A speed date of colliding hearts [1/?] [Hiatus]
Title: A speed date of colliding hearts [1/?] [Hiatus]
Author:
littlepluto & aella_freya
Pairing: Zack Baker/Frank Iero.
Rating: Overall R.
POV: 3rd.
Summary: A meeting of two beating hearts during a Valentine's speed date special.
Disclaimer: Product of our imagination and love of beautiful tattooed men.
Author Notes: An ongoing RolePlay turned into a story as a late Valentine's gift for you. **Public for 7 days only.
Beta:littlepluto - Proof read about 4 times.
Warnings: Swearing, boring & desperate men. Later, sex.
Zack sat at the bar sipping on his Jack and coke waiting for everything to be organised, he didn't know why he was here but a friend had shoved the newspaper under his nose and told him to just go, so he did.
He turned around on his stool and watched as staff placed tables around the floor area putting two chairs on either side for the lonely, desperate singletons who, in 15 minutes time, would occupy them and unfortunately yes, he was one of those singletons.
Frank had spent the last month and a half working on this one night, it was Valentines night. A whole day dedicated to happy little couples so that they could be all sweet on each other and give each other presents while being romantic. That however was not for Frank, unlucky in love, that’s what he was, what he thought he would always be. Tonight was going to be his one last try.
He had his friends step in for the night to run the singles meet and greet, and the short speed date session at their local bar. It always helped knowing the owners so they got it at a good price. He checked in the mirror once more to make sure his blonde and black hair was sitting right, and his little red eyeshadow was on even. He hurried out the house late but he had spent so long organising it, he was allowed to be a little late today.
Zack looked up when a member of bar staff picked up the microphone and announced to everyone that they should take a seat on one of the chairs available. He politely introduced himself as Jack to the group before going through of what was to happen.
Jack walked around the tables and gave everyone a tag on which they were to write their names on, he finally went onto say that if you were successful, which Zack doubted he would be, they had to exchange a card that entitled them to share a drink at the bar when the session ended.
After taking a seat closest to the raised platform and waited for someone to sit down across from him, he began to fiddle with his fingers and look around the room trying to spot anyone he might get along with and despite how nervous he was, he hoped that he had some luck because he sure did need it.
Frank was last in, giggling a little at Jack as he watched him skip around the tables coming to a stop in from of Frank.
"Dude I’m so, so sorry. It took longer than I thought to do my hair, but better late than never," he smiled winking at Jack as he filled the name tag out.
He nodded slowly looking about, really pleased with how the place had turned out and how many people had turned up. Frank got a drink and went to sit down, the person across from him was short, shorter than he was, and not what he would call attractive, but he just hoped this man was nice.
"Hi, I’m Frank, it’s nice to meet you... Dean," he smiled reading the tag on the others top which soon turned into an awkward conversation when the bell rang signalling the start of their two minutes.
Zack’s ear caught the sound of the bell and smiled at the guy across from him, the guy was gorgeous but to be brutally honest, they had nothing in common and all the man seemed to talk about was himself, Zack couldn’t get a word in edge ways. He let his eyes wonder discreetly among the tables while still nodding and interacting as much as he could with the man – Liam, the name on the tag said.
5 more guys later, who either presumed he was the submissive in a relationship or thought he wasn’t their type, which Zack translated to; I’m not skinny or firm enough for them, he found himself ready to give up, grit his teeth through the last guy and go home with a take away. Well, that was until the the most beautiful man Zack had ever seen sat down across from him. He read the name tag quickly; Frank.
Frank smiled had died between the first and the second guy, they were all wrong in some way, talking too much, or just giving one word answers. Most of them thought he was too short for them; well that’s what he came to believe when they gave him a face after revealing his age. When he got to the last guy, he was on his third drink feeling deflated but offered a soft smile when he sat down in front the man, Zack.
He held his hand out once more, "Hi, I’m Frankie, it’s nice to meet you," he said softly as he bit his lip.
This guy was hot, not too tall and not smaller than Frank, weight wise. He didn’t mean Zack was a fat person but that he had a little weight on his stomach. He ran his eyes over the man’s face.
“Hello, I’m Zack. Nice to meet you too,” Zack replied easily and with a genuine smile.
"So, I’m a vegetarian and apparently most people seem to hate here, however I do smoke and drink. What about you, Zack?" He smiled settling back into the chair.
