I awoke the next morning in a rather plain hotel room, ate a mediocre breakfast, and then traveled through the dirty air of New York City so I could stand before Harvey's Eden with yet another hesitant expression on my face.
It seemed that I was doing a lot just to talk with Daniel. Traveling thousands of miles to the biggest city in the country, pushing my way through a wild throng of dancing twenty-year olds, sacrificing my back on a lumpy hotel mattress. It would certainly be easier to turn around and return to my no doubt suffering business than continue on to the awkward reunion awaiting me inside.
But then this would all be in vain, wouldn't it?
"Hopefully he's grown out of his shoot first, ask questions later habit." I muttered, adjusting my jacket and forcing my legs into the looming building before me.
For a moment I wasn't sure if I was in the right place. Other than the few lingering pieces of garbage, there was no evidence that there were at least a hundred people jumping around in here last night. Someone was walking around and picking up the lingering trash, and I was sure that by the time people starting walking in the store, it would look clean and professional. I was here early, the doors having opened barely an hour ago. I wasn't sure when Daniel's shift was, but I didn't want to miss it.
The book shelves where unlocked and little couches were placed along the walls here and there. Soft floor lamps were set near the couches, providing the illusion of a secluded atmosphere. The once stacked tables were now spaced out over the dance floor, little napkins, a vased flower, and a little menu in the middle of each table.
Background music was playing, but it was all classical. The stage was empty but for a few carpets, although lights were focused on the stage as though expecting someone. The bar was clean, and a new bartender stood behind the counter, wiping down a large glass. She nodded politely to me when our eyes happened to meet, and I returned the gesture, pulling my jacket off and going to inspect the books.
I was surprised at the collection they had. The subjects ranged from scientific reasoning to mythological studies. They weren't organized very well, but I was still content to amuse myself buy browsing through the shelves, a few philosophy books catching my eye.
For the next hour I watched people come and go, sitting in a secluded corner and flipping through a few books to pass the time.. Some people rushed in, bought a bagel or two, and then rushed out, calling out how they were late for work and their boss was going to kill them. Others strolled in hand in hand, taking a table and relaxing through their breakfast. Their was no waiter, despite the clock approaching 8:00. The bartender took care of the few customers who sat down, looking untroubled but glancing at the clock every so often as though expecting someone.
It wasn't very exciting for a Sunday morning, but I liked the peaceful atmosphere. However, when my stomach started grumbling about a half hour later, the warm, fresh baked pastries were suddenly smelling very good, erasing the sad breakfast the hotel had provided this morning.
After grabbing a newspaper, I stood from my claimed couch. Stiff muscles stretched tiredly, and I couldn't hold back a yawn as I folded the paper under my arm.
"Tea, please, and something fresh." I threw a few bills on the counter of the bar. The woman nodded silently, glancing at the clock again before pulling out a mug and a plate.
Three minutes later I was seated at a table with my food and drink, hidden behind the newspaper as I scanned the pages for anything of interest. Naturally, this is the moment when Daniel would choose to show up, stumbling through the front door haphazardly, an employee apron in his mouth as he tried to tie his shoe on one foot.
It's funny how the quiet book store was suddenly full of life. I felt the obnoxious butterflies start up the moment I saw him, my breath undignifiably shallow. I sat there and waited, not realizing I was staring before ducking behind the newspaper. Honestly, I felt pathetic, but I couldn't help it. I hadn't seen him for five years after all.
"Where have you been!" The woman at the bar yelled, speaking for the first time since I arrived almost two hours ago. Her motherly tone of voice gave away their relationship instantly.
"I'm so sorry Lisa! I slept in." he winced through the apron, reverting to two feet before he fell on his face.
"How late were you out last night? I told Jeremy to make sure you got home at a decent hour." She shook the hand holding the cleaning rag at him, pursing her lips.
"Who do you think Jeremy is? My mother?" he laughed, standing straight and tying the dark green apron on over his white shirt.
"Well you're twenty minutes late for work and I've already had to help four different customers. Maybe we should make Jeremy your mother."
"Oh wow, four whole customers," Daniel teased, "I don't think you've worked so hard in your entire life."
"Just shut up and go ask that man if he wants more coffee." She snapped, "I'm going to go get started on paper work."
"That paper work wouldn't happen to be a woman named Marie, would it?"
"Shut up and get to work, Danny."
My heart rate accelerated. Her voice faded away and Daniel's lingering laugh was slowly approaching. The butterflies were rampt, I couldn't decide if I wanted to disappear or if I wanted to say something. He's almost a different person now, but will he want to see me? I don't want to scare him away...
