All of this past - Joe

[Deleted]

She needed to see him again; it was like some need that had been clawing away at her insides, making her raw. She'd been snapping at people, more than normal, even Magus and Adam, and it was rare for her to go for Adam, he adored her so deeply. God, what she'd done to him the other night, the thought still made her stomach churn uncomfortably.

So she'd sent him a message, an invitation of sorts, under the guise of a thank you for his valiant rescue that night. It had worked wonderfully, her name was in the papers and her shows were selling out more than ever. She still bore the fading bruises, which were being splashed across the tabloids, hailing her as a trooper, returning to the stage whilst still recovering her horrendous ordeal. It had worked, the society were happy, but at what cost? She was miserable, rabid, like a woman possessed and she hated it. She hated this feeling.

Who was she!?

The acceptance had taken her by surprise, but filled her stomach with a strange sensation, like fluttery... maybe those butterflies people spoke about. Part of her liked it though, and there was a part of her that squealed and bounced at the idea of seeing him again. He'd impressed her, not just with the rescue, but his behaviour afterwards; she'd heard that he'd been hounded by reporters, but he'd held his tongue, not said a word. He was a genuinely kind man, which sent a cold shiver down her spine. She didn't deserve him.

Wait, where did that come from? She deserved whatever she wanted and she generally got it too! But he was married, she'd read that in one of the papers. Since when did that matter!!? She'd bedded married men before! Why was she feeling guilty about this one? Really, who was she?

So that was how she ended up in the private grove of the Magic Castle, having demanded that it be off limits until she said otherwise. She'd organised a dinner, though part of her believed it was to seduce him, part of her also wanted the privacy for his benefit, as to avoid prying eyes. She'd dressed, after having a panic about whether to go dressy or whether that would be too... too much like a date. Would he look down on her if she wore some denims? Oh God, what on Earth was going on with her?

Ending up in a simple, mint green dress, Eve felt nervous, shaking her hands to try and throw some of the anxiety out of her body.

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

There was a letter for Officer Joseph Townsend at the cop shop, and when the said individual was informed about it, he did not bother to hide his surprise. Somebody, who did not know his home address, wanted to reach out to him. And upon opening the envelope and reading the sender’s name, for the first time since forever he felt a hot blush rise to his face. Eddie Abel, who was his partner once again, noticed the change in his friend’s mien, and before the fellow officer could query him about it, Joe left his desk and hurried into the nearest restroom.

There, he read and re-read the letter for numerous times to eliminate every possibility of it being a mean joke. Joe had no idea what Bethany’s handwriting was like, but the tone of the letter did seem like something she would say… I mean, write. God. This was so nerve-wrecking. Why did she want to see him again?

Officers saved civilians all the time. All she had to do was send him a thank-you card, and that was it. The day after the incident, when reporters started bugging the hell out of him, he discovered that he had actually saved a renowned jazz goddess. Yes, embarrassingly enough, he did not know who she was until others told him. Why would someone like her, who belonged in the ritzy circles of glitterati, want to spend her precious time on a square like Joe? It did not make any sense.

But, there he was now, with her letter in his hand, staring at his reflection in the mirror, and wondering what on Earth was going on with him. He had a wife, a pretty gal, an absolute sweetheart, a soon-to-be mother of his child. He had a great job, a wonderful partner at work, amazing friends, a nifty house in Las Palmeras, a well-trained dog, a decent pay. What else could he want from life? He should be happy. He should be more than happy.

Was he not?

Honestly, he didn’t know. Since childhood, he was so wrapped up in making his father proud, and thereby, driving himself into the ground that he had no time to pay attention to his feelings… or even his own desires for that matter. It seemed like he was living somebody else’s life… the life his parents wanted for him.

Joining the police force was not really his initiative, marrying Guinevere was not his initiative either. Everything had sort of been planned out for him, and being a good child as he always was, he followed through with their suggestions because he did not really care about anything but making his family happy. He did not even care about himself, which was sad, and downright stupid.

He had not realized just how messed up his mentality was up until he felt some strange spark the first time he looked into the mysterious lady’s striking green eyes. That was when his own desire (a desire that was not intimated by anyone in his family) was born… a desire so powerful that his sleep pattern had been disrupted since then. He would toss and turn in his bed, pondering on his decisions in his life. Whether it was him or not who had made those decisions, he was the one who had abided by them. It was too late to change things now.