“I drink and dabble with a cigarette occasionally mostly when I’m stressed or worried over something. Unfortunately I love my meat too much to turn to the leafy side but maybe with a little persuasion, you might see me eat a Vegetarian meal but not that tofu shit,” He answered with a grin, enjoying Frank’s company.
Frank smiled and scrunched up his face, "I hate tofu, it’s just vile," he smiled before shaking his head. "I can cook meat, I mean it’s not like I’m against people eating it, I just don’t want to eat it really," he smiled before looking at the other.
"I love the lip rings, I’m really into piercings and tattoos, and I have a few myself. I even had my nipples done, I didn’t want to at the time but it was a dare and I couldn’t back out of it. Once I got them, I absolutely loved them," he smiled.
"What’s the most stupid thing you’ve done with friends?" he asked smiling.
Zack hummed as he thought about it, “I think it would have to be the time the guys and I took a trip to the islands and got a boat. We went skinny dipping and not only were we caught by the coast guards but my ass got stung by a poisonous jellyfish, my ass swelled to the size of a balloon,” He laughed reliving it.
Frank couldn't stop the giggle that escaped his lips, shaking his head slowly, "oh god, that must have hurt, I mean your ass is better now right?" He asked, before he realised how bad that sounded making him blush.
"Sorry I mean, is it healed but I guess seeing as you seem to be sitting fine," he smiled as he sipped on his drink, "can I ask what age are you and what you do? I know boring questions but hey, why not go all clique," he smiled.
Zack agreed, “it’s fine, thank you for your concern,” he chuckled, “I’m 30. Not 31 until December and I own a music store inherited from my father, what about you?” He replied and returned the question with another smile.
He glanced at the ticking clock and realised they hadn’t really long left to talk before the session ended and they went their separate ways, he pulled out the free drink card he was given with his name on and slid it across the table to Frank hoping, he would accept it.
Frank smiled and picked up the card, "I'm 27 and I'm actually a party organiser.”
“Thanks. If I give you mine, does that mean we get two drinks?" He asked with a rather large smile and gave Zack his card across the table too, along with the card was another with his name and number, "my card." He added.
Zack chuckled, “I should hope so, all this dating has made me thirsty. And thanks, maybe I could hire you sometime for a private party,” He winked mischievously.
Frank smiled just as the bell went off, "it’s been amazing meeting you really, I haven't laughed with a date like this ever, and most are far to judging." He frowned.
Zack tucked the card with Frank’s details into his front pocket and stood up offering Frank his hand, “I need to use the bathroom then make a phone call, would you like to meet me at the bar for that free drink? That’s if you haven’t any place to be,” He asked tilting his head a little to the side and chewing on one of his lip rings.
Frank bit back a moan at that sight, "I have today completely free, and tomorrow too, the joys of being your own boss," he explained, smiling as he walked up to the bar.
“That’s good to know, I won’t be long. Find us a couple of seats, somewhere less noisy,” Zack told him softly before heading in the direction of the toilet.
As he walked and used the urinal, he couldn’t believe his luck. He had actually found someone who he could not only talk to but relax around and laugh with, Frank was a great man and Zack was really looking forward to getting to know him. He washed his hands, dried them and headed outside to call Johnny and thank him.
Jack rushed over to him, "So, boss man, any good ones? Come on," he smiled wanting to know if his boss was finally going to be happy.
Frank nodded, "yeah, and I'm about to have another and hopefully more drinks with him, he seems really nice, he didn't hate or seem annoyed that I didn't eat meat," he smiled.
“I’m happy for you, Frank,” He smiled and pulled him in for a hug, “look I got to put this place back to the way it was so it’s ready for the crowds later. Good luck, I hope it works out for you,” Jack added as he walked backwards before turning around and going back to work.
Knowing Jack it all in hand, he ordered another drink for himself and then one for Zack too, he handed over the free drink card Zack gave him and then took a seat, waiting for Zack to return, a soft smile never leaving his lips. He hoped this would be more than a quick drink and fuck that’s if they even had sex at all.
Zack ended the phone call with a laugh and waved at Frank through the window but apparently Frank couldn’t see him, he shoved the phone back into his pocket and headed back inside. He walked with a bit more speed when Frank spotted him and gave him a smile just before he sat down, when Frank smiled back, it lit up his face.
“Is this mine?” He asked spotting the second beer, picking it up before he even got an answer.
Frank nodded slowly and his smile got brighter, "yeah man, did you check in with your friend okay? I did, I had to shoo him off but I think I'm happy I did this, it makes it all worth the work when I meet someone who I get on with.”
