Five-Minute Flirtations 6/6

Dec 08, 2011 03:57

Five-Minute Flirtations
Author:
blumvale
Artist:
cylin
Verse: XM:FC - AU
Word Count: 15,909
Characters/Pairings - Alex/Hank, (Raven/Janos mentioned)
Beta - the lovely, amazing, fantastic and every word in-between Mondays_eyes - thanks so much hun!!
Rating - PG-13

Summary: Raven convinces Hank to try speed dating. Initially, Hank is quite wary about the whole thing. Once at the bar, the first person he meets is Alex, the bartender. While Alex lends his ear to Hank’s dating woes, the two men grow closer until Hank realizes, maybe speed dating was the best idea Raven has ever had.


“Alison took me ice skating last night,” Hank said with a smile. He shifted on the bar stool until he was comfortable.  He had arrived just after last call and the majority of other patrons were shuffling out when he walked in. It was awkward for Hank to arrive so late, but he was up and hadn’t wanted to stay in his apartment any longer. It was Saturday night and he didn’t have any commitments the next day, so he figured he had no reason to stay in. He would have just called Raven to fill her in on his date if he had thought she would be home. She had mentioned receiving a call from Janos earlier in the week, so Hank was fairly certain she was spending the weekend with him. Offhandedly, Hank wondered if he was going to get to meet the man who had caught Raven’s attention or if she was going to be done with him before Hank got the chance.

It didn’t surprise Hank that he’d headed to the Dublin Pub. After his first date with Alison, he’d gone to visit Alex to tell him about it. He liked hanging out with the bartender and it was nice to have a guy’s opinion on how things were going. “I was so nervous.” He continued, “I can’t even think of the last time I went ice skating. It was terrifying. I had to hold onto the wall almost the entire time and I was still slipping all over the place. And of course she’s skating circles around me.” Hank chuckled softly, remembering how Alison had tried to cajole him from the wall.

“You kiss her yet, bozo?” Alex asked, disregarding Hank’s awkwardness when it came to ice skating. He was cleaning glasses in the small sink behind the bar. Alex hadn’t even looked up when Hank had started talking. Before he had arrived, the music had been turned down low so Hank could easily hear the water sloshing in the sink. It reminded Hank of dinner at Alex’s and he felt himself blush slightly. Even after a couple dates with Alison, Hank couldn’t get that night out of his head.

“Uh-“ Hank blushed even brighter. He was happy Alex was focused on his task and not looking at him. Alex had asked Hank the same question after his first date with Alison. He had the same answer. “No, not yet. I think she wanted me to last night but… I’m not sure what stopped me.”

The confession got Alex to pause. He looked up at Hank with an odd expression on his face.  “You really suck at this dating thing, don’t you?”

“Hey,” Hank said sullenly. “It was only our second date. Next time-“

“You know what,” Alex interrupted suddenly. His expression morphed into something Hank couldn’t quite place. “I don’t want to hear how you’re gonna kiss her next time. Forget I asked at all.” He slammed a glass down on the bar counter. Then ignoring the surprised look of a man at the other end of the bar, Alex poured himself a shot. “I really don’t want to know. I don’t want to know how dinner went or how it felt when you held her hand,” Alex sneered. He took the shot back and dumped the glass back into the sink. “I don’t care about any of it.”

Hank was momentarily stunned. He never expected Alex to react that way, especially since had patiently listed to Hanks misgivings about dating before.

“Ugh! Damnit. I need a smoke.” Alex slammed his hand against the bar, causing Hank to flinch. Hank didn’t know what was making his friend so upset. Alex turned to the cash register and printed out a check. Then he walked to the other end of the bar. “Time to close out your tab buddy,” The man glared at Alex but pulled his wallet out anyway. After he paid, the man didn’t linger. Once the man was out the door, Alex ducked underneath the bar's opening. He walked away from Hank and went to the back door. Instead of using a brick to keep the door open, Alex sagged against it, letting cold air sweep into the bar. From his pocket, Alex pulled out a cigarette and lighter.

Before he could light it, Hank spoke up. “Why do you even have those on you? I thought you were quitting.”

