[ They figure out a time and Jesse texts her that he'll see her later on. He goes about buying the stuff they need for s'mores, picking up some cords of firewood, and making sure they have all the supplies they'll need for the night. Jesse ends up splurging on renting an RV. He wonders briefly if it's too grand a gesture, but really it's the only way to guarantee that they'll be comfortable once it gets too chilly to hang out outside. Maybe they'll make an overnight thing of it; who knows. It at least gives them more options, or that's what he tells himself as he shells out the money for it and signs all the paperwork. Besides, he kind of misses the old RV. Nostalgia and all, even if some of the times spent in it were more than a little fucked up. This one, at least, has all the amenities and hasn't been gutted to make room for a mobile meth lab.
Jesse eventually pulls up, parking on the street and getting out of the RV to go up to Alexis' door. He could've stayed in the vehicle and honked the horn or texted her, but this feels like the right thing to do considering it's a date and all. He had already texted her that he was on his way and that she might want to pack an overnight bag just in case. He has another rose for her that he fiddles with after knocking, waiting for her to come to the door. Jesse's in his more casual garb this time, a beanie on his head, baggy jeans and a long-sleeved shirt layered under a t-shirt with an oversized hoodie on top. Might as well dress for the weather. ]
[Alexis takes great care with packing their picnic basket. She thinks it's so romantic to picnic under the stars and maybe even make a fire for s'mores. Even better, she gets to do it with Jesse. She can already imagine the way he'll look as she gazed at him, the firelight dancing before them. She adds a cold pack to the bottom of the basket and loads it up with finger sandwiches, a mini-charcuterie board, specialty cut up fruit in the shape of stars and hearts, a pasta salad with veggies and a nice bottle of red. None of it is made by her. She's had it special ordered from one of her favorite places. She hopes that the food is enough for him. There's plenty enough to feed the both of them even without all the s'mores.
She knows he told her to dress for the weather, but that doesn't stop her from wearing a dress that swishes right above her knees. It has long sleeves, so she figures that's fine! Plus she pairs it with a pair of ankle boots that she's comfortable walking in. Shes packed an overnight bag just as he'd asked. As prissy as she is, she's no stranger to roughing it. She's putting the finishing touches on her look when the knock comes. Squealing to herself, she picks up the basket and practically skips to the door. She opens it and grins at him.
The rose surprises her again. The sight of it lights up her face as she takes it.]
Jesse, you sweetheart! [She leans in to kiss his cheek affectionately. She spots the RV behind him.] Ooh! This is why you wanted me to pack a bag!
[ Jesse ducks his head, still a little bashful about being called a sweetheart when he's just doing what feels right. Still, that kiss to his cheek has him grinning and he looks over his shoulder at the RV when Alexis comments about it. ]
Yeah. Thought it might be fun, I dunno. Camping out for the night. I woulda' bought a tent but there's like, scorpions and tarantulas and shit out there sometimes, so sleeping on the ground isn't really ideal.
[ Not that bugs particularly bother him, but he'd rather not end up sharing a sleeping bag with a big, fuzzy spider. Jesse takes Alexis' overnight bag for her, hauling the strap up on his shoulder and making sure she has everything before he turns to get back in the RV and load up her stuff. ]
You look nice.
[ He observes aloud, walking back into the cabin area to set her bag down in the bedroom at the back of the RV. He can't shake the feeling of nostalgia or deja vu as he glances around the place, but tonight is bound to give him new, better memories of spending time in a vehicle like this. Even if he's planning on taking her out to the only place he knows how to get to really well, which happens to be one of his old cook sites. At least he knows from experience that nobody else goes out there.
