The important first date (for first_in_time)

[splendid_roman]

"I think that's a record for the amount of time John's spent in the bathroom," Ian commented, looking up at the clock, having heard the bathroom door open, followed by John tramping down the stairs. Up until now John had never really cared that much about his appearance, so Ian was amused by him doing so now because there was a girl involved. When

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[first_in_time]

Barbara, perched on the arm of the chair Ian had occupied, tried not to giggle. John did look very smart in his black slacks and light coloured, button up shirt, with his hair combed and leather shoes polished. So different from his usual jeans and polo combination he quite often wore, and there was the stench of a little too much cologne he'd borrowed from Ian's bottle. But he really should wear a tie, concerned about his appearance or not.

"A tie won't make you look like a teacher," she told him calmly, a light smile still playing about her lips, "however it will make you look smart and handsome. Women do quite enjoy men in ties."

John looked like he was weighing up the statement, but shook his head. "No. I don't think she does."

[splendid_roman]

"What makes you say that?" Ian asked, hoping to bring John round to their point of view on his own.

"Because I know her and you don't."

It was, Ian suspected, a statement calculated to win the argument, as neither of them could argue with that. "So when are we going to meet her?" he asked instead.

[first_in_time]

"I don't know!" John shuffled awkwardly on the spot, and then reached for his jacket which had been put out for him that afternoon once Barbara had finished removing the lint and then pressed it for him.

"Stop being so defensive," said Barbara, getting up to help him with the jacket. He had grown to be taller than Ian, so far by only a few inches, and was yet to spurt. She had to reach upward a little to pull his white collar out of the jacket and smooth it over the lapels. "We're only curious. Any woman that catches the eye of my son deserves my curiosity. If it helps, think of us as being protective rather than nosy."

Once she was satisfied with how he looked (despite the lack of tie), she pulled him down toward her so that she could kiss his cheek. "You look immensely handsome."

[splendid_roman]

John wiped at his cheek. "You always say that," he complained.

Ian raised an eyebrow. "I hope you'll be polite to her parents."

"Of course I will," he protested. "I have to go otherwise I'll be late." He rushed out of the door, probably to avoid his parents asking more questions.

Once he'd gone Ian gave in and laughed. He knew he shouldn't and it was important to John, but it was just too funny not to.