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Nicky looked out at the grey sky. He hoped it wouldn't rain tonight, but even if it would rain, it wouldn't damper his mood. He found his phone.
"Gmmmmm," Joe muttered when he picked up his phone. "Who calls at 6.12 AM on a Saturday? I got the day off."
Nicky looked at the clock and froze. He had forgotten that not all people in the world were early risers like he was.
"Sorry, Joe," Nicky replied. "I'll call later. Night."
Nicky ended the call and threw the phone on the sofa before he started to pace the floor like crazy.
"Stupid you, stupid you," Nicky scolded himself. "You have ruined it all now."
The phone vibrated, and Nicky looked at it like it was on fire. It was Joe calling, and Nicky momentarily thought about how fast he could move to Antarctica. Nonna did love the snow and penguins, so it shouldn't be a problem at all.
"So, sorry, Joe," Nicky said when he picked the phone up again. "I forgot how early it was."
"And here I thought it was because you were missing me," Joe joked. Nicky sighed because Joe didn't seem mad at him for calling this earling. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no, no," Nicky replied. "Can I call you in a minute?"
"Sure," Joe replied. "You know the number."
Nicky ended the call and let out a scream before he took a deep breath. Then he called Joe.
"I need to know," Joe said. "Did you just scream, and why are you screaming?"
Nicky looked at the phone and saw the minutes were still counting. This was not going according to plan.
"Because I'm an idiot," Nicky replied. "And you weren't supposed to hear me scream."
"I'm not mad at you, Nicky, for calling me," Joe replied. "I was dreaming of you and wished to hear your voice."
"Oh, really?" Nicky asked. "Was it a good dream?"
"Even though it was weird: we were riding purple unicorns. Is it because we're gay that the unicorns were purple?" Joe joked. "But it was a good dream because we were together."
It made Nicky giggle.
"Glad I could make you giggle," Joe said. "Now, tell me why you were calling?"
"Nonna mentioned a dinner tomorrow with you and Ernest," Nicky replied. "You know her mind isn't what it was, and if Nonna is going somewhere that isn't planned, she needs to know it in good time, so her careers can write it on her whiteboard."
"There's a small change in the original plan. Because I got the night shift tomorrow night, we have decided to eat lunch at the zoo around noon. I thought of picking you up first at 10.30 AM, and then we can drive to the nursing home to get your Nonna around 11 AM," Joe replied. "Is it ok with you?"
"More than fine; Nonna loves the zoo just as I do," Nicky replied. "Thanks for telling me, and now go back to sleep. We got a big night tonight."
"So looking forward to it, Nicky," Joe replied. "And just so you're prepared. I will hold your hand the entire evening and look deep into your eyes...."
"Joe, I want there to be surprises," Nicky said. "So, go to sleep and then you can show me the surprises tonight. Ok?"
"Ok," Joe replied. "Night, Nicky."
After calling the nursing home to tell them about the plans for tomorrow, Nicky sat down to work on his ring designs, which he did until noon. Then he decided to get some fresh air while getting a sandwich. When he got home, he called Nonna, who once again reminded him to put on his new clothes and that he should remember to smile. After a nap, he took a shower, got dressed, and then all that was left to do was to wait until Joe came in 42 minutes. It was the longest 42 minutes in Nicky's life if you asked him because he got to look at himself in the mirror and started to have second thoughts about the clothes. Before he could make up his mind if he should change or not, it knocked on the door.
"Flower delivery," Joe joked. "And also a very excited guy delivered."
Joe held out the bouquet of yellow roses, which Nicky took with a smile. The smile only grew when Nicky sniffed the roses; how Joe loved that smile.
"I love them," Nicky said while blushing. "And I'm also a very excited guy."
Nicky made a sign that Joe was welcome inside, and Joe followed Nicky into the kitchen, where Nicky found a vase.
"Still sorry about what happened this morning," Nicky said, looking sorry at Joe. "I forgot..."
Joe wrapped his arms around Nicky from behind and placed a kiss on Nicky's cheek. It almost made Nicky forget to turn off the water tap.
"Don't think more about it," Joe whispered. "Ok?"
"Ok," Nicky replied. He enjoyed being held by Joe. "Have I told you I love the roses? And this is the first time anyone has given me roses."
"Yes, you have," Joe replied. "And you need better suitors if no one has given you roses yet."
Nicky smiled at Joe before he started to put the roses in the vase.
"What?" Joe asked. "Is there something on my shirt?"
"No, no," Nicky replied. "I just like it when you use old words."
"Thanks, you're the first one who has said it," Joe replied. "It comes from my father. He was a professor in poetry."
"I don't mind you liking poetry," Nicky said. "We all need a hobby."
"True," Joe replied. "And what is your hobby?"
"Old books," Nicky replied as he held out the vase. "What do you think?"
"It looks beautiful," Joe replied. "Can you teach me how to do it?"
"Maybe that can be a thing on our second date," Nicky replied. "When I bring you roses."
"I like the sound of that," Joe replied. He tilted his head a bit when Nicky turned around to put the vase on the table. "May I say you look good tonight?"
