Elio

elio was her best friend, and maybe others would say they wouldn’t go along with something like this just to make someone jealous, but that wasn’t elio. he was there, putting on a show with her, and she was glad. of course milo was noticing, and she was glad he did. "partially?" she scoffed, "i want him in timeout," she smirked. "i love a game where they put men in timeout, best part of the boy aquarium," she teased, a grin on her lips. "next time we come, i’ll bring a t-shirt that says ‘this is my bestie, he’s hot, gay and single,’" she chuckled, leaning in to whisper it against his ear just for fun. she laughed softly as elio told her he was giving a good performance. "you are, you’re making me doubt you’re into guys for a second, guys should be as gentle as you, even if i’m here sighing over a fucking asshole," she added with a chuckle. as he wrapped his arms around her, she smiled, resting her head in the crook of his neck. when they pulled away and milo lost the puck, she smirked, clapping toward him. "high-fucking-five," she said, high-fiving elio. "i’m inviting you to dinner, boyfriend of the month," tess laughed. she turned to look at milo and blew him a kiss.

Elio was absolutely elated, quietly, of course, but inside he was practically glowing. The whole act, the fake dating, the playful cruelty of it all, it was working perfectly in Tess's favour. And honestly? He was having the time of his life. He didn't get to pretend to like girls anymore. At her scoff, he let out a soft laugh, shaking his head with mock disbelief. At her 'boy aquarium' comment, Elio completely lost it. The laugh hit him before he could even try to play it cool, utterly unfiltered as he tipped his head back slightly. “The boy aquarium?” he echoed, half under his breath, like he couldn’t quite believe how good that was. He glanced at her with a wide, delighted grin, eyes sparkling. “Oh my god, that’s evil. I love that little nickname for it." He leaned in a little closer after, still laughing softly, his voice dropping into something more conspiratorial. “Just tapping on the glass, putting them in little timeouts” he added, shaking his head like he was picturing it play out in real time. When she leaned in and whispered that ridiculous t-shirt idea, Elio’s smile widened, his eyes crinkling slightly. He dipped his head closer to hers, voice low and amused. “Oh, please do,” he whispered back, clearly delighted by the image. “I imagine a lot of them would look if it's you wearing it and I can awkwardly stand at your side and wave when they look over from you to me." At her compliment, though, him making her doubt, he let out a soft, breathy laugh, ducking his head just slightly. “Careful,” he teased gently, his voice dropping a touch. “I might start thinking I deserve an award for this performance.” When he wrapped his arms around her and she settled into him, Elio didn’t hesitate. His hold was easy, natural, like it belonged there. He tilted his head just slightly toward hers, playing the part but also not entirely playing. “God loves an asshole. He makes them the prettiest." As they pulled away and Milo fumbled, Elio caught it instantly. His eyes flicked over, a spark of triumph flashing across his face before he turned back to Tess, perfectly in sync with her energy. He laughed, lifting his hand to meet hers with a sharp, satisfying clap. And when she blew Milo a kiss, Elio followed her gaze briefly, a smug little smile settling on his lips, just subtle enough to sting. Oh, this was working. This was really working. He let out a quiet, impressed hum, shaking his head slightly. “Dude missed his shot,” he muttered, just low enough for her to hear, amusement lacing every word. Then he leaned in closer, shoulder brushing hers, a playful confidence settling into his tone. “Damn, I’m really am good at this,” he added, half teasing, half genuinely pleased with himself. Milo didn’t react right away, not in any obvious way, at least. From a distance, it looked like nothing more than a casual, absent-minded movement. He lifted his hand up toward his helmet, fingers brushing along the edge like he was adjusting it, maybe scratching near his temple. But just for a split second, tucked into the motion, his middle finger extended, quick, subtle, easy to miss if you weren’t looking directly at him. Elio was looking, though. He caught it instantly, his brows lifting a fraction before a quiet, incredulous laugh slipped out of him. Leaning in slightly toward Tess, he murmured under his breath, “Oh, wow. Did you see that? He flipped us off. Real subtle. Very classy.”

