Blind Date

[drkenison]

She wasn't expecting a message to be waiting for her when she got home. Judith had told her she had a call asking if she would like to go out to lunch the next day with a friend's friend. It sounded like a date and she and Judith giggled over a late meal while wondering what the morning would bring. She almost said no, but Judith prodded at her. Gloria hadn't been on a date since they stopped dating almost a year ago.

This was definitely a set up and when the morning came she and Judith spent the morning like teenage girls in the small university sponsored apartment they shared. Eventually, Judith convinced Gloria to wear one of Judith's flashier dresses. It was a date after all where she was going to be picked up in a limo. That was exciting.

They sat together later in the day, sipping coffee while they waited for the mystery date to arrive. Like all young women, speculating who the flamboyant person she had met a few weeks earlier might be sending to her.

Comments

[wherewere_thespiders]

"I understand that and wouldn't want to rush you into anything. There's plenty of time."

Weird smiled fondly at her while slipping a hand over hers as he perused the wine menu. Picking a nice white wine with floral notes he closed the menu and ordered a bottle for them both. The waiter nodding as he took the order and left the couple alone. It felt nice going out on a date because it had been far too long for Weird. The last few relationships he'd had were one night stands with groupies. This was something much more special. Gloria was a proper lady.

"This is nice. Just us together like this. To be honest I've not been out on many dates like this. The last few girls I did date were groupies. This is much more special."

He just sat watching her with his kind gaze as the wine was brought over and poured out by the waiter. Weird passing over her glass and chinking it with his own.

[drkenison]

"Thank you."

She's very taken by how polite and considerate he is which is so much different than most of the men around her. She listens curiously about the wine because she doesn't know much about wine in general.

"I haven't been on many dates at all." She says nervously while squeezing his hand. "I... well I've mostly dated girls and we're not allowed to back home. We couldn't let anyone know we were dating. Most men don't stay around because I'm not a proper lady to them."

She didn't even mention the fact that some of them had been black women which was even more of a scandal. Maybe, as a rockstar he wouldn't see it that way. It doesn't make her less nervous in the moment. She's trying not to but she feels like she is holding her breath and waiting for something bad to come out.

[wherewere_thespiders]

He sipped his wine listening to her explaining about not being on many dates. Weird was the same and it made him feel a bit better because he was nervous too. Then she said something that had him raising his eyebrow a little. She dated girls too? Not that it bothered him too much since he had been around Ziggy for a while now and knew he like dating men and women in the past. It was more he didn't expect her to be one for dating girls. But, it didn't matter.

"It doesn't bother me. That you date girls. Ziggy used to date men and women and all the lads got used to that about him. It didn't make us not like him as much because he liked blokes too. If you like girls too then it's your choice."

Weird was a pretty open guy for the time they lived in but that was in part of being a Spider from Mars. Breaking boundaries and tearing down social norms. Ziggy had helped with that a lot and Weird respected his bravery for doing so. Gloria was brave too. Moving closer he gently pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, just touching lightly.

"I still like you no matter what."

[drkenison]

She let out that held breath and her hand stopped squeezing quite so hard. Gloria was worried about how people perceived her all the time. So many people had abandoned her in her short lifetime just because of who she was.

"I'm glad." She takes a relieved breath and smiles. "Judith and I dated but we're still friends, almost like sisters now."

She wanted to be open, especially if he was going to be ok with it all. She might as well lay out a lot of what she was afraid of so it wouldn't eat at her. Then there was that kiss and her cheek flushed where it had been kissed. Giggling a little from nerves she leaned into him until their shoulders were touching. It felt good to have someone not get angry or disgusted by how she lived.

[wherewere_thespiders]

Weird could feel just how hard she was squeezing and knew just how nervous she must be. It was understandable being out with a rock star who she'd barely known for under an hour and had just admitted some very personal things. The bassist had his own personal secrets too which no doubt would be revealed as they got to know each other better.

"It's nice you're still close to her. Me and the lads, we're close to Ziggy. He's like an older brother and sister to us. More sister because he's girlier than us and likes to be that way. Mick and him are dating now and we're all supportive of it."

It was nice that guitarist and singer could now live out their relationship together after hiding it for so long. Weird had known all along that Ziggy had found Ronno attractive since he'd watched on stage and off. The tension between the two had now been diffused and it made all the difference. Weird felt her touch his shoulder as he blushed slightly.