But, just one dinner with Miss Gabler was not going to cause any harm. Besides, she just wanted to express her gratitude, and turning her down would be plain rude. So, he told his wife he had a meeting with one of his colleagues (holy crap! He even started lying! Well, he figured it would just come off weird if he said that he was having dinner with the lady he had saved from street violence), and left his abode without his dog (who Joe usually took with him almost everywhere!). That was enough to make Gwen suspect that something was not right.

It was his off day, so he got to their meeting point with his truck, not a police car. The second the staff of the Magic Castle saw Townsend’s vehicle approaching the establishment, they thought some hillbilly, who had just arrived in Sin City, was lost because he was too daft to read a map. When he parked and handed the keys to the valet, the latter did not even know what to say to him. He was not dressed according to their dress code. He was sporting some terribly casual outfit.

The guards at the main entrance did not let him in, even though he had Bethany’s letter to show them. Only when the manager of the castle showed up, did the confusion get dispelled. The staff promptly morphed from extremely unwelcoming into ridiculously friendly. ”This way, Sir.” They led him toward the restricted area, which was accessible for only the chosen few - the Bohemian Grove.

There she was, looking gorgeous as ever even in that simple dress of hers. She rose to her feet when he approached, and he stretched his hand out for a handshake, praying to God to not make his palm clammy. It was almost funny how someone as petite and fragile as her could make a brute like him so nervous. Oh, he was nervous? He was a lot of things! Nervous, worried, excited, giddy, and of course, feeling guilty as hell (despite the fact that he was not doing anything wrong).

”Umm… this is fancy,” he blurted impulsively, motioning at the space around them, which he instantly regretted, because come on! Where were his manners? He did not even say hello first. ”I mean... hi,” he quickly corrected himself, casting her an awkward smile. "You look... well. Good to see... you-ve recuperated well."

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

She'd been made aware of his arrival mere moments before he was shown in and announced by the manager. It enabled her to quickly calm herself from her nervous quirks to an illusion of gracious serenity, settling down at the table, more so her legs stopped wanting to jitter. She likened it to the fight or flight sensation, something she hadn't felt in a long time.

Thanking the manager as she stood, again, Beth's eyes moved from the suited penguin to the one she really wanted to see, and she felt her heart start to beat harder, like it wanted to burst out of her ribs to get a better look at him. He was beautiful, in every masculine sense of the word. The newspaper photos she'd had to rely on, so grainy and low quality, hadn't done him justice. The ensemble he wore, albeit casual, suited every fibre of his being, and Beth honestly believed he probably looked better like this than he would in a tux.

Now, shit, how did she greet him? Hug? Too forward? Handshake? Too formal? Kiss on the cheek? Too Eve. Too Eve? She was Eve! Her mind balked at the inner turmoil she was fighting as he came closer still. Oh for God's sake, she never worried about these sorts of things before! She kissed cheeks, hugged and shook hands a million times a week! Why was she worrying about him? Thankfully, he took the lead and offered her his hand. Good, decision made. Taking his hand in hers, Beth shook it gently, genuinely relieved as the smile pulled at her lips before she let him go.

"Umm... this is fancy. I mean... hi" Her smile widened even further, infected by his awkward smile; he was adorable, completely and utterly adorable and Beth felt a twinge. Eve would have ripped him apart for that, what she considered, weakness. So why wasn't she seducing him right now, getting him under her and out of her head?

She was on a roller coaster, constantly analysing his words, looking for... God, something that would confirm he was as conflicted as she felt. Every time he said something, it was followed by a shut down of sorts; it wasn't good to see her, but good to see her health had improved. It was polite, civil. Still, like a perfect performer, she kept her smile intact, "Hi, and thank you, I'm close to fully recovered now, the doctors have been incredible." Motioning to the table, decorated with linen and china that suited the establishment but now felt like complete overkill, "Please, have a seat... at my pretensiously fancy table." Casting him a cheeky grin, Beth felt the need to explain herself, "You're right, it is fancy, flamboyantly so, I'm sorry. I've just been in this life so long I forget that this isn't normal."

She paused. She was apologising? For being her?

What on Earth was going on? More than that, she'd opened up about a flaw she'd only just realised she had aaaand she was doing her own thing again, talking about herself! "Oh, I'm sorry..." There she went again! "Please, stop me talking. How are you, Officer Townsend?"