dakota looked at elio and shook his head. "i guess i’m asking because i know i’ll get them for free," he chuckled, "my sister works here, and i come pretty often," he added with a shrug, not bragging, just stating it. he glanced around at everyone in cowboy hats. "yeah, i guess that’s the look people go for here," he nodded, turning back to elio before leaning over the bar to order them a couple of beers. "you can just try to blend in," he added, "just don’t scream yeehaw like the bachelorettes who come here wasted wanting to ride the mechanical bull," he said as two beers were slid toward him. dakota smiled, handing one over. when elio mentioned working at the university as a teaching assistant, dakota looked at him with a small grin. "you seem confident enough to talk anyone’s ears off," he chuckled, shaking his head as he took a long sip of his beer, almost like he was trying to quiet his own thoughts. his gaze drifted from the dance floor to the bull ride, and when he caught that mischievous look from elio, he swore his brain short-circuited. he went quiet as elio mentioned being good at riding, his cheeks flushing as he looked away. "i’ve got the record for lasting the longest on that thing," he admitted, "maybe you should try it yourself," he added, though the way the conversation was going made him think they weren’t just talking about the mechanical bull anymore. he took another long drink, nerves building, and didn’t stop until his beer was gone. he set the glass down on the bar, looking back at elio, his mind racing, heart pounding. he couldn’t let himself go there, not like that, not with him, that wasn’t what he’d been taught, not what he was supposed to feel. "i think i need shots," he muttered, mostly to himself, trying to drown out the thoughts before they got any louder.

Elio watched Dakota with that easy, knowing smile, fingers loosely wrapped around the beer as he took a slow sip, eyes never really leaving Dakota’s face. He clocked the way Dakota talked, casual, but not cocky and the little tells, like how his gaze kept drifting when Elio said something slightly dirty-minded if taken in the wrong kind of context. At the comment about blending in, Elio let out a soft laugh, tilting his head. “Oh, don’t worry,” he said smoothly, voice laced with amusement, “I save my yeehaws for special occasions. You’ll know when it’s serious.” His lips twitched into a grin, clearly not taking any of this too seriously. "I'm a city boy at heart though. I'll keep sticking out." When Dakota said he seemed confident to talk somebody's ear off, Elio raised a brow, a playful glint sparking in his eyes. “Careful, you’re giving me a reputation. I like to think I’m a good listener too when the company’s interesting enough.” And then, the bull. Elio didn’t miss a thing. Not the blush, not the way Dakota looked away, not the way his voice shifted just slightly when he mentioned his record. That mischievous look sharpened, just a touch, turning a little more deliberate. “Longest, huh?” Elio repeated, slow and teasing, like he was tasting the words. He took another sip of his beer, then set it down with a quiet clink, leaning in just enough to close the space between them without making it obvious. “That’s a bold claim to make in front of me. I might have to see some proof.” His gaze flicked briefly toward the mechanical bull before sliding right back to Dakota, far more interested in his reaction than the ride itself. When Dakota downed his beer and muttered about needing shots, Elio let out a quiet laugh under his breath, shaking his head slightly. He reached out, lightly tapping the bar near Dakota’s empty glass. He asked the bartender for some shots, on him, of course, he didn't need anymore free hand outs. "You keep telling me to try it,” he said, voice low and teasing, “starting to sound like you want me up there.” A soft chuckle slipped out as he tilted his head. “Are you wanting me to go up there and embarrass myself, Dakota?" Elio thanked the bartender as he pushed four shots between them both. "And shots, huh?” he added, nudging the glass lightly with his fingers. “Liquid courage.” A brow lifted, smile turning just a little more knowing. “So, are we drinking so you can show me that record of yours?”

