These Strange Parallels

In regards to Friday night.

That was a great night together. I must thank you. You were talking about bar hopping around 7:30. I was a long way out from that. My back was wrecked. Nothing was helping. That is, until I got some booze in my system. You had a headstart, but I’m a fast drinker. I was dead at the Safari, but we all made due. I could really dance much early on and you weren’t dancing later on. I think that means I lucked out.

A few awkward moments last night. That old man dancing on all the ladies. Refusing to by Jamie a drink. The other old guy staring for an uncomfortable amount of time. Jamie’s brother constantly making compliments about you. I couldn’t tell how serious he was being. It was more amusing than unnerving. He can watch his own words. I have no business with that. If you wanted to interject caution, you would have. I don’t know if you heard any of his words. You have strength. I caught a glimpse last night. I’m not talking about the arm wrestling, either.

The drinks flowed. I became quickly content in your presence. I was afraid at one point. As my hand came to rest on your thigh. I might have been encroaching into improper territory. You made no objections. I was allow this sensual contact. You hugged me in the cold air outside the bar. We got the lights turned off on us at Sabor. But I managed to down both our drinks before leaving. I took you to your sister’s house. The magic continued…

We lounged on the couch and talked about whatever was worth talking about. We were hushed by your sister’s roommate, though I doubt we were very loud. The TV flashed colored light across the room. You were a tangled body in my arms. I was like last Friday but with a twist. At some point we kissed. Your gentle lips pressed against mine with muted passion. I could not have thought of a sweeter way to conclude the night. There was a peacefulness permeating through the livingroom. I could imagine it dancing through the hallways and out the front door. Did it, just for that night, become infectious to the nearby city block? And if we were lucky, out into the beyond.

Look at me, I’m blathering. I would blame you, but I think you would happily accept that sentencing. If roles reversed, I gladly would too. Let us remember to take our time. Nurture this young romance. Nay. Why even use such terms? We’ve found comfort in each other’s company. We take our and time and discover everything there is. What turns the cogwheels? Who are you? What do you want me to be for you? With you.

This is what the internet is for…

neil-gaiman:

Do not hesitate. Go to this link.

Then gaze at the book titles, and marvel.

(I don’t actually think I need to read any of them. It just makes me happy knowing they exist.)

Edited to add, someone has done an illustration for HOW TO AVOID HUGE SHIPS.

Edited even later to add, and yes, I have three of these books.

Ancient Thoughts from the Future.

We could sit somewhere outside some quasi-hipster coffee joint, catching up on lost time. I would make you smile and laugh. Not because I was being funny, but because I had grown accustomed to hearing and seeing you that way. We’d spend forty-five minutes to an hour, simply talking about the roads we traveled. It would be relaxed and familiar.

Then I’ll ask you if it was all worth it. But I’d make sure to phrase it as, “Are you happy, right now?”. You, looking down into your drink with a half smile, will say something honest. You always knew the right time for honesty. I’ll respond with mock sincerity because I’d gotten really good at it. A moment of silence comes next. My mind is clamoring for the truth, but the truth can be too unfair or hurtful. I’ll try to muffle my thoughts with a swill of piping, hot coffee that I never cared for.

Somewhere in the multiverse are two people like us, having the same conversation without reservations about what the other person will respond with. I could applaud their candor. But, I think it’s easier this way. No need to muck things up this late in the game.

We look at the time, or maybe the other way around. We decide it is time to part ways. There is a short embrace. I hate how familiar you feel in my arms. It reminds me of regret.

One of us says we should do this again and soon. Such a polite thing to say. Very adult. You make me feel like a child again, and puberty was hell enough the first time.