"What is this creole food like? I might want to try some with you."

[drkenison]

"It was hard when we first started at the university. No one really wanted women there so it felt safe to be together." And that was why they stayed friends after. There was history and shared experience that she had with no one else.

"He does seem very comfortable with who he is. I find it inspiring." Gloria was sometimes afraid to show who she was to others. "I'm glad for them. It's nice to have support because back home, anyway, they'd maybe beat them or something for being together."

It worried her but then maybe England was a little better.

"Well, it is a mix of things French, Native American and Native African cuisine. Hmm... there's a lot of tomatoes, onions, cream sauces, seafood.. fish and crab, sometimes crayfish which is a little like lobster. Beans and rice too and spice."

[wherewere_thespiders]

He nodded. Weird knew the fine line that both Mick and Ziggy walked across while being together and being in the public eye constantly. A rock star's life was never a secret one for long. The pressures of social norms pressed heavily upon them both and the bassist could tell what effect it sometimes had on them both. Mick looking somewhat beaten on certain days when people had a go at both him and Ziggy in the street. It was hard but people just needed to learn to fuck off. It was their life and Weird respected their choice so others could too. 1970's Britain is not a safe place for bisexuals or gay people it seemed. Then again from what Gloria was saying--nor is America. But then, where is?

"They do get beaten up and insults hurled at them when out in public together. It's happened unfortunately. Mick told me about the incidents they've had with ignorant thugs and the like."

Those people could just fuck off in Weird's eyes. He had no time for them and if he did meet them he'd punch them hard. Moving back to the food he pushed some of his long hair away from his face.

"It sounds nice. I might order the seafood gumbo."

Because seafood sounded like a nice treat for Weird since he didn't usually choose it.

[drkenison]

"Oh. That is awful." She shook her head. No one deserved being abused for being in love, provided all parties were consenting adults. It hurt her heart sometimes how close minded some people were.

She turned back to the menu and when Weird mentioned the food she leaned in to look over his shoulder instead of at her own menu. She was learning he was a good man despite his appearance being something she might have scoffed at or moved away from on the streets.

"Do they have other seafood?" She asks, nearly leaning on his shoulder as she looks over his menu.

[wherewere_thespiders]

"It's bloody sad is what it is."

He noticed her leaning over his shoulder to peek at his menu and it caused a shy blush to bloom on his cheeks. She seemed to be getting closer to the rock star and it felt good. Weird studied the menu for other seafood since she asked and he found something, pointing out with his finger.

"Yeah, they do other stuff here. I have no idea what it's like but you might."

Most of the menu he had no idea about but hoped she knew what she was talking about. The seafood gumbo sounded nice though and he wasn't afraid to try something new since he was on a date and it was special. Turning to face her, Weird smiled shyly. He never went out to restaurants much so wasn't really into all this fancy food. Diners, and places like that? He was more used to.

[drkenison]

"Yes, it is. No one should have to live like that."

When he doesn't pull away she folds her arms on this shoulder and leans her chin on her folded arms.

"If you're going to try what I like, why don't you tell me what you'd order on the menu and I'll give it a try." She smiled at him when she saw the blush on his cheeks. Gloria liked to be close to people. Her own past taught her that it was too easy to lose people and you couldn't put things off for weeks.

[wherewere_thespiders]

"I know but it happens. Let's think about our date though and not those bastards. You smell nice---are you wearing perfume?"

Her leaning closer to him caught Weird off-guard a little as he inhaled some of her perfume. It smelt nice and feminine and he realised now just how much he had missed the scent of a proper lady. A real woman. One such as Gloria. Just having her so close felt comforting to the bassist who was now smiling a little more.

"I'd usually order something like eggs, sausage and beans. Standard British food."

It was plain compared to creole food but this is what Weird, Mick and Gilly often ate at diners and the like. Not exactly rock star faire but the bassist wasn't an extravagant man at all. His hand came up to touch on hers, caressing it slightly.

[drkenison]

"It is called Jean Patou Joy." She tells him. It was one of her favorites. Peach and rose with an undertone of musk and sandlewood. "My aunt bought it for me when she found out I went to school." Gloria giggled a little, feminine and full of humor. "My family doesn't like her either. She went down to Vegas and became a show girl. She's very beautiful."

