Work Text:
The night you meet, there are shy glances from the other side of the terrace bar. You can’t help but smile into your wine glass as you watch him trying not to be caught staring.
He can’t seem to keep his eyes off you, or so it feels. His earnestness is endearing, drawing you in, as does his bashfulness at being caught looking in your direction. It seems his friend has also noticed the silent attention you are paying to each other.
It’s not until you return from the bathroom you get to see him close up.
The pair of them have managed to join your friends at your table. He’s up from the bench seat before you can say anything, and offers you the seat between him and your friend.
“-Mainly fashion and portraits.” The shy one’s companion nods at you and carried on. “In fact you ladies would be perfect for my next project. I’d love to have you in my studio.”
“I bet you guys say that to all the women you meet.”
The friend is caught out, grinning at the accusation. “Well. Maybe, that is something I would do, but Danny is a landscape painter. He doesn't have an excuse.”
The confession gets a chuckle from around the table but you notice that “Danny” has barely looked up from his glass. Smiling at him, he leans towards you and quietly says, “Daniel.” He repeats himself at your confused look, “I prefer Daniel, and I’m sorry about Rich. He’s - well he’s Rich. You get used to it.”
After informing him of your name, you ask him about his paintings and watch as he lights up. Once he gets started on the subject you can see his passion and hear the warmth in his voice. It captivates you and draws you in. The world around you falls away. It’s not until you both realise your glasses are empty that you see that your friends have left the two of you alone at the table, seeking their own refills.
“I think I bored them.”
“You didn’t bore me.”
And there’s that smile of his again.