Of course, my cool demeanor gave away none of my chaotic thoughts. Logically, their wasn't a question as to whether I would or wouldn't reveal myself. If I suddenly disappeared, he would know it was me anyways, and I couldn't very well not answer him. What kind of coward would I have to be?
So, despite my emotions, there was only one thing I could do when he politely asked if I would like some more tea.
"Please, and no sugar my boy, you know how I hate sweets."
"V-Vlad!?"
The look on his face when I lowered the newspaper was absolutely priceless.
"Yes?"
"What-" he looked around the empty bookstore, mouth still agape. "What are you do here?" I think he was more surprised to come across me in Chealsa rather than actually seeing me.
"Finding you. I must say, this is the last place I expected you to settle down in. I didn't know you were gay."
"I'm not gay." Danny's shock fell into a deadpanned stare.
"Could've fooled me." I shrugged, remembering how much I enjoyed pushing his buttons. "Or that man you were dancing all over last night. He seemed pretty sure of your orientation."
"You were-!" he sounded outraged, but cut himself off, pressing his fingers to his temples and taking a deep breathe. "Why are you here?"
"To talk to you."
He waited, but I didn't say anything else.
"That's it?" he said flatly, "You came all the way to New York City to...talk...with me."
"Mhmm."
"About what?" he was suspicious now.
I shrugged.
"Anything, I suppose. How was college?"
He stared at me, mouth agape. I waited for his next words on pins and needles, knowing he'd either accept my presence or not. However, my level stare gave none of my apprehension away, all of my nerves under control despite being so close to unraveling.
"Five years, and your still a fruitloop." he finally sighed, pulling out the chair across from me and sitting down, a wane smile crossing his face.
"Nice to see you've grown up, little badger." I smirked, folding the newspaper and feeling my heart slowly decelerate, cool relief washing through me.
"I'm twenty two Vlad. You didn't expect me to start blasting you to kingdom come, did you?"
"Actually..."
"You think so highly of me."
A smile spread over my lips as I brought the tea cup to my lips, draining the very last bit. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed talking with him.
"So how was college?"
"Fine. How goes ruling the world?"
"Fine."
There was still a slightly suspicious gleam in his eye, but that might just be a force of habit. Then again, I did just travel across several states to talk to him, which now that I think about it, it does sound rather unbelievable. He seemed to be taking it in stride though.
"I'm surprised you're not still hounding me about my presence here. I expected much more strife than I've thus received."
"Would you like me to rant about the several suspicions I currently have in my head, or should I stick with the innocent until proven guilty philosophy I'm trying to go with?"
"Depends. If your going to stutter your way through banal accusations then by all means, please do. I could use a laugh or two."
Daniel rolled his eyes, casting me an amused smirk. He was silent for a while, staring at me curiously.
"So why are you really here, Vlad?"
You know, that was actually a good question. Why was I here?
"I'm hurt, little badger. Is wanting to reminisce on the good old days really that difficult to believe of me?"
"Yes." he replied bluntly.
I shook my head, letting loose a long, dramatic sigh. There was an easy silence between us. We stared at each other, and I think I actually spotted an almost pleased glow in Daniel's eyes, like he was happy to see me. Could I be so lucky?
"So..." he began, giving me a measured look, "New question. How do you like Chealsea?"
"Very colorful."
He laughed at my honest answer, the sweet sound echoing around the relatively empty shop.
"Just out of curiosity, do your parents know you live here?"
"Oh yeah," Daniel grinned, "They don't have a problem with it, but Dad was a trip when he first visited me. I think that was the first time he'd ever seen a gay couple."
"Indeed?"
"Uh-huh. Kept running up to random people and asking tons of awkward questions in the name of science. He really didn't mean to offend anyone. He was more excited about the 'new discovery' than anything else."
"Yes, Jack has always been easily excitable." I drawled. Daniel pursed his lips in disapproval.
"You don't still have a grudge against Dad and a creepy desire for my Mom, do you?"
"No Daniel." I replied, my voice flat. "I've been much too busy to give the rest of your family much thought, to tell you the truth. The last thing I want to focus on anymore is weary anger and unrequited love."
He gave me a long, level stare for a moment, obviously thinking heavily about the truthfulness to my statement. I suppose he trusted me in the end though, because a relieved smile graced his features and he shrugged, replying in a light tone.
