Chapter Text
Joseph trailed behind Sebastian as he opened the door as if it were his own front door. Joseph was familiar with what bars looked like. He was part of the police department after all and dealt with his fair share of bar fights. But knowing he was about to actually sit down in one and drink, especially with Sebastian, had his stomach in twists. He didn’t have a bad feeling about it, but more of a feeling like when your playing a game everyone else knows how to and you don’t. Uncertainty, anxious. But somehow, Sebastian made all of that subside.
“I usually sit at the bar,” Sebastian said as he slid into the booth. “But I feel like this would be more appropriate for now.”
Joseph slid in on the opposite side. He wasn’t sure what to say. Thankfully, there wants much of an awkward silence to take place since the waitress came over.
“Hello, I’m Dani, I’ll be your waitress. Can I start you off with some drinks?” She handed out two menus. She had on a not very convincing smile, but her chipper voice hid it well.
“I’ll have a Bud Light to start.” Sebastian replied almost instantly.
Joseph panicked slightly, realizing he maybe should have looked at their drinks menu on the way over. He decided to just play it safe and stick with what little he knew. “I’ll also take a Bud Light, thank you.”
The waitress marked their orders down and scanned over Joseph. She might as well have just made out with him right then. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
Sebastian felt a heat grow in his chest. He wasn’t jealous. No way. He decided to leave whatever the hell was happening off to the side right now. “You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to.” Sebastian shrugged off his coat.
“I know,” Joseph said, slipping his jacket off as well. “I want to.” He did want to. He had to overcome this at some point. And with Sebastian, he felt safe.
“Okay. Just don’t try to keep up with me. I probably won’t stick to just beer the whole night.”
“Is that a challenge?” Joseph decided to try and lighten the mood. His mood, anyways.
“Jo, I’m a detective, not a babysitter. I don’t think you want to be carried home.” Sebastian said all matter-of-a-fact.
Sebastian had a point. It wouldn’t be a very good idea to get totally wasted on their first drinking date.
Both men took a minute to look at the menu. Joseph felt a sense of realization come over him as he flipped through the menu a second time. There was nothing without meat. Except macaroni and cheese which was one the kids menu for daytime hours. There was fish but fish isn’t appetizing to Joseph.
“Two Bud Lights.” Dani placed two bottles and two glasses with ice in the bottom in front of the men. “Are you ready to order or do you need a minute?” She was still giving Joseph those flirty eyes and the end of her pen was purposefully held to her bottom lip.
Sebastian coughed in an attempt to gain her attention. “Yes, I am. I’ll have the mushroom Swiss burger.”
She looked annoyed that Joseph still hadn’t looked at her, as he was still flipping through the menu. She scribbled down his order. “How do you want it cooked?”
“Medium rare.”
“Fries or chips?”
“Fries.”
She couldn’t have sounded less bored. Until Joseph spoke up.
“I hate to brother you with this, but do you have any vegetarian options?” He looked at her with a sorrowful, guilty look.
She grinned at him, “Yes! Hang on, I’ll get you the menu.”
He thanked her as she walked away.
“You’re a vegetarian? I didn’t know that.” Sebastian urged Joseph on into a conversation.
“Yeah. I have been for quite a while.” Joseph nervously laughed, pushing back his glasses.
“Is it okay if I eat meat in front of you? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Sebastian questioned, sincerely concerned.
“Not at all! It’s just my choice of not eating meat. I’m not going to limit you or anyone else based on my preference.”
“Here you are, sir.” Dani handed the vegetarian menu to Joseph. When he went to grab the menu, they’re fingers touched. Dani was holding the menu low enough for that to happen. Sebastian wanted to say something, but he bit his tongue. What could he even say? Joseph is a single, straight man. And if some blonde, makeup coated bitch sparked his interest, then so be it.
“Thank you, again.” Joseph searched through the menu hastily. After a few seconds, he made a sound of approval. “I’ll take the tofu salad please, with the strawberry vinaigrette.”
She wrote his order down then took our menus. “Alright, I’ll see you again in a few minutes.” She winked at Joseph as she left.
Sebastian could feel his ears getting red and he bit down on his tongue even harder. Joseph must have not seen it though. Sebastian watched in amusement as Joseph tried to use the bottle opener on his beer.
“Do you need help?” Sebastian smirked. Joseph kept trying, determined but eventually gave Sebastian a defeated look. He slid the beer over to him and the bottle opener. With ease, Sebastian opened both of their bottles. He carefully slid Joseph’s back to him.
“Cheers.” Sebastian said, holding his bottle tilted towards Joseph. Joseph did the same and let the necks clink. Sebastian took a swig of his, and Joseph took a sip.