Partner piece for Stood Up. Same story, but Miles’ POV.
Miles strutted into his favourite restaurant. He was excited. Although many people seemed to hate going to restaurants alone, Miles loved it. Always busy with working on his degree or else partying with friends, he enjoyed the chance to just relax with an excellent meal. Perhaps he would people-watch. It was one of his most beloved hobbies. People were fascinating, which was perhaps why Miles was so drawn to being a journalist.
The place was crowded, buzzing with conversation. Miles would have to wait to get a table. That was fine with him. He settled onto one of the comfortable leather seats in the waiting area and began to watch the patrons. As his eyes perused the crowd of eaters, his gaze was drawn to one booth in particular. The table was bare aside from a fan of chocolate brown hair lain on the table. Although the cascade of hair tried to hide the man’s face, Miles could still make out the protruding nose and light pink lips. His eyes traveled down the man’s neck to the slope of his back. His arms were crossed, but they resembled a hug rather than a hostile pose. Miles supposed it was obvious that it was a gesture for comfort seeing as his head was laying on the table. What was the man’s story, he wondered. Intrigued, he observed a waitress walk up and tap his shoulder, her touch making him shoot upright. With a startled look the man faced her. Miles cocked his head as he took in the sharp bone structure of the man that were the absolute antithesis of his soft features. Wide brown eyes screamed apologies to the waitress, and teeth sank nervously into the delicate bottom lip, causing it to darken a shade. He spoke quickly, nodded quickly, and sent the hair framing his face into a disturbed flurry. Miles watched the waitress tap her hands against his with a pitying look and walk off. His eyes didn’t follow the beautiful waitress however. He continued his watch, seeing the man’s eyes follow the waitress with a mixture of despair and horror written across his face.
The man snapped his head back forward when the waitress spoke with her coworkers. Miles’ heart ached. At this point he could figure out what must be happening. Not ordering, the piteous looks, the insecure posture: the man had been stood up. Usually, when he had figured out the gist of someone’s story, Miles took to looking for a new one to investigate, but his attention stayed on the man whose hands on the table were clasped together so tightly the knuckles were going white. Whether it was Miles’ intrigue for the man’s unfortunate situation or his undeniable attraction to the man’s beauty, Miles was fixated. He needed to know why someone would stand him up. He wanted to know the man’s name.
Alas, the problem of people-watching. One’s curiosity is never satiated. The man seemed deep in thought, and his deliberation made him angry. Miles watched as a frown spread across the man’s face, fire lighting in his eyes. As soon as the man’s eyebrows knit together, pursed lips pinched tightly in anger, Miles knew he made the right choice in the subject of his observation. The man pulled out a phone and tapped each letter with the index finger of his right hand. Miles didn’t know if that was his way of typing carefully and angrily or if the man was just technology impaired. Once the man pressed send- which Miles knew because the tapping finger smacked the screen hard and was drawn back from the phone- a smug, satisfied look crossed his face. Miles didn’t know exactly what happened, but he felt proud of the man’s accomplishment. The anger still flared on his face, but his body language roared with confidence.
Every bit of it seemed to be sucked away as soon as the waitress touched his shoulder. Miles could see the frown on her face and the hesitance of her actions. It was the inevitable reality of business, kick out those who aren’t spending. The man’s face went red, and Miles’ heart leaped. His stomach jumped and fell on itself as the man stood up, cringing hard as he took out his wallet. Oh God, he was even tipping the waitress, the poor, sweet man. Without thinking, Miles got up as well. He’d save the man some embarrassment.
Rushing over, Miles exclaimed, “Sorry I’m so late, babe! Traffic is crazy right now.” It was the best excuse he could come up with. The man straightened up in surprising, making Miles note that he was a few inches taller which made the man that much more endearing. He carefully wrapped his arms around the stranger, hoping it wasn’t too much. He figured it was how a boyfriend would greet his partner. Oh Lord, what if the man wasn’t gay? Shit. Please? “I’m Miles. Just go with it please?” Miles pleaded in his ear.