“i’m not invested in him, that’s all,” she said with a small nod, eyes on the game as they followed the puck across the ice—though every few seconds they drifted back to milo. she’d hate to admit it out loud, but a part of her had come hoping he’d notice her. the idea had formed quickly: sit with someone, look close enough to mean something. elio hadn’t exactly been thrilled about the plan, but when he placed his hand on her waist she smiled softly. “you’re the best,” she whispered. “that’s the challenge—if i can just get him a little pissed, that’s enough. but if he tries to throw hands, we’re calling it off, okay?” she promised, even though she doubted milo would go that far. when elio’s arm draped over her shoulders she leaned into it easily, smiling. “i’ll take you to a wine bar after this and you can order whatever you want,” she murmured near his ear. “actually—if this works, your next date is on me.” she laughed quietly when he brushed his cheek against her hair. “it’s honestly tragic you’re not straight,” she teased. “this is the sweetest a man has ever treated me.” when he told her milo was looking, her gaze slid back to the ice until it caught milo’s. she held it for a second, then smirked before leaning in to whisper something in elio’s ear. “i hope he’s dying of envy right now,” she chuckled, pulling back just long enough to press a quick kiss to her best friend’s cheek before glancing back at milo with raised eyebrows. “did that look convincing?”

“You’re really enjoying this, huh?” His smile was sharp, amused, and just a little mischievous. “Making him sweat a little." When she pressed that quick kiss to his cheek, he smirked, pretending not to flinch at the unexpected contact, though his eyes sparkled with quiet humor. “Yeah, that’ll get him thinking,” he said softly, letting his gaze follow Milo across the ice before returning to her. Even as he pretended to be completely invested in the act, there was a subtle thrill under the surface, watching her pull this off, seeing Milo react, feeling the easy closeness between them. Elio adjusted his posture just enough to keep it believable, arm still casually over her shoulder, voice low and calm. “Don’t worry,” he murmured, “I’ve got your back, even if I’m supposed to look like I’m into it.” His lips quirked into that small, amused smile, letting her know he was enjoying the game almost as much as she was. Elio let his gaze drift back to Milo just long enough to catch the sharp flicker of recognition, or maybe irritation, in his Milo's eyes. He smirked, just slightly, keeping his arm draped over her shoulders. “Looks like he’s noticing,” he murmured, voice low, more for her than anyone else. “Mission partially accomplished. You know,” he added with a teasing tilt of his head, “if you keep this up, he might need a timeout.” His grin widened, amusement bright in his eyes. Elio let out a soft, ironic laugh, brushing a strand of hair from her shoulder. “It is tragic, really,” he murmured, voice low and playful, “I feel like I’m really giving with this performance.” His eyes sparkled with mischief, the humor tempered with a touch of genuine amusement at how convincing they’d been so far. He shifted slightly, gently guiding Tess so she was perched in front of him. His arms wrapped around her middle, careful but deliberate, holding her in a snug, casual embrace. “One last show for him,” he murmured with a small smirk, letting Milo catch the scene across the ice. The closeness was effortless, intimate enough to draw attention, but light enough to make it look natural, a perfect, teasing statement. Elio tightened his arms just a fraction around Tess, cheek brushing hers, and whispered with a low, amused tone, “I think I’m ruining my own game, all these cute hockey guys are gonna think I’m into girls.” His lips curved into a sly smirk as he let Milo’s eyes wander across the ice, catching Tess in his peripheral vision. Sure enough, Milo’s stick swung a fraction too late, the puck slipped past him as he blinked, completely distracted. “High-five?” he whispered, wiggling his fingers.

dakota liked to think he was good at reading people—figuring out what made them tick just by watching—but understanding himself was a completely different story. feelings, thoughts, saying the right thing… he’d never been great at any of that. it had been obvious from the moment the guy walked in that he wasn’t exactly in his natural habitat, like he’d somehow wandered into the wrong party. “yeah, i guess that’s the vibe this place gives off,” dakota nodded, lifting his beer. when the guy mentioned being from wyoming, dakota tipped his hat in an exaggerated cowboy gesture. the compliment about his ass made heat rush to his cheeks, and he hid it behind a quiet chuckle. “don’t think that’ll happen, but you might wanna stay away from the dance floor just in case,” he joked, taking a long sip of his drink before adding a little too quickly, “i just figured i’d let you know so you don’t waste your time.” he cleared his throat, shifting the topic. “teacher assistant? like at a school?” he asked, glancing around the bar as the music picked up again. “it’s always like this here—country bar. you either get real country folks or people who wish they lived in texas.” he shrugged with a grin. “you might embarrass yourself out there, but half the people here are a few beers in, so nobody would care anyway.” he finished the last of his drink, setting the empty bottle down. “i’m about to grab another—want something? i know the folks here, might even get it for free.”

