feel a little rush, I think I've got a little crush on you

[spah]

Texas Hill Country is about what you'd expect it to be. Carved-out hills, big trees, green grass, and bluebonnets nearly everywhere. It's a beautiful little chunk of state, and it's not a shocker than there's more than a couple vineyards out there.

Dell pulls his truck up to one of them now, a picturesque little place with rolling fields and a ridiculously lavish front. It's not Tuscany, but damn if Texas doesn't try. The mercenary checks his watch.

Yep. Just about noon.

"Knew that shortcut'd work," He says out loud, beaming, more to himself than the man next to him. Speaking of the man next to him, Dell looks up to gauge his reaction.

He hadn't exactly TOLD Spy where they were going, just that it'd be a surprise while they were here, and a promise that Dell wasn't introducing him to his parents. This was a good a time as any to sneak out together for a while, grab a hotel, and spend the weekend together without tiptoeing around the base.

Stealing kisses and touches could be pretty damn thrilling (especially when one of you can turn invisible) sometimes it's just nice to not have to sneak around with your... boyfriend? Partner? In between? Something like that.

Comments

[crabbmarche]

Spy would think that Dell had made a deal with Merasmus with how lucky they'd gotten. Getting a weekend to themselves was a miracle in and of itself, but getting a weekend to themselves and getting the green light to travel outside of Teufort? Or, hell, New Mexico? Spy was fairly certain that he was being played.

But here they are. It's been a lengthy ride, and Spy has a bit of a tan starting to form on his arm from resting it against the passenger side window. He usually wasn't a fan of surprises, but once Dell had promised that there weren't going to be any impromptu family meetings, he had decided that the idea of a vacation was too good to pass up.

He pushes his sunglasses down as they pull up to the vineyard and rewards Dell with a smile. He knew that Texas had its vineyards and wineries, but he didn't frequent them nearly as much as the ones in Europe. The devil you know and whatnot. But hey, the fact that Dell thought of this place for them is a gesture he won't insult.

"Impeccable timing. This is the place?"

[spah]

"This is the place," Dell couldn't entirely keep the smugness out of his voice. He was pretty damn proud of this choice. "Duchman Family Winery. They try real hard to be Tuscan-esque, but it's still about as Texas as you can get."

There's parking just in front of the building. The merc cuts the engine and hops out of the truck. He smiles back at Spy, figuring he did good.

"They got a little restaurant and wine-tastin' spot inside. I got reservations."

Hence why he kept checking on the time. He's probably dressed a little too casual for a fancy winery like this, with the usual rolled-up shirt and jeans on, but at least he was out of the overalls.

[crabbmarche]

"Well, at least they try."

Spy steps out of the truck as well, sleeves rolled up and jacket tossed over his shoulder. It's hot in Texas, but he's gotten used to Southern heat by now, and he likes to make an impression. (Don't worry, Dell; in the off-chance that this place isn't that fancy, he's also packed some casual wear. He's meeting halfway!)

He looks up at the winery contemplatively as Dell explains about the restaurant and tastings and the fact he made reservations. His smile remains, charmed by the thought he's put into this.

"You were planning this for a while, weren't you?"

[spah]

Engie glances in Spy's direction, his smile turned knowing. He's not wearing goggles, for once, and his blue eyes crinkle with the look of someone very, VERY pleased with themselves. He opts not to brag, at least.

"For the most part, I got lucky. Reservations opened up about a day before we left, and I moved some last minute plans around."

The merc motions for Spy to follow him down the travertine path leading up to said Tuscan-esque building. He steps over a iron scrollwork bridge over a small stream (artificial, of course), which lead up toward an enormous terracotta fountain.

A little much, in Engineer's middle-of-nowhere farmboy opinion, but he keeps that to himself. He slips his hat off - yes, the white Stetson - and fans his forehead.

"Original idea was about the same though. Winery I had in mind is pretty popular with locals and tourists, though, would've got crowded fast. Nowhere near Hill Country, either."

Engie keeps close to Spy, not touching but still at a more-than-friendly proximity. He's in a good mood, wanting to keep near his... well, whatever Spy was by now. Not quite a fling anymore, but not a boyfriend either. He's having trouble putting a label on it.

But that's fine, honestly. Dell was happy to take this wherever it was going, glad to just spend a day with him.

"Reservations are for whenever now that we're here, though. We can check out the wine-tasting room or eat something first. Or walk around the vineyard. Your choice."