[And that, Hank thinks as he heads in for his shower, is that.
Which doesn’t make him feel any less shitty about it. Standing beneath the showerhead now, Hank’s thoughts go back to the way Connor’s smile wilted. It was harmless chatting, and yet he had to go and be an asshole.
But that’s what he wanted, after all. To get in, shower, and get out. Back on the road, with Sumo snoring on the bed behind him. The monotony of his everyday.
Connor, he thinks as he washes his hair.
Connor, with the soft smile. The dark eyes. The thoughts aren’t really going anywhere, but that’s the problem: he should be thinking about anything else. Like grabbing dinner before he hits the road, or...]
Fucking hell. [Hank sighs in annoyance once he realizes he’s rubbed the truck stop provided conditioner in his hair. Even though he brought his own because he knows other shampoos usually get his hair all fried and wiry. Looking like Sumo after he’s been blow-dried.
Now, once Hank is out of the shower, he tries not to meet his reflection in the mirror as he pulls his hair back into a low ponytail. Letting himself idly think of Connor as he does so, one last time.
The guy who got Hank so distracted he’s ended up in a ponytail. The guy he’ll probably never see again.
And that, he thinks again as he slips out of the room, is that. Heading toward the bar-lounge now; he might as well treat himself. It’s happy hour...!]
[Connor takes the fastest shower of his life. He has his own soaps, shampoos, and conditioners and he left his blow drier in the cab of his truck. He slides out of his shower room first, not wanting to run into Hank if possible. Connor dries his hair out in his cab and deliberates on simply moving on. The Jublitz did have its beauty, but maybe he should just sleep at the the next rest stop West.
Still, there's something that calls Connor back and so he dresses in a pair of dark jeans, a deep navy shirt, and a gray vest. He makes his way to the bar and loses his confidence. There Hank is, already drinking. Connor pretends he didn't see him and sits several seats away.]
[Hank has his beer at the bar, barely touched, when he hears that voice. Turning his head to see... Connor from the showers. Okay, this will be the last time he sees him.
There are a few different programs playing on the TVs. Some sort of competition — Hank tries to focus on that. Going in one ear and out the other, but at least his eyes are occupied.
Listening, maybe, in case Connor says something else. The front of the bar here is mostly empty: once people order their drinks, they leave. Keeping those seats between Hank and Connor conspicuously vacant.]
Sorry. [Hank clears his throat. Sips his beer.] About before. Wasn’t trying to be an asshole.
[Connor says a polite thank you when his drink is slid across the counter. He flicks his gaze toward Hank before burying himself in his drink. Only when Hank speaks does Connor turn toward him. His shoulders are slightly cowed as he regards Hank, his eyes turned down at the counter.]
It's fine. [Sip sip.] I've been told I'm too friendly before.
[When Hank looks to him, Connor turns his gaze back down to his glass. He slings it back, swallowing his entire drink in one go and leaving only the ice behind.]
Another, please. [Connor nudges his glass back toward the bartender.]
[Real smooth, Hank! Real damn smooth. Not that he knows what he was trying to get out of that. A smile, maybe?
But no, Hank fucked that up.]
See ya around, Connor.
[He sighs. Goes back to drinking his beer. Turning on his stool to watch Connor start to head out.
Hank’s eyes flick over to meet the bartender's, and god, the little curl of a mocking smile on the guy’s lips.]
Yeah, yeah. I know. [Mumbled quietly against his glass:] Outta my league, anyway, even if I weren’t an asshole.
[And he’s not going to be weird about the movie thing. He’s not. But Hank shoots the bartendar another glance — brow raised at him as if to say “well? Go on” — before he’s heading after Connor.
Jesus Christ, if this isn’t the weirdest decision he’s made all day.]
Sure. Yeah. [A small smile creeps onto his face. Why not let himself pretend for an hour or so that he’s...? Someone anyone would want to watch a movie with.
He glances at that cute little vest once Connor’s stepped in front of him. Mentally swatting himself for looking at all.]
There any snacks you want?
[Hank has one hand tucked in his pocket, ready to beat Connor to pay this time...!]
[Hank doesn’t quite understand that smile, but its allure is what keeps him here. He thought it might feel like a win if he could see it again.
