The song that changed my heart

Is This A Date?

Rody groaned as he began to wake to the morning sun peeking in from the blinds. He rubbed his eyes. His eyes cracked open to the messy apartment. He closed them once again to take a large stretch. Cracking his neck before sitting up. He looked at the busted clock on his table. 7:30 A.M It read. Rody groaned before flopping back down on his couch. He thankfully didn't have work today, but he didn't want to get up this morning. His motivation was once again at an all time low. His date with Manon wasn't until tomorrow. Leaving him with a free day. A free day he didn't know how to waste. Eventually Rody rolled himself out of bed. Well roll off the couch and collide on the carpeted floor. Rody groaned once again as he sat up. Before eventually standing up. He probably needed to do something today. He needed to seem convincing enough that Manon would believe he actually had taken care of himself. That he hadn't spent the month after their break up just working, and returning home to wallow in misery barely eating anything. He walked into the busted up bathroom. He opened the mirror revealing his tooth brush, toothpaste, floss, and hairbrush. Which tumbled out. Rody quickly grabbed it alongside his tooth brush, and tooth paste and placed those on the edge of the sink. He closed the mirror. Giving him a good look at his rat's nest of hair. He grabbed the brush and began to brush his hair. Only for it immediately to get caught in a knot. He grunted as he attempted to get his brush through. After what felt like a painful five minutes before it went through. He sighed before remembering he had more hair. He groaned before going through the painful process of brushing it again. Getting caught in knots. After another fifteen minutes of wrangling his hair he gave up and decided to move on and brush his teeth. It actually felt quite refreshing. He considered taking a shower, but decided to do it in the evening. He may have woken up a bit more, but he wasn't sure he wanted to be hit with lukewarm water at best in the morning. Not to mention the tub flooding, which the leaky sink had already done. Rody just left it. Walking out into the rest of the apartment. Pulling out a clean long sleeved shirt, and a pair of jeans. He changed into them throwing his dirty clothes halfway across the room by the television. Now he needed to do something else. Maybe go outside. Dolly brought up if someone could make a new song by the time they were scheduled to perform they could sing it as the tenth. Rody shrugged, but currently was at a loss. His eyes landed on the guitar he had placed back on the stands. Then a tune started playing in his head. The same tune he had played nearly a week ago. He could make something of it. Though he would need more than just a few notes to make something long enough for a song. He grabbed the guitar, placed it in its case. Before throwing on a black jacket, and his worn out shoes. Grabbed the case. He considered grabbing his bike, but recalled a park within walking distance. He shrugged looking at his bike before grabbing his keys and leaving the apartment. Locking the door behind him as he made his way down the stairs and towards the park.

The walk over was actually a lot longer than he expected. Then again it had been over a month since he even went to it. The place gave off a peaceful vibe. One his life had lacked. With the small exception when he saw Vincent. Rody groaned as he walked on the cracked sidewalk. Leaves were starting to fall from the trees, but there was still plenty to go. Rody continued walking further. Eventually coming across a wooden bench not too far from a small stream that eventually flowed into a lake. Rody took a seat on one side. Pulling out his guitar and placing the case next to him on the ground. As he pulled it onto his lap. He took a deep breath. Let nature breathe its calm life to him. He closed his eyes. Enjoying the peacefulness of it all. Letting his fingers guide over the strings. Letting the sounds of birds chirping, people walking, passing cars blend into background noise. As notes began to play out from his guitar. Filling his mind as he did his best to recall the pattern that emerged from them. Playing what felt natural to continue. He heard some footsteps pass by him every now and again. Little snippets of joy slipped from them as they passed. Just bringing a bit more peace to him. Eventually a pair of footsteps came by. Ending with the person sitting next to him. Rody didn't mind as long as they didn't interrupt. The metallic click of a lighter alongside the familiar smell of cigarettes began to fill the air. Rody was surprised that he didn't mind the smell. Perhaps he was so used to Vincent smoking in the kitchen that he had grown accustomed to it. Rody opened his eyes, continuing to look ahead. Strumming out a few final notes. He looked over to his left. "I didn't know you played guitar. That was great." Vincent said before putting his cigarette back in his mouth. Rody flushed before reaching to put his hand behind his neck. "Thanks. I've been playing for several years." Rody replied. "What are you doing here?" Vincent looked away back out at the lake. "When I was younger my mother used to take me to the park during the spring to feed the ducks." Vincent replied. Rody felt the statement was false, but then