Impractical Jokers: Requests

Sal's Party

Characters: Brian "Q" Quinn, Ash, Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, James Murray

Perspective: First-person

Characteristics: Romance, fluff, angst

Requested prompt: Mutual pining, age difference

Requested by Ash

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"I told you I can't hang out tonight."

"Why not?"

"It's Sal's birthday party."

"Ugh, I keep forgetting"

I sensed a slight attitude in my friend's tone.

"Rima, you're my best friend, but he is too. It's his birthday for crying out loud."

"I know, I know.... So... erm... is Brian going to be there?"

My heart jerked. She just had to mention his name. I was trying so hard not to think about him and just focus on having a good time for my best friend's birthday.

"Ugh, I told you I don't want to talk about him."

"I AM TELLING YOU HE LIKES YOU! STOP RUNNING AWAY FROM IT!"

"It's literally impossible, he's so much older than me"

"And? Age is just a number, hun. Trust me. Shit, I got to go. Mom's calling. Update me on tonight! Love you! Bye!"

Before I even had the chance to open my mouth, the call ended. Great, now my heart is racing at the ideas she's planting in my head. I've never told Sal how I felt about Brian, which always weighed on my conscience. I had my reasons for not telling him, but it didn't matter. Nothing was going to happen between me and Q, ever. I was trying so hard to convince myself that I was worried about tonight's look for myself, but a little part of me wasn't allowing me to shy away from the fact that I wanted to stand out for Brian.

Of course, the day that I need it to work most, my mascara kept clumping up. Right as I was trying to separate it, my phone rang. The sudden tone breaking my tunnel-visioned focus startled me. Joe? He almost never calls me.

"Hello?"

"Hey Ash. How are you, sweetheart?"

"I'm struggling to make it on time. How are you, Gatto?"

"Well, I'm dealing with your best friend freaking out about being a host... we just need you to get here.... Yes, Brian it is, now will you shut up?! I'm so sorry, he just keeps saying stupid shit. Did you charge the speaker?"

"Oh, fuck me I..."

"I can't, I'm babysitting these idiots."

"JOSEPH!!! You're on another level... I'll charge it now; it should be fine by the time I leave"

"Okay, we'll see you soon, hun."

"Sounds good, bye!"

I began to rush. I know how Sal gets before events. I took one quick look in the mirror. My make-up was subtle but accentuated my features just enough. I wore a white, knitted, loose-fit sweater, light denim jeans, and cognac colored, slightly heeled booties and a matching belt. I smiled in satisfaction with my look. I grabbed my speaker and sped out the door.

Once, I walked through that door, Murr was there to greet me. Sal saw me and immediately felt relieved. "Thank God you're here, I was going crazy without you!" He ran to me and gave me a big bear hug. "Aaaah! My love! Happy birthday baby!" I exclaimed during the warm embrace of my friend who I love so deeply. My eyes scanned my surroundings. The gaze landed on Brian smiling in my direction. I immediately felt my organs surface into my throat the second our eyes met. I went over to say hello to him. "Hi gorgeous. How've you been?" He always calls me something so endearing, and every time, I feel my stomach turn in the best way. After exchanging greetings with everyone, I started to help set up.