Elio’s grin spread easily, that warm, teasing energy flowing naturally as he leaned against the bar. “Yeah, I’ll take a drink,” he said, voice light, friendly, letting his eyes flick to Dakota with an amused glint. “You’re offering free drinks because you know people here, huh? Clever move.” He shook his head slightly, chuckling, and let a small smirk tug at his lips. “Guess that explains all the hats in here, don’t worry, I’ll try not to embarrass myself out there,” he teased, tilting his head. “But I can’t promise anything; city boy in a country bar, you know how it is.” His tone was playful, but curious, clearly wanting to see Dakota in his element, to know more about him. Elio leaned a little closer, resting an elbow on the bar, giving off that casual, outgoing energy. "I work at a university,” he added, shrugging slightly. “Teaching assistant. So technically, I’m supposed to be all responsible and organised or whatever.” He laughed lightly, shaking his head. “But I promise, I don’t bite. Well, not usually.” His grin widened, playful and friendly. "I could talk your ears off for hours though, just a warning." Elio let his eyes flick toward the dance floor, smirking as the music pulsed through the bar. He tilted his head toward Dakota, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You gonna join me out there later?” he asked, voice low and teasing. “Or over there,” he said, nodding toward the bull ride, voice low and teasing. “Though, I don’t think I could ride that big thing.” Elio let his gaze linger on the bull for a moment longer, then flicked a mischievous look at Dakota. Elio’s eyes quickly flicked back to the mechanical bull again, a sly smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m good at riding,” he murmured, letting the words hang, low and teasing. “Or, so I’ve been told. Different story for another day, though.”

at his question, dakota tilted his head as if he were thinking it over, then chuckled. “i think everyone can tell,” he nodded. when the other pressed on, dakota shrugged, noticing him lean a little closer, though he didn’t move—it wasn’t like his space was being invaded. “i think it’s because you look lost,” he mused, then added, “and because i know what country people look like,” he said again with a small smile. “you’re talking to a country mouse, born and bred in wyoming,” he tipped his hat toward him, warmth in his expression. “city folks know how to party, but they’re not really used to line dancing and country music. i bet you just twerk or something,” he chuckled shyly. “not that i’ve partied anywhere other than this barn,” dakota added with a grin. when the other mentioned he wasn’t interested in girls, dakota swallowed hard, the words i’m gay echoing in his mind. “oh, then yeah, inviting them for a drink probably won’t work for you,” he mused, looking away as he took another sip of his beer, trying to drown his nerves. “i mean, you can still make friends,” he nodded. “my sister works here and she never flirted with her coworkers—they’re just good friends,” he admitted. when the other said he’d gotten lucky by talking to him, dakota’s heart started racing. he wasn’t gay—at least he didn’t think he was—the guy was handsome, sure, but that was just objective. “oh, i’m not gay,” he said quickly, as if that was going to convice himself “so i don’t know if you’re lucky or not,” he added, cheeks burning red. when the other leaned in closer, his brain short-circuited. “thanks, it was my dad’s,” he said about the hat, lifting it off with an easy, practiced motion and glancing down at it. “i’d let you try it on, but that would mean something i don’t think fits here,” he mused, placing it back on his head. then he paused. “hmm… i think i just ran out of words.”