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

She looked almost jittery at the sight of him. He wondered why. Was she worried about having dinner with a police officer? That must be it. There was a consensus notion of the LVPD using their authority oppressively, so he could not blame her really. Especially with the curfew in town and the military dictating the civilians of Las Vegas.

He did not want her to feel uncomfortable in his presence, but making a joke about how she should relax because he did not have a pair of handcuffs with him would have sounded really awkward; so he just pretended that he had not noticed her disquiet.

”Hi, and thank you, I'm close to fully recovered now, the doctors have been incredible.”

”I’m glad to hear that,” he noted, his expression morphing into one of unalloyed joy. He was happy to see her feeling better, maybe a bit too happy. Gwen would be so devastated if she ever saw the way Joseph looked at Bethany. Every time their eyes met, a glint of youthful excitement would flash in his orbs.

”Please, have a seat... at my pretentiously fancy table.”

He chuckled quietly at her humorous remark.

”You're right, it is fancy, flamboyantly so, I'm sorry. I've just been in this life so long I forget that this isn't normal.”

”No, don’t apologize. I like it.”

How could anyone be extremely gorgeous and cute at the same time?! His heart skipped a beat as he realized that he found her more and more attractive with each passing second. He should keep the meeting short, be curt, then bail and never see her again; because he had this inkling that she would be the death of him and his family, if he kept spending time with her.

”Oh, I'm sorry... Please, stop me talking. How are you, Officer Townsend?”

He sat down at the table across from her. ”Please call me Joe, or Joseph if you wish,” he said, offering her an engaging smile. Then slightly tilting his head forward, he quirked a curious eyebrow at her. ”You know policemen are normal people just like everyone else, right? I hope the fact that I represent the law isn’t unsettling to you. You seem nervous.”

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

This wasn't her.

This, this female who felt flustered by the male before her, wasn't her. It wasn't Eve. Eve was there, raging inside, wanting to just get carnal with the police officer she'd been reading about. This female who now controlled her was completely subdued, more like the facade Eve would wear, the demure songstress with an edge of self degredation. This was a female who hadn't been in control since long before they'd arrived in Las Vegas. This was Beth, through and through.

He was twisting her up too, making her second guess everything. One minute his responses were making her think he was just placating her, then he was so animated, he made her want to giggle like a school girl. It was insane, no wonder Eve had blocked it out! Everything Eve said was all calculated, she'd be anyone she needed to get in with the right people; Beth wanted him to like her for her... but then, she didn't really know who she was.

It was all so confusing!

She fiddled with the linen cloth on the table, something she'd done when she was a child and dining with her parents. It was a comforting thing, usually done when her parents were about to berate her, or when she knew they had something big to tell her. The last time she'd done it, they'd told her they were moving to the desert.

He was being so gracious now, down to his jab about policemen being humans. That was dependent on the policeman involved; he was truly human, but she'd heard about the brutality of the corrupted, power hungry law enforcement. She blushed at his words, feeling the blood race to her face and hoping her makeup covered it. Eve burned inside her, screaming like a banshee at this brazen, childish behaviour, "You saved my life, Joe. I just... I feel like a fancy lunch doesn't really say thank you sufficiently." She gave him a soft, almost sad smile, "It's not the fact you're a policeman, you're more than that, I fully understand being more than your job... I guess it's just surreal to see you when I'm not... bloodied, or in a hospital bed."

Her eyes had cast down to watch her fingers tracing the pattern, wondering how honest to be with him. Eve continued to batter against the door, trying to get in and take control again. Beth battened down the hatches, taking a deep breath as her eyes moved back to him, "I didn't want to bring him up, but he would have killed me, you stopped that, maybe I've got a bit of a hero complex."

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

He took notice of her fingers fidgeting with the tablecloth; but in an effort to not make her more jittery than she already seemed to be, he quickly averted his eyes from her hands and gazed into her malachite orbs.

The second their eyes met, that strange feeling bubbled inside his chest again… a feeling of some bizarre familiarity. They had met only once prior to this meeting, yet he felt peculiarly comfortable around her already, as if he could tell her everything and she would understand him more than anyone ever could.

”You saved my life, Joe. I just... I feel like a fancy lunch doesn't really say thank you sufficiently.”