“What do you care?” Alex bit back angrily. He stared at the cigarette in his hands.

“I do care,” Hank insisted. “Scott told me you haven’t smoked since the first night I came by for speed dating. He’s really proud of you.” Hank got off his bar stool and headed towards the back door.  “Come on back in. It’s a filthy habit and I don’t understand-“

“You don’t understand? Not of course you don’t understand. All those brains in your head, but this you can’t understand!” The door slammed shut with a loud bang when Alex stepped back into the bar. Moving into Hank’s personal space, Alex put his hand up and curled his fingers around the back of Hank’s neck. Alex’s fingers played with the short hairs there. Part of Hank knew that he should move back. Part of him knew that he should walk away from Alex, leave the bar and not go back. But the bigger part had his feet planted firmly on the ground. Looking down, Hank could feel Alex’s breath against his face. “You really are a bozo,” Then before Hank could say anything or frown at the nickname, Alex leaned forward and kissed him.

The hand on Hank’s neck tightened slightly as Alex moved even further into Hank’s space. Alex’s legs bumped Hank’s as he pressed his chest against the taller man. Not surprisingly, Alex tasted like whatever liquor he’d just imbibed. But he also tasted like something else that Hank couldn’t quite place. It was something spicy that he couldn’t get enough of. Unsure of where to put his hands, Hank awkwardly placed them on Alex’s hips. Surprisingly, he liked the feel of Alex’s stubble against his face.

But when Alex shyly probed Hank’s lips with his tongue, Hank pushed back from the other man. “I uh…. I-“ Hank stuttered. “I can’t do this. I have to go.”  Alex didn’t try to stop Hank as he fled the bar.

---------------------------------------------------

“Well, I’m not going to say I told you so. But you know, I did tell you so.” Raven smiled softly at Hank. She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. “You two can’t be friends, honey. He likes you. And if you’d just admit it to yourself, then you’d realize you like him too.”

“Raven, unless he is the most flat-chested woman in the world, Alex is a guy. And I’m not gay. I’m not attracted to guys.” Hank’s eyes darted to the teacher’s lounge door. School had just let out and he had forced Raven inside so that they could talk. He nervous someone might come in and didn’t want someone to overhear their conversation.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re not attracted to guys, you’re attracted to him. Hank, I’ve never heard you go on about anyone the way you go on about Alex. He and his brother are all you talk about. Sure, you mention Alison here and there, but you don’t light up when you talk about her.”

“Raven, I’m a guy. I don’t light up.”

“Oh, sweetie,” Raven smiled at Hank like he was a child. He didn’t like it when she did that. “Yeah, you do.  You so do.” She held up her hand. Pointing to her first finger, she counted off, her voice lower, trying to imitate Hank’s, “Alex is a great guy. He’s so funny. He has the best taste in movies, and music. When we had dinner, Alex didn’t mind that I push my cucumbers onto his plate. And he gave me his peppers in return. Oh, Alex is so cute and dreamy.”

“I most definitely never said that last one.”

“Okay, so I adlibbed a little.” Raven shrugged. “But I don’t doubt you thought it.” She pursed her lips and stared at Hank, daring him to say otherwise.

“I’m not admitting anything…” Hank muttered under his breath.

Suddenly, Raven wrapped her arms around Hank in a tight hug. “Look, I only met him for a couple minutes but by the way you go on about him, he must be a great guy. And that’s all I wanted for you, Hank. I wanted you to meet someone almost as awesome as I am.” Hank chuckled at that and rested his chin on Raven’s shoulder. “I just want you to be happy. And you’ve been way happier since you met him than I’ve seen since we started working together. I get that you’re scared, that being attracted to a guy is all new to you. But you can’t let this fear ruin something that could be wonderful.” Raven stepped out of the hug and looked Hank squarely in the eye. “It’s time to be brave.”

------------------------------------------------

Hank pulled at his lab coat and wished he’d worn something warmer. He was certain that it was the coldest Halloween ever. There was a decent line outside the Dublin Pub, causing Hank to frown. He really didn’t want to wait to get inside, sure that he would turn into a popsicle if he did. He was also fairly certain that if he waited too long, he would chicken out before getting to talk to Alex.