After getting everything settled, Jesse walks back up front and lowers himself onto the driver's seat, starting up the engine which thankfully doesn't give him any trouble, and then they're off down the road headed to the single-lane highway where the turn-off is that sends them out into the empty desert. ]
[There's a bit of a twinkle in her eyes. She grabs a oversized sweater too to bring along. She knows she's going to get cold. Alexis plans on having Jesse keep her warm, but it doesn't hurt to have it along. She does a full body shudder at the thought of scorpions or tarantulas crawling on her. She's grateful for his forethought because she'll be a lot comfortable in the RV instead of roughing it out in the dessert. Tucking the rose at her ear, she locks up and follows him to their ride for the night. She eagerly gets settled in in the passenger seat and sets the picnic basket in the space between them.
The ride out of the city gives way to more darkness. The city lights start to fade. Even the radio turns to static. She fills the air with her cheerful chatter. ]
Do you come out here a lot?
[She's curious about him. She wants to learn more. She's slowly beginning to notice he dances around subjects, but she doesn't push. Not yet. She likes getting to know him with what he's comfortable telling her.]
I used to more often but, um, these days I just drive out occasionally. When I need to clear my mind or whatever, you know? Get away from it all for a little while. It's a good place to think. It's quiet and the sky feels like it goes on forever, y'know?
[ Jesse briefly glances over at Alexis while he talks, but quickly puts his attention back on the road. The last thing he wants is for them to end up in some ditch. Especially since he knows how hard it is to get help this far out. Most cell phones don't even get reception. He wants to stop avoiding certain questions, but he can't bring himself to tell Alexis about some of the things in his past, and in his present. He likes her and is honestly afraid of scaring her off before she really gets to know him. He wants to know more about her, too. It isn't like he's actively trying to lie to her. Someday, he'll tell her everything. But tonight isn't the time for that.
The RV gently bounces over the rocky, uneven terrain. It's a bit of a drive, but worth it. They eventually descend a hill into a clearing--a valley between steep faces of reddish brown rock formations, the ground sandy and gravelly, studded with rocks, brush, and the occasional cacti or desert plant. Jesse turns off the engine of the RV, tucking the keys into the sun visor above his head for safekeeping. Yeah, he'll never leave them in the ignition again after what happened the last time he'd done that. He definitely learned his lesson.
The sky is rapidly growing dark, and the further the sun sets, the more stars begin to appear in the night sky. ]
It looks like a good place to think. Quiet. Away from all the noise.
[She looks around at all the spacious beauty around her. The desert isn't something she's explore too much of, but she's fascinated by the rocks and sand and cacti. She wonders how a place so hot in the day could get so chilly come nightfall. As soon as he parks, she gleefully undoing her seatbelt and grabbing the basket. She's got a large blanket tucked in the handles of it. She hops out of the RV, looking around for the best spot to set up. She's a little distracted by the sky because it's filled with gorgeous colors. It's orange and reds with the first sinks of pink and violet. It takes her breath away.]
God, it's so beautiful out here, Jesse. Thank you for bringing me.
[ Alexis gets it. They might not have to clear their heads from the same stuff, but everyone needs a little peace and quiet every now and again. It's relatable, even if Jesse knows he means it in a different way from most people.
Jesse's pretty used to the New Mexican heat. He regularly wears jeans and sweatshirts during the day in spite of the sun and how hot it can get, but that's probably because he spends a majority of his time indoors or in a vehicle, where air-conditioning is usually present.
He's less adapted to the cold, hence his extra layers tonight, though he definitely won't mind an excuse to get nice and close with Alexis later on. He pushes himself up out of the driver's seat and starts unpacking the things they'll need for starting a fire while Alexis gets the blanket and food all set up. Jesse puts a couple of folding chairs out where the fire pit will be, getting a metal container between the two where he'll burn the wood to make sure no embers go flying and end up setting fire to the nearby brush. The last thing he needs is for the fire department to come out and ruin their date. ]
No doubt. Thought it'd be a good night for it. Weather's clear. Should be able to see a lot of stars once the sun's done going down.
