The Devil's Nest, Monday Night

[texted3times]

Eric walked into an entire beach--so. much. sand--on the dance floor and a tiki hut set up with brightly lit flamingo lights.

"Oh, for fuck's sake, why," Eric groaned.

Tiny explained that it was Memorial Day and offered Eric the special's list: heavy on rose, White Claws, and cheap domestic beer.

There were also hot dogs available!

"I'm not trusting any hot dog you're handing me," Eric said. "I have no reason to think they haven't already been used as an art project."

Tiny's protests didn't reassure him, either.

The Devil's Nest was open. Welcome to summer, apparently.

Comments

[sword_chocobro]

And of course Gladio was eying the chance in scenery on his way over to the bat, and even a little bit as he leaned on the bar, too.

"If I'd've known," he remarked attention passing over to Tiny with a quirk of his brow as if to ask if it was his doing, as if it would be anyone else, and then making its way over to Eric, "I'd have worn swim trunks."

As if the leather pants weren't as essential to his whole Devil's Nest schtick as the shirtlessness.

[texted3times]

"Don't encourage him," Eric said, looking aggrieved.

[sword_chocobro]

"Yeah, but if I didn't," Gladio said, his grin...kind of apologetic. Maybe a little, "then what would you have to complain about on Mondays?"

[texted3times]

"So this is really for me," Eric said, laughing. "Thank you."

[sword_chocobro]

"You're welcome," Gladio snorted, before giving a very magnanimous nod. "Glad to help in any way I can. How've you been, though, man? Besides not being a fan of the new summery decor, anyway."

[texted3times]

"Strangely enough, I'm not a huge sun fan," Eric said dryly, "but it's been a fairly normal week aside from that. And you? You're teaching?"

[sword_chocobro]

"See, now," Gladio reasoned, "maybe this is all just his way of trying to bring the feel of the beach to you, so you don't miss out."

He was totally serious about that, too; you could really tell by the smirk on his face.

"But, yeah," he said, "I'm good. Been teaching. Camping this time. Outta the gym and into the great outdoors.

"It's been nice," he added, a moment later.

[texted3times]

"I don't think my needs crossed Tiny's mind even once," Eric said with a grin. "And what is the greatest thing about the outdoors?"

[sword_chocobro]

"Honest answer?" Gladio wondered, with a faint snort. "Or one that's not going to make you give me a look?"

[texted3times]

"But you love getting the look!"

[sword_chocobro]

Gladio looked for a moment like he wanted to argue, but realized he couldn't.

"....that is true," he allowed, "and I don't think having ten years without it is going to hold a lot of water with you, but....I happen to actually be a big sun fan."

[texted3times]

Eric grinned. "Well, that's different. You won't burst into flame under the sun."

[sword_chocobro]

"Yeah," Gladio agreed, "that definitely does earn it some major points with me. And, I don't know, I just...like being out in nature. The peace and quiet, the scenery, the fresh air...make me feel alive..."

Paaaause.

"No offense."

[texted3times]

"None taken," Eric said. "I'm alive...sort of."