He met her somewhat melancholy smile with a gentle one of his own. It was sweet of her to think his action was that heroic. In his opinion he had not done anything that needed to be talked about by press or anyone really. He just helped a fellow human being, just like anyone and everyone should.

”It's not the fact you're a policeman, you're more than that, I fully understand being more than your job... I guess it's just surreal to see you when I'm not... bloodied, or in a hospital bed.”

Surreal indeed, and a bit disconcerting as well. A policeman was not obliged to have lunch with the civilian he had saved. When the hospital staff informed him of Miss Gabler being released from their care, his restless thoughts about her were put at bay; but as soon as he read her letter, they infected his brain like some degenerative disease. He deduced that the only way he could get rid of them was to meet with her one last time - that was his sorry excuse for taking up her offer.

”I didn't want to bring him up, but he would have killed me, you stopped that, maybe I've got a bit of a hero complex.”

Oh, God! What was she talking about? And, why was she looking at him like that? What she… noo… Bethany Gabler, the renowned jazz goddess, could not possibly be flirting with Joseph Nobody. Lost in her gaze, he was rendered speechless for a moment, then he shattered the sticky quiescence with an awkward smile.

”You don’t need to thank me for anything, Bet… Miss Gabler…” he stumbled upon his words, forgetting what she wanted him to call her.

”I haven’t done anything…” He grabbed his glass of water to take a hurried sip. ”Let’s just drop it,” he decided, lacking clarity of thought.

”So… umm…” He looked around them again - he had to do something to avoid looking at her beautiful face. She was starting to make him feel nervous. ”Do you perform at the Magic Castle?”

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

You don't need to thank me for anything, Bet... Miss Gabler... I haven't don't anything... Let's just drop it

Ouch. Beth's features pulled into a small frown before she caught herself, courtesy of Eve taking the reins for a moment. She'd overstepped it, read it all wrong, stupid girl. In her head, she could hear her alter ego cackling at her, mocking her naive nature, and she could just imagine what he was thinking. He couldn't even look at her now.

Her head bowed, looking at her fingers as they rubbed at each other, nervously, in her lap. His question caused her to clear her throat but her eyes never raised, her fingers didn't stop their furious, punishing, painful wrenching at her skin, "Uh, yes. I've... I've had a residency for a few years, with Adam, my pianist." That was all likely to change now though, as long as the society agreed. Soon, The Toxic Apples could be headlining the show for Mr Clifford Sinclair, because she doubted the attack was going to turn him off. If anything it would continue selling their shows out. Beth had heard that there could be a bit of a war over the duo.

None of that seemed to matter at the moment though.

This had always been such a beautiful place to her, the Grove, it was why she had picked it. She love that, despite the desert that surrounded them as far as the eye could see, the Grove had always been an oasis, lush and full of vibrant colours; and at night, oh at night, when she had to stay over because of the curfew, the scents of the night blooming flowers were to die for.

Finding herself chewing on her lip, she let out a small sigh; well, what had she expected? She'd spent how long reading, and rereading, the newspaper clippings, he was married, he was a good, decent man; he wasn't like some of the others in this city, he wasn't like her. Biting her lip harder, she looked over to the door, wondering whether she'd made a monumental mistake which, of course, Eve thought she had.

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

She seemed upset he had changed the topic of their conversation. She also looked abashed at something. It was pretty hard to read her. He could tell she was not feeling comfortable and free in his presence, which he assumed was due to the fact that he was a police officer. But, a moment ago, she appeared to be making eyes at him. So, quite frankly, he was perplexed… by her, his own thoughts and desires. He had to remind himself that he was married to a wonderful person, and must never dare to lead Miss Gabler on.

”Uh, yes. I've... I've had a residency for a few years, with Adam, my pianist.”

Adam? At the mention of another man in her life, he shifted slightly in his seat, his body language betraying his discomfort. Was the Adam guy more than her pianist? Joe, please! It was none of his business. Jesus! What the hell was wrong with him? He too looked down at the tablecloth, trying to see what Bethany found so fascinating about it, seeing as her eyes were cast downward, instead of meeting his gaze. He then noticed her glance at the door, which made him think that she could not wait for the meeting to end.

