mazeofrelationships | Tim and Matt PSL

[Tim arrives exactly 5 minutes eary at the little out of the way restaurant he'd spent hours researching before he'd worked up the courage to ask Matt on this date. He thanks his Wayne Enterprises driver as he stands with the 'help' of his crutches and makes his way inside the door.

He checks his reflection and his hair. Matt has seen him in a suit plenty of times so tonight he's opted for something more casual. He wants to be seen as just Tim tonight, not a Wayne.

Okay, so he may be a little nervous. Deep breathes Tim. If you can face down Killer Croc, you can go on a completely normal date with a cute boy. Even the social media stalking is considered mostly normal these days and guess what? He's not related to the mob or a costumed villain so your taste is getting better.

Now you just have to not put your foot in your mouth and you'll be fine.]

[Matt has no idea what he's doing. He's had a huge crush on Tim almost since they met, and when he was asked on a date, he almost fell over in shock. It certainly wasn't anything he'd expected.

He's wearing a pair of khakis and a blue-striped polo shirt. Running a hand through his hair, he calms himself as he walks down the street. Parking sucked tonight, and he'd had to park about two blocks away.

If he knew about Tim's thoughts, he'd laugh at the thought of being related to someone villainous. He just has his spacefaring father, computer-inclined mother and a sister that can hack anything anywhere.

He walks up about a minute after their agreed time, already awkward from being slightly late, and looks around for Tim.]

[Matt will see Tim, his phone in one hand tapping away at something and leaning all his weight on the one crutch. Getting closer and it certainly looks work related but Tim will notice Matt and quickly slip it away in a jeans back pocket. He's just in black jeans and a red long sleeved button up shirt but it all still looks expensive.

Tim smiles at Matt's approach]

Hello, Hey, Hi. You came! [Smooth]

It's good to see you. You look good, really nice.

Of course I came! I wasn't going to stand you up. That's just rude, and, well, it's not every day that a cute guy actually thinks I'm worth spending time with.

[... great job, Holt. You've already put your foot in your mouth. He runs a hand through his hair, blushing furiously.]

Yeah. Something like that at least. Thanks for inviting me.

[Tim just smiles, he called him cute!]

I didn't mean to imply you would be rude. I may just be nervous myself.

[He indicates to the waiter who is ready to seat them]

Shall we go to our table?

[He doesn't really wait for an answer and just follows the waiter, and after they're both seated and Tim has slipped his crutches under the table he'll turn back to Matt]

I hope this location is okay? I haven't been in the city long so I wasn't sure what would be good for a first date but this place has good reviews and a large variety.

[It's not one of those places that are so fancy and rich that it doesn't list the prices. While it is definitely upscale, it's also cozy and fairly private and serves anything from burgers, steak and pasta. It's just a fancier version]

Probably just first date nerves for both of us.

[He blushes again, easily getting settled at the table, and moving just a bit to give Tim's crutches more room. It's subtle, but it's meant to be helpful. Smiling a bit, he nods.]

Yeah! I haven't been here, but I've heard good things. I do kinda like that it's quiet and small. Meal times are so noisy when I'm back at the Garrison that it's... really nice to have somewhere quieter.

Yes, I imagine a mess hall full of scientists and soldiers wouldn't exactly be classified as quiet or calm.

And I wanted to get to know you better, it's hard to do that if I can't hear you. How was the Garrison today? How is your latest project?

[Tim spreads his napkin across his lap and one hand fiddles with a fork but he has eyes only for Matt]

Yeah, no. Especially when the younger cadets are around. I was trying to eat some lunch between meetings last week, and I ended up in the middle of a food fight.

[Tim might remember Matt showing up with his hair wet, as if he'd just had a shower.]

Today wasn't bad, actually. A lot of the pilots are on simulation tests, so those of us who're comms or science track had some much-needed peace.

[He fusses with his napkin, more out of pure nerves than any actual worry.]

And as to what I'm working on... I'm trying to make a ground transportation unit that'll react to different gravity. It's slow-going, but I think I'm getting there.

[He'd like the wet hair, he may have stared a little and imagined scenarios where it could happen again]

And how much food did you contribute to the food fight?