again he had no real way to prove it. Rody just shrugged. "I used to take Manon here for some of our dates. Though I also find it really relaxing by myself." Rody replied as Vincent let out another huff of smoke. The two sat in an awkward silence. Unsure of what to say on how to fill it. Though the sounds of the park did a good job of just that. Rody felt he still had to have the conversation going. "What song were you playing?" Vincent asked. Rody shrugged. "Dunno. I was just playing notes. I'm part of a band. I've been trying to come up with ideas for other songs." Rody explained, Vincent turned to look at him. "I didn't know you were in a band." Vincent said quietly, though Rody could've sworn he was a bit surprised. "Yeah. It's called Dolly and the Gang. In case it's not obvious Dolly, Richard's girlfriend, is our main singer, and leader of the band. We all pitch in with song lyrics, though it's mostly me, Mathew, and Dolly writing them." Vincent nodded. "How'd you even meet Dolly?" Vincent asked, Rody chuckled. "Through Richard. Overheard her talking about wanting a guitarist, and I offered." "Any major concerts?" Rody took a moment to register the situation. It felt like the roles had reversed with Vincent asking questions, and him answering them. The only difference was both parties seemed genuinely interested in it. "No, sadly. Though we've only been official for about three months. Mostly performing concerts at some bars, and clubs. Though this time we manged to get the attention of a small concert hall. So maybe we'll get some more traction." Rody explained as Vincent nodded. "You'll have to tell me when you're next concert is." Vincent said. Rody's head shot up. "Why?" Vincent looked back at him confused. "So I can go to it?" Vincent replied. Rody could feel his cheeks warm up. "Wait, are you serious!?" Rody exclaimed. "Yes?" He replied. Rody had to hold back leaping across the bench just to hug him. Vincent looked at him weird. Rody quickly turned and looked away. Still looking a little red. Why was he embarrassed just by being endeared by Vincent? He quickly changed the subject. "So how did you meet Richard?" Rody asked. Vincent's face changed back to its neutral self. "Why are you asking that?" Vincent asked. Now Rody wasn't sure if he was avoiding the question, or not. "Well I know Richard went to school for hospitality, and I have small doubts that you were enrolled into hospitality. So how did you meet Richard?" Vincent returned the cigarette to his mouth before taking a huff of smoke. "I actually was enrolled in hospitality. Though it was my minor. Me and Richard were in the same class. Though I didn't talk to him as much. It wasn't until I joined the orchestra did I actually get to know him and form an acquaintanceship with it. Shortly after he hired me as a manager for the restaurant so he could have his days off with Dolly while keeping the place open all week." Vincent explained. That made more sense Rody supposed. The conversation then died for a bit. Leaving the two men alone on a park bench. Surrounded by the peaceful nature muffling the hustle, and bustle of the town around them. Left alone Rody continued to play his guitar. Playing a few different songs. Receiving some looks of recognition from Vincent. Rody would just shoot back a smile and continue playing. Scotting closer to Vincent. The black haired male just scoffed, but Rody could've sworn he saw a smile just waiting to poke out. It feels like you are serenading him. A small little voice in the back of Rody's head said. Rody had to do his best to seem like it wasn't there. He couldn't be serenading him when he was just playing the guitar and jokingly looking at him to see if he would know the song. That wasn't serenading was it? At least not romantic serenading. There was no window for him to play under, and Vincent wasn't a woman. Deep down though he knew he was denying it, and even deeper down he knew denying it wasn't going to stop it. By the end of the final song Rody was leaning against Rody's shoulder. Vincent looked at him like he was about to say something, but seemed to restrain. Rody let out a small chuckle before leaning off of him. "Impressed?" Rody asked as Vincent rolled his eyes before giving him a small few claps. "Bravo Rody. Very impressive." Sarcasm laced his voice as Rody grabbed his case. His stomach growled violently. Clearly loud enough for Vincent to hear. "You didn't eat this morning did you?" Vincent asked. Rody nodded sheepishly. "There's a cafe nearby if you want to go over there with me." Vincent said as he pointed back the way they came. Rody shrugged as he closed the case. "Sure why not." Rody said as he felt in his jacket pocket. He hadn't had enough money to afford a wallet, but he always managed to find random money in anything if he didn't immediately stash it in the tin. He stood up and the two men began to walk. Vincent was slightly ahead though they were just barely shoulder to shoulder. Rody wanted to think it was to make room for people on the other side. Crossing the street and arriving back on the sidewalk the two men passed a mother and her children. It was then Rody noticed how wide the sidewalks were. Vincent could very much keep his distance if he wanted. He seemed like he was the type to do that. Yet he remained shoulder to shoulder with Rody. He wasn't going to complain