No wonder. A classy lady like her would rather spend time with bigwigs than a dull cop. It was extremely honorable of her to fit him into her busy schedule. Was she doing it out of the kindness of her heart or simply because she wanted to build a good image for herself, and thereby, gain more admirers for her jazz ensemble? He was not sure. As mentioned above, he had a hard time figuring out what was on her mind, especially when she was not looking at him. An awkward silence hung in the air for a long moment; and just as he was about to shatter it with yet another question, a waiter approached to serve them their first-course.

”Oh, wow, thank you,” he said, amazed by their high-end service. When the waiter asked him what he wanted to drink, he said Budweiser. His choice of low-class alcoholic beverage prompted the server to give their peculiar guest a funny look, which made Joe feel even more awkward than he already was. Once the waiter left to bring them their drinks, Townsend leaned slightly forward to whisper to the jazz goddess: ”Is it bad to drink beer out here?” He was not being sarcastic; he was genuinely confused and curious.

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

She missed the way he shifted when she'd mentioned Adam, which was probably best as she was already struggling to keep Eve from rearing her ugly head and locking this side of her back in her box. He thought she was hard to read? Ditto. Beth thought she had it one minute, then felt it shattered the next. It was jarring to say the least, especially as she could cold read most people, he just sent her radars all off.

Beth's mind warred with the best course of action; did she make an excuse, thank him for meeting with her and leave, or did she ride this out and eat with him, like she'd invited him for? She couldn't place this feeling in her chest, it was so foreign to her, making her shoulders want to sag and for her to take herself to bed, alone. Eve's voice cut through her thought process Disappointment, dear. It's disappointment. He doesn't want you; not when he has that bland, blonde waif waiting at home for him with his homecooked dinner on the table. Ever since the hospital, when she'd noticed these two sides to her coming out, she'd hated Eve, hated what she did, but right now, it would appear Eve was right.

Her choice was taken from her hands when the waiter laid down their first course. No escape now. She heard him order his drink as she unfolded her napkin and laid it across her lap, taking in the beautiful smells coming from the plate. Another reason she loved this place, the food was second to none. Beth placed her drink order, her usual mint julep, and took a moment to mentally slap herself.

She was Bethany Gabler, she was, at times, Eve, she was the darling of the Toxic Apples, one of Vegas' prized jewels, she wasn't a hormonal teenager, stropping because a boy wouldn't go out with her. She just had to be gracious, lock her feelings down, she was good at locking ever other emotion out, why should this be different? Looking up at him, she realised why. He'd leant forward and she was looking right in those crystal blue eyes of his, speckled with brown at the top. He was so handsome and he didn't even realise it. It took a moment for his words to register, Is it bad to drink beer out here?

Her head jolted back slightly as her back straightened, a frown creasing her eyebrows which she didn't even try and stop, "No... why?" Her eyes moved from him to the waiter and back again, "Did he say something?" There wasn't really any point asking, he looked so serious that she knew something had happened to make him feel that way. Grabbing the napkin from her lap, Beth tried to be as graceful as possible as she laid it on the table, "Excuse me, one moment."

Moving from the table, Beth made her way across the Grove to the door, restraining the urge to wrench the door open and go marching her way in... until she disappeared into the building. Out of his sight, she stormed through to the bar, slamming her hands down on the wood, making the waiter jump, "Do we have a problem serving Budweiser to my guest?" He looked like a rabbit in the headlights, and right now she was going full speed, "Listen to me, very closely..." It wasn't raised, worse, it was a whisper, hissed like a snake, "If he wants a Bud, you will smile and say 'very good, sir', if he wants you to slash your wrist and bleed into his glass for him, you will smile and say 'very good, sir' as you find a sharp knife. Am I understood?" The waiter nodded like his neck had no muscles, and Eve grinned smugly inside her, "If I ever hear that you have used your position here to make someone like him feel out of place, I will report you that second. Now, you'd better find two bottles of Budweiser, I don't believe I fancy a jumped up cocktail anymore."

Waving her hand at him, he scurried off to the beers and placed them on a tray with two glasses. Beth grabbed the tray, glowering at him, "I've got them..." Next, her glare moved to another waiter who had obviously seen the whole thing, "Could you be a dear and wait our table for the rest of the day?" With the tray in hand, Beth made her way back towards the door.