Zack chuckled a little at Frank’s rambling which he was sure Frank was unaware he was doing it, “He’s happy I met someone and that I owe him a few beers,” he smirked before a frown marked his face, “You did this?”
Frank nodded again, it’s all he seemed to be doing, he smiled, "yeah, sorry I forgot to mention that bit, I organised tonight but no worries all of the profit from tonight goes towards researching HIV, aids and cancer.”
“I guess I’m okay with that, I’m a sucker for helping out and attending charity events, and I must say this is the best one so far,” Zack winked.
Frank gave another blinding smile and raised his beer, "Cheers. Here’s to meeting people who actually catch our attention," he smiled.
Zack raised his bottle and knocked it against Frank’s, “Cheers and here’s to hoping that their attention doesn’t wonder, at least not yet,” he added.
Frank grinned back at that, sighing as he drank a little of his beer, "well I can firmly say my attention is on you. You know, I didn’t think I would actually find someone who could make me laugh, but there you are," he smiled.
He smiled softly and looked around the bar, "shall we get a booth? I see one free" he asked with a smile letting his eyes wonder over Zack once more.
Zack followed his gaze to the empty booth and grabbed his beer following Frank, once they were sat in more comfortable, private seats away from the viewing eyes from the window, he sat closer to Frank and out of pure impulsive leaned forward and kissed his lips.
Frank blushed at that and kissed Zack back slowly. He used a free hand to cover Zack’s holding it in place as he kissed him back, he let go of his beer with other hand and slid his fingers into the slightly taller man’s hair.
"I... damn that was nice," he smiled softly before taking a breath, "your, well, I mean I don’t, God I hate this part coming up but which do you prefer, giver or taker?" He asked softly, the blush so bright on his face, Frank, was sure that the whole bar could see
.
Zack turned his face so Frank’s hand slid from his hair to his cheek then placed a kiss to his palm, “you’re cute when you blush,” he chuckled before he answered him seriously, “I’m a top, if that’s what you’re trying to ask.”
"Yes, yes that’s what I mean," Frank smiled softly and then let out a little happy sigh.
"That’s good because I’m not very good at topping, I tried it once and," Frank shook his head, "it sucked and not in the good way," he finished.
Zack smiled behind his bottle, “I top but I don’t mind bottoming once in a while and I’d like to change your opinion on it. A top is only as good as his bottom, sort of speak,” He shrugged with a wink.
Zack couldn’t stop looking at Frank or his tattoos, especially the ones more visible on his arms. Frank’s pale skin made the tattoos stand out and look even brighter and he could imagine running his fingers over the outlines through blurry eyes of sleep every morning.
Frank moved back and drank more of his beer then looked at his watch, "okay, I like you and I’m guessing you like me too, so I’m going to be bold,” he took a breath and finished, “my apartment is 10 minutes away, if your place is closer, how about we go back to it and get to know each other better?"
"And I don’t want to just fuck, I like you from what I know and I would like to know more," he added for clarification.
When Zack called his friend outside, he had hoped that he was bringing Frank back to his place and told his friend he wouldn’t be able to open the shop tomorrow so he’d have to open and run the shop all morning.
“As much as I like you Frank, I would actually like to know a little more about you before we have sex and even if we don’t reach that step I would really like it if you slept over. That is, after we talk some more,” he replied.
He finished his beer and slid out the booth holding out his hand for Frank to take, “my place is closer. I live just off the sea coast around the corner.”
Frank smiled at that and nodded slowly taking Zack’s hand, "sounds good to me Zack, very good," He leaned in to kiss him once more, "we can cash in that other free drink another night," he added getting his coat.
Zack waited by the door, when he left home earlier the sun was out and he didn’t feel the need to carry or wear extra baggage when he was just going to be sitting in the bar for most of the evening, a waste of effort in his book. Plus, he wanted to show off his colourful arms hoping it added that extra appeal to the men he was to meet.
He lent against the door and watched the people, mostly couples walk passed laughing with their partner and sharing those secret touches. He turned towards Frank’s voice when he heard him saying goodbye to the bartender, he smiled when he reached the door and offered out his hand again.
“Ready?” Zack grinned.
"Very, " he smiled and clasped Zack’s open palm, his other hand going to Zack’s arm running over his tattoos, "so, how long have you been running the music shop for?" He asked with another smile.