She glanced down at the menu against and shrugged. "Why don't you order for me what you would order for yourself?"

[wherewere_thespiders]

"Jean Patou...Joy? Oh, ok. I'm not so good on perfume names. That's more Ronno, since he likes to wear fancy colognes for the girls, or he used to before he met Ziggy."

Weird knew that Mick was more likely to show off his masculine scents for Ziggy now and no one else, as well as buy girly perfumes for him. As for the bassist? He wasn't opposed in wearing scents, it was more he wasn't used to wearing them as much. Perhaps he'd buy Gloria a nice perfume next time he went shopping with the lads.

"Alright. When the waiter comes to the table I will."

He nodded and offered her a fond smile. So far so good with how the date was going. No awkward silences or shy stares to the floor. Gloria was a very nice girl and Weird was falling for her; he could feel it in his heart.

"How would you feel if I bought you some nice perfume next time me and the lads go out shopping?"

[drkenison]

"I'm not either." She says with a shrug. "OH! Are they together now?"

She knew Ziggy had a couple partners but she didn't know that one of them was a mutual friend, or it sounded that way.

"Thank you." She says with a smile and though they may be done with the menu she doesn't move away. However, that question has her pulling away just enough to give him a surprised look.

"Oh.. well.. if you want to but you don't have to." She's unsure what to say to someone offering to buy her gifts, and obviously see her again, in the future.

[wherewere_thespiders]

"Yeah, they are. But we like to keep it a secret from other prying ears since most would insult or hurl abuse at them if it got out. Two men sort of thing---even though Ziggy is a girl. The media would chew them up and call them queers or other hurtful words."

Weird hated the media at times. Just wished they'd fuck off and leave their insults at the door. Ziggy and Mick were his band mates and his friends and the bassist defended his friends fiercely. Gloria was a strong woman from what he had heard about her so far so at least she seemed accepting unlike others.

"I want to. Pretty girls deserve nice things."

He meant it too. Getting a little closer, Weird was nearly so close he could almost kiss her but he wouldn't initiate it unless she wanted to.

[drkenison]

"I understand. I was never able to talk about most of mine either. I would have lost my job and my place at university." She says with a sigh.

She wouldn't say a word about it, though in private she might congratulate them for finding each other. Ziggy had seemed so warm and loving when she met him.. or her? ... and so abused. Gloria felt for him.

However, that comment has her giggling, bright red blush covering her cheeks and a hand coming to cover her mouth. It's a traditionally modest behavior and it takes some time before she can say anything. Especially when she notices that he's close enough to kiss her. Gloria's eyes snap down to his lips briefly before looking back up into his eyes.

"Thank you."

[wherewere_thespiders]

Her lips were now so close he could almost touch them with his own but Weird was nervous. She seemed shy and nervous too so one of them would have to take the plunge and the bassist could feel his heart start hammering in his chest like Gilly on his drums. Oh god. Licking his lips, he offered her a shy smile before leaning in and kissing her.

He was kissing her.

Weird gently brought his hand up to stroke at her cheek softly whilst pressing his lips gently against her own. Just a touching kiss. A brief moment of contact where everything sort of faded around him. She smelt so good too. Moving back, he glanced at the floor before meeting her gaze once more.

[drkenison]

It felt staticy being this close to him and her hear skipped. Then she felt lips on hers. She squeaked in surprise and then giggled lightly. She didn't pull away but pressed in. Her cheeks are flushed bright pink when he moved away. Then he's looking at the floor and Gloria gently touches his cheek.

"You're sweet." She tells him and kisses his cheek.

[wherewere_thespiders]

"No one's ever told me I'm sweet before."

It was true. No girl had ever said Weird was sweet before. Odd maybe due to his strange appearance with his sideburns and long hair but sweet? That felt nice to hear. Most girls just thought he was weird hence the name. The bassist sipped on his drink and then saw the waiter coming over to take their orders. Weird ordering Gloria something he'd usually eat because she asked him to, whereas he ordered the seafood gumbo. The waiter nodding and taking their menus away.

"I hope you like my sort of food. On tour I might make you some if we've got time in between performances."