[ He crouches next to the fire pit, balling up some newspaper and setting the logs on top in a tripod formation to give the fire plenty of breathing room. He finds some sticks and small pieces of brush to use for kindling, piling it all beneath the wood before he stands up and rubs his and on his jeans. Whoops. Probably should've done that after eating, but he's not scared of a little dirt. Wandering back over to Alexis, he drops down onto the blanket, being careful not to kick any sand up onto it. ]
Can I help you with anything or, uh...yeah, looks like you got it all under control, huh?
[She's smiling to herself as she unfurls the blanket. Jesse chooses a spot to build the fire which makes it easier for her to designate a spot for their picnic. She lays out the blanket on the other side of the fire where he sets up the chairs. While he's busy building it, she starts to pull out all the different containers of food along with two tumblers for the chilled wine. She settles in and pours them both a glass with her legs curled under her.
She enjoys watching Jesse set to work. She's actually impressed he knows how to build a fire. David would never believe her, but she knows how too. It came in handy in Thailand when she was running with a drug lord for her freedom. She claps proudly when he gets the fire going in their makeshift pit then gestures for him to come join her. Alexis offers him a tumbler and feeds him a grape.]
It's always sexy to watch a man create fire.
[She's teasing but just a little. She really does find it appealing. It's not quite cold yet, but she presses closer to him anyway.] We have a little bit of everything. Sandwiches, pasta salad, charcuterie. I hope you like it!
[ Jesse's always been more interested in learning stuff that he could do with his hands than learning things out of books, hence his little collection of knowledge in the outdoors, like building fires. Not that it's a particularly advanced task, but it's knowledge nonetheless. He would react bashfully if she said she was impressed out loud. ]
Oh yeah? You think I'm sexy for buildin' a fire? Shit, guess I'll have to start using my fireplace at home more often.
[ Jesse laughs and then gingerly takes the grape from between her fingers with his mouth, smiling at her as he chews it, mouth closed. He takes the tumbler, a sip of wine following the grape and he looks over the array of food that she's set out for them. It looks really good. ]
Wow, quite the spread there. Kinda looks like some of the plates my mom used to whip up for, like, when we had company or whatever. I uh, I mean that in a good way. Looks awesome.
[ He smiles and reaches for a slice of prosciutto, stacking it with a piece of cheese and eating it. Yeah, he might not get along with his family these days, but he still had some good memories from when he was growing up. It kind of makes the whole thing a little more tragic--that things used to be good until they fell apart. Maybe it would be easier if things had been bad from the start. ]
Edited (added a bit) Date: 2022-09-27 03:05 am (UTC)
[There's something inherently sexy about fire. Fire and darkness maybe. It sets a sort of sensual ambiance, one that she feels falling around them as the night really sets in. It's pretty to see the orange red of sunset fade away. She sips her wine and picks up a piece of melon that's cut into a heart to pop into her mouth. Maybe she's gone a little overboard with the basket for just the two of them, but she'd been excited for their picnic date. She's pleased when he starts eating.]
Sounds like I have another excuse to come over to your place then.
[She picks up a finger sandwich. She likes those little cucumber sandwiches, but she guesses Jesse might want something a little heartier. There's smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill as well as ham with brie and thin apple slices. She chooses the ham to nibble on.] I hope you like it. I know I got a little carried away, but at least we'll have something to eat if we stay until morning!
[ Jesse can agree about fire in the dark creating a romantic kind of ambiance. It's probably why fancy date-night type restaurants dim the lights after a certain hour and have tea candles lit on every table. There's something ancient about being drawn to fire. Mesmerized. The warmth and light pulling people close. It's practically in their blood. Fire meant safety prehistorically, and Jesse has his own stoner theories about how some of that sentiment and feeling is still within us. ]
You don't need an excuse to come over. You can just ask.
