Chapter Text
Jack sat on the ground. His one leg was outstretched, a hand massaging it while a soggy sandwich still hung in the other hand. He was staring off in the distance and clearly upset. Aster felt for him but as the rain continued around them he wished he could get the younger man moving.
Their date obviously didn't go the way Jack had planned. But, it had been great up to the rain. He knew he had to make sure Jack knew that. The problem was, he wasn't any good at sharing his feelings. He knelt on the blanket in front of Jack and thought on what to say or do to make things better. It was really too bad things took the turn they had.
Jack had told Aster all about his plans after picking the older man up for their date, they would attend their town's end of the summer festival. Aster liked the idea, the festival was always a nice time. He went every year with Emily and promised her before he left with Jack that, since it was a two day event, they'd go together tomorrow.
When the time came Aster had suggested he drive him and Jack to the festival but Jack insisted on walking. It wasn't being held too far away from Aster's house after all. So, after a goodbye to Emily and her sitter, Anna, they began their date.
It was a beautiful day. The weather wasn't too hot and a nice breeze was in the air. The walk was enjoyable, especially with the company. Jack chatted about work, his friends and his pet rabbit. Aster happily listened, occasionally chiming in with his own stories. Jack's usual energy and spark helped ease his nerves and he found himself smiling the whole way.
Upon arrival the first thing the two noticed was the crowd. It was rather large and Aster's nerves suddenly kicked back in. He loved the outdoors and was fine socializing in small groups but he wasn't one for lots of people in gatherings like this. He often found it overwhelming. At that moment he found himself worrying about what people would think, what they might say, seeing him with Jack. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit, and glanced at Jack. He didn't worry so much for himself (though Emily did come to mind and the other children at her daycare) but Jack. However, Jack didn't seem share Aster's worries as he stood at Aster's side with a grin on his handsome face and his eyes shining bright. Jack's cane clicked on the sidewalk before he stepped on the grass to lead Aster to their first stop, glancing at Aster to see his reaction.
"Everything alright?" Jack asked concerned, his smile slipping a bit upon noticing Aster's worry.
Aster quickly put on a smile, determined to try and enjoy himself and his time with Jack. "Just fine". He replied and Jack grinned again. He felt bad for not sharing how he was truly feeling but this was new to both of them. He didn't want to get too personal nor did he think Jack would understand.
The afternoon went surprisingly quickly and Aster's nerves and worries did calm as the festivities carried on. They spent their time checking out the various booths selling trinkets and food vendors. Jack played a few games and they both talked to people they knew. There were a few disapproving looks thrown their way as Jack easily grabbed Aster's hand from time to time to pull him along but, to Aster's relief, nothing more.
Despite his earlier concerns Aster was enjoying himself and the company. After some time of wondering around ( Aster making mental notes on what Emily may like when he came with her too) and checking out everything they could the two decided to grab some lunch.
Standing in line for food was never fun, to anyone and the cool breeze helped very little in their current spot to counter the heat. Aster brushed his hair back, to get it off his face, and glanced at Jack. The other man didn't seem to be fairing much better. "Don't worry," Jack replied as he returned Aster's look and wiped his brow with an arm. "I saw a perfect spot earlier that'll give us plenty of shade". He smiled brightly and Aster couldn't help return it, once again glad for the company.
The line for food moved blessedly faster than expected and Jack and Aster were able to find the spot Jack described rather quickly. To their luck only a couple other people where occupying the area, leaving plenty of room for the two of them. Unfortunately, to Aster's embarrassment and Jack's amusement, they recognized the people.
"Jack, Bunny!" A louder than necessary, Russian accented voice greeted them and Aster cringed at the use of his old nickname.
Jack glancing at Aster, grin on his face and eyebrows raised, mouthing the word Bunny in questioning. Aster pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance and whispered "Don't ask". Jack laughed but seemed content not to push it at the moment.
"Good to see you two again!" The excited voice of Jack's friend, Tooth, sounded as Jack and Aster approached.
After sitting down with their friends Jack began sharing their day with the two and they shared back, which confirmed Aster's suspicions that the two were a couple. Not that he was surprised by it.
The four friends ate in comfortable silence after their conversation and Aster was starting to feel like it had been a pretty close to perfect first day. However, bone of them paid much mind to the people around them, or anything else, including the darkening clouds until all of a sudden the sky opened up.
The rain came down quickly and came in sheets, drenching everyone and everything. Tooth squealed in surprise as her and North packed up and said their hasty goodbyes. Aster began gathering his and Jack's things too when he noticed Jack wasn't moving.
Aster frowned as he knelt on the blanket, rain still pounding down. "Hey, ya can't control the weather" he called out to the younger man, trying to encourage him. He grimaced a bit, apparently he was worse showing his feelings than he originally thought.
"Wish I could" Jack sighed. He still seemed upset but Aster was glad to see him finally begin to move. After tossing the sandwich Jack stood up, grabbed the blanket and his cane and the two began to walk carefully back to Aster's house.
"It's probably for the best we didn't get to stay longer" Aster shouted over the rain. Jack looked up at him through his hair, a puzzled look on his face, and he continued, "The way Tooth practically sat on Norths lap, any longer we no doubt would have witnessed a very not safe for work public display"
Jack pulled a face, "Thanks for the mental image " he snorted and gave Aster's arm a light, playful shove. Aster laughed along with Jack, happy Jack's mood seemed to be lighter.
Their journey was thankfully short, though both were soaked once they reached Aster's porch. Standing under the overhang and finally out of the rain that still pounded against the pavement, Aster turned to Jack. He wanted to assure the younger man he enjoyed himself before they went their separate ways. "I just wanted to make sure ya knew I really did have a good time today."
Jack watched him, unsure at first and questioned "Really?"
Aster nodded as their eyes met. He swallowed as the younger man watched him, ever curious. Even with his hair clinging to his head and water dripping off of him Jack was still handsome. Raising a hand cautiously and placing it along the side of Jack's face, looking closer at him, Aster thought perhaps breathtaking was a better way to describe the other man. He leaned down, just a bit, and paused, waiting for Jack's reaction. Jack's lips parted slightly then, wrapping his arms around Aster's neck he leaned forward, he pushed himself up and met his lips with his own.