Elio laughed quietly at Dakota’s first comment, the sound easy and unoffended. He dipped his chin in acknowledgment. “Yeah,” he admitted, “I figured it wasn’t exactly subtle.” He glanced around the barn again, taking in the lights, the people, the music, then looked back at Dakota with a crooked smile. “I don’t think I’ve ever looked more like a city kid in my entire life.” When Dakota mentioned he looked lost, Elio leaned into that with a shrug. “That’s probably accurate,” he said. “I walked in, saw everyone moving like they knew the choreography, and realised I might've made a series of bold, questionable choices.” His eyes warmed when Dakota called himself a country mouse. “Wyoming, huh? That tracks." At the twerking comment, Elio snorted, genuinely amused. “I don’t know if I’d call it twerking,” he said, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret. “My ass is great at times but dancing isn't really it's true calling." He grinned right after, clearly joking, then lifted his bottle in a small toast. “Trust me, if I tried line dancing, I’d hurt myself and at least three innocent bystanders.” His expression softened again, friendly and open. “So I’ll stick to standing around, making conversation, and letting the professionals handle the footwork for the time being." When Dakota reacted to him not being interested in girls, Elio noticed the shift, the swallow, the way he looked away, but didn’t comment on it directly. “I’m not here with some secret agenda. Friendship is kind of the goal.” He smiled again, softer this time. When the other clarified he wasn’t gay, Elio raised his eyebrows slightly, then chuckled under his breath. “Got it,” he said easily. “No worries. I wasn’t making assumptions.” As Dakota took off the hat, Elio’s attention followed the movement, but he didn’t lean in any further. He listened, nodding when he explained it was his dad’s. “That’s cool,” Elio said sincerely. “You can tell it means something.” Elio smiled when Dakota admitted he’d run out of words, the moment feeling oddly comfortable instead of awkward. He tilted his head slightly, eyes bright with interest. “That’s alright,” he said easily. “I’ve got a few words to spare. I’m a teacher’s assistant, we always like having the last word.” He let out a soft laugh, clearly poking fun at himself. He glanced around the barn again, more deliberately this time, taking in the crowd and the music. “So, is this place always like this?” he asked. “Or did I accidentally show up on a particularly lively night?” His gaze returned to Dakota. “And be honest, how badly do you think I’d embarrass myself if I tried my let loose and blend in tonight?"

tess’ brown eyes stayed on him—no matter how much she hated it, he always managed to steal her attention. “that’s so desperate of him,” she muttered, gaze fixed on the ice as it followed the movement back and forth between her team and milo. “and that stupid hockey-gun thing? pathetic,” she added under her breath. “i just don’t get why he does that,” she said, finally glancing at elio. “of course i’m not cheering. he doesn’t play for my team. cheering for him would be ridiculous,” she insisted, too stubborn to admit her best friend might have a point—not because she didn’t care, but because she’d already decided she was supposed to hate him, no matter how much she actually liked him. even when she could feel milo’s eyes on her, she refused to look, keeping her focus glued to the ice. at elio’s suggestion, though, she slowly turned to him, a mischievous smile spreading across her lips. “oh, you’re going to help me,” she said sweetly. she shifted closer, leaning into his side until her cheek was practically against his chest, guiding his hand to rest at her waist. “i know this isn’t your usual vibe, but let’s see if he likes this,” she whispered in his ear. “just smile and pretend you’re straight for a minute. don’t worry, i won’t make it weird,” she promised. then she settled comfortably against him, finally looking at milo—this time with a bright smile—and even gave him a small wave.

Elio didn’t even try to hide the smirk tugging at his mouth as Tess muttered beside him. He kept his gaze on the players skating around. When she insisted she wasn’t cheering, Elio’s eyes slid to her, slow and knowing. He didn’t call her out directly, he didn’t have to. The way her focus never quite left Milo said enough, but he kept quiet about it all. “Right,” he said lightly. “You’re definitely not emotionally invested. At all.” But when she turned to him with that mischievous smile, he immediately knew he was in trouble. “Oh no,” he said under his breath as she shifted closer. And then she was leaning into him, close. Closer than usual. His posture stiffened for half a second out of sheer surprise when she guided his hand to her waist, but he recovered quickly. If she wanted a performance, he’d give her one. “Pretend I’m straight?” he echoed softly, amused. “That’s the challenge you’re giving me?” He let his hand settle naturally at her waist, fingers resting there with casual confidence. His other arm came up, draping loosely around her shoulders like it had always belonged there. He tilted his head slightly toward hers, lowering his voice just enough to keep the moment intimate. “For the record,” he murmured near her ear, “this is award-winning acting. I expect applause later.” Then he lifted his gaze toward Milo. He leaned down slightly, brushing his cheek against Tess’s hair in a way that looked effortless. “Should I up the stakes?” he whispered. “Hand squeeze? Forehead kiss? I’m committed to the bit now.” But despite the teasing tone, there was a protective steadiness in the way he held her, solid, supportive. He was playing along, yes. But he was also on her side. “Just say the word,” he added softly. “Director Tess is in charge. He's looking."