And it does. But now he wants to keep winning.]
You got it. [Hank slaps cash up on the counter!!] Can get anything else too, if you want.
[He really hadn’t expected this distraction, but it’s nice. Different. He’s sure — hopes — that Sumo won’t mind. Probably still napping after his bath.]
[Why is Connor looking at Hank like that!! He’s weak. Weak! The closest anyone’s got to smiling at Hank in the past week has been Sumo when he gives him his favorite jerky.]
Soda. Got it. [Root beer?! Root beer is good! Hank grabs some peanut butter M&M’s, too. Might as well be self-indulgent.] I’ll be in after the popcorn’s done, yeah? Don’t, uh — go too far.
[As if Hank might lose Connor in the theater that probably isn’t very big.]
Won't go far, promise. [Connor winks and then disappears through the doors of the cinema. He picks a seat not far from the back, sitting on the aisle so he can be easily found.]
[Maybe Connor will be gone once Hank gets into the viewing area. He wouldn’t blame him, exactly — weird old guy giving mixed signals! — but...
Hank hopes he keeps that promise. With popcorn, soda, and chocolate in hand, he heads into the theater. It’s not so dark yet with the stupid little pre-movie ads playing on the screen, and Hank’s vision isn’t that bad.
He’s a little surprised to see Connor. A little happy, too: Hank avoids most people, spends long hours driving, but for now he can just pretend that he’s anything else. A man who hangs out with strangers at truck stops on the regular.]
Here’s your soda. [Hope you like root beer, Connor!! Hank hands him the cup before awkwardly shuffling past to sit beside him. Tub of popcorn in hand.]
[Connor looks up when he hears footsteps in the cinema and smiles when he notices Hank.
He does indeed like root beer and accepts it with an even wider smile. He sets the cup into the cup holder and then looks over at the popcorn. What Connor wants most is to hold Hank’s hand through the movie, but how best to handle the popcorn so they can both eat it.I can hold it.
All right. I’m trusting you, then. [Handing the tub of popcorn to Connor, now.] Don’t go and eat it all.
[This is a stupid joke, and Hank doesn’t know why he says it. Eat the popcorn, Connor! Eat it all!! Hank will just go get more; will make him feel useful.
The lights of the theater dim as the last of the weird ads roll, and Hank sneaks a peek over at Connor. It was going to be weird, regardless of whoever ended up with the popcorn. But now it’s Hank who has to feel all awkward as he dives his hand in for some popcorn.
He doesn’t particularly like popcorn, but it’s a movie food. And it gets him chewing on something, rather than letting him stew with his thoughts of: “what the fuck am I doing here?”]
Of course not, Hank. [Connor winks and leans back in his seat a little.
The opening credits roll and Connor peeks over at Hank, taking in his profile and quietly adoring it. He doesn't mind Hank's age at all. In fact, he finds Hank quite charming and is curious as to what will happen next.
And what's happening next is Connor setting his hand, face up, on the arm rest between them. Will Hank take it?]
[Hank leans in close, whispers in his ear, and Connor's eyes flutter shut for a moment. His smile continues to brighten as he turns ever so slightly towards hank.]
It's there for your hand, if you want.
[Y'know, just a little cute hand holding if Hank is up for it.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2025-02-06 12:55 am (UTC)At the mention of chatting Hank up, Connor's smile dims. It sounds like a rejection and Connor tries to take it in stride.]
Just you. [And then Connor retreats back through his door and allows it to close.]
me being slow at tags makes me rambly -does a little dance-
Date: 2025-02-07 09:55 am (UTC)[And that, Hank thinks as he heads in for his shower, is that.
Which doesn’t make him feel any less shitty about it. Standing beneath the showerhead now, Hank’s thoughts go back to the way Connor’s smile wilted. It was harmless chatting, and yet he had to go and be an asshole.
But that’s what he wanted, after all. To get in, shower, and get out. Back on the road, with Sumo snoring on the bed behind him. The monotony of his everyday.
Connor, he thinks as he washes his hair.
Connor, with the soft smile. The dark eyes. The thoughts aren’t really going anywhere, but that’s the problem: he should be thinking about anything else. Like grabbing dinner before he hits the road, or...]
