A night to remember

This was awkward to say the least. Every other person would’ve been just fine. Yeah, their head might spin a little, but they would be able to walk in a straight line with a bit of effort. Not him. If he tried he would only be making a bigger fool of himself.

Lamar quickly appeared at his side providing the support and guidance he would need. Míngzé’s jaw was clenched. This was not how he envisioned this to end. Here he was looking like some drunk guy that did not know when to stop drinking. Not at all the impression he wanted to make.

Míngzé held on to Lamar’s upper arm, his grip tighter than usual and also standing closer. “I uh—” he muttered as an awkward smile flashed over his lips. He should make fun of the situation, perhaps show it was not such a big deal. “Sorry— for this. I knew this would happen and still I drank too much,” Míngzé apologized while shaking his head. He kept his eyes to the ground, trying his best not to lean too much on Lamar.

Having Lamar standing next to him granted him a feeling of safety. Combined with shame. A red color crept up his face as he was asked if he could even move. Did he look that bad? Surely he hoped not. “No, no, it’s fine, I’m fine,” he tried to reassure Lamar, gently tapping his arm. If only he had something that could turn back time, right now he felt like he could use it.

“The problem is walking, in a straight line I mean, without falling .” It would make ‘falling for someone’ a bit too literal. Not to mention the pain that would follow if that were to happen. On a positive note, he had a doctor with him ready to help.

Míngzé unfolded his cane, which did not go as smoothly as it normally went. “Just lead the way, and I’ll follow.” Whilst trying not to cause them both to end up on the ground. They were still on the rooftop and he would already feel much safer when they were inside. Or downstairs on the ground.

The next day he would send him a text message he decided right then and there. An apology for in incapabilities of controlling gravity. That was the least he could do and very necessary. No matter the fact that Lamar told him it was fine.

As they walked, Míngzé really tried his utmost best to not sway. Place one foot in front of the other, keeping his upper body straight, don’t lean on him too much. It helped not one bit. With each step he noticed how much he needed the support at his side.

A wave of relief washed over him as they entered the elevator, giving them a moment of peace. “So, what are your thoughts? About this whole thing?” Míngzé was curious what his answer would be and if it would match his.

“Well I—” Míngzé started, wanting to prevent the conversation from going about him. It was one of those things he never felt comfortable about. A relieved sigh nearly escaped when it was the date itself that Lamar started talking about.

He listened intently to what Lamar had to say about it. “One thing we won’t soon forget,” he said followed by a chuckle. The brains definitely left an impression. His legs were growing tired from standing there, carrying his weight. Already his shoulder was touching Lamar’s and he leaned further into it, looking for more support.

Quickly he shrugged. “I don't mind.” Mostly because they couldn’t have known about his lack of sight. He did not like to think about it too much. There was nothing he could do to change it anyway and everything he did think about it too much, he could feel a sharp sting in his chest.

For a second his mind was drifting off, only to be saved by Lamar’s voice. Míngzé blinked a few times, straightening his back some more and forcing his legs to carry more of his weight.

Oh no—

Míngzé unconsciously held his breath. It should not matter what people thought of him. Not knowing what else to do, he laughed. He doubted many people would agree with him. “Cute, uh?” He raised one of his brows. Not what he expected at all. Good thing his face was already red.

“You’ve been— are wonderful company as well. I truly mean it.”

How different things might’ve been if his date had been some he did not know. All he’d wanted out of it was a good time. An opportunity to forget everything and simply live. That was it. One wrong push and everything could turn to shit so he wanted to enjoy evenings like this.

The fact that he knew Lamar, changed it a little bit.

A short chuckle sounded. “Not at all, you’re fun.” He patted Lamar below his shoulders. Lamar was exactly what he needed right now. No weird deity shit or stupid dangerous goals, but a doctor that was helping people, who went on a blind date to have a good time too. Normal. He liked normal.

They made it outside, and now their only goal was to reach the mcdonalds. Wherever it might be. His plan was to trust Lamar and follow him.

“I’m drunk, not a cri—no scratch that, I’m very much a cripple.” That did not change the fact that he was capable of walking. Wisely he let go of Lamar’s arm, straightening his back as he did so. His head felt like he was at sea, but he had a point to prove.

All he had to do was concentrate, and so he did. Míngzé moved away from Lamar and took his first few steps forward. The rhythm of his cane was off but he managed to walk in a straight line. “See? Perfectly fine.” Sadly it was not true, his so-called ‘straight line’ went from left to right and with each step he had to concentrate on standing up right.

Lamar did not trust his capabilities, which was fine. It was nice to know someone was behind him, ready to catch him if he were to fall. It did not happen, but Lamar preferred it if he held onto him. Míngzé came to a halt and waited for the other before grabbing hold of his arm again.

“Because you asked so nicely.”

Oh how his mind was spinning.

The regrets he would feel the next morning.

They did not matter right now, he had a good time, which was all he wanted out of this experience. A headache and an empty stomach is just part of it.

Míngzé grabbed his phone from his pocket, the light nearly blinding —no wait— the bright light came as a surprise. “Hey Google, open maps and find the nearest McDonald's.” He had no idea where to go and he had no idea if Lamar knew. This was a very smart idea if he’d say so.

Only a five minute walk. “That’s not too bad.” As his cane was mostly in his way, he folded the thing and gave it to Lamar for safekeeping. Another smart idea.

It was a good thing their destination was not far. Walking was not that easy anymore, mostly because his orientation and balance was nonexistent anymore. With Lamar’s help it was a bit easier, but he did not want to get dragged along through the whole city.

Lamar could see the building and as they walked closer, Míngzé expected to see lights burning inside. Especially with the cover of the night it should be obvious to him. But there was nothing. Surely he was not so drunk that even his eyes had given up. Was that even possible?

“Is it me, or does it look closed?” Míngzé asked with his head tilted to the side. All he wanted was a brain-free-burger and he was even denied that.

This McDonalds was indeed closed because they were redesigning the whole interior.