dakota cursed under his breath. it was supposed to be a slow night—he’d have a couple of beers, maybe dance once or twice, then head back to the ranch and sleep until morning. instead, he couldn’t stop staring at that guy. he glanced at the bottles behind the bar, realizing the other was getting closer. the last thing he wanted was a fight; he should’ve stopped looking the moment he noticed him and forgotten about it altogether. yet there was something about him that kept catching his eye, and dakota wanted to believe it was just the city-boy style. he faced forward, hat tipped low, jaw tight, and noticed when the guy stopped beside him. before dakota even looked over, the other spoke, and at his words dakota found himself relaxing, a quiet chuckle leaving his lips. “everyone can tell you’re a city guy,” he nodded, finally meeting his eyes. “yeah, i don’t know how people might react to that. sounds generic enough to get you in trouble,” he lowered his voice, glancing around like someone might overhear. then he shook his head. “i’m joking. you can talk to pretty much anyone here, people are nice,” dakota mused. “this isn’t some far west cartoon or anything,” he added with a small smile, "if you want to find yourself a girl, invite her to a drink, if you want to just talk, just act cool and start a coversation" he mused, he didn't know everyone there but, if they were like his family they'd welcome him with open arms. “as far as i know, no country rules have been broken so far.” his gaze lingered on him a beat too long before he looked back down at his beer, taking a long sip, unsure why his nerves were suddenly shot. “so what brings you here, city mouse?”

Elio raised an eyebrow, a sly grin playing on his lips. “Wait, everyone can tell I’m a city guy, how?” he asked, leaning a little closer, curiosity and amusement in his eyes. “Is it my shoes? My hair? Or just the fact that I look completely lost here?” He gave a soft laugh, clearly enjoying the tease. “I have to know, am I that obvious?” Elio tilted his head, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “Well city folks can’t really party, can they?” he said, leaning slightly against the bar. “I thought I’d give a country bar a try for once. Change of scenery, see what all the fuss is about.” He chuckled softly, thumb stroking against the cool outside of his drink. Then, with a slightly sheepish shrug, he added, “Uh no. Not my vibe. I’m gay. Talking to girls in here might not work out, so that narrows my options quite a bit, unless they just want to make a friend, but I know most people aren't here for that." He caught Dakota’s gaze for a moment, holding it, then looked away with a teasing grin. He gestured to the bottles behind the bar. “Honestly, I was just planning on a drink, maybe watch the world go by, see if anyone’s fun to talk to. Seems like I got lucky, huh?” His eyes flicked down again, meeting Dakota’s. Leaning a little closer, voice dropping just a touch, he added, “I feel like I'm sticking out like sore thumb though.” He laughed softly, a low, warm sound. Elio’s eyes flicked to Dakota’s hat, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. “I like your hat,” he said, tilting his head slightly. “Very ... on theme. Suits you.”

since she had partnered with the euroville monarchs a couple of seasons ago and they were both sponsored by the same energy drink, she was always given tickets to the matches, and she wouldn’t dare bring anyone but elio. they’d been friends for years, and she loved spending time with her other, very gay half. when she saw milo swoop in, she stood up—not because she was rooting for him, but because she was desperately hoping the goalie on her team would stop the puck. he didn’t. she shouted a loud no right as everyone else stood up cheering for milo, and she dropped back into her seat, eyes locked on the blond as he pretended his stick was a gun, aiming it at her and mock-firing. her jaw tightened when he winked. she shook her head. “i want to hit him with that stick,” she muttered, glancing at elio. “and he knows it. he just wants to piss me off—that’s what turns him on, for sure.”