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

She frowned and instantly he regretted asking her such a ridiculous question. Apparently, the place was so high-class that drinking beer was looked down upon. He wasn’t classy enough for it, or her, for that matter. But, why should he care? This was the last time they were going to spend time together, was it not? She lived in a world he did not belong to. Besides, there was no reason for him to want to be around her. He had a wife, and a pregnant one at that. Get that through your thick skull, daddy-o.

”No... why? Did he say something?”

”No, he just… never mind.” It was inappropriate to shit-talk about someone behind their back. He was not sure whether the man really gave him a funny look or he simply misinterpreted his expression. Whatever the case, he should just brush it off. He did not have to read much into it. He knew full well he stuck out like a sore thumb amongst all those ritzy intellectuals. He was just your ordinary square, not even a detective but a mundane patrol officer.

”Excuse me, one moment.”

Oh, crap! Did he upset her? A confused frown marred his strong features as he leaned back in his seat and watched her rise to her feet. He had no idea what was on her mind and where she was headed, so he kept silent as she left their table and exited through the door. So much for being able to hold Bethany’s interest for at least half an hour. She must be bored out of her wits already, trying to come up with some excuse to end their meeting sooner. He looked down at their food, impressed at their serving style - so intricate and what was the word? ‘Flamboyantly fancy’. He smiled to himself at the memory of her saying that. She was so darn cute.

Resting his right forearm on the table, he tapped his fingers, while surveying his surroundings. The place was full of so much green flora, making him feel like he was not in Las Vegas or even Nevada at all. Birds chirping in the trees. Water trickling in the fountain. It all felt so peaceful. He took a deep breath. Fresh air. His eyes traveled toward the house in the back. Why was the area only accessible to the select few, he wondered. Most likely, crazy parties of the VIP were held there. Interesting.

His train of thought was interrupted as Miss Gabler entered through the door and approached with a tray in her hands. Oh? The renowned jazz goddess Eve was bringing Joseph Townsend his drink? This was beyond preposterous. He stood up as she drew near, remembering that he had forgotten to do that when she left her chair. How unmannerly of him! At the sight of two Budweisers, an amused smile creased at the corner of his lips. Good God! She was going to make him fall for her if she kept being so adorable.

When she sat down, he did the same. ”Thank you,” he said with a warm smile. Reaching forward, he tried to grab his drink, unaware that she was about to hand him his bottle; so their fingers accidentally touched each other. Promptly, he retracted his hand. Awkward! He looked down. Where was his napkin? On the ground! Double awkward! Chuckling briefly to himself, he leaned down to grab his napkin and put it over his lap. When he straightened up, he could not help but give her a boyish grin. Gosh! He felt so fucking stupid.

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

Crossing the courtyard towards the table, Beth prayed she didn't trip on any of the slabs as she balanced the tray with the amber filled bottles, carefully. Her eyes cast down occasionally to scope the path and avoid anything that might cause her to stumble. Thankfully, she made it without any issues, though she wondered whether she'd looked obvious, meandering and swaying like a drunk. He stood, causing her eyes to dart to him as she placed the tray down on the lace, and she smiled back at him; she liked his smile, the way it brightened his entire face.

Pressing herself into the seat again, Beth brushed down her dress, making sure she still appeared presentable, her hand then moving to her hair to sweep her fringe from her face. He thanked her, to which she nodded and reached to move his bottle from the tray for him. His fingers, softer than she expected, brushed against hers before he pulled away quickly. Her gaze followed him as he looked away, then down and reached for his napkin on the floor. Placing the beer down, nearer to him, her breath caught as he looked right back at her and grinned. Oh Lord. His face was structurally perfect, a visage wasted in the police force in Vegas when it should have been viewed on theatre screens, filmed in Hollywood. But then, had that been the case, she might not have survived that night, and they certainly wouldn't be dining together right now.

He made her feel light, like being around him made other things disappear, the anchors that weighed her down to the life she'd been dealt. She wasn't complaining, she had been blessed with the fame and fortune, but it had never seemed like a negative like it did now. Maybe that was Eve; she could remember when it all started, when she'd had to put on a facade to cope with the society and their training, their conditioning. However, she couldn't have told you when the facade took over.