[ Jesse smiles, teasing. He knew what she meant, but he always gives the people he likes a little bit of a hard time. Just to see them smile if for nothing else. He chooses a ham sandwich after his prosciutto and cheese, though he eats the thing in one bit even though it's probably meant for two or three. Dainty he is not. But he tries. ]
I packed some stuff in the mini-fridge for breakfast, but the fridge means we got room for the leftovers, so they won't be wasted either way. Are you busy tomorrow? Like...if we stay is there a certain time you gotta be back by?
[ Jesse wants to make sure she knows he realizes she has other obligations and he wants to respect that. ]
[She doesn't miss a beat when he offers. She's playfully teasing though she is intrigued by the idea of curling up with him before it. It's not the right weather for it necessarily, not like the coldness of the desert all the way out here. Then again, if they get too warm, they can just take off their clothes. Problem solved. With a sandwich finished off, she tries the smoked salmon and sighs at how good it is. She's pleased that he's thoughtful enough to pack food for breakfast. She's sold on staying here overnight with him.]
You're a pretty romantic guy, you know that?
[She's been on all kinds of dates over the years. All across the world. But this one takes the cake. It's intimate and sweet, and she's enjoying every moment. She shakes her head and reassures him she doesn't have plans in the morning. Her mornings usually consist of an early morning run, but she can go without.]
Nah. I've got all the time in the world right now.
[ Jesse laughs as she asks right away, but he plays along. ]
Yeah, of course.
[ He bites his lower lip, giving her an almost apologetic look when she calls him romantic. He knows she doesn't mean it in a bad way, but he's also aware of the fact that it's not everybody's thing. If his friends found out about this, they'd probably poke fun at him for days, but that's just the way they are. They don't mean real harm by it. The truth is, Jesse's always been a romantic at heart. He just hasn't had many opportunities to show that side of him to anyone. ]
Is that...cool with you?
[ He has to ask, even though she hasn't given him any signs that what he's been doing bothers her. Jesse's just the type of guy who has to check in on how the people around him are doing. He's not always the best judge of what might be going on in someone's head. ]
Cool, I'll cook us breakfast in the morning, then.
Are you kidding? Totally cool with me. It's not often that guys are this sweet and thoughtful.
[Ted has been like that. Her boyfriends prior, not quite. Alexis had once been led by the shine of adventure and excitement and handsome faces. Having boyfriend throw money at her and take her on fancy trips isn't true affection. It doesn't mean they actually cared. She's learned that now, and she likes to think she has better taste in partners.
Jesse sometimes gets this almost bashful look on his face when they talk. It's like he's shy. Or worried. She wants him to know she's in this with him. There's no faking it or pretending. She's here because she likes him. He makes her laugh and smile. She feeds him a piece of fruit.]
So tell me. What's your favorite thing about being out here?
[ Jesse nods and gives Alexis a smile to let her know he's not just saying that and trying to hide his feelings or anything. Being romantic just...comes naturally to him. It feels like the right thing to do, to him. Why not show someone you're growing feelings for that you care? It seems almost silly not to. He's well aware that life's too short. If you don't show someone how you feel now, you might never get a chance for it later.
He eats the piece of fruit and then picks up another sandwich, chewing as he thinks over her question. ]
Definitely the stars. There's no light pollution out here, so once it gets fully dark you can see more stars than you ever can in the city. They used to take us on these field trips to the planetarium at school and I swear it looks just like that. Sometimes you can catch a few shooting stars, too.
[With the fire burning, it's not too cold. The stars are really starting to shine brighter. Her shoulder brushes against his. She nibbles on some of the pasta salad and sips at the wine. Gazing up at the sky, she does feel a lovely sense of peace wash over her. She's really glad that they came out here.]
I love living in the city, but I love sights like these too. I remember being out in the middle of nowhere in Thailand. Everything was so crazy, and I wasn't sure I was going to make it home safely but-- I just looked up at the sky and all the stars, and it felt like it would all be okay.
