!*!Trying to Keep The Sanity!*!

[merryweather]

Nathaniel was pulling a card that he thought he'd never pull before, like...ever. He was chasing after a guy, a straight guy at that. Nate sighed a bit as he looked himself over in the mirror. His outfit made him look quite dashing, so he wasn't sure why he felt nervous. He was meeting Gideon...Cute, yes, but straight. Straight... At that thought, Nate sighed aloud as he closed his apartment door behind him.

He only lived a few blocks from The Fishbowl, so he decided to just enjoy the walk. The bustling streets and sidewalks of New York had intimidated Merryweather at first, but she had grown to love them as much as Nate did. He greeted almost everyone that passed him, some smiled, some waved, other just scoffed, but a few actually returned the greeting. He actually enjoyed being around large crowds of people, reminded him of the times that Merryweather spent in the castle during parties. There had always been noise, expect for when Aurora had been 'killed.' Shaking his head, he focused on Gideon.

Arriving at the restaurant, Nate grinned before walking in and being greeted by a cute host. He looked around and spotted Gideon in the back enjoying coffee and hunched over some papers. He made his way over to him and tried his best not to frighten the guy, "Gideon?" Nate's voice was an attempt at a watered down excitement. Shit...He was better looking in person.

[GIDEON GLASS]

Gideon wasn't sure what he was thinking even coming to this place after Nathaniel had mentioned it. He was sure that Nathaniel (nicknames were a bit of a no-no in Gideon's book) was a perfectly nice young man, but he...well, he intimidated Gideon. Nathaniel was so clearly, ah...out of the closet, whereas Gideon only had his foot in the door. Certainly, his closest friends knew he was a...a homosexual, but he didn't have many close friends, let alone many people at all he'd feel comfortable informing of such a thing.

That, really, added to Nathaniel's slightly overbearing demeanor, was what had led Gideon to feel this sense of intimidation.

But still, he told himself as his coffee arrived, one must not judge on impressions one gets on something as trite as an online chatroom. Perhaps this Nathaniel was a perfectly respectable young man, capable of conducting polite conversation. Yes. He had to at least attempt to be optimistic, even if he was the complete opposite by nature.

As always, Gideon was dressed smartly: button-down shirt, black blazer, slacks, nice shoes. His hair was neatly combed, and in typical Gideon fashion, he was overall well-dressed, well-groomed, and impeccably professional in every possible way. He studied his notes intently as he stirred some cream and sugar into his coffee, and it was several minutes before he was interrupted.

"Gideon?"

He looked up over his glasses at the new arrival before setting down his pen and straightening up. "Yes?" he asked, blinking. "You must be Nathaniel."

Well...he certainly wasn't unattractive. That much was clear.

[merryweather]

Nate wasn't sure why his voice had escaped him, but when Gideon spoke it just made him loss his train of thought. His gaze was caught by Gideon's and Nate couldn't help but notice the stunning blue in his eyes. *Speak Idiot!* His screamed at himself, as he took a deep breath. "Well, isn't it obvious." Nate mentally kicked himself in the ass at his comment. Nate huffed a bit as he slid into the chair opposite Gideon. He was being rude and hadn't been asked to join him, but screw it... Gideon already had some bad impression of him. Nate looked up at Gideon.

"Look, I should apologize for the way that I acted on the chatroom. Sometimes I forget that I can be a bit.... overbearing. Some guys aren't comfortable with my openness." Nate's voice was weaker than normal, trying to convey true sincerity and trying to keep their conversation private. Nate gave Gideon a weak smile before the waitress approached him and he asked for a water. She smiled as she went to fetch his water. "So can we start over? New slate...?" Nate gave Gideon an apprehensive smile.

[GIDEON GLASS]

Gideon's seriousness was a bit intimidating to some. His expression was usually not very dynamic, and today was no exception; his features remained stern, though his eyes told a slightly different story. They were studying Nathaniel intently, every move he made, everything he said. Truly, his gaze could be said to be the only thing to accurately reflect his thoughts. His face seemed to have a bit of trouble keeping up.

"Rather obvious," Gideon agreed, gathering up his papers into a neat little stack. It was rude to work while others were present and desiring conversation. He listened politely as Nathaniel spoke to him.

"Look, I should apologize for the way that I acted on the chatroom. Sometimes I forget that I can be a bit.... overbearing. Some guys aren't comfortable with my openness."

Gideon raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise. He hadn't expected him to apologize. "Oh," he said after a moment, nodding slightly. "Yes, well...I suppose I should also apologize for being a bit quick to judge you. It is hard to discern one's character on an online chatroom, anyway. I really shouldn't spend much time on them..." He chuckled almost humorlessly. "But regardless, really, you are forgiven." Gideon wasn't one to hold a grudge, anyway.

"So can we start over? New slate...?"

"That would be appreciated," Gideon agreed, and extended his hand across the table. "Gideon Glass. It's a pleasure to meet you."

[merryweather]

Nate watched Gideon's facial expressions, but he didn't seem mad at Nate's rather narcissistic comment. After his apology, Nate took a deep breath when Gideon's expression was that of surprise and his reply was simply an 'Oh.' Nate was ready to leave, but then Gideon went a head and apologized as well. Nate was the one surprised now. He had been the overbearing and awkwardness inducing guy in the chatroom, yet here Gideon was...apologizing. "Th-Thanks." Nate stuttered a bit, before shaking his confused head.

Then Nate spoke up about starting over. He anticipated a sure fire no, but then Gideon did the total opposite. He agreed, and Nate couldn't hold back the smile that crossed his face. "Glad to hear it. Nathaniel Weathers. The pleasure is all mine." Nate took Gideon's hand and shook it a few times before releasing it. "So, what do you study, Mister Man..." Nate quickly regretted saying the nickname, but Nate nicknamed all his friends. Gideon would have to live with the fact that Nate wouldn't change everything, if he didn't like it, well, the door was right over there.

[GIDEON GLASS]

Gideon really wasn't that judgmental. Certainly, he had standards, but he was capable of forgiving. And he saw no reason not to forgive Nathaniel, after all; despite his uncouth behavior, here he was, being perfectly courteous. Gideon saw no reason not to forgive him his little transgression. "You're welcome," he replied with a small dip of his head, pushing up his glasses.

A ghost of a smile seemed to cross his face as they shook hands, though it could have just as easily been a trick of the light - Gideon certainly wasn't very smiley. Regardless, he folded his hands neatly in his lap like a proper gentleman, inclining his head as Nathaniel introduced himself. "Nathaniel Weathers," he repeated. "A very good name."

The nickname took Gideon aback slightly, but he overcame it.

"Ah..." He reflected on the fact that he really wasn't that manly at all. On the contrary, he was slender, with a pleasant tenor voice and rather soft skin. The nickname didn't seem to suit him in his mind, but he didn't protest. "Well, I am a college student, and my major is Chemistry," he said after a moment. "I'm also doing a minor in music."