“About time you showed up!” The man said, feigning annoyance. Thank God, even if he wasn’t, the man was at least playing along for now. Miles nearly cackled at the man’s exaggerated tone, but that’s not what an apologetic boyfriend would do.
“I wasted a few minutes waiting at the host’s desk. I’m lucky I saw you. You look great by the way.” Miles flattered sincerely. The cheeks of the man turned pink. Miles was satisfied at bringing a happy blush instead of an embarrassed one to that pretty face.
The waitress smiled in obvious relief, saying a quick, “Well, I’ll bring you a menu!” She bustled away, and Miles took a seat across from the stranger. She reappeared in an instant, leaving just as quick after telling them, “I’ll just give you guys some time.”
Opening the menu, the man cautiously looked up at Miles. “Why did you… you know?” His tone was shy, but Miles was hit with the sexiness of the velvet voice. Miles tried to suppress his smile.
“I looked at you and thought that it would be a crime to see you go home unhappy.” He hoped his flirting was working otherwise he felt he might seem intrusive and creepy.
“Oh, erm, thanks.” The man stuttered out, depriving Miles of the beautiful sight of his face by erecting a menu barrier. Miles glanced at the man’s hands gripping the menu, noting each long finger with perfect nails, instead.
“Just to clarify, what happened tonight? You seemed really upset.” Miles inquired. He didn’t want to intrude too much if it was too personal for the man to want to talk about, but he needed to confirm his suspicion that someone was idiotic enough to stand up the work of art across the table.
“I were stood up by my boyfriend.” The man muttered. Miles frowned as his hidden hopes that the man was single were dashed. “Then I dumped him over text message. I’m Alex by the way,” the man completed. Miles cheered inside. He most definitely had a chance if he hadn’t been sent away by now.
“Very nice to meet you, Alex.” Miles spoke slowly, turning his flirtation setting to its maximum. He so badly wanted to charm the handsome man. “Your ex is stupid by the way. Who would leave someone like you to be stood up?”
Alex blushed once more. It was a lovely colour on him. “You don’t even know me yet. We’ve just met. I’m really not that great.” Miles nearly scoffed at the statement. It only proved that the man was great. He wasn’t arrogant and seemed to know that even if Miles found him physically appealing, his personality also had an impact on whatever might happen. Miles was hoping that ‘whatever might happen’ would be a date with Alex.
“I think you just might be.” Miles purred while leaning his body closer to the table. Alex shook his head, causing his hair to flit about once more. “Alright, Alex. Prove me wrong. Tell me about yourself,” Miles challenged.
Alex failed at proving Miles wrong. He was an English student, which meant they both shared a love for language. They shared a lot of things such as musical hobbies and literature. Miles tried not to let his mind drift of to the desire of sharing a bed with the man as well. It was challenging, but it wasn’t. The paradox was that everything Alex said only made Miles want to spend time with Alex and hear everything the blatantly brilliant man had to say, but maintaining eye contact like a normal, non-love-struck person in a conversation meant staring at the man: his sculpted face, his enthusiastic hand gestures, his soft, pink lips… but then he was struck again by an intelligent comment from them again. It went in that cycle. As Alex spoke, his heart beat slower, noticing how the man seemed to be a match made in heaven- heaven, where angels come from, appropriate- for him, and then it got restarted again as Miles’ eyes registered every detail of the man’s appearance. Even in his simple white dress shirt and blazer Alex was overwhelming.
Alex didn’t dominate the conversation- although he could if he wanted to since Miles needed to regain the ability to speak every now and then, overcome as he was. He would ask insightful questions about Miles with genuine enthusiasm for Miles’ answers. Miles felt so comfortable. Conversation flowed, and nothing seemed fake. It was like Miles wasn’t just a fake boyfriend that Alex just met, It felt as though they had known each other for years. Miles even confided his worries about not making it as a journalist once he finished school. The field was so competitive and he was just Miles, the scouser.
“Oh, I don’t think you understand how amazing “Miles, the scouser” is.” Alex replied, making Miles stomach somersault with the way he half-smiled and tilted his head coyly.