[ Jesse scoots a little closer to her, but doesn't put his arm around her just yet. Only because they're still picking at the food she brought for dinner. Jesse eats another piece of fruit and takes a sip from his tumbler of wine. ]
Thailand, huh? That must've been pretty cool. I've only seen it on, like, TV or whatever. Never been out of the country. Hell, I've barely left the state. Someday, though.
[ He smiles, thinking. Some day he'll be able to retire and travel the world. Keeping his mind on thoughts like that makes the rough days easier. ]
But--hold on, you said you weren't sure you'd make it home safe? What happened?
[ Jesse turns his body more towards hers, eager to find out. Partially because he can definitely relate to being in unsafe situations, but also because she doesn't seem like the type to get herself into those situations. He's curious. ]
I was trapped in the trunk of a Thai drug lord. I had to bribe him to escape. He was actually very pleasant until the money ran out.
[It's said lightly and matter of factly. It's simply part of her life. Aroon had been very nice. Granted, she had to bribe him with sex, but she figures that's not something she should bring up on a date. She's not ashamed of what she did, but she doesn't want Jesse to see her differently. Or judge her for it. She really wants him to like her.]
That's...yeah, I'm glad you made it out safe, too.
[ For a moment, he's tempted to talk about how he can relate--why he truly knows how harrowing a situation it must have been, if Thai drug lords are anything like Mexican ones. He surely remembers what it was like waking up in Tuco's trunk, a machine gun pointed at his face. But thankfully, they were both alive to tell the tale or...to not tell it. He does want to tell her, but he's afraid of where the line of questioning might lead after that, and he doesn't want to put her in a position where she feels uncomfortable but can't leave. So, he keeps it to himself, for now.
Jesse finishes his plate of pasta salad and scoots a little closer, slipping an arm around Alexis' lower back. He still had a hand free to sip at his wine and pick at some fruit if he wants, but he's also making sure to leave room for s'mores. ]
[She gives him a teasing wink. Alexis has certainly seen and been through a lot, but she's never let it get her down. From checkpoints in South Africa to playing billiard for her friend's freedom in a Ugandan drug smuggler's villa, she doesn't spook very easy. She doesn't look it. With her bubbly demeanor and boss babe energy, people usually didn't expect her to be taken hostage so many times.
She loves the warmth of his arm around her. She leans in and brushes her lips along his cheek. She's really excited for s'mores.]
Sounds like you have a lot of stories to tell. Maybe someday I'll get to hear all of 'em.
[ And maybe someday he'll be able to share some of what he's been through, too, though it's undoubtedly heavy subject matter, even if there are some lighter stories that he's far enough from now to be able to laugh at a little. Jesse shivers at the brush of her lips against his cheek. God, how did he get so lucky? ]
Man...
[ Jesse glances upwards in thought. ]
It's been years. Unless, like, you count those s'mores-flavored Pop-Tarts.
[ He nudges his shoulder against Alexis' playfully. Jesse presses a quick kiss to her jawline before he pushes himself up so he can go in the RV and retrieve the stuff they need for the s'mores. He's back quickly with a bag of marshmallows, a box of graham crackers, and some chocolate bars. He even bought some 'Smore's sticks' from the supermarket, which really are little more than over-priced wood dowels sharpened at one end, but whatever. Might as well go all out for date night, right?
He sets all the stuff down and then goes about helping to clean up whatever food they're finished with so he can pack the leftovers into the fridge. Better off only keeping out what's necessary so they don't attract too many desert critters, though it's been a quiet night so far. The fire's probably enough to keep most stuff away. Finally, he finishes with his rushing around and tosses a couple more logs onto the fire before he settles by it. The folding chairs probably weren't even necessary. Not for tonight, anyway, when he wants to stick close to Alexis and keep her warm. ]
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zvi
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Date: 2022-09-26 01:40 am (UTC)if i didn't feel that way i wouldn't have asked to chill with you again.
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Date: 2022-09-26 01:48 am (UTC)So picnic date under the stars this weekend? I can't wait.