"Hm. Well that's a good thing. Remember Vlad, admitting you have a problem is the first step."
"Don't you have a job to do?"
"Don't you?"
"I'm on vacation."
Danny didn't reply, but I could clearly see the new question burning behind his eyes. If I was on vacation, why would I spend my valuable time trudging through New York City to find him?
I held up my empty tea cup, coughing pointedly and breaking him from his thoughts.
"Tea, Daniel." I shot him my most arrogant look, laughing at his scathing expression.
"Fruitloop." he muttered, pulling himself from the chair to fetch me more tea.
I watched him move around the bar, the secretive smile on his face telling me more than words ever could. Daniel moved swiftly, pouring in the tea and adding an extra tea bag to the mug just how I liked it. I gave him a smug thank you when he returned, smirking at his slight glare.
"Now tell me Daniel," I began as I settled in with my hot tea. Daniel looked around the empty shop for a moment before hesitantly sitting back down.
"Who was that man you were dancing so provocatively on last night?"
As predicted, he turned a fiery shade of red, eyes widening slightly. I couldn't help but laugh, taking a sip of the drink and giving him an expectant look. His eyes hardened, a defiant glint in them.
"Which one?" he replied shortly.
"Daniel!"
An impish grin spread across his face and now he was the one laughing.
"Look Vlad, it was dark and lights were flashing and I was there till at least one in the morning. I have no idea who I danced with."
"Hm," I sniffed, "So you enjoy dancing on other men, but you're not gay. Care to explain?"
"I just like to keep my preferences open." he blushed a bit, his voice defensive.
"Well I suppose that's one way of putting it." I muttered.
"Shut up Vlad."
I grinned from behind my mug, smelling the fresh aroma of the hot drink. Daniel was watching me again, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed and another relaxed smile on his face.
"How did you find me?"
"Through your college. They still had your old residence on file and a past neighbor of yours was kind enough to point me in the right direction from there."
He tilted his head, the unasked question easily understood.
"Her name was Anna or something." I waved a hand flippantly.
"Oh, Anita." He smiled and it dropped to a teasing smirk. "I used to help her with her cats."
"Mmhm. She told me." I took a slow sip of tea.
"One of her cats had a litter of kittens and I named this cute little gray one after you."
I ignored the jibe for the most part, rolling my eyes slightly and placing the mug down.
"Only you would be vindictive enough to give a poor little kitten a harsh name like mine."
"Your name isn't harsh." He frowned.
"You don't think so?" I raised an eyebrow, a disbelieving smirk on my face.
"No, I like your name. You never meet people named Vladimir. It's always John or Mark or something. Your name is unique."
"You don't say?" I waited for him to realize how strange that sounded coming from him, grinning when he turned red.
"What?" he snapped lightly, "So what if I like your name. That's not be weird."
"We have history, Daniel."
"Whatever, Vlad."
"You know, now that you mention it, you do say my name a lot. Perhaps that's a little disturbing."
"What? It is not!" he pouted, blush flaming.
I couldn't stop the laugh that came, having way too much fun with him. Daniel continued to glare at me, but with the red tinge on his cheeks it was anything but intimidating.
"Calm down, little badger, I'm just teasing. I'm honored that you think my name is so unique." I nodded my head to him, placing a hand on my heart for sincerity.
He gave me a calculating glare for a moment longer, wondering if I was being serious or teasing him again. I must have passed the test though, because he let out a quick sigh and dropped the glare, a sheepish smile on his face.
"Danny! I thought I told you to get to work! Stop bugging that poor customer and go be useful!" the shrill voice of the store owner called from the back hallway, snapping Daniel to attention.
"Sorry Lisa!" He called back, quickly standing and giving her an apologetic wave.
I watched the exchange with amusement, standing up myself and looking at Daniel when he turned to me, his voice turning shy and hesitant.
"I get off early today, at twelve. If you're not busy, do you want to grab a coffee or something?" He scratched the back of his neck, pink still lingering on his face.
"I'd love to." Daniel looked a little surprised at my warm acceptance, but smiled happily.
"Great! I, uh, guess I'll meet you here. Then I mean. At...twelve." He gave a shaky laugh, slowly backing away and almost running into a table.
I rose an eye brow, containing my amusement in a small smile as I watched him go attend to another customer, still stumbling over his words. I laughed to myself, shaking my head and gathering my jacket. It would've been a little pathetic if I lingered here for the next three hours, so with a last parting wave to Daniel I left out the front door, making sure to keep note of the time. I didn't want to be late, did I?