Sometimes when you look for something long enough, it will be right in front of you, under your nose the entire time. Although sometimes it takes someone else to find it for you. As Ian stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, he wondered how he could find himself. He honestly didn't know who he was anymore. Physically, he looked the same, but as he peered into his eyes, the excitement for living he once had was gone. He felt like a stranger in his own body. He used to have so much energy, but now he felt drained. The teenage days of fun and adventure were missed, replaced by the deadlines and responsibilities of life.
Thinking of the day ahead of him, and what it consisted of made Ian realize how boring his life was. The daily 9-5 just didn't suit him anymore. Everyday it was the same. Wake up, go to work, eat lunch, back to work, go home. Everyday, like he was stuck in a continuous loop. He needed a change. Something new to grab his attention.
The strong smell of coffee pulled him from his thoughts. He could count on that smell every morning, Shane always made a fresh pot of coffee before leaving for work. He hated it, but knew Ian needed a little to get him going in the morning. He loved that Shane cared to make him a quick breakfast before he left, with his busy schedule and all, but honestly Ian didn't feel that spark with him anymore.
Shane was a really great guy, Ian couldn't deny that. He was smart, cute, nice, a really great cook, and the sex was amazing. Honestly he was everything Ian ever wanted in a boyfriend, but he couldn't help but think something was missing.
He met Shane at some club a couple months after moving to New York. When they first started dating, it was amazing. The raw attraction and excitement of their relationship was addictive, and Ian fell fast. They moved in with each other and things were going great, until Shane got a promotion at the bank. They never spent time with each other anymore after that, and pretty soon Ian felt like Shane was more of a roommate then a boyfriend.
Walking out of the bathroom, Ian made his way to their bedroom to grab his cell phone. He was going to call in sick at work today. He was a personal trainer that taught a kick boxing class at the gym. He couldn't motivate anyone feeling the way he did today. As the phone rung, Ian wondered where he'd go today, probably just walk around the park trying to clear his head. As the voicemail picked up Ian came up with a lame excuse.
"Hey Kyle, it's Ian, I'm feeling a little under the weather today, so I'm not going to make it in. Just give me a call back when you get this. Bye." Ian said before hanging up. Kyle could handle Ian's class today, he didn't do anything else.
Grabbing his wallet and a jacket, Ian headed outside. Hopefully a day by himself with no distractions would help him clear his mind. There was a light breeze outside, but otherwise it was perfect weather. Everything was the same as any other day. The two blondes that always flirted with Ian were running like they did every morning, the old lady who lived above them was out walking her dog, and the old man who Ian believed lived on his floor, was picking up trash like he did every morning, trying to keep the neighborhood clean.
Walking down the street in the direction of the park, Ian couldn't help but think how ironic his life had become. He moved to New York because it was supposed to be exciting. The Big Apple, city of opportunities and adventures. He had wanted a change from Chicago, a change from being Frank Gallagher's son. Now he couldn't help but think he made a big mistake in coming here.
"Smile!" Someone yelled. Ian had been so focused on his thoughts that it had caught him off guard. He hadn't even noticed he was looking at the ground the entire time.
Turning around to see who was yelling at him, Ian saw a guy standing behind him. He was a little shorter than Ian, he had black hair and blue eyes, and a small smirk on his face.
"What?" Ian said in a confused voice. He didn't know what the hell this guy was talking about.
"I said smile. You're walking around like a fucking zombie man." The guy said with a chuckle.
"Oh, sorry." Ian said. He honesty wasn't sure what he was apologizing for, or why he was having a random conversation with a stranger. "Just have a lot on my mind."
"Man you need to lighten up a little." The guy said patting Ian on the shoulder. "Booze always helps me feel better."
"Yeah booze does sound good right now." Ian said letting out a small laugh.
"Well I'm sorry for interrupting your zombie walk, hope your day gets better." The guy said before turning and walking off. Before he got to far away, he turned back to look at Ian.
"Hey, smile." He said with a smile of his own.
As he turned back around, Ian couldn't help but smile. His day was going so bad at first, but he couldn't help but smile. A complete stranger had made him laugh and smile, and couldn't help but be happy. Ian didn't know what made him do it, maybe it was the fact that the guy had been fun, or maybe it was because the guy was cute, but whatever it was, Ian didn't want him to leave. So right before he turned the corner, Ian ran to catch up to him.
"Hey!" Ian yelled when he got closer to him.
The guy turned around, smiling, like he was happy Ian came back.
"Hey, I know this might sound weird, and I know I just met you and all, but do you want to get a drink tonight? Ian asked staring at the guy.
"It depends. How strong is your grip?" The guy asked looking at Ian with that same smirk.
"What?" Ian asked confused. What did getting a drink have to do with his grip.
"I get a little wild when I drink. I got to know if you can hang on when I start having fun. So how strong is your grip?" The guy asked again, raising his eyebrows in a questioning state.
"I guess we'll just have to see."