Nicky tried really hard not to pull in the shirt.
"So do you," Nicky replied. "Love the salmon-coloured shirt. It suits your smile."
"Thank you, Nicky," Joe replied. "Ready for dinner?"
"Yes," Nicky replied. "Can't wait to see what a beetroot that tastes like a beef looks like."
Joe laughed, and they left the flat. Joe took Nicky's hand out on the street, and they walked to the restaurant, talking. It was like there were only them in the world, which they both enjoyed and loved. When they reached the restaurant, Joe pulled the chair out for Nicky and placed another kiss on Nicky's cheek before sitting down beside Nicky. They looked around the restaurant, which was filled with all the colours you would find in the Pride flag. There were couples on dates, friends, and a birthday company.
"Joe," Nicky said when he could see Joe was struggling to say something. "What's it? You can tell me anything."
"You should know," Joe said. "When I'm out eating, I prefer vegetarian places because I'm a Muslim, and it saves a lot of time when you're hungry..."
Nicky placed his hand over Joe's hand and squeezed it.
"You don't need to explain it to me, Joe," Nicky said. "I respect your faith. It's a part of you."
"Thanks," Joe replied. "It means a lot to hear you say that because unlike others, I actually believe you when you say it. It's a story for another day."
Nicky nodded as he took the menu card.
"I was thinking, Joe," Nicky said. "What do you say we order the house's menu? We will get three courses with beverages that match the food. And we can have the beverages without alcohol?"
"Yes, I'll personally make sure of that," The waitress replied. "I promise you'll still get a first-class experience."
"Let's do it," Joe replied. "But can we still have some water without sparkles?"
The waitress nodded and left, saying she would return with food and beverages in ten minutes.
"Have you been here before?" Joe wanted to know. "Since you knew that with the house's menu."
"Got to admit something. When I saw the restaurant's name on the tickets, I did some research," Nicky replied. "I just wanted to impress you."
Joe looked love-struck at Nicky.
"And you have impressed me," Joe said. "I absolutely love it. Please do more of it in the future."
"Promise," Nicky replied. "So, just for fun. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?"
Joe thought for a moment.
"Malta. It lies halfway between Tunis and Italy, two of my favourite places in the world," Joe replied. "And you?"
"I always wanted to live in Italy at some point. Call it my retirement plan," Nicky replied. "But maybe if this works out with you, I might change my retirement plan a bit because Malta sounds fantastic."
The waitress placed Wild Mushroom Tartlets with Onion Sauce in front of them.
"This smells amazing," Joe said. "Can't wait to taste it."
"I can only say the same thing," Nicky added. "Thank you."
The waitress smiled at them before leaving. When they took a bite of the food, they both made humming noises. It made them both smile.
"But back to your retirement plan, Nicky," Joe said. "Let's just pretend for a moment; we're old men. After a lot of discussions, we decide to buy a house in both Malta and Italy."
"Too expensive," Nicky replied. "A house in Malta and a flat in Rome, but both places are big enough so friends and family can stay with us when they visit us."
"I can settle on that compromise," Joe replied. "Are you a dog or cat person?"
"Promise not to laugh?" Nicky asked, and Joe nodded. "I always wanted alpacas. I love their funny faces."
"Ok, then we're getting a farm in Malta," Joe replied. "That way, I can have goats."
"Sounds like we're having a small zoo," Nicky said with a smile. "Maybe we should have chicken too."
"Fresh eggs in the morning," Joe replied. "I like the way you think."
The waitress placed Vegan Roast Beef With Potato And Beans. Once again, they thanked the waitress.
"Until today," Nicky admitted after tasting the roast beef. "I never liked beetroot, but if it's prepared like this, I could eat it every day."
"I can only agree," Joe replied. "I might end up cooking food again because of this amazing food."
"Don't," Nicky smirked. "You just end up putting the chef out of work."
Joe laughed, and so did Nicky.
"You're funny," Joe said. "Love it."
"Thanks," Nicky replied with a shy smile. "You're also funny."
They exchanged a smile.
"I need a bathroom," Nicky said after eating the last mouthful. "Don't eat my dessert."
"I try to behave," Joe replied and winked at Nicky. "Remember I said I would try."
When Nicky walked past Joe, he ran his fingers through Joe's curls, and Joe leaned into the touch. It made them both blush. When Nicky came back, Joe took Nicky's hand in his. They just sat like that until the waitress returned with a plate of Chocolate Swirl Tiramisu Pudding.
"When people are on date night," The waitress said. "We serve dessert on one plate. Unless you want two."
"It isn't a problem," Nicky replied. "It's a very romantic thought."
The waitress smiled before leaving them alone.
"Very Lady and the Tramp," Joe said as he put some Tiramisu on the spoon. "May I?"
Nicky nodded before opening his mouth before doing the same thing with the same result.
"We should try with spaghetti the next time," Nicky said. "I just need to find a recipe for vegetarian meatballs."
"I promise to be there," Joe replied. "This taste even better when you feed me."
Nicky could only agree with Joe, and five minutes after finishing eating, they left the restaurant.