Eventually, curiosity got the best of Miles and he had to ask about the guy, Jack, that stood Alex up. “If you wouldn’t mind of course. I get that it’s a fresh wound.” Miles immediately followed with, placing a comforting hand on Alex’s arm. He didn’t want to ruin what was going so well.
Alex sighed and shrugged,
“It isn’t that fresh. It was always a consideration of it at the back of my mind. My best friend, Matt, kept telling me that Jack was a dick. I just got the nerve from tonight. It was kind of a toxic relationship.” Alex’s voice was much more calm than Miles thought it would be. He felt less guilty for prying.
“How so?” Miles furthered, digging into his cake. Alex began explaining issues that Miles was greatly familiar with from his own past relationships. His heart ached for the man across from him. He felt especially bad because the man’s cheeks were flaming red. Easy to read as Alex was, Miles quickly deduced that the man felt embarrassment for having been in the relationship. He was curled in on himself, poking at his cake with his fork. It wasn’t embarrassment… no, it was shame. Miles’ heart was in his throat with sympathy.
“He’s got a temper, Jack does… He’s also got four inches on me in height and much more in muscle. Tonight I realized that I shouldn’t be scared of my boyfriend.” Alex quietly explained. Miles saw Alex go pale and drop the fork. In an instant he got up to sit beside the man, every fiber of his being screaming at him to comfort Alex. As much as he wanted to pull Alex into a hug, the man was shaking slightly, so Miles only put a ginger hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly.
“That was brave of you, Al. Not a lot of people get out of those relationships. It’s fucking scary…” He murmured softly to the man, wishing that he could draw all the pain and fear out of Alex with his touch.
“You sound as if you speak from experience.” Alex replied. The observation hit Miles in the gut. He averted his eyes. His mouth went dry. Flashes of memories of being left in unfamiliar bars that he had been dragged to, fights that always ended with Miles feeling guilty for what his boyfriend did, and the ever-present threat that the cup thrown at the wall might be thrown at him.
“Yeah…” He quietly admitted. He nearly chastised himself at not being brave enough to share his story about Josh like Alex did. If things kept going well though, Miles was certain he’d have the chance to. He ultimately decided not to steal the spotlight from Alex and use his bad experience for good. “At some point you’ve just gotta remember you’re worth a whole lot more than how they treat you.” He met Alex’s eyes. He desperately tried to make Alex believe it was the truth through the sincerity of his look. His brown eyes gazed deeply into Alex’s, and Miles hoped that they eyes really were the window to the soul so that Alex knew that his words could not be anymore true. “I can assure you, Alex, after getting to know you tonight, he lost something priceless.” Alex stared back, open mouthed. Miles decided he must have conveyed the message clearly. He was startled by an airy voice behind him.
“Can I get you guys the bill?” The waitress asked with a smile. Miles suddenly remembered that he was in fact in a public restaurant where his little scene might have been too open. He couldn’t bring himself to care whether or not people heard. Still, he kept on his facade for the waitress’ sake.
“Yeah, just one bill. I’ll pay, Al. My apology for being so late.” Miles said, grinning at Alex’s surprise. Alex tried to protest, but Miles smugly placed a finger on the man’s lips to silence him. He was going to treat his ‘date’, no matter what he had to argue. “Shh, it’s my pleasure.” Alex rewarded him with a smile; Miles decided that he would buy Alex one hundred meals just for that sight. Miles pulled out his wallet, leaving a substantial tip for the waitress, grateful that she had been so kind to Alex earlier. The waitress left with the bill, a little smile popping up when she noticed the tip.
Miles turned back to Alex. The shy man was twisting a strand of hair around his finger and staring at the table. He probably didn’t realize the tiny frown on his face. Miles hoped Alex dreaded the night ending just as much as he did.
“So, did you drive here, Alex?” Miles chanced. Alex shook his head.
“I live just up the road, so I walked.” Yes! The night didn’t have to end just yet.
“Ah, may I drive you home then? Like a gentleman would.” Miles was waving his arm around like an idiot, half trying to be charming, half trying to prompt one of Alex’s delightful giggles.