Elio snorted and leaned closer to her, eyes cutting briefly to the ice before settling on her face. “Oh, he knows,” he said flatly. “Every single thing he’s doing right now is for you. He's a fucking showboat." When shot another glare toward the rink, and Elio followed it, watching Milo skate past the boards. “The second he scored, he looked for you,” Elio continued. “That whole stupid hockey-gun thing? Not for the crowd. For you. Men do not peacock like that unless they’re desperate to be seen.” He glanced at her again, arching a brow. “And yeah,” he added, lowering his voice, “pissing you off is absolutely part of it. You don’t cheer, you don’t smile, you glare at him like you want to wrap your hands around his throat. That’s the fun part for him.” He shot another glare toward the rink. His gaze lingered a second longer this time. From across the ice, Milo had slowed, head angled just enough toward the stands, eyes very obviously tracking Tess while pretending to focus on literally anything else. Elio let out a quiet, incredulous laugh. “Wow,” he said, not even bothering to hide the sarcasm. “He really thinks he’s being subtle.” Elio nudged Tess playfully in the side, grin turning wicked, a challenge leaving his mouth. “Distract him,” he whispered. “Try and make him miss.”

his father had told him to stop working, but he was having a hard time doing that, too focused on finishing the rural hotel as soon as possible, even if it meant working overtime. so he decided to stop by his sister’s workplace; she wasn’t on shift, but the place still felt like home to him. he sat by the bar, nursing a beer, when he noticed a girl on the other side waving at him. he smiled, tipped his hat in acknowledgment, and went back to his drink, wishing it stirred something in him, though by now it was just a reflex. dakota sighed, taking a long sip as he scanned the room. that’s when his eyes landed on a guy who looked like a fish out of water, someone who didn’t quite belong in a country club, more suited for a tea party. he smiled to himself and found his gaze drifting back to him more than once, curiosity getting the better of him. when the other guy caught him looking, dakota quickly turned back to the bar, the brim of his hat dipping low as his ears turned bright red. @elio--torres

Elio knew he didn’t belong the moment he stepped inside. The place hummed with country music and easy familiarity, boots thudding in rhythm, laughter spilling freely, cowboy hats worn like second skin. He felt overdressed or maybe even under-dressed without meaning to be, posture a touch too straight, movements a beat too careful. A city boy dropped into the wrong chapter of a book. He stood in the middle of the room, eyes searching, because leaving would’ve felt like admitting defeat. He'd came here alone tonight, knowing nobody. His fingers wrapped around his glass of beer, more for something to do than any real desire to drink. Curious, Elio glanced sideways and caught a man watching him from beneath the brim of a cowboy hat. The contrast hit him immediately: relaxed confidence, broad shoulders, entirely at home here. Handsome, annoyingly so. Elio’s brow lifted before he could stop himself, surprise and interest flickering openly across his face. The moment stretched, then snapped. The man turned back to the bar too quickly, hat dipping low as if it could hide him, a telltale flush blooming red along his ears. Elio huffed a quiet breath of laughter into his beer, lips curling into a small, amused smile. He then took a slow, deliberate breath, steadying himself. Grow some balls, he told himself, equal parts annoyed and amused. Standing still had never gotten him anywhere. He crossed the room, each step feeling slightly off-beat, like he was walking to the wrong rhythm. Up close, the stranger was even more striking, hat tipped low, jaw sharp. Elio stopped beside him, resting an elbow against the bar, posture casual despite the nerves humming beneath the surface. “So,” he said, glancing at the hat, then back to the man’s face, a crooked smile tugging at his mouth. "So, I’ve gotta ask,” he said lightly. “I’m a city guy, clearly outnumbered here, was I supposed to bring a hat or line dance my way into a conversation with someone here?” He lifted his beer in a small, joking toast. “Just trying not to break any country rules on my first night, wouldn't be great."