Chapter Text
What do you wear to a picnic? Chance looked through his closet anxiously. A suit, like he usually wore, seemed a bit too formal. Maybe something casual would work better? But jeans and a t-shirt wasn't really Chance's style. After thinking for a while, he settled on black pants with a white button up shirt, the top few buttons undone. The sleeves were rolled up to show his forearms.
this would totally make elliot like him.
Then he checked the clock. Shit. It was around nine o'clock, and the drive to Elliot's place was about fifteen minutes. Chance still had to pick up groceries. He put on his shoes, and set his house alarm.
He stepped outside, locking the door behind him. His car, which he had gotten back from the bar recently, was sitting there. It had cost a fortune, but that was nothing to chance. He checked his reflection in the polished, black surface of the car. He looked good enough. He got in, turning on the radio. It was some random pop song he had heard a million times. As he drove to the grocery store, he came to a wonderful realization. He didn't know what to get.
As he stepped into the parking lot with thirty minutes until ten, his mind was racing. what the fuck do you even eat at a picnic??
Uh…. Think! Think! He walked into the store, and a nice, prepackaged charcuterie board caught his eye. Crackers, cheeses, meat. It looked perfect. And heavenly. He grabbed that, and a jug of lemonade, and headed to the cash. He turned back to grab some cups, then headed back to the cash.
As he made small talk with the cashier, he noticed a few lottery tickets sitting on the counter. His eyes lit up.
“Uh, I’ll take a few of those, please,” he said, pointing.
He had everything he needed, for the picnic, except for Elliot. Somehow, it was only nine 30 .The anxiety in his chest hadn't quite died down yet. His mind raced through stupid scenarios and small details. Should he have music on when he got elliot? Should he just text him and let him know to come out, or go and knock on his door? Decisions decisions.
Chance pulled up to Elliot's apartment at nine fifty five (traffic). He had decided to go knock on Elliot's door, and bring him to his car like a gentleman. As he got to the door to Elliot's apartment. He checked his watch. Nine fifty-eight. Perfect. He knocked on the door quickly.
Elliot answered almost instantly.
“Chance! Hey!” he said, Pulling chance into a hug. Not what chance was expecting, but definitely welcome.
“Hi Elli!”, Chance said, grinning from ear to ear and, trying to hide the blush on their face with their fedora.
“How are you?” They asked.
“I'm great,” Elliot responded. He pulled away from the hug, still holding Chance's hand though.
Tightly, Chance noticed.
(pleasedontletgopleasedontletgopleasedontletgo)
Chance led Elliot to his car, holding his hand the entire way. When it was time to enter the car, chance had opened the passenger seat door for Elliot, helping him into the car before stepping into the driver's side himself. This was going perfectly.
“So Elli, do you want any music?” Chance asked, running their hand through their hair. They were feeling anxious, but also excited.
“Uhhh, radio’s fine,” Elliot said, rubbing his eyes… Chance noticed that he looked a bit tired.
I guess overworking will do that to you.
"So,"Elliott continued, “where are we going?”
Chance hadn't thought of that yet. Oops.
“How about the beach,” they asked. “Shouldnt be too crowded today.”
The beach would be fine, of course. The weather, though pretty, was in no way suitable for swimming. The two were both wearing jackets as it was, going in the water would be a no-go.
“That seems nice,” Elliot says. “Maybe not great weather for swimming though.”
Chance laughed.
“I’m really happy that we're doing this,” said Elliot. “I love working at the pizza place and all that, but..” he held a piece of his shiny, wonderful golden hair in his fingers, twirling it around pensively. Elliot licked his lips, figuring out what to say. Chance wished those lips were–
Lock in chance! Lock in! You can not get distracted and fumble today!
“Sometimes work can be tiring, you know? It's nice to have a break, sometimes. Just to be able to relax. Hang out, y'know?" Elliot finished
Chance nodded.