“Alright, thanks.” Alex answered with a smile. Miles got up then, only realizing how wide he was grinning when his facial muscles started to ache a bit. He held the door for Alex and then walked beside him. Their knuckles brushed once, and Miles was so tempted to just grab the man’s hand. He restrained the urge, but walked close enough that their hands would brush with each stride. When Miles saw his car, he got hit with the idea to continue his ‘gentleman’s act’. Alex really seemed to like it. Also, Miles couldn’t deny that it felt natural to take care of Alex like that. He ran forward to open the door for Alex and bowed. He thought saying, “Your chariot awaits” would be just a smidge too much.
“My, my, Miles, you are sweeping me right of my feet,” Alex snickered.
“Then it’s working!” Miles laughed, feeling triumphant. After starting the car, Miles drove without speaking. It wasn’t for a lack of things to say. Rather it was one thing he wanted to say but was scared to say it. Miles bit his lip, casting sneaky glances at Alex through the mirror. He held his breath before releasing it nervously. Finally, he timidly asked, “Alex, would you- I mean, I would- like, erm…” Miles was embarrassed by his stammering. His cheeks heated up and he gripped the steering wheel hard. Just say it! “Would you like to go on a real date with me sometime?” He blurted.
“I would.” Alex said without any hesitation. Miles’ heart raced. He couldn’t help the brilliant smile spreading across his face.
“Really? I mean, of course really. I’m a charming gentleman.” Miles couldn’t contain how he was thrilled, but his attempt made Alex laugh. A sound so joyous, it made Miles laugh along.
Following Alex to his door, Miles prepared himself to say goodbye. Although, he smiled to himself, it wasn’t goodbye for good.
“Thanks, Miles. I had a really good time tonight.” Alex said, voice dripping with sincerity.
“I did too. Could you put your number in for me, Al?”Miles, asked, pulling out his phone. Alex nodded and started punching it in.
“So,” a voice broke the comfortable silence, bringing with it an ominous aura, “this is why you broke up with me Alex? For that?” A tall, muscular man with messy black hair, walked over. Glaring at Miles, he boomed, “You meet a guy and immediately think, ‘Hey, he’s better than Jack’? He looks like a wanker.”
Miles glared right back. He didn’t appreciate the man’s review. “You must be Jack.”
“You must be a genius to deduce that.” Jack replied sarcastically. Miles bit his lip to hold back a growl. “Really, Al? This? Throwing away everything we have? For this?” Miles desperately wanted to grab Alex protectively by the waist and confirm, yeah, for this.
Alex bit his lip, appearing quite nervous, and Miles didn’t blame him one bit. The man seemed like an arse. “I met him after I broke up with you.” Alex managed to mumble. His gaze was glued to the floor.
“Through text, Al? Isn’t that a little cruel? Can’t even tell me to my face? That was very rude!” Jack practically yelled. Miles couldn’t take it anymore. Alex was innocent.
“Standing him up seems rude too. I understand this wasn’t the first time either?” Miles retorted, smug to see his words slap the threatening man.
“You want a fight, bean pole?” Jack asked, his attention now focused on Miles. Perfect. Miles could take any insults the man had especially if it meant sparing Alex anymore problems from Jack.
“Why not? You seem like a dick.” He shrugged, taking a step forward, positioning himself a bit in the way of Alex.
“Mi…” Alex cautioned. Miles appreciated Alex’s concern, but it was unnecessary. Miles had had his own ‘Jack’ long ago. He had learned to verbally spar with ease since then.
“You seem like you need a lesson in manners.” Jack snapped. Miles nearly laughed.
“From you?” He scoffed, “Abandoning your boyfriend, making him feel unsafe around you, not even goddamn listening when he speaks to you?” Miles’ anger was bubbling over. All his untamed anger Josh was hitting him. “You jerks are all the same. You blame the whole world for everything bad you do. I knew one asshole just like you… Just get out of here.” Miles ranted, satisfied to see every word hit Jack with what the lumbering man knew was the truth. Still, he didn’t back down.