[He totally doesn't believe that Matt wouldn't join in]

Pilots tend to be a little hot-headed, don't they? but I'm glad you were able to get a peaceful work day at the very least.

I suppose I should stop making us talk work though. What do you do outside of work?

Only a little. I am technically a junior instructor, so I have to be at least somewhat dignified.

[Only somewhat. He wouldn't be a Holt if he was completely dignified.

He snorts a laugh, however, grinning.]

Oh, man. The pilots are the worst. Egos the size of Jupiter, and it seems the worse of a pilot they are, the bigger the ego. Compensating, I think.

[Matt pauses, then shrugs, a bit awkwardly.]

Um. Stargaze sometimes. Read a lot. I'm... pretty much just a nerd who loves space. Now that I think about it, I probably need a hobby that isn't beating my sister at Mario Kart.

Now... what about you? How's your day been, what're you working on?

[He smiles, leaning forward a bit. He's obviously truly interested, not just trying to change the subject.]

And what do you do for fun? I'm pretty sure the rumors that you're secretly a racecar driver aren't true.

[Tim laughs and smiles at the right moments. Just happy to listen to Matt's excitement and enthusiasm.]

I'd love to stargaze with you sometime? and if you want a new hobby, we can always make it loosing to me at Mario Kart? [There's a little shit-stirring smirk.]

My day was busy but uninteresting. I'm still settling into this branch of Wayne Enterprises and some of the already established employees aren't fond of having a child boss as they would put it.

They take a little time to win over.

[Oh what do I do for fun? Does beating up criminals on a nightly basis count? Still, he laughs at the race car rumour]

I've not heard that rumour before and not entirely incorrect although it used to be a bike, not a car and I've had to put that on hold until my physical therapy gives me the okay.

I also enjoy photography although I barely get the time nowadays.

Absolutely! If you're interested, I could totally show you the Garrison's telescopes. We've got amazing scopes that let you see Saturn's rings, and the moon's craters. It's such an amazing sight.

[Matt makes a face, shaking his head.]

I've seen some of that. Not at Wayne, but some of the officers. Someone gets promoted, and the older people who didn't get really pissy. They'll get over it. Or they'll just... leave.

[A smirky smile crosses Matt's face.]

Oh, please let me know when you can do that again. I'd love to ride along with you if you'd let me.

Can't help with photography. I just have my cellphone.

I would love that, perhaps if tonight goes well? [He's implying a second date already. He better not be jinxing himself.]

I can understand the reluctance, some of them have put more years into this company than I've been alive and suddenly I'm the one in charge? It's not fair but I hope to show them that I want to work with them and that I am qualified for what I do.

[He makes a waving motion like he's trying to shoo that conversation topic away.] Enough work talk though,

I will definitely be happy to take you for a ride someday when my body can handle it. [There's that smile again, which then drops quickly and he coughs, as the full implications of that sentence seem to dawn on him.]

Um yes, I could show you my photos sometimes? [Oh wow no, as a follow up that might be worst. What if he takes that the wrong way.]

Absolutely! As long as you don't hate me by the end of the night, we should plan for it.

[Matt grins. He's always up for talking to someone about space. It really is his biggest passion.]

Both of those sound great. I don't really have much to show you other than the Garrison and stars. I mean, I probably could con one of the pilots to fly us to the moon base sometime, if you'd be interested. The museum up there's pretty darn nice.

[But he's getting a head of himself, and he blushes, the awkward returning in full force.]

Er, I mean, if you want. Don't feel like you have to or anything.

Matt, let me tell you something [He waits until he has eye contact before he continues]

I'm not going to hate you by the end of the night, and I have no problem if everything you share with me is about the stars or your tech.

I asked you out because I like those things about you. I could listen to you talk about your passions all day because you sound so happy doing it. It's cute.

Besides who would turn down a trip to the moon? That is like the most romantic thing you could offer.

[Matt looks at him, then blushes more than a bit.]

Oh. Um. I'm not really used to people actually liking my space ramblings. So... yeah. I'm glad you like it, though.

[He pauses, a long moment, trying to find words.]

You... think I'm cute?