She hadn't registered that she was retuning the grin until a laugh left her throat. Covering her mouth, Beth felt tears spring to her eyes so she used both hands to dab away the moisure and press into her tear ducts as the chuckle subsided. "You're welcome. Come now, cheers." Reaching for her own bottle, she raised it and waited for it to clink against his. Once done, she took a gulp but kept it in hand, playing with the lip, "Please, tell me more about yourself, Joe, the papers said you are a canine handler. Forgive me, but I don't know too much about that, I know about detectives and cops, sheriffs and the like, but what do the canine unit do?"

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

She grinned back and for a moment all they did was stare at each other with silly grins like some lovestruck teenagers. Then suddenly, she giggled, prompting him to chuckle. He had no idea what she or even he was laughing about, but her laughter was far too adorable and infectious. She had to cover her mouth and wipe tears from her eyes to calm her excitement. What the hell was happening to them?

”You're welcome. Come now, cheers.”

Oh? She did not even pour beer into her glass. She was being a compete rebel by disregarding the etiquette of the posh. But why? Just so he could feel more comfortable around her? That did not make any sense… unless, you know… she liked him. Joe had to be conceited beyond words to assume such a thing. She was one of the most, if not THE most gorgeous woman in all of Nevada, if not the States, or maybe even the world. She could not possibly be intrigued by someone like him.

”Cheers.” He clinked his bottle against hers, then took a big gulp.

”Please, tell me more about yourself, Joe, the papers said you are a canine handler. Forgive me, but I don't know too much about that, I know about detectives and cops, sheriffs and the like, but what do the canine unit do?”

By the time she was done with her questions, his mouth was full of food, so he raised his hand, motioning that he needed a moment. Quickly, he swallowed down a forkful of his salad. ”Sorry,” he said, wiping his mouth clean with his napkin. Why was she not eating? Good God! He was such a pig. But, he thought it was okay to eat now that they had their drinks, no?

”Yes, I was a canine handler at that time. But, I recently switched back to Patrol. The K-9 Unit deals with finding bodies, explosives, illegal drugs, or they are called when a criminal is on the run.” He took another sip of his beer. ”Why so curious? Are you by any chance considering a career change?” he jested, a playful smile creasing at the corner of his lips.

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

Rebellious? More than likely. Though it wasn't overly known to the general public, the jazz singer had a mean rebel streak in her; one that only those closest to her saw. God, if only he knew the depravity that excited her, but not her... Eve. It was all so confusing. There were things that used to make her eyes sparkle with delight, which now made her stomach churn. Magus and Adam for one. The things they would do, their lifestyle which seemed so natural and fun, now seemed awkward and abusive. Only afterwards though; she felt possessed when Magus angered her now, the feeling of Eve seeming ever more demonic.

He paused after the questions, then apologised, to which Beth smiled and took her own cutlery, loading it with salad and tasting it. It was divine, as ever, the perfect mix of dressing and a variety of crispy produce.

Yes, I was a canine handler at that time. But, I recently switched back to Patrol.

Her face pulled to show her shock at that news. However it wasn't a look of any judgement, just acceptance. He had a reason, every decision had a reason, and Beth would be lying if she said she wasn't intrigued as to his. He continued about the Unit, allowing Beth a few more mouthfuls of food and swigs of her beer. It all sounded so exciting and dangerous! Bodies, explosives and drugs? Beth could only imagine the horror of finding a dumped body in a dark alley. She'd read about them in the news before, but to actually be there, see it? She could have got lost in her thoughts, but then he questioned her.

Grinning, she brought the beer to her mouth again and took a gulp, with a shrug, "Perhaps I am." Another giggle and she set the bottle down, taking up her cutlery again, "I don't think I have the stomach, it sounds like such a... scary job. I should just stick to standing on the stage, wearing pretty dresses." She sat back in her chair, clearing her throat a little, "I think I'm just curious because it's so important. Officers like you; good, honest, uncorrupted officers like you are a rarity." Looking down at her plate, she felt her face flush, "Plus... I don't know, I want to know more about you." Her eyes moved up again, hoping her cheeks weren't too pink, "You saved my life and I know so little about you. It feels wrong, somehow." Feeling flustered, she waved her hand, "Sorry, that was too forward."

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This

[Deleted]

HANDS TO THE SKY, I AM A DREAMER
WE BUILD THE HOPE
WE ARE BELIEVERS
SOMEBODY FREE ME FROM MY CHAINS

”Perhaps I am,” she said with a giggle, which had the usual effect of bringing a bright smile to his face. ”I don't think I have the stomach, it sounds like such a... scary job. I should just stick to standing on the stage, wearing pretty dresses.”