Fucking hell. [Hank sighs in annoyance once he realizes he’s rubbed the truck stop provided conditioner in his hair. Even though he brought his own because he knows other shampoos usually get his hair all fried and wiry. Looking like Sumo after he’s been blow-dried.
Now, once Hank is out of the shower, he tries not to meet his reflection in the mirror as he pulls his hair back into a low ponytail. Letting himself idly think of Connor as he does so, one last time.
The guy who got Hank so distracted he’s ended up in a ponytail. The guy he’ll probably never see again.
And that, he thinks again as he slips out of the room, is that. Heading toward the bar-lounge now; he might as well treat himself. It’s happy hour...!]
<3
Date: 2025-02-07 01:39 pm (UTC)Still, there's something that calls Connor back and so he dresses in a pair of dark jeans, a deep navy shirt, and a gray vest. He makes his way to the bar and loses his confidence. There Hank is, already drinking. Connor pretends he didn't see him and sits several seats away.]
Vodka tonic, please.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:28 am (UTC)[Hank has his beer at the bar, barely touched, when he hears that voice. Turning his head to see... Connor from the showers. Okay, this will be the last time he sees him.
There are a few different programs playing on the TVs. Some sort of competition — Hank tries to focus on that. Going in one ear and out the other, but at least his eyes are occupied.
Listening, maybe, in case Connor says something else. The front of the bar here is mostly empty: once people order their drinks, they leave. Keeping those seats between Hank and Connor conspicuously vacant.]
Sorry. [Hank clears his throat. Sips his beer.] About before. Wasn’t trying to be an asshole.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:33 am (UTC)It's fine. [Sip sip.] I've been told I'm too friendly before.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:43 am (UTC)I believe it.
[Hank gives him another long look, lingering on his face. Turning back to his beer.]
I imagine most people respond better to all that. [Unlike Hank.] Just — didn’t want to fuck up your shower. Or mine.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:51 am (UTC)Another, please. [Connor nudges his glass back toward the bartender.]
My shower was not 'fucked up' by meeting you.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:58 am (UTC)Huh. Well, that’s good. [Hank lets himself smile against his glass.] If I had fucked up your shower, I would’ve offered to buy you a drink.
[And he still might throw cash down before Connor can pay for himself, anyway. Who knows?]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 04:08 am (UTC)When's the next movie start in the cinema? [Is that Connor brushing over Hank's reply? Why yes it is.]
In fifteen minutes. You may take your drink with you.
[His drink is slid back over to him and Connor nods.]
It was nice to meet you, Hank.
[And then he's sliding out of his seat to head off.]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 04:25 am (UTC)[Real smooth, Hank! Real damn smooth. Not that he knows what he was trying to get out of that. A smile, maybe?
But no, Hank fucked that up.]
See ya around, Connor.
[He sighs. Goes back to drinking his beer. Turning on his stool to watch Connor start to head out.
Hank’s eyes flick over to meet the bartender's, and god, the little curl of a mocking smile on the guy’s lips.]
Yeah, yeah. I know. [Mumbled quietly against his glass:] Outta my league, anyway, even if I weren’t an asshole.
[And he’s not going to be weird about the movie thing. He’s not. But Hank shoots the bartendar another glance — brow raised at him as if to say “well? Go on” — before he’s heading after Connor.
Jesus Christ, if this isn’t the weirdest decision he’s made all day.]
What, uh, movie are you going to see?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 04:31 am (UTC)Sharknado. A classic.
[Connor pauses, fidgets with his glass before looking up again.] Are you... coming to see it with me?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 04:40 am (UTC)Heard of that. Haven’t seen it myself.
[Hank assumes it’s like Jaws. Also a classic!
But he notices the way Connor fidgets, so he says:]
Can leave you alone, if you’d prefer.
[Which is what he assumes Connor will want. Because who would want to hang out with an old asshole at a truck stop?
Hank lets himself play back Connor’s little “just you” in his head, though.]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 04:42 am (UTC)[Connor looks hopeful, quietly filled with desire in his cute little vest.]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 05:01 am (UTC)Sure. Yeah. [A small smile creeps onto his face. Why not let himself pretend for an hour or so that he’s...? Someone anyone would want to watch a movie with.
