Like it or Not

Sometimes

Stiles was generous enough to keep the conversation light and mostly about baseball for the duration of the hour and the ride to dinner. Derek found himself enjoying their 'date' more and more. He liked that Stiles put so much effort into it. Doing fun things instead of making the event overly fancy. Derek enjoyed fancy things, obviously, but he often found that fun and fancy didn't go hand in hand very often.

"I don't know what kind of places you typically go for dinner, but I thought this would be good," Stiles parked his Jeep along the side of the street where a small alley was tucked between buildings. He gestured to a sign that read 'Trappe Door'.

"I've never heard of it."

"It's a little Belgian restaurant. Not terribly fancy, but the food is amazing." Stiles bit down on his bottom lip as he waited for Derek's reaction.

"Belgian huh? I don't know that I've ever had Belgian food. French and Italian, I'm very familiar with."

"Well, here's hoping," Stiles pushed open the door of his jeep. He was one for one on this date so far, if he screwed this up, he would have completely failed to show Derek a good time.

Derek followed Stiles down the alley where a small Japanese restaurant sat next to a Meadery.

"Down here," Stiles gestured to a narrow brick staircase that led underneath a Coffee shop that was already closed for the day.

When Derek stepped inside, he wasn't sure what he expected but the smell of food hit him first. It smelled wonderful though he couldn't pinpoint a single scent. The interior was larger than one would think looking at the outside, but it was by no means a large room. There were eight booths that lined the left side of the room. Five tables were scattered along the right side with a full bar at the back.

"Welcome to Trappe Door, have a seat anywhere you'd like, and we'll be right with you," The bartender, a middle-aged man in a newsboy cap, called across the room.

Derek followed Stiles to a booth tucked in the back corner. The restaurant was fairly empty with only a few people at the bar.

"This is quaint," Derek glanced up at the exposed beams. The walls were decorated in Olive green paint with gold filigree. The Belgium flag was strung up above their heads.

"I can't tell if you're mocking or not," Stiles narrowed his eyes.

"No, not at all," Derek shook his head, eyes landing on Stiles. "I like it."

Stiles relaxed into his seat, seemingly content with Derek's response.

"Welcome to Trappe Door, here are your menu's what can I get to drink for you gentlemen?" A tall woman with cropped blonde hair set two menus on the table.

"Uh, what's your most popular drink?" Derek glanced between Stiles and the waitress.

"Well, our tap beers are a favorite but if you're looking for something a little stronger our Trappe Door Moscow Mule is a highlight."

"What's different about it?" Stiles piped in.

"Well, it's made with Titos Vodka, our House made Ginger Beer, lime juice, our House made Lavender Bitters and Mint."

"Sounds great, I'll do that," Derek grinned.

"Make that two," Stiles agreed.

When the waitress left, Stiles leaned across the table, "I've tried a bunch of stuff on the menu, but I'd recommend either the Carbonades Flamandes, Beer battered Cod and Frites, or the Braised short ribs."

"What are you going to get?" Derek asked. The menu wasn't large but he wasn't sure where to start.

"Braised short ribs probably."