"If it's ok with you," Nicky said. "I just want to walk a bit. I don't feel like going for cocktails tonight."
"More than fine with me," Joe replied. "Let's go through the park."
As they walked through the park, other people got the same idea. Suddenly Joe stopped walking when they reached some trees.
"Something wrong?" Nicky asked.
"Nah, just being nostalgic," Joe replied with a smile. "It was here I met someone special to me."
Nicky raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.
"It's you, Nicky," Joe said as he took Nicky's hands in his. "It was here we met for the first time."
"Oh, oh," Nicky said. "I guess I didn't notice the location too much because I was worried about my Nonna."
"Understandable," Joe replied. "Nicky, I hope I one day can kiss you here..."
Before Joe could finish his sentence, Nicky kissed him. Joe's brain stopped working because he was trying to process the kiss.
"Sorry," Nicky said. "I liked the idea you were talking about."
Joe's brain finally started working again, and he placed his arms around Nicky's lower back.
"Let's try that again," Joe said. "If it's ok with you?"
Nicky nodded, and when they kissed this time, they both somehow knew they wouldn't kiss anyone else in their life. That this kiss was the start of something new for them both, a new chapter in their life.
"You know," Nicky said. "I think I got a new hobby right now. Kissing you."
"Also me," Joe replied. "I love our new hobby."
They both laughed.
"I know it is getting late," Nicky said. "But do you want a cup of tea before calling the night?"
"Very much," Joe replied. "Show the way."
They held onto each other until they got back to Nicky's flat.
"You know," Nicky said. "You have to let go of me if you want that cup of tea. I don't want to spill burning water on you."
"Fine," Joe replied before kissing Nicky's temple. "But I'm doing it under protest."
"I'm also protesting," Nicky replied. "You can wait in the living room if you want."
Nicky pointed to his right, and Joe went into the living room. Joe walked over to the wall with all the pictures on it.
"I didn't know you were a nudist," Joe joked. "Are there other things you haven't told me?"
"I was five back then. We went to Genova for the summer, and it was hot. I wasn't the only child running around naked on the beach," Nicky replied. "Do you have a favourite summer memory?"
Joe sat down next to Nicky on the sofa and took the cup of tea.
"It has to be the last summer before our parents died," Joe replied. There came a sadness over Joe's face. "Even though it rained the entire time we were at the summer house, we had so much fun. We went to museums, the aquarium, and other places. We ate great food and even bet on when Izza would walk. I won with a day because I said it would happen when I started school again."
"I'm so sorry that you lost your parents," Nicky said. "Just know if you need to talk about it, then just ask me."
"Thanks, Nicky," Joe replied. "And if you need to talk about your family, then know you got the same offer from me."
They both drank the rest of their tea and after placing the cups on the coffee table, they curled together in the corner. Joe once again with his back against it, with Nicky sitting between his legs. While Nicky played with Joe's fingers, Joe ran his other fingers through Nicky's hair.
"You smell of bubblegum," Joe said. "It's a nice smell."
"Don't judge me too hard," Nicky replied. "But I'm still using the same shampoo as I did as a child. I love the smell of it."
"So do I," Joe replied. "I wash my hair in a pomegranate shampoo that doesn't smell as good as your shampoo does."
Nicky craned his neck so he could look up at Joe.
"Don't hate me," Nicky said. "I love when you hold me, but I'm not ready for sex yet."
"I don't ever think I can hate you, Nicky," Joe replied. "And we wait until we're both ready for the next step. We got the time."
"Thanks for understanding," Nicky replied. "Not everyone would."
"I know that," Joe replied. "We agreed on taking it at our pace, and if we first have sex when we're married, then know it's more than ok with me. I want everything in our relationship to be special. Just like our first kiss was."
Nicky pulled Joe in for a kiss.
"You're an incurable romantic," Nicky said. "I love it."
"Only for you," Joe replied with a smile. "Shall we kiss some more? Since it's our new hobby."
They kissed and talked until 1 AM. Then they decided to call it a night, but when they stood in the doorway, they ended up kissing for a half hour more until the Uber driver asked if Joe wanted to go home or not. After one last long kiss, Joe got into the car. Once again, Nicky looked after the car until it had turned the corner. When Nicky lay down in bed, he saw Joe had texted him.
"Just so you know it, when I'm done with my work week on Thursday, I'm going to invite you out on a second date so that I can kiss you some more."
Nicky smiled as he texted back.
"Can't wait for our second date, and thanks for the world's best first date. I really enjoyed tonight."
Joe texted back.
"I also enjoyed tonight and can only agree with your statement. Is it ok that I stop by earlier tomorrow so I can kiss you before lunch with Nonna and Ernest?"
Nicky texted back.
"You know where to find me. We better get some sleep. Dream about the purple unicorns."
Joe texted back.
"So funny. See you tomorrow, and have nice dreams about me. I'm the one on the purple unicorn."
Nicky texted back.
"I'll look after you. As always. Night, Joe. And thanks again for a fantastic date."
Nicky placed his phone on the side table. He fell asleep with a smile on his face.