He liked talking with Zack, it felt like just another friend to him.
Author:
littlepluto & aella_freyaPairing: Zack Baker/Frank Iero.
Rating: Overall R.
POV: 3rd.
Summary: A meeting of two beating hearts during a Valentine's speed date special.
Disclaimer: Product of our imagination and love of beautiful tattooed men.
Author Notes: An ongoing RolePlay turned into a story as a late Valentine's gift for you. **Public for 7 days only.
Beta:
littlepluto - Proof read about 4 times.Warnings: Swearing, boring & desperate men. Later, sex.
Zack sat at the bar sipping on his Jack and coke waiting for everything to be organised, he didn't know why he was here but a friend had shoved the newspaper under his nose and told him to just go, so he did.
He turned around on his stool and watched as staff placed tables around the floor area putting two chairs on either side for the lonely, desperate singletons who, in 15 minutes time, would occupy them and unfortunately yes, he was one of those singletons.
Frank had spent the last month and a half working on this one night, it was Valentines night. A whole day dedicated to happy little couples so that they could be all sweet on each other and give each other presents while being romantic. That however was not for Frank, unlucky in love, that’s what he was, what he thought he would always be. Tonight was going to be his one last try.
He had his friends step in for the night to run the singles meet and greet, and the short speed date session at their local bar. It always helped knowing the owners so they got it at a good price. He checked in the mirror once more to make sure his blonde and black hair was sitting right, and his little red eyeshadow was on even. He hurried out the house late but he had spent so long organising it, he was allowed to be a little late today.
Zack looked up when a member of bar staff picked up the microphone and announced to everyone that they should take a seat on one of the chairs available. He politely introduced himself as Jack to the group before going through of what was to happen.
Jack walked around the tables and gave everyone a tag on which they were to write their names on, he finally went onto say that if you were successful, which Zack doubted he would be, they had to exchange a card that entitled them to share a drink at the bar when the session ended.
After taking a seat closest to the raised platform and waited for someone to sit down across from him, he began to fiddle with his fingers and look around the room trying to spot anyone he might get along with and despite how nervous he was, he hoped that he had some luck because he sure did need it.
Frank was last in, giggling a little at Jack as he watched him skip around the tables coming to a stop in from of Frank.
"Dude I’m so, so sorry. It took longer than I thought to do my hair, but better late than never," he smiled winking at Jack as he filled the name tag out.
He nodded slowly looking about, really pleased with how the place had turned out and how many people had turned up. Frank got a drink and went to sit down, the person across from him was short, shorter than he was, and not what he would call attractive, but he just hoped this man was nice.
"Hi, I’m Frank, it’s nice to meet you... Dean," he smiled reading the tag on the others top which soon turned into an awkward conversation when the bell rang signalling the start of their two minutes.
Zack’s ear caught the sound of the bell and smiled at the guy across from him, the guy was gorgeous but to be brutally honest, they had nothing in common and all the man seemed to talk about was himself, Zack couldn’t get a word in edge ways. He let his eyes wonder discreetly among the tables while still nodding and interacting as much as he could with the man – Liam, the name on the tag said.
5 more guys later, who either presumed he was the submissive in a relationship or thought he wasn’t their type, which Zack translated to; I’m not skinny or firm enough for them, he found himself ready to give up, grit his teeth through the last guy and go home with a take away. Well, that was until the the most beautiful man Zack had ever seen sat down across from him. He read the name tag quickly; Frank.
Frank smiled had died between the first and the second guy, they were all wrong in some way, talking too much, or just giving one word answers. Most of them thought he was too short for them; well that’s what he came to believe when they gave him a face after revealing his age. When he got to the last guy, he was on his third drink feeling deflated but offered a soft smile when he sat down in front the man, Zack.
He held his hand out once more, "Hi, I’m Frankie, it’s nice to meet you," he said softly as he bit his lip.
This guy was hot, not too tall and not smaller than Frank, weight wise. He didn’t mean Zack was a fat person but that he had a little weight on his stomach. He ran his eyes over the man’s face.
“Hello, I’m Zack. Nice to meet you too,” Zack replied easily and with a genuine smile.
"So, I’m a vegetarian and apparently most people seem to hate here, however I do smoke and drink. What about you, Zack?" He smiled settling back into the chair.