Luckily, Raven wasn’t one for waiting either. Pulling Hank’s arm, she walked right up to the guy at the door. Hank didn’t recognize him and figured he was only there since it was a holiday. Raven smiled sweetly up at the guy before touching his arm. “We’re friends of Alex’s. The bartender…” She purred. Then man frowned at Raven, but she just beamed back at him. Hank was sure he wasn’t going to let them in. Then, surprisingly, the guy stepped to the side, allowing for just enough room for Raven and Hank to snake by. Hank gave the guy a quick, ‘Thanks,” as he followed Raven inside.

Hank had never seen the bar so packed. So many people were inside; Hank felt like a sardine with just a smidge more room. The music was loud and people were dancing in any pocket of space they could find. Raven pulled on Hank’s arm to grab his attention. Then she turned and pointed at the bar. Hank looked to where she was pointing and saw Alex. He was wearing a blue and yellow uniform that had a disk in the center of his chest. Hank had no idea what he was supposed to be. Then before pushing him towards the bar, Raven stood on her tiptoes and kissed Hank on the cheek and wished him luck.

Stumbling through the crowd, Hank slowly made his way over to the bar. He saw Jono taking orders at the other end of the bar. The bulky man noticed Hank at about the same time and threw a towel at Alex to grab his attention. When Alex looked up and saw Hank, he frowned and turned away to help a woman dressed as Betty Boop. Hank continued making his way to the bar.  Then he was forced to wedge himself between a zombie and a mermaid. He stood there for several minutes while Alex went to every other guest but him.

“Can we talk?” Hank asked when Alex finally stopped in front of him. “Please…” Hank tried not to sound as desperate as he felt.

“As you can see, I’m a little busy. I don’t have time for you.” Alex yelled back over the din of the crowd.

“Well then, make time,” Hank demanded. “We need to talk.”

“Are you kidding me? You come in here wanting to talk now, one of the busiest nights of the year?”

Alex turned away, but Hank reached out and grabbed his wrist to stop him. “Please, Alex…” he tried again. Sighing, Alex turned to Jono and held up his hand. Jono frowned but nodded before turning back to some monsters at the bar. A few people voiced their disapproval as Alex got out from behind the bar and headed towards the back door. Ignoring them, Hank followed. Ducking into the alley behind the bar, Hank shivered. It was freezing and Alex’s icy demeanor wasn’t helping.

“So?” Alex questioned and crossed his arms over his chest.

“I’m sorry.” Hank paused awkwardly. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Dude, I’m not some chick. You didn’t hurt me.”

“Yes, I did.” Alex opened his mouth but Hank didn’t give him a chance to say anything. “Look… I only came here for speed dating with Raven to get her off my back. I figured I’d meet some people, maybe go on a couple dates, and that would be enough. Raven would leave me alone and I could go back to focusing on work and that’s it. I never thought someone would manage to get under my skin… and I really never thought it would be you.” Hank stopped and sighed. Biting his lip, he tried to organize his thoughts. “We haven’t known each other that long, but the last couple weeks have been just awful.” Hank ran a hand through his hair. “You cannot even begin to guess how many times I’ve picked up my phone hoping for a text or something from you. And I started so many messages that I never sent. I would dial your number… “ Hank paused again. He groaned in frustration, wanting everything to come out right. “I don’t know how to do this, Alex,” He gestured to the space between them. “But I know I’ve never wanted someone so badly.”

Alex shuffled his feet before uncrossing his arms. When he just stared, Hank continued, “I”ve… I’ve never looked at guys before. And it freaked me out. I didn’t know how to react to this thing between us. And when you kissed me… I know running off was the wrong thing to do. And I’m sorry, I really am. But you know, since the first night when you bumped me coming in, I’d have to be blind not to see how cute you are.”

“I’m hot, bozo. Not cute.” Alex interjected.