though. He actually quite liked it. Even if he got butterflies in his stomach every time his hand accidentally brushed against Vincent's. Eventually making it to another corner where a cafe stood. The two walked inside. The smell of brewed coffee and fresh baked goods filled his nose. Making his mouth salivate. The line thankfully wasn't long, and the two found a quick place in line. Rody's gaze immediately graced the menu. Looking over every dish, and drink they had to offer. Then an image caught his eye. A scone with a white glaze over it surrounded by lemons. His eyes looked over at the scones section until his eyes eventually landed on it. Lemon scone. Rody shrugged. He should try it. "Do you know what you want?" Vincent asked, looking up at him. Rody nodded before the guest in front of them moved away leaving them next. The cashier looked at Vincent, before looking at Rody, and then back at Vincent. "Hi, what can it get you?" She said, Rody couldn't help but notice flirtation in her voice. "A black coffee." Vincent replied coldly. "Anything else handsome?" The cashier asked. Rody began to feel a small hint of anger. Though he quickly shrugged it off. Why should he be jealous if some cashier is flirting with Vincent. He had a date with Manon the next day. Then he felt a nudge to his elbow. Rody quickly snapped out of his thoughts. "I'll have ginger peach tea, and a lemon scone please." Rody blurted out. The cashier seemed annoyed by it. She wrote something down on a paper before turning back to Vincent. "Anything else?" She asked. "No." Vincent replied. "Your total is four thirty two." She replied. Rody reached into his pocket, but before he could pull anything out Vincent handed her five euros. Rody raised a brow. "Have that out as quick as I can. Can I get a name?" She asked. "Vincent." She giggled. "Well Vincent, here's your extra change." She said as she handed him a paper, and coins. Rody had to force himself not to move. She did not just give Vincent her number. Did she? Vincent seemed almost unbothered by it. Even a little annoyed. The two walked over to a bench that had been set up in front of a coffee table and sat there. "You didn't have to pay for me." Rody said as they sat down. "And I didn't have to take her number, but she probably wouldn't shut up about it, so I guess we are even." Vincent replied back entirely unfazed. Rody blinked twice. "You didn't want her number?" Rody asked. He looked back at the cashier, sure she seemed a little annoying, but she was pretty. Rody was sure she caught the attention of other customers. "I told you I don't waste my time with petty romances." Vincent replied, having the paper shoved into his pocket. Rody gave a small smile. As much as he wanted it to be grateful. To him it just felt sad. "Are you alright? You seemed a little tense." Vincent asked. Rody nodded his head quickly. "Yeah, just hungry that's all." Rody lied. To be honest he didn't even know why he would be sad. He had a date with Manon tomorrow. Manon is supposed to be the girl of his dreams. "I'm surprised you didn't order something more filling like a sandwich." Vincent said. Rody remained silent. "I figured I'd be paying for it." Part of that was true. Though Rody wouldn't admit that the lemons caught his attention. They reminded him of Vincent. "I'm surprised you didn't order anything to eat." Rody said as Vincent sighed. "Rody you know why. Besides, I have plenty of food at home." Vincent replied. Rody shrugged. Vincent did have a point. Maybe Rody had to go grocery shopping. Then again he would probably burn anything he tried to make. "Vincent." Another person shouted. Both men got up and grabbed their items. Though their place on the bench had been taken. Rody eyed a nearby table set for two against the window. The sun pierced through the glass. Giving a reflection into the room. Rody took a quick bite out of his scone. The lemon hitting his tongue. The bread was fluffy and crumbly. Giving a contrast to the glave against it. Rody smiled as he swallowed it before taking a sip of his tea. The ginger and peach remind him of when he stayed with his grandmother for a week. Another smile appeared on his face as he looked up at Vincent. Who quickly turned to face out the window. Rody tilted his head. Had Vincent been looking at him. The two finished their drinks, and meal in relative silence. The comfort of each other and the noise from surrounding the coffee shop. Though neither of them could fully ignore the cashiers eyes staring at them. "Do you want to leave now?" Vincent asked. His mug was half drunk. "Don't you want to finish your drink?" Rody asked. Vincent shrugged. "There isn't anything to add now that it's room temperature." Vincent said. Rody nodded. "Yeah. I'm ready to leave." Rody said as he took the final sip of his tea before the two left the coffee shop. "So how did you get over here?" Rody asked, sort of stupidly. "I drove here?" Vincent said as the two began walking back towards the park. "Yeah I should've figured that." Rody said as he scratched the back of his neck. Vincent shrugged as they continued to walk towards the park. Vincent started to have tense up. Rody noticed it, but didn't say anything. Until they got to the car. "Well I guess we part here." Rody said as he gave a wave. Vincent remained silent, staring "Are you..." "Do you want to head back to my place?"