Big Apple Besties

we love a slow burn

Teddy almost skipped his way down the sidewalks of Central Park, keeping his eyes peeled for the burly blue-eyed man he had been texting every night. Finally, he spotted Jake, who was laying down on a checkered blanket with a wooden basket nestled next to him. His eyes met Teddy's, and he flashed a wide smile and got up quickly. When they met, Jake pulled Teddy into a hug. Teddy was surprised, but hugged him back awkwardly. I love this guy, Teddy thought to himself as they sat down on the blanket.

"This is so nice." Teddy noted and Jake proudly smiled.

"Smell my neck." Jake said and Teddy widened his eyes. "Just trust me."

Teddy gulped and slowly leaned in to smell Jake's neck. He slowly smiled, and said, "Gucci Bloom."

Jake nodded proudly, then started unpacking the basket. He unloaded baguette sandwiches, little jam cookies, lemonade, and a small bouquet of flowers. He slowly held the bouquet in his hands, then held it out to Teddy. "For you."

Teddy blushed slightly, then put the bouquet in his lap. They were yellow chrysanthemums, his favorite color. He slowly reached for one of the sandwiches and unwrapped the plastic wrapping. He took a bite and crumbs fell into his lap, which embarrassed him. Jake had also unwrapped his sandwich, and purposely took a messy bite, launching more crumbs into his lap. They smiled at each other, and continued eating.

"You've been to the Oscars before, right?" Jake asked Teddy. He quickly corrected himself, "sorry, I know... you won best screenplay for Lady Bird a couple years ago with Roxy Wright?"

Teddy nodded, and Jake continued slowly, "She's pretty cool, huh?"

Teddy didn't say anything and the two made close eye contact. Jack then ran his fingers through his hair and asked, "You're gay, right?"

Teddy leaned in and asked softly, "Hell yea I'm gay are you gay"

Jake let out a breath of relief, "Ok, good. Same here."

The pair continued talking and laughing in between bites of their picnic, bonding as friends and perhaps... just maybe, something more.

~

Elle breathed heavily in the seat next to Rob at the busting restaurant. She really wanted to impress his parents, and was going through Teddy's advice in her head. The little fork is for the salad, the medium is for the steak... wait no, it's for the chicken. Wait, no that doesn't make sense. Is it for the pasta? No, Teddy didn't mention pasta.

Finally, an old, nicely dressed couple walked through the door and Rob waved at them. The lady had curly blonde hair and the man was bald but had a grey mustache. Rob rose to hug them and Elle shook both of their hands and introduced herself.

"Oh Elle! Aren't you just darling!" Mrs. Pattinson exclaimed to Elle.

"Thank you so much, you also look beautiful." Elle responded, hoping that came out right. The waitress came and took orders from the four of them.

"You know Elle, What's Eating Gilbert Grape is one of my all-time favorite movies." Mr. Pattinson said as he took a sip of his water.

"Thank you very much, it's one of my favorites that I've acted in." Elle responded and her and Rob exchanged a smile.

The rest of the dinner went amazing, and Elle could really feel that Rob's parents liked her. It almost felt like they were ready to take their relationship to THAT next level

~

"Ok. I guess this is it." Roxy nervously paced the apartment while Teddy and Elle tried offering words of encouragement. Jamie had just texted her that he was on the street waiting for her. Their plan was to take a road trip through upstate New York and sightsee. Jamie had also told her that a few other friends were joining them. So, she decided to bring along Teddy and Elle, for moral support.