What Will Be (Chibs and Juice)

5

The restaurant was simple, nothing particularly fancy. It was modernly decorated and aesthetically fluid.
A man with a smile to rival Juan's greeted them as they entered. "Welcome to Promised Land. Take a seat where you're comfortable and I'll be right with you."
Juan had his hands shoved into his pockets and appeared stiff as Filip led them over to a table by the window.
"Excellent seat. Have you eaten here before?" The man asked as he handed them a menu. Both men shook their heads no.
"Awesome! You'll be delighted. My name is Mark, I'm actually the owner. We're vegetarian and vegan, all the vegetables are either grown on our farm or purchased locally. We do have seasonal menus because of that. So you'll have to come back to try the other menus as well." He chuckled. "The menu notates what is in the dishes, marking them vegetarian or vegan. Take your time, if you have any questions let me know. I'll bring out some water in the mean time."

Juan was smiling and trying not to laugh at Filip, who looked polite enough but very confused.

"So Fillip, whadya be having?"

"Boy, do not tease me. This menu is not even in English."

Juan lost it, he let out a giggle that warmed Fillips soul. It was the first genuine laugh he'd heard from the man in a long time.

"Here are your waters. Would you like any other drinks? Maybe a beer?"

"Aye! That'd be great lad."

"No thank you. Just a Coke please." Juan answered quietly with his bright smile.

"What part of Scotland you from?"

Fillip raised a brow. "No one ever pegs it on the first go. Glasgow, but I actually grew up in Belfast."

"My husbands family is from Elgin. Anyway, need another minute or ready to order?"

Juan laughed again. "Why do ye keep snickering at me ye daft lad?"

"He has no idea what anything is. He's a pretty hardcore meat eater."
Marks eyes perked up at that. "Well that's very nice of him to bring you here. Not many macho guys'll do that, ya know.  I'll fix ya up something you'll love or it's free. Are you vegan or vegetarian?" His last question was directed to Juan.
"Vegetarian. Thank you."
Mark nodded, winked at Juan with a smile and walked away.
"What was tha? He winked at ye? Does his husband know he goes around winking at daft lads who pick on their dates?"

Juan choked on his water for a second before giggling again. "He was being nice Chibby. Are you jealous? Hmmm?"

"Frankly, a little." He dramatically huffed playing along.

"Also we are not on a date. So picking on you is fair game."

Chibs puffed air as if he were offended. Then he smiled at Juan Carlos, crossing his arms over his chest. "He seems to think we are."

Juan's face reddened and he looked away. Mark returned with their drinks and nodded at them.

"Ah, what is it lad? Don't close up on me. I was only teasin ye."

"I know. Just. It doesn't bother you that someone thinks we're together? I mean... I don't know what I mean." He sighed.

"Naw. I'd rather it be ye than Bobby or Tig!"
That got them both laughing.
Mark brought out two plates of food and sat them down.
"Let me know what you think."  He smiled proudly and went to the back.

"I'm just gonna try it. Don't worry bout explaining it to me. Eat up Juan Carlos."

After a mostly silent meal Fillip laid his napkin down and smiled.
"Tha was amazing! Now what the hell was it?"

"It hurts Chibby, stop making me laugh so much."

"Room for dessert? Looks like your meat eater enjoyed it."

Fillips eyes went wide at Juan's flushed face and he smiled. "Yep yer meat eater loved it. But wha was it?"
"Veggie rigatoni. Glad you enjoyed it. Cake?"

Fillip looked at Juan, who shook his head no. "No thank you. We're both stuffed!" Fillip answered for them. He paid the tab and the walked to the car.
"Well that was a good pick yeah?"

"Yes Fillip you did good. Thank you."

Once they were back at the house anxiety started creeping in again. He didn't know what he was going to do being here with Chibs for days. He did know his facade was cracking and he was certain the other man knew.