[Tim just looks fond if anything]

I love your space ramblings and I think you're more than cute.

But perhaps I've said a little too much for the first date, we should probably order some food.

[It's almost like he's giving them an out of how heavy this conversation got before they even looked at the menu and he's probably studying the menu a little more intently than needed.]

[Matt startles a bit, but nods, turning his attention back to the menu.]

Oh, yeah food. Whoops. I tend to get ahead of myself sometimes.

[He scans the menu, trying to push back his first instinct to get the cheapest thing he can find.]

[Tim studies the menu before seeming to read Matt's mind]

Order anything you like, I asked you out on this date so it's all my shout. And as you know, I'm not exactly hard up for cash.

And if we order too much, we can always take it home for later. I'm not above asking for a doggie bag.

Oh... thanks.

[He blushes, then decides.]

It... has been a while since I've had a decent steak. Garrison food isn't known for its quality.

[He looks up and smiles at Tim for a moment.]

What do you like to eat in general? Anything in particular you're fond of?

No, according to your father it's known for it's frozen peas but I've got a theory that he might have actually just frozen his taste buds. [He's teasing but he's really hoping he's not stepping over the line and insulting Matt's father]

I have some slight dietary requirements so I tend to eat very healthy nowadays. A couple of years ago I think I lived on Zesti soda and junk food, god knows how I haven't had a heart attack.

[Tim will signal for a waiter again and they can both order. Tim himself does seem to be sticking to a salad and water]

Of course, now, I'm likely to give myself a heart attack through my consumption of coffee and energy drinks so I might not have improved that much.

Dad and his blasted peas. [Matt facepalms.] He's always saying that over-exposure to freeze-dried food makes you more used to it, and more apt to like it. Mom just says that he's got bad taste in food.

[Matt nods, looking a little sheepish.]

I should eat better. I tend to live on coffee and whatever the Garrison happens to be serving. Unless Mom's on one of her health food kicks and she makes us all come home for dinner.

[Matt orders, opting for a baked potato and broccoli for sides. Hey, he can be healthy if he wants. Afterwards, he shakes his head, a fond look on his face.]

Don't do that. I'd have to be really miffed with you if you ended up in the hospital.

What your father is describing is simply Stockholm Syndrome with his peas. Have you considered an intervention of sorts? [He's entirely joking]

Well as long as we're both in agreement that we need our coffee, I'm pretty sure we can fix the quality of your regular food intake?

[Oh oh, hopefully, this hospital thing isn't a deal breaker for Matt but he should at least warn him]

I'm afraid you might be miffed at me more often than you expect then. Not for the heart attack but well you might have read that my family tend to be of the adrenaline junkie variety and I'm no exception. I tend to bruise and break things more often than the average person and with the recent um...

[He vaguely indicates to his lower body, and Matt might recall that less than a year ago Tim was publically shot by an assassin known as Scarab while at a press conference and the bullet went through his spine causing the current although the temporary need for crutches]

incident. I may have also lost my spleen, so I need to be careful about getting sick as I'm much more likely to get worse very quickly. Hence the change in habits and diet.

[He tries to shrug it off like it's not a big deal]

Hey. I was joking. I'm not actually going to be mad at you if you get hurt. I'll be there for you. If you want me to, that is.

[Matt winces just a bit as Tim talks, but he nods, taking a breath.]

Hey, I'm an astronaut. You never know if I'm going to end up lost in space or something. Or kidnapped by aliens.

But... hey. If you tell me what I need to be looking for, I can try to help prod you if you're not paying attention to your health.

[He turns bright red, realizing that he, just like Tim earlier, was assuming a prolonged... something between them.]

I just felt it best to warn you if we're going forward that I'm not known for keeping myself in the best health and it's usually my own fault.

[And he doesn't look to change that behaviour, it's a like it or lump it part of him]

and if you get kidnapped by aliens I would simply come and beat them up to get you back, same if you get lost although I might be chewing you up for getting lost instead of any alien race.

[He smiles like he's joking or perhaps like he's got a secret? Tim could definitely go to space to save Matt]

We'll keep an eye on each other. [He likes the presumptions. They fit the ones in his head.]

[First Date]

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