Thread by @OurFlagMnsSteph

#noangstnov Day 24: date night
#steddyhands
Izzy's turn to pick a date night activity for the trio and he's feeling unsure what to do

It was Izzy's turn to plan date night, and he was...not feeling great about that. They'd gotten into a groove with them. Stede usually picked something cultural like a play or museum. Ed something fun and make-out friendly like the drive-in.

And Izzy usually opted for a night in and a homemade dinner.
Izzy worried it (and he) was too boring for his partners.
He isn't flashy and fancy like Stede. He isn't fun and flirty like Ed. Izzy is just...Izzy.

Practical, surly, and solid. He still struggles to see his worth in this relationship, despite how much they tell him they love him. And they do, a lot, too much sometimes. His cheeks still burn with embarrassment when they say it, especially when they're in public.

Ed and he were playing Fortnite while he pondered the options. Definitely not another dinner at home. Not a movie, they'd already seen all the good ones out. Not a picnic, it was getting too cold.
"Mate...Iz...hello?"

Iz shook out of his thoughts to Ed waving s hand in front of his face.
"You died, right out of the bus, man...You okay, Iz?"
Ed looked concerned.
"Yeah, just thinking about what to do for date night."
Ed frowned a bit.
"We can do whatever you want, man. Nothing to stress about."

Izzy deflated. "Of course you'd say that. You always have fun ideas. I can't ever think of anything good...I don't want you and Stede to be disappointed."
Ed melted at Izzy's confession.
"Aww, Iz, c'mere."

Ed gathered Izzy into his lap, holding him tight. Izzy felt the tension drain out of him.
"It's not about what we do, Iz. We could spend date night doing taxes and it would be great because the three of us would be together."

Izzy's response was muffled by Ed's beard.
"You're such a sap."
Ed kissed Izzy on the crown of his head.
"So is Stede, and so are you. That's one of the reasons we work so well together. That and how hot we all are."
Izzy couldn't help gently biting Ed's neck in affirmation.

"First thought, what sounds fun to do tomorrow? Don't even think about me or Stede. What do YOU want to do?"
Izzy thought a second, "Bowling. I want to take us bowling. Get terrible beer and nachos and play pinball in the arcade room after."

"That sounds perfect, Iz. I love it and Stede will, too, I'm sure! Might need to help show him how to bowl proper and like, guide his hand."
Ed waggled his eyebrows and giggled over the thought and Izzy could feel his cheeks reddening over the image Ed was painting.

---

Ed was right of course. Smug bastard. Stede was excited to go bowling since he'd never been before. He asked many times for Izzy to guide him and Izzy was happy to comply. He was simply awful but they all had a good-natured laugh at his attempts.

Stede was surprisingly good at the pinball though, and Ed took a turn being the mentee. It was a lie obviously, but they were a couple pitchers of warm beer in and rather giggly by then.

Soon after they headed to Stede's for the night, and Izzy was told over and over how much they liked his idea. And shown many many times how much they loved him.
Izzy deemed it a successful date night as he was falling asleep between Ed and Stede feeling happily sore.

-End-

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