He glances at that cute little vest once Connor’s stepped in front of him. Mentally swatting himself for looking at all.]
There any snacks you want?
[Hank has one hand tucked in his pocket, ready to beat Connor to pay this time...!]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 02:16 pm (UTC)Some popcorn?
[Connor's hand also drops into his pocket ! ! !]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 02:41 pm (UTC)[Hank doesn’t quite understand that smile, but its allure is what keeps him here. He thought it might feel like a win if he could see it again.
And it does. But now he wants to keep winning.]
You got it. [Hank slaps cash up on the counter!!] Can get anything else too, if you want.
[He really hadn’t expected this distraction, but it’s nice. Different. He’s sure — hopes — that Sumo won’t mind. Probably still napping after his bath.]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:03 pm (UTC)And a soda.
[He continues to beam at Hank.]
I’ll get us seats?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 03:12 pm (UTC)[Why is Connor looking at Hank like that!! He’s weak. Weak! The closest anyone’s got to smiling at Hank in the past week has been Sumo when he gives him his favorite jerky.]
Soda. Got it. [Root beer?! Root beer is good! Hank grabs some peanut butter M&M’s, too. Might as well be self-indulgent.] I’ll be in after the popcorn’s done, yeah? Don’t, uh — go too far.
[As if Hank might lose Connor in the theater that probably isn’t very big.]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-08 06:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-02-09 06:27 am (UTC)I’ll hold you to that.
[Maybe Connor will be gone once Hank gets into the viewing area. He wouldn’t blame him, exactly — weird old guy giving mixed signals! — but...
Hank hopes he keeps that promise. With popcorn, soda, and chocolate in hand, he heads into the theater. It’s not so dark yet with the stupid little pre-movie ads playing on the screen, and Hank’s vision isn’t that bad.
He’s a little surprised to see Connor. A little happy, too: Hank avoids most people, spends long hours driving, but for now he can just pretend that he’s anything else. A man who hangs out with strangers at truck stops on the regular.]
Here’s your soda. [Hope you like root beer, Connor!! Hank hands him the cup before awkwardly shuffling past to sit beside him. Tub of popcorn in hand.]
Do you wanna hold the popcorn, or should I...?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-09 04:35 pm (UTC)He does indeed like root beer and accepts it with an even wider smile. He sets the cup into the cup holder and then looks over at the popcorn. What Connor wants most is to hold Hank’s hand through the movie, but how best to handle the popcorn so they can both eat it.I can hold it.
no subject
Date: 2025-02-11 01:09 am (UTC)All right. I’m trusting you, then. [Handing the tub of popcorn to Connor, now.] Don’t go and eat it all.
[This is a stupid joke, and Hank doesn’t know why he says it. Eat the popcorn, Connor! Eat it all!! Hank will just go get more; will make him feel useful.
The lights of the theater dim as the last of the weird ads roll, and Hank sneaks a peek over at Connor. It was going to be weird, regardless of whoever ended up with the popcorn. But now it’s Hank who has to feel all awkward as he dives his hand in for some popcorn.
He doesn’t particularly like popcorn, but it’s a movie food. And it gets him chewing on something, rather than letting him stew with his thoughts of: “what the fuck am I doing here?”]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-11 01:14 am (UTC)The opening credits roll and Connor peeks over at Hank, taking in his profile and quietly adoring it. He doesn't mind Hank's age at all. In fact, he finds Hank quite charming and is curious as to what will happen next.
And what's happening next is Connor setting his hand, face up, on the arm rest between them. Will Hank take it?]
no subject
Date: 2025-02-11 01:23 am (UTC)[Oh, Jesus. That little wink.
And his hand. The fuck is he doing with his hand? Hank is much more interested in that than the movie. Who just rests their hand like that?
He leans toward Connor to whisper in his ear, less because he cares about being rude and more just using the movie as an excuse:]
Connor.
[He should have just ignored Connor’s hand. Should have just watched the damn movie!!]
What’re you...?
no subject
Date: 2025-02-11 01:38 am (UTC)It's there for your hand, if you want.
[Y'know, just a little cute hand holding if Hank is up for it.]
(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From:(no subject)
From: