Chapter Text
Chapter 1: Prologue
Gerry couldn't help but notice the blonde haired man when he went to report back to Gertrude. He had seen him before, of course. Michael, the archival assistant that Gertrude hired about a month ago. He stood in place for a bit, not even noticing-
"Gerry, don't you have something to be doing?", Gerry winced as Getruded scolded him. "DId you get the leitner, Gerard?" She asked. "Yes, I did.", he said in response. "You may go."
Neither of them notice the aforementioned blond archival assistant getting up from his desk and walking towards them. Gertrude leaves before he can reach either of them. Michael practically pops out of thin air, which elicits a startled noise from Gerry. "Michael, hey- Hi. You can't just… pop out at me. What d'ya need?"
"Well, I thought I might just ask, well… Do you want to go out to a coffee shop some time? I, well, I'm fond of the chats we have and wanted to spend more time together. I'd… like to get to know you better. If you don't mind a date! If you don't want that, it could be a friendly hangout!"
Michael, asking… Gerry? On a date. Gerry couldn't believe it. Seriously, he couldn't believe it. This was quite possibly the most sudden date proposal ever. 'Classic Michael', he thought. And of course, he accepted. They picked a date and time, and the outing was set.
Gerry put on a nice outfit consisting of a leather jacket, a black t shirt, ripped jeans, and plenty of accessories ranging from silver rings to a spiked collar. He put his long hair up in a ponytail, with the front of his hair covering one of his eyes. He got his makeup on, and went to go pick up the flowers (And of course, Michael).
Michael, on the other hand, was picking out a sweater vest with muted rainbows, a crocheted infinity scarf, purple flared pants, and a patchwork shirt with flared sleeves. He put a simple golden chain onto his glasses, and black studded earrings on. He waited in the living room of his apartment, when he heard the ring, and went to answer the door. Gerry stepped inside as they said their welcomes, and pressed a kiss to Michael's hand. Michael giggles in return, and Gerry hands him the flowers. Michael was a distinct shade of pink, and they walked to Gerry's car. The drive was… awkward, to say the least. Several "get to know you" questions, and long pauses.
They got to the coffee shop, and took their orders, with Gerry ordering a caramel latte and Michael ordering an iced coffee with lavender. They sit down while waiting for their coffee. "So… What gave you the urge to ask me out right then?" "Well, uh… You were leaving, and Valentine's day is coming up, and I thought it would be best to… secure? you before the holiday.", Michael responds to Gerry's question, leading him to do a double take. "That's… one way to put it." He says, still trying to not burst into laughter. When their names were called, Michael went to get the coffee. He brought it back with no issues, and the two started to truly talk. They laughed about little things, joked about Gertrude and her strict behavior. They locked eyes, and it was…
Oh.
Oh, shit.
Gerry knew he liked Michael, but he never thought he'd end up here, on this date, and falling in love. Was this love yet? Too soon? He got caught in Michael's addictive laughter that rang like a bell. His hand found its way to sit on top of Michael's, and for a moment, it was peaceful. And then Michael's coffe toppled onto his lap. He immediately turned red and started stammering while Gerry rushed to get napkins. Without Michael knowing, he ordered another iced lavender coffee and went back to the table outside. When he got back with the napkins, Michael was tearing up. "Oh my gosh- This is so- Embarrassing. I'm so sorry I ruined the moment I-" "No, Michael, you didn't ruin the moment, no. Here's some napkins, I'll be right back.". he says as he hands Michael the napkins and goes back inside. Michael sniffles a little bit, and wipes himself up as he starts to calm down.
When Gerry returns, he had the iced coffee in hand. Michael gasps "Gerry, you didn't have to do that…" "Well, I wanted to. so how about that?", the two continue their banter, and the date goes on without another incident. When they get in the car, Gerry drives with his arm behind Michael's seat. The awkwardness was replaced by the giddy talk of new lovers. "So, Valentine's?" Michael asks when they park in the apartment complex's driveway, and Gerry responds with a nod and a peck on the cheek. He walks Michael to his apartment. When they reach the door, Gerry gives Michael an address and a time for the date. Then, he drove home, an idiotic smile on his face.