Chapter Text
Eric got home around four on Thursdays. Normally, he’d fill the time with TV or working on an assignment. Thursday evenings were boring until Jack got home. But not today. As he burst through the apartment doors, his first thought was
I’ve gotta get ready.
Jack had tasked him with picking the theatre and movie, which of course he hadn’t done yet. Plus, he had to pick an outfit. And, what else? What did he usually do before a date? He definitely had to shower and shave. Did he have to put on cologne? Do guys care what you smell like on a date? In the past he’d always liked his girlfriends’ perfumes. He added cologne to the mental checklist.
He ran straight to his room. He opened the closet and began throwing polos and button-ups onto his bed. He had to pick the right outfit. He threw almost every shirt onto the bed before he felt ready to start selecting.
Not the salmon polo, too bright. The white button-up would probably get stained, Eric was known to spill soda. The dark blue button-up didn’t look bad, but was the navy polo better? Was there even a difference between dark blue and navy?
Eric fell back on his bed, crushing the shirts. He had time to iron later. Right now he needed to think. What was Jack expecting? He never cared this much about his clothes before a date. Most girls don’t mind if you show up in jeans and flannel. As long as you listen and tell a couple good stories, they’re happy to see you in anything. It was different with guys. He knew that, but he had never needed to conform to that before. He had to talk to someone, get some advice or at least get a few thoughts out of his head. He dragged his feet to the living room and grabbed the phone.
He dialed the Matthews residence. He knew Cory was home from school by now. Hopefully, he’d pick up. He hit the ‘call’ button.
“Hello?”
It was his Mom.
He swallowed, “Hi mom. Is Cory home?”
“No, not right now. I think he’s probably at Chubbies. Can I take a message?”
He swore she could hear him sweating.
“Um no,” he said, “I just wanna talk to him about something. I’ll call back later.”
He moved the phone toward the receiver. Unfortunately, he could still hear her talking. He couldn’t just hang up on his mom. He put the phone back to his ear.
“What was that?” he asked.
“I said, is it something I can help you with?”
“No, I don’t think you’d know how to help with this.”
She laughed, “Come on, try me. I’ve been around for a while, you know. I’ve lived some life.”
He took a deep breath. Could he hang up? Just this one time, wouldn’t it be okay? No, he didn’t have it in him. Besides, she’d get suspicious.
“Okay, I need suggestions for what to wear on a date?”
“Since when do you need advice on that? I’ve seen you go on hundreds of dates and never once have you belabored over what to wear.”
Eric rolled his eyes and laughed, “I don’t know about hundreds of dates. You’re not wrong about the other part though. It’s just that this date is different.”
“How come?”
“Well because, um-”
His throat went dry. He could not get the words out.
“Because,” he repeated, “I really like this girl and I want it to go well.”
“Oh, I see. That’s exciting!”
“Please don’t make a big deal out of this.”
“Aw, where's the fun in that? Honestly though, I wouldn’t overthink it. As long as you're dressed somewhat nice, I don’t think she’ll mind.”
“How about this, what did dad wear on your first date?”
“I think he wore black pants, and a black jacket. His shirt was either white or gray.”
“What about dark blue? Would that work?”
“I think that sounds lovely.”
Eric nodded, “Okay I’ll go for it.”
“Need anything else?”
“No, I think I’m just nervous. First date jitters or something.”
“Just be yourself. I’m sure she’ll like you. You're kind, funny, a good storyteller. Just have faith in yourself, kid.”
“Sure, thanks mom.”
Just as he was about to end the call, he heard a door shut on her end.
“Oh Cory’s back. You wanna talk to him?”
“Um sure.”
He had an outfit picked, but he was still nervous. It’d be good to talk with someone honestly.
“Hello?” Cory said.
“Hi,” Eric said, almost whispering.
“Don’t worry she's upstairs in the bathroom. No one can hear us. So mom tells me you have a date. With Jack I assume?”
“Um yeah.”
“So what do you need help with?”
“I’m really nervous, man. I think I’m still a little freaked out about going on a date with a guy.”
“Why? You know there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s just like anyone else dating.”
“I know,” Eric said, “I’ve never cared about other guys dating guys. I really am totally cool with it. I just never thought it would be me.”
Cory took a breath, “Yeah that is tough, but you gotta make the choice that’s right for you. If you like Jack, don’t let anything get in the way.”
“I’m just scared. I sort of tried to come out to Mom earlier. I couldn’t do it. If we date long-term then I have to either risk my parents never speaking to me again, or live a lie. I don’t know if I like either option.”
“Eric, if you run away from your feelings right now then you’ll be living a lie anyway.”
“So, you think I should just shut up and go on this date?”
“Yes, nothing else matters. Just have a good time.”
“Okay, I will. Thanks Cory.”
“Anytime, idiot.”
Eric laughed, “Just one more question, any movie recommendations? We’re going to a theatre and I wanna pick something good.”
“Just watched this movie with Topanga last week called Good Will Hunting. It wasn't bad, she loved it.”
“If Topanga likes it then I’m sure it’s good. I’ll go for it. Bye, Cory.”
“Bye. Have fun.”
Eric darted back to his room. He hung up all the shirts besides the blue button-up. He grabbed the ironing board from the hall closet. He unfolded it, brushed off the dust, and plugged it in. A few minutes later he got to work on flattening the wrinkles. While he worked he hummed a made up tune. Once the shirt was perfect, he put the ironing board away and hung the shirt back in his closet. Then he was off to shower.
He stuck to his usual pre-date shower routine. Wash thoroughly, shampoo twice, condition, and put a little product to smooth it out. Then, he got out, wrapped himself in his towel, and shaved all the tiny accumulating beard hairs. He splashed his face with water, dried it, and stole some of Jack’s facial moisturizer. He darted across the hall to his room. Jack wasn’t home, but now that they were going out, he thought it would be that weird if he walked in and saw Eric in a towel.
He dug through his drawer until he found his black slacks. He’d gotten them along with a suit jacket as a high school graduation gift from his dad. They were buried under all his other clothes because he didn’t usually wear them. Too formal for his liking.
He put on a fresh white T-shirt. Then, he returned to the closet and pulled on the blue button up. He took his time with each button. He often missed a hole when he wore buttoned shirts, especially when he was nervous.
Once he was dressed, he dialed the number for South Street Cinema. It was far enough that almost no one from Pennbrook would be there, but it wasn’t so far they’d waste a lot of gas. Plus, the seats were fairly comfortable; lots of leg room.
He hit ‘call.’
“Hello?” a chipper voice on the other end said.
“Hi,” Eric said, “I was wondering if you had Good Will Hunting at your theatre?”
“We do indeed!”
“Awesome. Are there any showings tonight?”
“Yes, we have one at eight-thirty and a late showing at ten.”
“Great thank you.”
“Of course, have a good night, sir.”
“You too.”
He ended the call. Maybe he should suggest the ten o’clock showing to Jack. They could have dinner beforehand and head over after they ate. Plus, they’d probably have the theatre all to themselves. That way they could talk if the movie turned out to be boring.
He’d tell Jack about both showings and they could decide together. In fact, Jack would be home soon. There was one more thing Eric had to do to prepare.
He grabbed the boombox from his room and placed it on the kitchen island. He returned to his room and searched the shoebox of CDs in the corner.He grabbed a Marvin Gaye jazz album. Back in the kitchen, he put the disc in and hit play.
It sounded relatively romantic. At least he hoped. He laid down on the couch and awaited Jack.
Three songs finished before Eric heard a key in the door.
“Who goes there?” he yelled.
“Your favorite roommate,” Jack said.
The door opened and Jack walked in slowly.
“Nice song.”
“I thought I should set the mood for date night.”
“Good choice,” Jack said, “I love this song.”
Eric moved his legs so Jack could sit. He threw himself down on the couch and tossed an arm around it. Eric rested his back against Jack’s arm. Jack hummed with the chorus of the song. As the second verse started, he smiled at Eric.
“So what’s the plan tonight?” he said.
“I thought we could go to South Street Cinema and see Good Will Hunting.”
Jack nodded, “South Street is cool with me. I like the seats there, plenty of leg room. I don’t know about Good Will Hunting though. Looks kind of nerdy.”
“Well, Topanga liked it.”
“Ah, you should’ve led with that. I’m sure it’s good. I trust her opinion on most things.”
Eric exhaled. He’d been worried Jack was disappointed just by the movie.
“Me too,” he said.
“What time are we seeing it?” Jack asked.
“Well, I was thinking the ten o’ clock showing. That way we’d have time to make dinner first.”
“I don’t know, it’d be like twelve-thirty by the time we got home. Plus, I figured we could just grab pizza or something after. Is there anything earlier?”
“There is an eight-thirty,” Eric said quietly.
“Oh perfect. Let’s see that one.”
“Are you sure? Because if we see the ten o’clock there might be no one there. We could like talk without anyone sushing.”
He laughed, “Eric, we talk all the time. Plus we can talk while we’re getting pizza. All I wanna do is watch a movie and put my head on your shoulder.”
He put his head on Eric’s shoulder like he was presenting an example. Eric smiled and stroked his hair.
“I’d like that too, but maybe it’d be more fun in an emptier theatre.”
Jack sat up straight, “Wait a minute. You just don’t want anyone to see us. Is that what this is about?”
“No, no. Not at all. I just like late movies better.”
Jack raised a brow, “Eric, don’t lie to me.”
Eric rubbed a hand on his own leg, “Fine, okay. I just feel a little weird about people seeing we’re on a date. I mean what if someone tries to start an argument?”
“Then I’ll kick their ass,” Jack said matter-of-factly.
“I’m serious. Are you not worried at all?”
“No, I’m not worried. Not everyone is looking at you, man. I’ve dated a couple guys before. Most people just mind their own business.”
“I know, I know. But what if they don’t? Isn’t it kind of a risk?”
Jack put an arm around him. “Come on, aren’t I worth a little risk?”
Eric smiled, he put his head on Jack’s shoulder.
“I can’t say no when you put it like that. Let’s go to the eight-thirty.”
Jack patted him on the back a few times, “That’s the spirit.”
He sprung off the couch, Eric frowned as the weight of Jack’s arm left him.
“I’ve gotta get ready. Need the bathroom before I shower?”
“Nah, go ahead. I’m sure you need time to pick out an outfit. I heard your date is expecting big things.”
***
Jack emerged from his room. He was wearing a white button-up and tan pants. Eric couldn’t tell if there were lifts in his shoes, or if the outfit made him look taller. Eric ran up to him, finding he couldn’t tear his eyes from the outfit.
“How do I look?” Jack said, giving a quick spin.
“Incredible, as usual.”
Jack leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” he said.
“Well I should hope so. I spent like an hour choosing this outfit.”
Jack laughed, “It was worth it. You ready to go?”
Eric felt his back pockets. Keys, wallet, what was he forgetting? Ah, the finishing touch to his first date appearance. He ran to his room and grabbed the bottle of blue ‘electric heat’ scented cologne on the edge of his bureau . He sprayed it a couple times in front of him and walked through. He kept his mouth closed, he’d made the mistake of swallowing it more times than he cared to admit. He returned the bottle to its spot and ran back to Jack.
“What was that about?” Jack said.
“Just had to do one last thing. Ready to go now.”
Jack held his elbow out, “In that case, I’ll walk you to the elevator.”
Eric accepted his arm and they strolled out of the apartment. As they entered the elevator Jack took a whiff of the air.
“Ah,” he said, “It’s that cologne you love.”
Eric frowned, “What? Do you not like it or something?”
“Nah, of course I like it. It reminds me of you.”
Eric tried not to blush as the elevator doors opened. Luckily, a moment later they were surrounded by cool night air. It was too cold to blush. They walked silently until they reached Eric’s car. He opened the passenger door for Jack.
“Your chariot, sir,” he said as he held the door open.
Jack rolled his eyes as he climbed in, “You're an idiot,” he said.
“How rude,” Eric feigned shock, putting his hand over his heart.
He buckled in and typed the South Street Cinema address into his GPS. He made sure Jack was buckled before he put the car in drive.
The whole way there, they talked about school, their friends, their parents, and even a couple of embarrassing stories. They talked so much it did not feel like twenty-five minutes had passed by the time Eric pulled into the theatre’s parking lot.
Jack had just finished his story of the time he had to read a poem he wrote in front of his whole seventh grade class. Eric abruptly stopped laughing as he glanced around the parking lot. There were around twenty other cars.
“You okay?” Jack said.
Eric tried to put on a neutral expression, “Yeah, for sure.”
Jack grabbed his hand, “Hey, there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Eric climbed out of the car and walked around to Jack’s side. He held the door open for him.
“Wow, such a gentleman,” Jack said, “Are you always gonna open the door for me?”
“Well, it’s a personal rule of mine: never make the cute date open the door.”
“Good rule.”
Eric shut the passenger door and hit the lock button on his keys. The two walked close together until they were ten feet away from the entrance, at which point Jack ran ahead. He grabbed the door and held it open.
“Why thank you,” Eric said.
“Just following the rules,” Jack said.
Eric smiled the whole way to the ticket booth. They made their faces stone as they approached the thirty-something, balding, white guy behind the ticket booth.
“Two tickets to Good Will Hunting, please,” Jack said.
The man took two tickets out of a drawer in front of him.
“Ten-fifty,” the man said, sounding neither angry nor joyous.
Eric reached for his wallet but Jack put up his hand.
“I got this,” he said as pulled out a credit card.
The reader scanned his card and a moment later the man handed Jack two small pink tickets.
“Enjoy the show,” he said, now sounding bored.
They both nodded and headed over to the snack counter.
“Okay,” Eric said, “You paid for the movie, can you at least let me buy snacks?”
“No way. You did the work of picking the location and film; plus you drove. Now, I have to pay up. Division of labor.”
Eric laughed, “Fine, but I get the next one.”
“Deal. Now what do we want?”
“How about we get a popcorn to share? Oo and junior mints.”
“Good idea. Wouldn’t want our breath to smell bad.”
Eric laughed. Jack walked to the counter, and returned a minute later with a container of Junior Mints and a bucket full of popcorn.
“I don’t usually get butter, but if you want it-”
“No,” Eric cut in, “I want what you want.”
“Fair enough.”
They headed upstairs and found theatre seven. As soon as they found their seats, Eric glanced all around them. There were five people two rows ahead, they wouldn’t be looking behind them. However, there were also two people two rows behind him and Jack, and another three people in the second to last row. Damn it, someone might notice after all.
“Hey,” Eric whispered as they sat down, “There are some people behind us.”
“They’re just here to watch a movie. Don’t worry, we’re good.”
Eric took a breath and grabbed a fistfull of popcorn from the bucket Jack was holding. He sat back and watched the trailers. He and Jack would occasionally make comments, as they always did during trailers. ‘Wow what a genius concept’ ‘Tarantino who?’ or Jack’s favorite quip ‘Oh how romantic.’ It made Eric squirm a little this time. He hoped Jack hadn’t noticed.
A few comments later, the lights darkened. Eric sank into his seat and stared at the logos on screen.
“Oh my God,” a character said.
Jack put his arm around Eric.
‘Oh my God indeed,” Eric thought.
“I got the most…”
Eric sank into it. He watched the movie. He felt safe, laughing and sitting next to Jack, it felt right. Nothing else mattered, just the two of them watching a screen. It didn’t even matter what they were watching. Eric knew he’d watch paint dry if Jack was sitting next to him. Before the third act began, Jack’s head was on his shoulder. Eric smiled, That felt even better.