“I drink and dabble with a cigarette occasionally mostly when I’m stressed or worried over something. Unfortunately I love my meat too much to turn to the leafy side but maybe with a little persuasion, you might see me eat a Vegetarian meal but not that tofu shit,” He answered with a grin, enjoying Frank’s company.
Frank smiled and scrunched up his face, "I hate tofu, it’s just vile," he smiled before shaking his head. "I can cook meat, I mean it’s not like I’m against people eating it, I just don’t want to eat it really," he smiled before looking at the other.
"I love the lip rings, I’m really into piercings and tattoos, and I have a few myself. I even had my nipples done, I didn’t want to at the time but it was a dare and I couldn’t back out of it. Once I got them, I absolutely loved them," he smiled.
"What’s the most stupid thing you’ve done with friends?" he asked smiling.
Zack hummed as he thought about it, “I think it would have to be the time the guys and I took a trip to the islands and got a boat. We went skinny dipping and not only were we caught by the coast guards but my ass got stung by a poisonous jellyfish, my ass swelled to the size of a balloon,” He laughed reliving it.
Frank couldn't stop the giggle that escaped his lips, shaking his head slowly, "oh god, that must have hurt, I mean your ass is better now right?" He asked, before he realised how bad that sounded making him blush.
"Sorry I mean, is it healed but I guess seeing as you seem to be sitting fine," he smiled as he sipped on his drink, "can I ask what age are you and what you do? I know boring questions but hey, why not go all clique," he smiled.
Zack agreed, “it’s fine, thank you for your concern,” he chuckled, “I’m 30. Not 31 until December and I own a music store inherited from my father, what about you?” He replied and returned the question with another smile.
He glanced at the ticking clock and realised they hadn’t really long left to talk before the session ended and they went their separate ways, he pulled out the free drink card he was given with his name on and slid it across the table to Frank hoping, he would accept it.
Frank smiled and picked up the card, "I'm 27 and I'm actually a party organiser.”
“Thanks. If I give you mine, does that mean we get two drinks?" He asked with a rather large smile and gave Zack his card across the table too, along with the card was another with his name and number, "my card." He added.
Zack chuckled, “I should hope so, all this dating has made me thirsty. And thanks, maybe I could hire you sometime for a private party,” He winked mischievously.
Frank smiled just as the bell went off, "it’s been amazing meeting you really, I haven't laughed with a date like this ever, and most are far to judging." He frowned.
Zack tucked the card with Frank’s details into his front pocket and stood up offering Frank his hand, “I need to use the bathroom then make a phone call, would you like to meet me at the bar for that free drink? That’s if you haven’t any place to be,” He asked tilting his head a little to the side and chewing on one of his lip rings.
Frank bit back a moan at that sight, "I have today completely free, and tomorrow too, the joys of being your own boss," he explained, smiling as he walked up to the bar.
“That’s good to know, I won’t be long. Find us a couple of seats, somewhere less noisy,” Zack told him softly before heading in the direction of the toilet.
As he walked and used the urinal, he couldn’t believe his luck. He had actually found someone who he could not only talk to but relax around and laugh with, Frank was a great man and Zack was really looking forward to getting to know him. He washed his hands, dried them and headed outside to call Johnny and thank him.
Jack rushed over to him, "So, boss man, any good ones? Come on," he smiled wanting to know if his boss was finally going to be happy.
Frank nodded, "yeah, and I'm about to have another and hopefully more drinks with him, he seems really nice, he didn't hate or seem annoyed that I didn't eat meat," he smiled.
“I’m happy for you, Frank,” He smiled and pulled him in for a hug, “look I got to put this place back to the way it was so it’s ready for the crowds later. Good luck, I hope it works out for you,” Jack added as he walked backwards before turning around and going back to work.
Knowing Jack it all in hand, he ordered another drink for himself and then one for Zack too, he handed over the free drink card Zack gave him and then took a seat, waiting for Zack to return, a soft smile never leaving his lips. He hoped this would be more than a quick drink and fuck that’s if they even had sex at all.
Zack ended the phone call with a laugh and waved at Frank through the window but apparently Frank couldn’t see him, he shoved the phone back into his pocket and headed back inside. He walked with a bit more speed when Frank spotted him and gave him a smile just before he sat down, when Frank smiled back, it lit up his face.
“Is this mine?” He asked spotting the second beer, picking it up before he even got an answer.
Frank nodded slowly and his smile got brighter, "yeah man, did you check in with your friend okay? I did, I had to shoo him off but I think I'm happy I did this, it makes it all worth the work when I meet someone who I get on with.”