“Yes, fine,” Hank took in a deep breath. “You’re hot - sex on a stick really. You’re hot to the point that when you lick your lips my brain shuts off.” Hank grimaced. He couldn’t believe he’d just said that. But he continued anyway. “And you’re cool, funny and a good brother. And I don’t know, you’re…”

“Well, you could tell me how smart I am. You could continue going on about how sexy I am and what that does to you. Or you could talk about how good a kisser I am.”

Some of the tension Hank had been carrying released when Alex teased him. “Yeah, you’re a great kisser. And I’m learning just a smidgen vain.” More tension relaxed when Alex laughed at the quip. “You told me I’m a planner. Well, I didn’t plan any of this. But please, please don’t end this before it even started.”

“So,” Alex took a step towards Hank. “What I’m hearing is, you want me.”

“Y-yes,” Hank squeaked when Alex moved into his personal space. After clearing his throat he tried again, “Yes, I do.”

“And cause I’m such a nice guy, I should give you a second chance, hmm?” Reaching up, Alex wrapped his arms around Hank’s neck.

“Well, I’ll shower you with compliments and not fight you when you call me bozo.”

“Hey, I just call ‘em like I see ‘em bozo.” Then Alex leaned up until he bumped noses with Hank. They stood there for several seconds, neither moving, just breathing the same air, before Hank tilted his head to kiss Alex. But Alex pulled back and smirked devilishly. “So we’re just going to kiss and make up?”

“That was the plan.”

“Okay, I like that plan.” Alex whispered before kissing Hank. This time Hank didn’t hesitate to put his hands on Alex and pull the shorter man against him. He tried to put everything into the kiss, afraid Alex would change his mind about forgiving him. Hank is so focused on kissing Alex that he didn’t notice the whine of the back door opening. But he did hear the happy shriek that Raven let out when she sees them kissing.

“Oh, yay! Wait, wait, wait keep kissing. Let me,” Hank turned his head slightly to see Raven fighting with her purse. “Get my phone and take a picture.” Hank was embarrassed by his friend, but when Alex started to pull away, Hank didn’t let him. He knew if she didn’t get it right then, she’d find some way to get it later. And besides, he enjoyed kissing Alex, so he recaptured Alex’s lips with his own. “That is so hot!” Raven said before a soft click signaled that she’d taken a picture.

When they finally couldn’t kiss any longer Hank pulled back, panting. Alex chuckled and buried his face in Hank’s neck. “You remember Raven, right?” Hank cannot help but laugh as well. By her giant smile, she is clearly thrilled by his and Alex’s reconciliation.

“Yeah, I do.” Alex steps out of Hank’s embrace and holds his hand out to Raven. “Hi.”

“Hi,” Raven squeals before hugging Alex. When she finally lets go of Alex she pointed wildly at him. ”I have a good feeling about this. Hank is crazy about you.” Hank felt himself blush at Raven’s words but there was nothing that would make him deny them. “Well, I’ll let you two go back to what you were doing.” Raven winked lewdly at Hank before heading back into the bar.

“You know that when I get off work, I’m taking you back to my place,” Alex said when it was just the two of them alone in the alley again.

“As long as you don’t forget the training wheels.”

“You’re in luck. I happen to have just bought a large supply of lemons and salt. And I’m pretty sure one bottle of tequila won’t be missed.” Alex gave Hank a soft kiss. Letting his lips linger, Alex said, disappointment evident in his voice, “But to get that tequila, I’m gonna have to go back inside. You know, work…”

“That reminds me,” Hank leaned back so he could get a good look at Alex’s costume. “What are you supposed to be?”

“Jeez, bozo, I’m a superhero.” Alex struck a pose with one hand in the air and the other on his hip. “And what about you? A scientist? Really?”

“A sexy scientist,” Hank responded with a laugh.

“Yeah, you are.” Alex waggled his eyebrows. “And what’s this, you’re not wearing your glasses?”

“Yeah, well. I thought I’d try contacts like you suggested. Don’t get used to them,” Hank made a face.

“That’s fine. We’ll just break ‘em out for special occasions.” Then, Alex reached for Hank’s hand and linked their fingers before he pulled Hank back into the bar.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

raven, au, slash, big bang, alex summers, xm:fc, fanfiction, hank mccoy, pg-13

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