There's A First Time For Everything

Just Great

Curt whizzed by the trees and bushes. You could almost see the vapor trail behind him as he ran. He was on a roll, and it felt so good to be stretching his legs again. TFF was nearing the end of their tour, just a couple of shows to go. Finding time to run while touring wasn't easy, and he was determined to make this one count. He was lost in his flight; his mind and body both soaring, his thoughts flying by like specks of dust and leaves in the wind. 

Just a couple miles to go. 

                     Maybe I'll hit the patio after this. 

I'd better shower first. 

                    I'll bring Charlton along...

...And Ro, if he's up to it.

Curt slowed down to rest for a moment. He thought of Roland and felt a warmth in his chest. He thought of him smiling and laughing at him when he returned to the hotel all red and sweaty, poking fun at his "little hairy legs and shorts." Curt couldn't help but grin to himself; he was actually looking forward to bickering back and forth with Roland. He'd had enough time away from his friend over the last few months that he found himself missing him, not that he'd ever admit it to him, and wanting to spend some time catching up. Being able to enjoy some time in between flights now was great. Today was great. He just felt great overall. Curt sighed contently and set off again to finish his run.

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After getting back to the hotel, he took a quick shower and fired a couple of texts to his mates. Everyone'd had the same idea, and a party was underway. He got dressed and headed off to the outdoor patio to meet the lot. When he arrived, it was getting dark. He looked around a bit until he spotted Charlton, Jamie, and Doug waving him over to their table, and headed over. 

"Good run?" Charlton asked.

"An exceptional four miles," Curt replied. "I feel good as new."

"Great!" Jamie chimed in. "Now let's undo it all with beer!" He passed Curt a bottle.

The four of them proceeded to drink, joke around, and talk about the tour. 

"So, Oregon's next, huh? Been a while."

"Should be good fun."

"Yep, then it's just one more to go afterward."

"Honestly, it'll be nice to get back home and relax a while. The jet lag's really hit me hard this time."

After a while, Curt began to wonder where his partner in crime was. He glanced around eagerly in search of Roland until he finally spotted him standing alone by the railing. He was on the phone, smiling and laughing away. Who would he be talking to at a time like this? Curt watched him for a while, until Roland looked over and noticed him. He said a few more words to whoever was on the other end, then shut his phone and headed over to the table. Curt couldn't help but notice the delighted expression on his face.

"Sorry, guys," Roland said, pulling up a chair and plopping onto it. "I didn't mean to be so long."

"Oh, suure" Doug teased. "We get it! Meet someone new, and suddenly, nobody else exists."

The guys chuckled, and Roland looked down, blushing. Curt stared at him, confused. Was there something he'd missed? He looked at the others who were grinning at Roland and sipping their beers. Only Charlton seemed to notice Curt's confusion and concern.

"So Roland, Curt just finished an impressive four mile run around the city." He nodded toward the bass player.

Roland eyed Curt up and down, smirking.