studied on the east coast. Haven't travelled very much of the country, relatively speaking." Aside from a trip to the south to visit a family friend, but he'd only been an infant then. "From here to France might not be far trip, but the one I took from home to Brittany certainly was." Nearly a week on the Atlantic in a tiny cabin, the only view miles of seawater and blue skies.

When Mr. Muldoon returned to their impromptu gang, Nick offered him a smile. "Not at all, simply making acquaintance." He hoped the man sat before he fell.