Zack chuckled a little at Frank’s rambling which he was sure Frank was unaware he was doing it, “He’s happy I met someone and that I owe him a few beers,” he smirked before a frown marked his face, “You did this?”
Frank nodded again, it’s all he seemed to be doing, he smiled, "yeah, sorry I forgot to mention that bit, I organised tonight but no worries all of the profit from tonight goes towards researching HIV, aids and cancer.”
“I guess I’m okay with that, I’m a sucker for helping out and attending charity events, and I must say this is the best one so far,” Zack winked.
Frank gave another blinding smile and raised his beer, "Cheers. Here’s to meeting people who actually catch our attention," he smiled.
Zack raised his bottle and knocked it against Frank’s, “Cheers and here’s to hoping that their attention doesn’t wonder, at least not yet,” he added.
Frank grinned back at that, sighing as he drank a little of his beer, "well I can firmly say my attention is on you. You know, I didn’t think I would actually find someone who could make me laugh, but there you are," he smiled.
He smiled softly and looked around the bar, "shall we get a booth? I see one free" he asked with a smile letting his eyes wonder over Zack once more.
Zack followed his gaze to the empty booth and grabbed his beer following Frank, once they were sat in more comfortable, private seats away from the viewing eyes from the window, he sat closer to Frank and out of pure impulsive leaned forward and kissed his lips.
Frank blushed at that and kissed Zack back slowly. He used a free hand to cover Zack’s holding it in place as he kissed him back, he let go of his beer with other hand and slid his fingers into the slightly taller man’s hair.
"I... damn that was nice," he smiled softly before taking a breath, "your, well, I mean I don’t, God I hate this part coming up but which do you prefer, giver or taker?" He asked softly, the blush so bright on his face, Frank, was sure that the whole bar could see
.
Zack turned his face so Frank’s hand slid from his hair to his cheek then placed a kiss to his palm, “you’re cute when you blush,” he chuckled before he answered him seriously, “I’m a top, if that’s what you’re trying to ask.”
"Yes, yes that’s what I mean," Frank smiled softly and then let out a little happy sigh.
"That’s good because I’m not very good at topping, I tried it once and," Frank shook his head, "it sucked and not in the good way," he finished.
Zack smiled behind his bottle, “I top but I don’t mind bottoming once in a while and I’d like to change your opinion on it. A top is only as good as his bottom, sort of speak,” He shrugged with a wink.
Zack couldn’t stop looking at Frank or his tattoos, especially the ones more visible on his arms. Frank’s pale skin made the tattoos stand out and look even brighter and he could imagine running his fingers over the outlines through blurry eyes of sleep every morning.
Frank moved back and drank more of his beer then looked at his watch, "okay, I like you and I’m guessing you like me too, so I’m going to be bold,” he took a breath and finished, “my apartment is 10 minutes away, if your place is closer, how about we go back to it and get to know each other better?"
"And I don’t want to just fuck, I like you from what I know and I would like to know more," he added for clarification.
When Zack called his friend outside, he had hoped that he was bringing Frank back to his place and told his friend he wouldn’t be able to open the shop tomorrow so he’d have to open and run the shop all morning.
“As much as I like you Frank, I would actually like to know a little more about you before we have sex and even if we don’t reach that step I would really like it if you slept over. That is, after we talk some more,” he replied.
He finished his beer and slid out the booth holding out his hand for Frank to take, “my place is closer. I live just off the sea coast around the corner.”
Frank smiled at that and nodded slowly taking Zack’s hand, "sounds good to me Zack, very good," He leaned in to kiss him once more, "we can cash in that other free drink another night," he added getting his coat.
Zack waited by the door, when he left home earlier the sun was out and he didn’t feel the need to carry or wear extra baggage when he was just going to be sitting in the bar for most of the evening, a waste of effort in his book. Plus, he wanted to show off his colourful arms hoping it added that extra appeal to the men he was to meet.
He lent against the door and watched the people, mostly couples walk passed laughing with their partner and sharing those secret touches. He turned towards Frank’s voice when he heard him saying goodbye to the bartender, he smiled when he reached the door and offered out his hand again.
“Ready?” Zack grinned.
"Very, " he smiled and clasped Zack’s open palm, his other hand going to Zack’s arm running over his tattoos, "so, how long have you been running the music shop for?" He asked with another smile.
He liked talking with Zack, it felt like just another friend to him.