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]

"We do travel quite a lot during the tour. Two shows a day back to back. It can get really tiring and takes a toll on us all except Ziggy. He's always never tired and we can never get our heads around it."

Their singer was always full of energy and it was almost as if he fed off the crowd's euphoria and energy somehow. Crazy but Weird watched and listened and he took note of what went on during stage performances a lot. He knew that Mick and Ziggy were into each other way before Gilly had cottoned on. The bassist watched and learned.

"I'd like for you to come along, Gloria. Really. If you want to of course..."

Weird looked at his loafers and drank champagne quietly before glancing back up at her. Would she agree?

[drkenison]

"Most people see travel as a vacation. I can see that you might want a vacation from travel." She can't imagine any of it really. Maybe pulling all nighters while researching would be something similar, maybe more mentally exhausting than stage performance which might be more physically demanding.

"Oh..." She looked out the window and then smiled because it felt fluttery inside from the excitement and realizing maybe someone liked her. Someone didn't think she was boyish or out of place or not womanly. After a moment she looks back as the Limo comes to a halt.

"I could travel but I don't think I could for months because of my work." Part of that was fear and nerves rather than knowing anything about whether she could or couldn't. "I would like to travel and see more places but I don't want to be a leech on any of you. I can't afford to travel anywhere."

[wherewere_thespiders]

"I like travelling around with the lads and Ziggy on tour. We give the crowd what they want and they get the experience they want. As for us? Music is our lives and I've known no different."

Playing his bass often soothed Weird's nerves even whilst he was on stage. He was in his happy place then because he could often be rather nervous around new places or meeting new people. He even found Ziggy slightly overbearing at the start because of his boundless energy. But overtime the lads had gotten used to the singer's over the top performances and persona. They loved him as a close friend. Ronno had the hots for Ziggy and Weird knew this way back when they first met.

"You won't be a leech, Gloria. None of us will ever think that. It might be nice having another nice girl to be around because some of the lads can be rowdy. Gilly with his loudmouth. Also---I'd like you around because I like you."

That got a smile out of the bassist.

[drkenison]

"I feel the same way about my work." She agrees because to her that was what it meant to be passionate and in the right career. "I've always wanted to do what I am, even when I'm exhausted I wouldn't do anything else."

There's some discomfort though and she worries about disgusting or scaring him with the work she does. The few dates she's had with men, even the short term relationships often dropped off when they found out about her work. Her fingers worry at the hem of her dress while she sips her champagne.

Her eyes fly open wide though at the offer and the last part of that sentence especially. Staring for a moment, she flushes red and then looks away. She has to sip at the champagne and vaguely wants to bolt out the door now that the limo has stopped but she doesn't. After a quiet moment, and an unfaded smile she nods. "I'd like to travel with you."

She left it at that because she didn't know if she liked him, at least not in the come travel with me around the world way. Though, they could travel as friends she supposed but in truth wasn't exactly sure what to make of the offer. She had said yes way before thinking it through.

[wherewere_thespiders]

No matter what work she did Weird wouldn't be disgusted with her. Not even because she was friend's with a black girl. Most other men would not want to be associated with someone like that but Weird was open and very accepting. Having Ziggy as a band mate helped that.

"I'm glad."

He gently reached over and slipped one of his larger hands into her smaller one, just holding it while the limo slowed to a stop. Moving to open the door, Weird still held onto Gloria's hand as they both departed the long car, closing the door behind them. He liked being close to her like this, just holding her hand and offering her shy glances. The restaurant was one that did all kinds of food and maybe it did the creole food that she had said she liked.

"Shall we?"

[drkenison]

"When would you want me to be ready to go?" She asks curious because she has no idea how or when or where their tour might be going.

She did have slim, dainty, and feminine hands they were steady and perfect for the work she did. She didn't mind holding hands and interlaced their fingers together. Truthfully, she is nervous and shy too. Most women her age, and probably all the women around rockstars had more experience with sex and dating than she did. It wasn't something she felt bad about but in the moment it did make her feel nervous.

"I'd love to." She offers him a shy smile but is looking forward to the meal together. It had been so long since her last real date.

[wherewere_thespiders]

"It'll be a few weeks but I'll let you know beforehand when we leave for the tour. Ziggy will have the full details and I'll probably phone you to give you notice."

Weird thought about these things and giving Gloria notice was something that was important for someone having to pack up and leave to go on tour with others. It would be a hectic ride but one that was well worth it. If she needed to crash halfway through the tour or anything like that then Weird would look after her. He'd give Gilly hell for any rude comments and no doubt so would Gloria.

"This means a lot to me."

He offered her a shy smile before they entered the restaurant and were both given menus by the waiter as they were seated to a table. Then, a wine list if they so wanted to order a bottle of wine as per usual when ordering a meal.

"Would you like some wine?"

If she preferred something non-alcoholic then Weird would order that too. He wasn't fussed if she didn't want to drink.

[drkenison]

"I'll need to know so I can make arrangements with Judith for Papi." She says thoughtfully but nervously. She didn't know what to think about what she was committing to but it was worth a try.

She is happy to be with him because he's so different from everyone she knows. Part of what makes the date so interesting is a chance to get to know someone like that but that is where all relationships start; friends or otherwise. You have to get to know someone.

"I don't drink much but it's a special occasion." She tells him when she looks up from the menu. "We should share a bottle but I'm afraid I will be no help picking one out. I don't know much about wine."

Whatever he does choose, Gloria is polite enough to share at least one glass. Her eyes though go back down to the menu and she's worrying her lip over the prices on the menu. Even if this had been his choice and he was well off, or maybe even wealthy, she felt a twinge of guilt over thinking about ordering something too expensive.

[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.