tastes like pumpkin pie.

New friend. This guy was cute if not just a little oblivious, his little ramble causing the corners of his lips to quirk up. “I don’t have a hard line on anyone,” Elias assured him, though that preference did skew more towards masculine-aligned individuals than others. Glancing to a nearby booth he gestured towards it and  started making his way over, further assuring this guy he had the green light. “But if I did, it wouldn’t be on you.” The once-over was made much more obvious the second time around, coolly taking a sip from the drink that was in his hand. 

Eli’s head turned as he heard the other man’s voice, offering a similar smile to the one Jem afforded him. It seemed everyone in this place was vibrating at the same nervous but optimistic frequency. “You can call me Eli,” he said politely along with a nod. This guy had a streak of bravery approaching another guy here without indication of his sexuality and that managed to score him some points - he wasn’t sure himself how eager he’d be to make that plunge. “I am, yeah. Guessing you are as well?” he responded, giving a quick glance over to show this guy he was barking up the right tree.

The coffee shop had filled up quite nicely with patrons filling in, nametags passed out to each that walked up to a table towards the entrance. Elias was one of the ones that’d come here today for a reason - he was lonelier than he’d like to admit. With it being over a year since his last serious relationship and the emptiness of the stray hookup he thought this might be a good way to start putting himself out there again. He quickly ordered a mocha from the counter and made his way further in, offering polite smiles and small talk to those around. He was one of the lucky ones, he thought. He had plenty of choices today. 

Are you looking for anyone specific here? 

Oh, well with confidence like that you’re sure to find someone. Looks pretty on you. 

Well, I hope you aren’t single for a long time then! Did you meet them here or before? 

I hope it works out for you too!

I’m stronger than I may look, but thank you. 

Well, I hope the coffee in the air helps with the nerves, if you have any. 

Implying you’re not one. 

You know what I look like so if things go too far south, just pretend you know me. I’m good at getting people out of situations. 

Don’t talk yourself down, you’re an attractive man and I’m sure you could find someone you’d like there. 

On my way to possibly, maybe, hopefully find someone I’d have a second date with. 

Good chance it’s both.. It’s quite difficult to imagine getting too excited about something if you’re not enjoying yourself at each part along the way. 

I don’t understand what’s gotten into everyone lately. 

This was me saying I’m not going to answer them anymore.