Hey There, Stranger

It was getting on for half past 10. So far the night had been pretty good and relaxed. Couple of pints under the stars with a warm breeze. I hated to admit, even to myself, that I was actually quite enjoying myself.

“So Ashton, that guy over there has been constantly staring at you all night.” Jeremy pointed out the guy from before.
“You don’t say.” I replied, sarcastically.
“I think you should go up to him.”
I choked on my beer. “You think I should what!?” I coughed.
“I know, I know, your sex life isn’t up for discussion and blah. But have a little fun, he’s right there and clearly interested in you. I mean, you don’t have to screw the guy, just a little flirting here and a bit of kissing there.” Jeremy winked
“Yeah, no I’m just not feeling it.” I laughed.
“Well, I know it’s hard when you’ve been single for so long.” Jeremy began to raise his voice. “But as your gay best friend, I think you should get yourself out there. Maybe even just for one night.” He announced to practically the entire pub.
“What the hell are you doing?” I hissed at Jeremy, blushing furiously.
“You better start feeling it because he’s coming over.” Jeremy hissed back at me.
I choked on my beer again. “He’s what!?”
“Good luck!” Jeremy whispered to me before flinging himself over to another table.

“Hi.” The guy awkwardly addressed me.
“Hi.” I shyly responded, desperately trying to contain my blushing.
“I was wondering if I could buy you a drink?”
I looked over to Jeremy who was nodding his head frantically, his eyes practically bulging out of his head from excitement. Mentally I cursed and shot a dark look at Jeremy before smiling politely up at the guy.
“Sure, I’d like that.”

Cautiously, I followed the guy out of the beer garden and towards the bar. His friends became noticeably quiet once they saw me walk into the pub. Uncomfortably, I trailed after the guy, staring down at my feet so to avoid eye contact with any of his friends. Once we reached the bar, I sat down next to him, on the side furthest away from his friends.

“What are you drinking?” He asked
“I’ll just have a lemonade, thanks.”
“Lemonade?” He shook his head and ordered shots for the both of us instead.
“Oh no, no shots for me thanks.” I politely declined.
However, this guy had other plans and pushed two towards me before taking two for himself.
“There if you want them, no pressure I swear.”

I looked between him and the shots. Then back out towards the beer garden where my colleagues were dancing around and laughing. Sighing defeated, I took the shots one after the other before nodding at the guy in thanks.

“My name’s Mike.” He spoke, after taking his shots.
“Hey Mike, I’m Ash, short for Ashton.”
“Nice to meet you, Ashton.” He chuckled
“Please, call me Ash. I honestly cannot stand my full name.”
“I think it’s pretty.”
“You’re buying me a drink and you think my name’s pretty, who are you?” I gasped, pretending to be shocked.
“Every guy, I’m assuming.” He laughed.
“Just about.” I laughed too, gaining confidence.
I looked the guy up and down, staring for probably too long. I noticed he had plenty of tattoos, shoulder length, dark hair and a nose ring.
“I like your tattoos.” I spoke, my voice cracking a little. “I mean, from a distance, they look nice. You’ve got a lot.”
“Yeah, they don’t actually mean anything, I just struggled with the ladies so I got myself inked. Solved that problem like a charm.”
I stared at him in disbelief and almost disgust. Mike laughed in return.
“You should see your face! I’m joking. I’ve never had any problems with the ladies.” He smirked.
I laughed along, feeling the tension between us ease and myself relax.
“So, each one has a story?” I questioned, becoming intrigued.
“You bet.”
“Which is your favourite?”
Without even taking a second to think, Mike pointed to one on his wrist. It read ‘strength in numbers’ in bold, cursive letters.
“I come from a big family.” He began to explain. “I mean, I’ve got my parents and older brother, but lots of cousins and aunts and uncles and such. So we had this sort of family saying.”
“That’s really nice.” I looked at the tattoo in awe.
Mike rubbed his wrist a little, seemingly anxiously, so I quickly averted my attention away from the tattoo.
“So what’s brought you here tonight?” He asked, changing the subject.
“Just some work friends, a night out. You?”
“Hanging out, really.” He scratched the back of his nervously. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your night out with them, if you want to go back, don’t worry about it.
“No no, all those people over there…” I gestured to my work party. “…Are the most boring people I’ve ever met. Except my friend Jeremy.” I finished.
“Let’s ditch, then.” Mike suggested.
“Ditch? With you? You’re a stranger! For all I know, you could be an axe murderer.”
“There’s only one way to find out.” He chuckled

Notes