“Do you have a soulmate?” one character said.
“Define that.”
“I’ll get back to you,” Eric thought.
***
They entered the empty pizza parlor, a swinging bell announcing their arrival. Jack slid into the booth closest to the door, Eric sat across from him. There was a plastic menu in the middle of their sticky table. Eric perused it while they waited for an employee to come to the counter.
“Hm,” Eric said, “What should I get? So many choices.”
“You’re obviously just gonna get a slice of cheese. You never get toppings.”
“And why would I? Plain cheese is already perfect.”
“I think I’ll get Hawaiian.”
Eric put a hand over his chest, “How dare you. I feel like you just stabbed me.”
Jack laughed, “I was just trying to make you squirm. I really do like pineapple on pizza though.”
“And I thought I knew you so well.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me. Maybe you’ll learn more tonight.”
Eric glanced over at the counter and saw a guy about their age tapping it impatiently.
“I wanna know everything,” Eric said, “Just lemme grab us some food first. You good with cheese?”
“If I wasn’t I wouldn’t have asked you out.”
Eric laughed to himself as he approached the counter. He pulled a twenty out of his pocket.
“Hello,” he said to the employee, “Can I get one cheese pizza?”
“For here or to go?”
“For here please.”
The guy leaned over the counter, “That’ll be twelve fifty.”
Eric handed him the twenty. He gave him back change, and then he handed him a piece of plastic with an order number. Eric took it and returned to his seat. The whole interaction went well. He’d been a fool to worry.
“We’re number fifty-two,” Eric said as he put the number down.
“Oo,” Jack said, “That was my jersey number when I played lacrosse.”
“I didn’t know you played.”
“It was only for a year when I was a high school freshman. I sucked at it. Think I played two games all season.”
“Did you do anything else in high school?”
“Yeah, I did debate team, academic decathlon, I had a very small role in a school play my junior year.”
“What play?”
“Othello. Played Desdemona’s dad.”
“Damn,” Eric snickered, “Really could’ve used you for my essay last week.”
“I would’ve loved to help if you hadn’t ran away.”
Eric winced, “Yeah, sorry again.”
“Stop apologizing, I’m just messing with you. Just because we’re dating doesn’t mean I can’t still mess with you.”
“You’re right, I just feel bad.”
Jack leaned in a little and whispered, “We were all closeted once. Just don’t be scared anymore.”
Eric glanced at the counter: the guy was busy making their pizza. Eric pressed his lips against Jack’s. Jack held his face and kissed him with a little more force. A moment later, Jack slowly pulled away.
“It’s easy not to be afraid with you,” Eric said.
“You too,” Jack smiled, “Now tell me: what did you do in high school?”
“Wasn’t much of an extracurricular guy. I dated girls and went to Phillies games mostly.”
“Seems like you're retired from one of those things at the moment.”
He reached under the table and squeezed Jack’s hand, “True, but you don’t need a girl to watch a baseball game. I’d love to take you to one some time.”
“You’re on Matthews. Just so happens they’re my favorite team too.”
“That’s the hottest thing you’ve said all night,” Eric whispered.
“Number fifty-two!” the employee yelled.
“I’ll grab it,” Jack said.
Eric smiled at his shoes while he waited for Jack. The two sat there laughing and talking about everything. Eric couldn’t believe how much he hadn’t known about Jack. Like how he could play the guitar. Or how his dream car was a Lexus ES. Or how he was secretly saving 20% of his paycheck every week to put in a college fund for Shawn. By the time they finished the pizza, Eric felt like he was talking to a different guy than the one he lived with.
As they entered into the cool night, Eric grabbed Jack’s hand. Walking to their apartment, his hand warmed by Jack’s, Eric got the feeling he was destined to be with Jack. He’d never been so happy he said yes to a date.