“You watch your mouth. I’ll do what I want.” His tone was dark and threatening, but Miles wasn’t perturbed. He knew this type. If he did become violent- which he most likely wouldn’t-, it wouldn’t be productive. Miles was sure that it might even become one of the man’s greatest regrets. He decided to voice his epiphany.
“You can hit me. Won’t change anything though. It won’t win Alex over. It won’t make me go away. It’ll only give me a bruise.” Miles shrugged again.
“Miles, don’t encourage him…” Alex once again warned. It was sweet that Alex wanted to keep Miles out of harm’s way. Miles felt the need to reassure his night’s date who looked like a spring, tightly coiled and ready to burst into action at any moment.
After leaning back to Alex, he whispered, “He’s bluffing. I’m just calling it.” Turning towards Jack, he threw up his hands and challenged, “Go ahead! Hit me! What will it accomplish?”
“It’ll show you what happens when you steal my Alex.” Jack growled. Pow! Ow. A surge of pain rushed to his eye and he fell backwards with a cry. Okay, he was wrong. It wasn’t just all talk. Miles laid on the floor, groaning, hands coming up to his face, covering his eyes.
“Miles!” He heard Alex yell in a high pitch. The tone then surged with power and anger. “You stop it right now!”
“But, Al-” Jack’s voice was immediately repentant, but Miles presumed that it was too late for niceties now.
” ‘But, Al’ nothing! I am not your anything. I am not your property. I am not even your boyfriend anymore. This is what I’m sick of. Your temper, your arrogant attitude, and I mainly broke up with you because I thought you might hurt me.” Alex seethed. Miles uncovered his good eye to see Alex shielding him from Jack. He backed up, propping himself against the wall for support. Back straight and fists clenched at his sides, Alex looked like he wasn’t desiring a fight but would sure as hell put up one if it came down to it. The ferocity of the man was electric. Miles could see it even frightened Jack.
“Alex,” he breathed, “I would never hurt you. I care about you.”
A bitter piece of Miles muttered, “That’s what they all say.” Luckily, it seemed neither heard.
“You already have. Just not a flesh wound. Now, please, go away. Listen to what I want for once, Jack.” Alex firmly ordered. Miles was awed. He never would have expected it of the timid, demure man. He chastised himself for underestimating him.
“Alex, I’m sorry.” Jack tried to come closer, but Alex put up a firm hand in front of him. Jack’s immediate reaction was pushing back like a magnet being repelled by the same pole. Perhaps it was exactly that. His expectation to be obeyed and now Alex’s were at odds for the first time.
“It’s too late for that. If you’re really sorry, you’ll go.” Alex sighed. He didn’t even sound angry anymore, just tired. Miles noted how his exhaustion and apathy towards Jack hurt Jack like Miles never could. His face turned white and he nodded and walked away. The adrenaline Miles had by the action-packed scene receded, and he groaned, cupping his swollen face.
Alex approached, looking incredibly guilty. “Miles, I’m so sorry.” He knelt down to Miles’ level.
With everyone out of danger, Miles’ relief made him jubilant. He started chuckling quietly and singsonged, “He wasn’t bluffing…” Alex joined him in their laughter. They sat in Alex’s hallway, guffawing. The tension dropped out of the hallway. Suddenly, Alex’s laughter died. His hand hesitantly came near Miles’ face without touching it.
“Let’s get you some ice.” Alex grabbed Miles by the arms and helped Miles stand up. Alex led Miles through his living room. Miles looked around, finding it cozy and chic. He saw a nice collection of records by a record player. It had a wrm welcoming feeling, the same one that Miles got from conversing with Alex. Once they arrived in the kitchen Alex gestured for Miles to sit on the counter, which he did, as he grabbed an ice pack. He applied it tenderly to Miles who could feel the tips of Alex’s finger rest gently on his face. As careful as Alex was being, it still hurt, so Miles hissed under his breath, hoping it wouldn’t make Alex feel any guiltier than he already appeared. Miles had made his own bed.
Breaking the silence, Alex said, “Thanks, Mi, for standing up for me.”