The days could be long but sometimes Weird liked to get up early before everyone else and cook breakfast for Ziggy and the lads. This time he'd be cooking for Gloria too.

[drkenison]

"People are easily blinded by fame. They see money instead of a person. I've seen it happen to a friend of mine who was in a band." She says but sadness crept in because this friend wasn't alive anymore. It still held true.

She stays politely quiet, sipping her wine while he orders. He keeps flattering her with his behavior and promises to the point she doesn't know if the warmth will ever leave her cheeks.

"I think I'll have more time to cook than you or the band." At least she hoped because if she didn't that meant someone was hurt. "It's no trouble. The nurses take turns cooking for the patients at the hospital."

[wherewere_thespiders]

Weird knew she was right because it was more likely that they'd all be too busy with the tour and performing to do things such as have time to cook. Still, he didn't want Gloria thinking she'd have to do everything for three hungry blokes and one starving Ziggy along the way. He wanted to make her feel included in their tour and not just a person tagging on.

"I'd still like to help when I'm not playing my bass on stage."

He was a man who liked to help out and make everyone feel included, a bit like how Ronno treated everyone. All of the boys were easy to get along with except perhaps Gilly with his loud bitchy mouth. Ziggy usually shut him up when he got too rowdy. At least now Hunter was there to temper the bitchyness. Sipping his wine, he took one of her hands in his and squeezed.

"It'll be nice having you along on the tour since Gilly will have Hunter. Everyone will have their partners with them."

[drkenison]

"I would love your help, but you should make sure you rest enough." The nurse in her was coming out. She knew too much exhaustion and they might get sick. She didn't want that to happen, especially if they had to work. Bands rarely ever cancelled shows or dates and she knew they had to get sick at some point with the exhaustion and all the strange places and people.

Her eyes got really wide and she blushed profusely. Gloria hadn't realized the invite to travel had been as a doctor AND girlfriend. It takes her a moment and several breaths to recover. "Are you asking me to date you... long term? To be your girlfriend?"

She's not opposed to it and nothing in her words or expression says she is, though there is a good deal of surprise. It's a bit of a shock to go from a friendly blind date to travel the world with me and my band as my girlfriend in a matter of less than an hour.

[wherewere_thespiders]

"We get enough rest by sleeping on the big chair in the dressing room and stuff. That's when we're too tired to go back to the hotel. Just bloody knackered sometimes."

Weird remembered collapsing onto the comfy long chair and then Gilly collapsing onto it resting on the bassist's feet. Then Ronno came and slumped onto Weird, resting near his back. It was a pile of drummer and guitarists. Ziggy walking in and finding all the Spiders curled up asleep in a pile.

The blush was also mirrored in the bassist who gulped down some more wine, perhaps a little more than anticipated as he swallowed slowly. His eyes were wide but his heart was in this.

"Yes. I mean---if you'd like me as your boyfriend."

His eyes once more shot down to his feet and back up to meet hers, wondering if she would run or be frightened of such commitment. He hoped she would stay and travel with them.

[drkenison]

She felt bad for them and hoped maybe her presence would allow them to get more rest. Maybe she could do some things that would allow them more time to rest.

"Oh well..." She faltered. "I would like to know you better before ...um saying that but..." She looked over at him and kissed his cheek, lightly. "..you're making a good impression. I want to spend more time with you."

She hoped he understood. She hadn't dated many people and even fewer men. It wasn't that she wouldn't but it was a bit much for a first date or the first hour of knowing someone. She brushed his hair back behind his ear on the side she was sitting on and smiled.

"I hope you'll take me on more dates or let me take you out too." She continued because she didn't want him to feel rejected. Gloria wasn't rejecting him at all.

[wherewere_thespiders]

Weird nodded slowly in understanding. If she wanted to take it slow then it was fine with him since they had only just met and it must be new to her. The life of a rock star was often one in the fast line with fast women but he new Gloria was no common groupie. She was a caring girl who was a real person and not just dating Weird for his money or the fame that came with it.

"I'd love to get to know you better too. We don't have to rush things."

He wanted to make her feel comfortable and smiled shyly when she brushed hair behind his ear. Just the light touch felt nice. His hand caressed her cheek softly as he gazed at her fondly.

"Of course I will. If you want to take me out too then I'll love to accompany you."