"A Night Out."

Tate Troy saw it from across the bar, as she exited the ladies bathroom. Bryan standing there in his dark blue dress shirt, grey slacks ...and a cowboy hat. She thought he had been joking the entire night, watching him describe the purpose of bringing it to every person that had asked. Clearly she did not expect him to actually put it on, who in their right mind would? The two had been dating for about six months now, she certainly had seen her fair share of awkward antics and silly behavior. One would think by now that she would be used to it, for her sanity's sake she hadn't. She scoffed, walking towards the bar as she watched her Fiance act a complete fool in public.

Bryan garnered a few laughs, mainly from the acquaintances the two had come across since moving to the city. George Parker and Byron McCall were just about the only people they knew there longer than a month. Tate wearing the red dress and heels that she only broke out for special occasions, walks towards the bar causing Bryan to sheepishly put away the hat for good.

Bryan: “Here you go barkeep, I don’t think I’ll be needing this anytime soon. Nor will I ever get it back, looks better on you.”

The bartender laughs, the young lady had come up with a good rapport between the two all night. She certainly was getting a good tip. There was no real cause for going out, nothing to celebrate at the moment. Bryan was a week removed from fighting overseas, all signs on his body had certainly healed by this point anyway.

Turning back towards Tate, she stood there with her arms crossed.

Bryan: “It’s gone, I promise.”

Tate: “It’s better that way. You’re pretty good at embarrassing yourself without adding props to the mix.”

Bryan: “To be fair, I haven’t jumped in any bushes or anything. Yet.”

Another stern look, something that Bryan tried to sway by pulling Tate in for a quick kiss.

It didn’t work.

Bryan: “Alright, I promise that I’ll behave for the rest of the night. No more hats, no more being stupid. Also you look really great in that dress, did I mention that before?”

Tate: “I think you said it like three or four times, yeah.”

Tate finally cracked a smirk and gave him a squeeze around the waist.

Bryan: “I keep saying it because it’s true! Really glad you came out with me tonight, it’s been awhile since we’ve had a night out.”

Tate: “Well, you know how I feel about crowds and all of that. I’m always happy to just have a night in with you.”

She smiled, not having to look up at him with her heels on.

Tate: “You kind of make my night. Most of the time.”

The two enjoyed the moment, Bryan giving her a quick kiss on the forehead as he turned back towards the bartender. A quick moment and he was back, two beers for the both of them. The two had been at the bar for a hour, but really hadn’t had that much to drink since being there. A social gathering, there wasn’t much point to everyone meeting up.

It seemed that most of the people they had come to meet were already leaving now, George Parker and Byron saying their goodbyes as they left. Slowly but surely most of the people they know trickled out, leaving Bryan and Tate by themselves. The two took a table by themselves, secluded away in the corner.

Bryan: “Looks like everyone is leaving now.”

Tate: “It was probably the hat. Drove everyone away.”

Bryan mocked the comment, a silly expression on his face as he took a swig from his beer.

Bryan: “Well, since we’re back to being by ourselves ...what would you like to do? Got any place you want to go? Something you maybe want to do? Maybe we can find an alley or something, and get freaky.”

Tate: “You’re gross and the answer is no.”

Bryan: “You’re no fun.”

He said, with a frown.

Tate: “So does everyone you know usually just walk out of a place without saying goodbye? That’s kind of… weird.”

Bryan: “I thought you knew these people, I hardly know any of them.”

Bryan shrugged, taking another sip of his beer.

Tate: “Why the hell would I know them? Byron and George are your friends.”

It was true, but the two shared a laugh anyway. Bryan finished his drink, Tate leaving hers on the table. The two sat there in silence, for a moment. There were many things to discuss, and bring up with her. The night was going well though, Bryan struggled with the idea of potentially ruining it because of his dumb mouth. He sighed, thinking better but still going through with it. With a cough he cleared his throat, getting Tate’s attention.

Bryan: “So the old man texted me recently…”

Yes, that got her attention. She shot a glare across the table, but it wasn’t at him, just at the thought. Tate wasn’t fond of his father, for good reason.

Tate: “What did he want?"

Bryan: “Wants to meet up again ...with the both of us.”

He winced, knowing the news would not sit very well with Tate. She wasn’t much of a fan of him, the amount of dread in his stomach could sink a boat at this moment.

Tate: “What for?"

Bryan: “He wouldn’t say, just wanted to meet. Probably wants something from us, unfortunately.”

She sighed heavily, finally taking a sip of her beer. Bryan had been correct in thinking that the subject would bring some negativity. After a moment to think Tate reached across the table, taking Bryan’s hand in hers.

Tate: “I’ll go with you."

Bryan: “I don’t expect you too. He asked for both of us, but I’m sure he thinks you’d rather pour bleach in your eyes.”

Tate: “I would. But I want to be there for you. I’m tired of him cornering you like that.”

Bryan sighed in relief, sitting back in his chair slightly.

Bryan: “They sent me a contract...”

Tate: “Who did?”

Tate’s eyes were curious, unsure exactly what Bryan meant. She looked on, as Bryan brought up the website on his phone. Passing it over Tate saw what he meant, Epic Online Wrestling. Another wrestling company, she almost was glad for a moment. Bryan’s quick adventure into mixed martial arts hadn’t gone very well, in the back of her mind she was a bit worried that he might try again.

Tate: “EOW?”

Bryan nodded, as Tate handed the phone back to him. She looked on as he explained.

Bryan: “Aidan had mentioned it in passing, so I called them up to check it all out. They’re a new upstart, out of New York. It’s close, and I wouldn’t be working as much either. Compared to when I was in Boardwalk, my schedule would still be less than that. Combined with 4CW, I’d make way more money too…”

Tate didn’t really move, or indicate anything to what he just said. She was still focused on his words, waiting to see if he had anything more to say.

Bryan: “So instead of twice a month, it’s four times a month. Hell, going to the event is just a day thing, wouldn’t even miss much time.”

Tate: “True, doesn’t mean I’ll be going with you though.”

Bryan: “That’s fair, just wanted to get your opinion on the whole thing.”

She was quiet again, pursing her lips as she thought. Bryan watched on, hoping to catch a clue before she spoke. Unfortunately Tate was just too hard to read sometimes.

Tate: “You know I’ll support you, whatever it is you decide to do. Even if it’s really silly, or dumb.”

Bryan: “Which, considering past events, this really isn’t.”

Tate: “Correct.”

Bryan nodded, satisfied with the answer.

Bryan: “Alright then, I’ll sign in the morning and send the contract back over.”

Tate nodded as well, giving Bryan a sly smile.

Bryan: “I suppose now we have something to celebrate, a reason to be out this late.”

Tate: “Yeah ...I guess so.”

Tate tried to come off as dry and sarcastic, but Bryan saw right through it. She giggled, buckling easily under his gaze. Of course he couldn’t help himself, smiling and laughing in return. The two leaned across the table, sharing a kiss.

Tate: “Well, if we’re going to stay here you better go and get us some drinks. I’ll wait here, and finish this one.”

Bryan: “Ugh ...so bossy.”

Tate: “Shut up, you like it!”