“Not a problem, Alex. He’s a twat… Probably shouldn’t have yelled ‘Hit me!’ at him though… He’s got a mean right hook.” Miles chuckled. If the ice pack wasn’t on his face he might’ve shook his head lightheartedly
“I guess this means no second date…” Alex’s tone was very upset. A frown was plastered where that beautiful smile once stood.
“What?” Miles asked in shock. He screwed up. He went too far. He must have scared Alex. “Why not? I know I shouldn’t have started the fight, but I swear Alex, I’m not a violent person,” he rambled. He shouldn’t have tried to fight Alex’s battles. They just met! He shouldn’t have done it. His experiences with Josh weren’t relevant to Alex’s life! “I really thought he’d go away when challenged. I didn’t mean to-”
“Wait,” Alex interrupted. “You still want to go out with me after that? Are you out of your mind? You did just take a blow to the head.” Was Alex seriously asking that? Miles had been convinced he was in the wrong here. Now he fully understood Alex’s guilty look. He must have felt like it was his fault Miles got punched. He knew he had to remedy Alex’s thinking immediately.
“I really do. You stood up for yourself out there brilliantly. You didn’t even need me to be a shitty bodyguard. The scene wasn’t your fault anyway. Besides, if I’m gonna go out of my mind on behalf of someone, I’d rather that person be you.” Miles hoped it was enough to convince Alex that he had nothing to be upset about.
“Oh?” Alex smirked. “I thought you weren’t a fighter.” The joke showed Miles that Alex did believe him. He was relieved. Alex shouldn’t feel guilty for Jack’s behaviour.
Miles grinned and decided to tease, “I’m not. I never said I’d go out of my mind with anger…” Sliding off the counter, he dared wrap his arms around the shorter man’s waist. Alex didn’t push him off, so Miles felt confident enough to continue. “I’d say it’s pretty crazy to fake being a late boyfriend just because a gorgeous man looks upset,” he joked. There was a hint of truth in his joke that gave Miles an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
By the way Alex’s cheek bent inwards Miles guessed Alex was biting his cheek in thought, a light pink adorning them both. “Yeah, I dunno if I wanna date a weirdo like that…” He said, taking the ice off. The words stung at Miles’ insecurity over his bold action, unsure if he crossed the line at the start of his evening. The cold, clammy feeling of worry melted away when Miles felt Alex’s arms wrapping around his own waist. He felt his heart stop. Was it only hours ago that his gaze found this ethereal man who now made butterflies dance in his stomach? Life was incredibly insane sometimes. All of those thoughts happened in an instant (although to Miles, it felt much much longer), and in a beat he came up with a snappy comeback.
“Yet, here you are embracing me in your flat.” Miles teased.
“I must have poor judgement.” Alex giggled. Miles had a new favourite song.
“Oh, I hope so. Then maybe you won’t notice how out of your league I am.” Miles flirted, batting his lashes playfully. At ease once more, he found it simple to draw on his charm.
Alex beamed at Miles. “Untrue. You’re wonderful.” Miles wondered if that meant Alex felt the same way about him. Slowly, they were drawn together until Miles felt the contact of Alex’s smooth forehead against his own. His observation from afar in the restaurant did no justice to Alex up close. The smooth expanse of skin, covering sharp bone structure. It was like a face chiseled out of marble. His soft hair tickled Miles’ face where it fell onto him. His pink lips were only inches from Miles, and with every breath from the other man, Miles felt his warm breath against his face. It had a faint odor of the chocolate cake he had eaten earlier. Miles wondered if the lips were just as sweet. One fact overshadowed the rest. Despite the dimly lit kitchen, Alex’s eyes still managed to sparkle.
“Even with only one good eye, you are the most stunning sight…” Miles breathed after spending a moment being filled from his toes to his mop of hair with awe. He felt fragile for some reason as if he might shatter any second. Maybe it was because the moment seemed perfect. He didn’t want anything to change.
“Is it… Is it too soon to kiss you?” Alex shyly asked. Yet again, Miles was wrong. This was a change he welcomed.
“Today, you’ve been kept waiting long enough.” Miles leaned closer, pressing his lips against Alex’s.
Finally, Miles was right for once; Alex’s lips were very sweet.
welcomethreateningstir 