Scary, eh? Well accustomed to his daily grind by now, he had forgotten how dangerous being an officer actually was. You never knew what type of criminal activity you might run into. You could die any day. It was nice to see that she acknowledged the risks that came with his job, and nice to see that she appreciated him for it.

”I think I'm just curious because it's so important. Officers like you; good, honest, uncorrupted officers like you are a rarity.” Oh? Good, honest, uncorrupted? Astounded by her compliments, he wrinkled his brow at her. Was she blushing?

”Plus... I don't know, I want to know more about you.” Their eyes met again, making his heart flutter. There was no question she liked him. She had given him more than enough hints to pick up on. It was shocking, though. To have someone as pulchritudinous as her take interest in him.

”You saved my life and I know so little about you. It feels wrong, somehow.”

She must be admired by countless good-looking men, but there she was, having lunch with average Joe, and wanting to know more about him. He was not sure whether he should feel ecstatic about it or worried. He was married! And, was going to be a father soon!

”Sorry, that was too forward.”

”No, don’t be sorry,” he said without giving much thought to his words. Oh shit! Did he accidentally imply that it was okay for her to flirt with him? ”Umm… well...” He took a big gulf of his drink. Sheesh! He was starting to get nervous.

”I don't think there’s anything interesting about me. My father’s a retired Inspector, mother’s a housewife. I’ve got two siblings, and a nephew. He wants to be a pilot when he grows up.” Joe, she wants to know about you, not your family.

”I’m sorry, I’m not used to talking about myself, so I don’t really know what to tell you,” he admitted, feeling somewhat embarrassed. He had always been the listener in every relationship, be it with his friends, family, or his wife, ergo the fact that someone now wanted to hear his story made him mighty nonplussed.

"But, thank you," he noted, looking down at his plate. "Thank you for thinking so highly of me, Bethany." He offered her a gentle smile. It was both surprising and heartwarming to hear someone say such good things about him, especially since his father had rebuked him for his entire life.

OUTFIT | LYRICS | TAG: @eve | NOTES:

[Deleted]

Average Joe? He was anything but. Maybe that was the curse of humanity though. Normal girls wanted to be popular, popular girls wanted to be famous, and famous girls wanted to be normal. He thought of her as a goddess, adored by many and that she was special but, in her eyes, he was a hero, and not just because he'd saved her. Anyone who did a job like his; law enforcement, military, the like, were special. On a more personal note, he was still anything but average. He was right, she was admired by a grand sea of males and females, but something about him had caught her attention in a way no other had.

No, don't be sorry.

Beth settled, a slight tingle of happiness electrifying her nerves at the fact he hadn't immediately rebuffed her, but then he caught himself. She'd made him nervous, or anxious, she could tell from the way he drank, like his throat had gone dry. It was a text book physiological response. But... he hadn't told her not to.

She would have voiced her disagreement to his opening statement, about nothing being interesting about him. It might be a different life to hers, but that didn't mean it was boring. Just as she believed in the curse of humanity, she felt it would relate to this. She had been raised in a lifestyle many dreamed of, never worrying about money, she'd never have had to work a day in her life, growing up in Los Angeles, rubbing shoulders with stars... but to hear him speak about his family made Beth wonder what her life could have been like, with a normal family. She wondered what it would be like to have a mother who cooked and served dinner, instead of a cook and housemaid. To actually have a present mother, as opposed to being raised by nannies. It did make her miss her father though, he'd always made sure he had time for her.

Then he apologised and Beth shook her head but did not speak to interrupt him. She wasn't used to having people around who didn't like talking about themselves, the upper class seemed to be professionals at it. She could appreciate his stance though, as she was one who had been programmed to listen, to try and read the tone of voices, the lilt in linguistics that people didn't realise were their tells.

The gratitude shocked her, but she returned the smile, feeling the blush burn hotter on her skin. "You're welcome, but it's acclaim that's truly deserved." She took the bottle and swigged so she had something to do, something to break the connection she felt that made her feel jittery. "Okay, so your father was an Inspector, is that what made you want to be in the police department?" Keeping the beer in hand, Beth leant her elbows on the table to listen to his answer.

Tag: @joeytownsend
Wearing: This