Adrian played with his tie - like always. He could not stand being in this get up. Give him jeans and tshirt any day of the week rather than this - hell, we would rather jog 5 miles in his full firefighter gear than to wear this. His fidgeting noticeable, Jake quietly pokes him in the back. "It's only 2 hours, and then you will be free to get back to whatever it is you want to do to"
"Yeah I know its 2 hours, trust me I know. I feel like this tie is going to choke me out before then though."
"Adrian, I swear to be so put together you are the biggest baby at times." ribbed Jake.
Adrian and Jake has been volunteer firefighters in their teens - the small town they are from in eastern North Carolina too small to afford a large professional firefighter force, so they relied entirely on the service of volunteers. They met in elementary school, and became fast friends. Jake the carefree and playful type that perfectly balanced the straightlaced and serious demeanor of Adrian. The friendship with Jake had outlasted most things in either of their lives. After their highschool graduation both moved to Raleigh to do what they had learned how to do best - fight fires and save lives which they did until one night the pair and a few friends got together and dreamed up the LifeSaver Saver. The whole reason they are at this gala tonight.
"Whatever, whatever. If I have to wear this suit, the least I can do is enjoy myself at the open bar I guess" he chortled - the first drinks already showing some effect on his demeanor.
"Go for it bro! Get your drink on - We only have to accept the award and then we can Uber outta here."
Pulling up to the bar, he ordered the first of several beverages to come - his traditional fashion of drink, a pale ale. He stood at the bar reflecting on how he got here. How he and Jake had managed, as small-town country boys, to make it to big leagues - black ties and open bars. With the good oft comes the bad though. The fizziness of his beer, the noise of the room, reminded him of the last time he ran across her.
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