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From here.
[ So Jim drives.
Definitely not his first time to go out with someone for drinks out of literally nowhere, but it's probably his first time to take someone who's never touched alcohol before. It's not a bad thing--in fact, it's a little exciting, to help someone explore the unexplored. Still, he's not sure how he should balance the roles of friend and chaperone. He wants to make sure Elle isn't hurt, but overdoing it is out of the question.
Well, whatever. He gets to the 7-Eleven regardless, and when he can't find Elle anywhere, Jim steps out of the car and leans against it with his hands in his pockets. ]
[ So Jim drives.
Definitely not his first time to go out with someone for drinks out of literally nowhere, but it's probably his first time to take someone who's never touched alcohol before. It's not a bad thing--in fact, it's a little exciting, to help someone explore the unexplored. Still, he's not sure how he should balance the roles of friend and chaperone. He wants to make sure Elle isn't hurt, but overdoing it is out of the question.
Well, whatever. He gets to the 7-Eleven regardless, and when he can't find Elle anywhere, Jim steps out of the car and leans against it with his hands in his pockets. ]
Edited 2017-03-26 03:09 (UTC)
[ Amazingly, Elle manages to sneak out without being noticed. It's rare that she can do that. This time it requires a little help from Adam, which she's not thrilled about. But she wants to experience new things. She wants to actually have fun for once.
She's a bit late, and arrives a few minutes after Jim. She recognizes him as they sort of awkward guy leaning against his car. He's definitely cute. She hopes he wasn't waiting too long. She plasters on a big ole grin and practically skips over to him. ]
Hiya!
She's a bit late, and arrives a few minutes after Jim. She recognizes him as they sort of awkward guy leaning against his car. He's definitely cute. She hopes he wasn't waiting too long. She plasters on a big ole grin and practically skips over to him. ]
Hiya!
[ He starts a little as he's called, head turning in Elle's direction, but it's quickly replaced by a smile of his own. ] Hey. [ So he lifts his hand in a little wave, shoving it right back into the pocket of his coat once she's in front of him. ]
Congratulations, by the way, on successfully sneaking out.
[ When he pushes off the car it's just to open the passenger's seat, hand making a little sweeping motion to lead Elle in. ] Your chariot awaits.
Congratulations, by the way, on successfully sneaking out.
[ When he pushes off the car it's just to open the passenger's seat, hand making a little sweeping motion to lead Elle in. ] Your chariot awaits.
[ Oh yeah, he's cute. Bordering on adorable even. But with someone who was as...messed up as Elle, that didn't necessarily mean it was a good thing. Jim is likely to learn this the hard way. Oh well, he'd practically asked for it. ]
I've got some skills.
[ She giggles when he opens the car door for her. It's been a long time since Elle's had anything resembling fun. ]
I've got some skills.
[ She giggles when he opens the car door for her. It's been a long time since Elle's had anything resembling fun. ]
Edited (durrr brackets) 2017-03-26 13:59 (UTC)
[ This is Jim Halpert, currently: incredibly pacifistic (if not just too lazy to give a damn), totally defenceless in an actual fight, and completely aware that John might be messing with him. Jim's also really easily bored, though, which just goes to say that the excuse of spending a Monday morning potentially learning something new and definitely getting his ass kicked is a lot better than coming in to work to sell paper.
Technically speaking he knows jack-all about actual fights. Meanwhile, he knows John's into some terrible shit, but not the degree of terribleness, so all Jim can really do is make jokes about pulling bullets out of his body. Does it worry him that a guy with a criminal past is coming? A little bit. Is the worry big enough that Jim's going to back down? Not at all.
John's saving grace is that he hasn't shown any interest in killing Jim. As long as that's a constant, Jim's got no issues with being his friend (even if he's the only one who'll ever call it a friendship).
He's sitting on the floor of his living room playing Sudoku on his phone while waiting for John to arrive. Jim assumes he's going to be using the front door like a normal person, so he's been up since 5 to get his house ready. The roommate and his girlfriend are on a vacation, so it all just plays in Jim's favour. He's in an old t-shirt and sweatpants: his pyjamas, basically, but John doesn't have to know that.
There are Pop Tarts toasting in the kitchen. When John arrives, that's the first thing Jim's going to offer him. "Breakfast for the weary champion". ]
Technically speaking he knows jack-all about actual fights. Meanwhile, he knows John's into some terrible shit, but not the degree of terribleness, so all Jim can really do is make jokes about pulling bullets out of his body. Does it worry him that a guy with a criminal past is coming? A little bit. Is the worry big enough that Jim's going to back down? Not at all.
John's saving grace is that he hasn't shown any interest in killing Jim. As long as that's a constant, Jim's got no issues with being his friend (even if he's the only one who'll ever call it a friendship).
He's sitting on the floor of his living room playing Sudoku on his phone while waiting for John to arrive. Jim assumes he's going to be using the front door like a normal person, so he's been up since 5 to get his house ready. The roommate and his girlfriend are on a vacation, so it all just plays in Jim's favour. He's in an old t-shirt and sweatpants: his pyjamas, basically, but John doesn't have to know that.
There are Pop Tarts toasting in the kitchen. When John arrives, that's the first thing Jim's going to offer him. "Breakfast for the weary champion". ]
Some skills? Or are you just too modest to say "a lot"?
[ Jim belts himself in, makes sure Elle's all secure too, and then starts to drive. He hasn't actually thought this whole idea through besides taking her to a bar, so there're some worries like what if she doesn't want to drink at a bar? Still, he supposes they can cross that bridge when they get there. It's more imperative to have good conversation first. ]
I'm already blown away by the whole sneaking out thing, so don't worry about disappointing.
[ Jim belts himself in, makes sure Elle's all secure too, and then starts to drive. He hasn't actually thought this whole idea through besides taking her to a bar, so there're some worries like what if she doesn't want to drink at a bar? Still, he supposes they can cross that bridge when they get there. It's more imperative to have good conversation first. ]
I'm already blown away by the whole sneaking out thing, so don't worry about disappointing.
[ John wasn't kidding about liking the quiet when he's not working. Despite that, he's not actually a shut-in: the bulk of the east coast community knows him and has a measure of fondness for him, and that couldn't have happened without (something at least resembling) consistent sociability. He seems so much like he's merely tolerating other people, most of the time - maybe he is - but he quite likes it when he's tolerated in return.
Emoting is just, you know. For other people.
Intel has suggested to him that Pop Tarts will be the extent of breakfast offered, and as such, John swung by a suitable neo-noir diner before showing up. He has a styrofoam clamshell of scrambled eggs and bacon, and coffee. Won't due to have Jim puke nothing but sugar through his nose if he gets dizzy. Also a dog. He has a dog.
Knock knock. ]
Emoting is just, you know. For other people.
Intel has suggested to him that Pop Tarts will be the extent of breakfast offered, and as such, John swung by a suitable neo-noir diner before showing up. He has a styrofoam clamshell of scrambled eggs and bacon, and coffee. Won't due to have Jim puke nothing but sugar through his nose if he gets dizzy. Also a dog. He has a dog.
Knock knock. ]
[ What Jim first notices when he opens his door is the dog.
It's not because he hates dogs or anything--God, no. Somehow it just hits him first, and while his instinct tells him to ask what its name is, his mind provides a simple: would John care about that sort of thing?
So he pushes it aside and smells breakfast. His tummy makes an embarrassingly apt noise. ] Hey, you made it. [ Jim's gaze finally lands on John's face as he pulls the door back further to let him in. The house is clean but not spotless. ]
I didn't know you were bringing breakfast. [ Once John is in, the door clicks shut. ] I was toasting... sugar. Gourmet sugar.
[ He has to admit: the classic breakfast trio has the perfect scent of American stereotype. ]
Have you not eaten yet? [ No matter the answer, Jim takes John to the kitchen island. ]
It's not because he hates dogs or anything--God, no. Somehow it just hits him first, and while his instinct tells him to ask what its name is, his mind provides a simple: would John care about that sort of thing?
So he pushes it aside and smells breakfast. His tummy makes an embarrassingly apt noise. ] Hey, you made it. [ Jim's gaze finally lands on John's face as he pulls the door back further to let him in. The house is clean but not spotless. ]
I didn't know you were bringing breakfast. [ Once John is in, the door clicks shut. ] I was toasting... sugar. Gourmet sugar.
[ He has to admit: the classic breakfast trio has the perfect scent of American stereotype. ]
Have you not eaten yet? [ No matter the answer, Jim takes John to the kitchen island. ]
[ The brown pit bull is sitting next to John's feet, and he wags his tail while Jim appraises him. He is a Good Dog. Inside, the dog sniffs around for a moment before John quietly tells him to sit, and so he does. ]
I know.
[ About the toasting gourmet sugar. Maybe he creepily knows everything about everyone he's going to visit because of assassin powers, maybe he just figured the odds were on that because he himself tends only to stock near-expired cereal and milk. ]
No. [ And he hands over what he brought, figuring they'll split it. ]
I know.
[ About the toasting gourmet sugar. Maybe he creepily knows everything about everyone he's going to visit because of assassin powers, maybe he just figured the odds were on that because he himself tends only to stock near-expired cereal and milk. ]
No. [ And he hands over what he brought, figuring they'll split it. ]
Can't give away all my secrets, now can I?
[ There is little that Jim needs to know about Elle's home life. Sheltered is a bit of an understatement, but she hasn't exactly clued him in on her mental health either. Still, she likes Jim, there's just something about him. ]
Oh don't you worry, you won't be disappointed.
[ There is little that Jim needs to know about Elle's home life. Sheltered is a bit of an understatement, but she hasn't exactly clued him in on her mental health either. Still, she likes Jim, there's just something about him. ]
Oh don't you worry, you won't be disappointed.
[ Jim takes the food without complaint, first placing the coffee on the table before opening the styrofoam up. He thinks about getting plates, but cancels that and gets just utensils instead (in true lazy bachelor fashion). Too bad the container's styrofoam; he could've cut it in half.
The toaster dings while he distributes the food between upper and lower levels. He feels a little bad about not paying for anything, so he makes sure John has more bacon than he does. It's the little things. ]
What time do you usually wake up? [ If he turns the container so its length is parallel to the table edge, he and John can sit beside each other and eat out of it comfortably. So, after retrieving cooked Pop Tarts and serving those up too, Jim takes one seat and pats the one beside him. ] Like, on a regular day.
I don't think I've ever seen the sun the colour it is right now.
The toaster dings while he distributes the food between upper and lower levels. He feels a little bad about not paying for anything, so he makes sure John has more bacon than he does. It's the little things. ]
What time do you usually wake up? [ If he turns the container so its length is parallel to the table edge, he and John can sit beside each other and eat out of it comfortably. So, after retrieving cooked Pop Tarts and serving those up too, Jim takes one seat and pats the one beside him. ] Like, on a regular day.
I don't think I've ever seen the sun the colour it is right now.
From here.
Is that what we're calling it? [ Chaste kisses are all right in their own respect, but Jim uses his hand to take Pepper's cheek and kiss her properly: full on the lips. When he pulls away, he makes sure to tuck a loose strand of hair over her ear for no other reason than the sake of getting to touch her more. ] Museum of Memories.
Not half bad, Potts. I already know we'll have at least two regular visitors. [ Thumb lightly stroking her cheekbone, Jim's unable to suppress the fond twitch of his lips, and with one last kiss for good measure he finally settles in his seat again. ]
Is that what we're calling it? [ Chaste kisses are all right in their own respect, but Jim uses his hand to take Pepper's cheek and kiss her properly: full on the lips. When he pulls away, he makes sure to tuck a loose strand of hair over her ear for no other reason than the sake of getting to touch her more. ] Museum of Memories.
Not half bad, Potts. I already know we'll have at least two regular visitors. [ Thumb lightly stroking her cheekbone, Jim's unable to suppress the fond twitch of his lips, and with one last kiss for good measure he finally settles in his seat again. ]
Mm. [ real responses are for losers. she turns as best she can and her lips find his with ease. she smiles, her eyes coming to a close as she revels in the feelings he instills in her. and it's the little things that get her: sweet nothings and small gestures. her face burns just a bit brighter as she falls back into her seat, almost having forgotten they were sitting in the middle of traffic. ]
I thought it had a nice ring to it. [ she nods, wishing she could turn and give him another kiss, but the light's about the change and the guy behind her is looking antsy. ] I almost wish we didn't have to wait until tomorrow...
I thought it had a nice ring to it. [ she nods, wishing she could turn and give him another kiss, but the light's about the change and the guy behind her is looking antsy. ] I almost wish we didn't have to wait until tomorrow...
The anticipation is at least a quarter of the fun, you dork. [ Not that Jim doesn't understand what Pepper means, but he'll take any excuse to call her a dork no matter what. It's like a code of ethics, except it's for teasing his girl. ] It's like how microwaving popcorn and hearing everything pop makes you even more excited to eat it.
[ Jim takes Pepper's hand again. Sometimes he worries he's too clingy, but she hasn't complained about it yet. ]
Now you have incentive to sleep early with me instead of doing any extra work. [ His tone hinges on mischievous, but Jim keeps it as steady as he can. ] Tomorrow comes quicker that way.
[ Jim takes Pepper's hand again. Sometimes he worries he's too clingy, but she hasn't complained about it yet. ]
Now you have incentive to sleep early with me instead of doing any extra work. [ His tone hinges on mischievous, but Jim keeps it as steady as he can. ] Tomorrow comes quicker that way.
[ He's gonna give the extra bacon to the dog. Just so you know.
John sits and procures a flimsy plastic fork from the takeaway bag, something about him eternally too formal even when he's not overdressed. He's in dark jeans and a darker pullover sweater this morning, and it makes the mottled bruises on his knuckles less jarring than if he were in one of his suits. Maybe he just fell, or something. Maybe he's a MMA fighter, or a cop.
After a moment, ] Two PM, thereabouts.
[ A beat. ]
I work a lot of nights.
John sits and procures a flimsy plastic fork from the takeaway bag, something about him eternally too formal even when he's not overdressed. He's in dark jeans and a darker pullover sweater this morning, and it makes the mottled bruises on his knuckles less jarring than if he were in one of his suits. Maybe he just fell, or something. Maybe he's a MMA fighter, or a cop.
After a moment, ] Two PM, thereabouts.
[ A beat. ]
I work a lot of nights.
( pepper rolls her eyes, but cracks a knowing smile all the same. ) Pot meet kettle. ( she doesn't mind the teasing, because she's just as guilty of doing it as he is. ) I can't say I've ever stood in front of the microwave to watch popcorn pop. Is that as fun as watching paint dry? Or grass grow? ( she elbows him gently as she snickers. )
( as soon as they've moving again she offers him her hand. she doesn't think he's being clingy at all. she knows her schedule is all over the place, so, like him, she revels in al of the time they do share. )
( she snorts, smile reaching her ears, because, no, she can't help it. ) How could I say no? Sounds like the perfect end to the evening. ( today was long besides, this misadventure notwithstanding. ) And what's the saying, all work and no play....
( traffic isn't too bad at this time of night, so reaches his place in record time. ) I'll be glad to get out of these heels.
( as soon as they've moving again she offers him her hand. she doesn't think he's being clingy at all. she knows her schedule is all over the place, so, like him, she revels in al of the time they do share. )
( she snorts, smile reaching her ears, because, no, she can't help it. ) How could I say no? Sounds like the perfect end to the evening. ( today was long besides, this misadventure notwithstanding. ) And what's the saying, all work and no play....
( traffic isn't too bad at this time of night, so reaches his place in record time. ) I'll be glad to get out of these heels.
I mean, unless you're a texting zombie, then I got that.
Honestly, with this being your first trip into tequilaland, I doubt I can be disappointed by anything. [ Jim smiles good-naturedly, driving a good distance away. He's not sure, exactly, about the whole "getting shot" issue, but he supposes it's better to be safe than sorry. ] So if you've never done alcohol, what's your poison?
You like milk? Juice? Soda?
You like milk? Juice? Soda?
You want me to carry you? [ It's an entirely legitimate question because Jim will absolutely do it. Once the car's come to a stop he undoes his seatbelt, and he makes a good effort to run all the way to the driver's seat just so he can slide his palm over the top of Pepper's door and greet her there.
His smile is crooked as he holds his arm out bent at the elbow. His breathing is a fraction more laboured than it should be, but it's all worth it for the cheesy faux prince act. ]
Or I could lead you. What'll it be?
[ For all his exhaustion for most of the day, all his energy's come back at apparently sometime around midnight. Jim's brows waggle. ]
His smile is crooked as he holds his arm out bent at the elbow. His breathing is a fraction more laboured than it should be, but it's all worth it for the cheesy faux prince act. ]
Or I could lead you. What'll it be?
[ For all his exhaustion for most of the day, all his energy's come back at apparently sometime around midnight. Jim's brows waggle. ]
I… ( as sweet ( and tempting ) as his offer is she shakes her head. ) No. It’s alright. I think I can still walk. ( or so she hopes. she takes a few moments to herself, hoping that her third wind hits her, so she, too, can have a little bit of energy. )
( when he hurries out of the car and rushes around to meet her she smiles, leaning out to lay a kiss on his forehead. ) Leading is fine. ( she takes his hand and moves out of the car, pressing in close… and then impossibly closer. ) I guess the fun really does start tonight.
( she presses another couple of kissing along his jaw line and up to his ear. ) It’ll be nice to unwind~.
( when he hurries out of the car and rushes around to meet her she smiles, leaning out to lay a kiss on his forehead. ) Leading is fine. ( she takes his hand and moves out of the car, pressing in close… and then impossibly closer. ) I guess the fun really does start tonight.
( she presses another couple of kissing along his jaw line and up to his ear. ) It’ll be nice to unwind~.
Isn't that terrible?
[ Jim pokes at his eggs with a fork, scooping some up to eat. ] I mean, sometimes I have to work five more minutes overtime, and I hate it.
[ The eggs are good. Better than Jim can cook, mostly because Jim's cooking consists of burnt things and instant ramen. He offers some egg to the dog mostly because it's a really cute dog; Jim's always wanted one, but never had enough responsibility or initiative to really take care of one properly. ]
I can't imagine working... [ His lower lip juts out as he shrugs. ] A hundred hours overtime? Give or take?
[ Jim pokes at his eggs with a fork, scooping some up to eat. ] I mean, sometimes I have to work five more minutes overtime, and I hate it.
[ The eggs are good. Better than Jim can cook, mostly because Jim's cooking consists of burnt things and instant ramen. He offers some egg to the dog mostly because it's a really cute dog; Jim's always wanted one, but never had enough responsibility or initiative to really take care of one properly. ]
I can't imagine working... [ His lower lip juts out as he shrugs. ] A hundred hours overtime? Give or take?
[ Dog is extremely happy, wiggling in place from being seated at their feet. Occasionally he sniffs Jim's ankles with interest. ]
You don't like your job?
[ John eats mechanically, but it's all fine. Diner food and pop tarts are definitely better than what he usually cooks up - he's competent in the kitchen, he just ... doesn't care. Why put effort into anythingwhen the only person you ever bothered cooking for is dead when you could just microwave a hot pocket or order out, honestly. ]
I do... freelance.
[ So he sets his own hours. ]
You don't like your job?
[ John eats mechanically, but it's all fine. Diner food and pop tarts are definitely better than what he usually cooks up - he's competent in the kitchen, he just ... doesn't care. Why put effort into anything
I do... freelance.
[ So he sets his own hours. ]
Freelance sounds great. [ Jim puts a piece of bacon in his mouth, his free hand reaching down so he can pet the dog at his feet. He's terribly cute--awfully well-behaved, too. While it isn't the easiest thing to picture, imagining John treating this animal with a gentle sort of kindness brings a smile to Jim's face. ] You're like Batman.
[ His hand scratches behind the dog's ear. Jim puts another forkful of eggs in his mouth. ]
I have the most boring job, meanwhile. You'd think selling paper would give more of a thrill, right? [ Nah. Even Jim knows that's pushing it. ] But it doesn't. Only thing fun about the office is pulling pranks on my officemate.
[ He tries not to think about the girl he's in love with marrying another man. Jim's really got to get over her. ]
So I gotta admit--pretty excited for the self-defence lesson, man.
[ His hand scratches behind the dog's ear. Jim puts another forkful of eggs in his mouth. ]
I have the most boring job, meanwhile. You'd think selling paper would give more of a thrill, right? [ Nah. Even Jim knows that's pushing it. ] But it doesn't. Only thing fun about the office is pulling pranks on my officemate.
[ He tries not to think about the girl he's in love with marrying another man. Jim's really got to get over her. ]
So I gotta admit--pretty excited for the self-defence lesson, man.
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