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Date: 2022-09-26 03:49 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-09-26 12:13 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2022-09-26 02:10 pm (UTC)Jesse eventually pulls up, parking on the street and getting out of the RV to go up to Alexis' door. He could've stayed in the vehicle and honked the horn or texted her, but this feels like the right thing to do considering it's a date and all. He had already texted her that he was on his way and that she might want to pack an overnight bag just in case. He has another rose for her that he fiddles with after knocking, waiting for her to come to the door. Jesse's in his more casual garb this time, a beanie on his head, baggy jeans and a long-sleeved shirt layered under a t-shirt with an oversized hoodie on top. Might as well dress for the weather. ]
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Date: 2022-09-26 02:29 pm (UTC)She knows he told her to dress for the weather, but that doesn't stop her from wearing a dress that swishes right above her knees. It has long sleeves, so she figures that's fine! Plus she pairs it with a pair of ankle boots that she's comfortable walking in. Shes packed an overnight bag just as he'd asked. As prissy as she is, she's no stranger to roughing it. She's putting the finishing touches on her look when the knock comes. Squealing to herself, she picks up the basket and practically skips to the door. She opens it and grins at him.
The rose surprises her again. The sight of it lights up her face as she takes it.]
Jesse, you sweetheart! [She leans in to kiss his cheek affectionately. She spots the RV behind him.] Ooh! This is why you wanted me to pack a bag!
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Date: 2022-09-26 07:14 pm (UTC)Yeah. Thought it might be fun, I dunno. Camping out for the night. I woulda' bought a tent but there's like, scorpions and tarantulas and shit out there sometimes, so sleeping on the ground isn't really ideal.
[ Not that bugs particularly bother him, but he'd rather not end up sharing a sleeping bag with a big, fuzzy spider. Jesse takes Alexis' overnight bag for her, hauling the strap up on his shoulder and making sure she has everything before he turns to get back in the RV and load up her stuff. ]
You look nice.
[ He observes aloud, walking back into the cabin area to set her bag down in the bedroom at the back of the RV. He can't shake the feeling of nostalgia or deja vu as he glances around the place, but tonight is bound to give him new, better memories of spending time in a vehicle like this. Even if he's planning on taking her out to the only place he knows how to get to really well, which happens to be one of his old cook sites. At least he knows from experience that nobody else goes out there.
After getting everything settled, Jesse walks back up front and lowers himself onto the driver's seat, starting up the engine which thankfully doesn't give him any trouble, and then they're off down the road headed to the single-lane highway where the turn-off is that sends them out into the empty desert. ]
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Date: 2022-09-26 07:51 pm (UTC)[There's a bit of a twinkle in her eyes. She grabs a oversized sweater too to bring along. She knows she's going to get cold. Alexis plans on having Jesse keep her warm, but it doesn't hurt to have it along. She does a full body shudder at the thought of scorpions or tarantulas crawling on her. She's grateful for his forethought because she'll be a lot comfortable in the RV instead of roughing it out in the dessert. Tucking the rose at her ear, she locks up and follows him to their ride for the night. She eagerly gets settled in in the passenger seat and sets the picnic basket in the space between them.
The ride out of the city gives way to more darkness. The city lights start to fade. Even the radio turns to static. She fills the air with her cheerful chatter. ]
Do you come out here a lot?
[She's curious about him. She wants to learn more. She's slowly beginning to notice he dances around subjects, but she doesn't push. Not yet. She likes getting to know him with what he's comfortable telling her.]
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Date: 2022-09-26 09:20 pm (UTC)[ Jesse briefly glances over at Alexis while he talks, but quickly puts his attention back on the road. The last thing he wants is for them to end up in some ditch. Especially since he knows how hard it is to get help this far out. Most cell phones don't even get reception. He wants to stop avoiding certain questions, but he can't bring himself to tell Alexis about some of the things in his past, and in his present. He likes her and is honestly afraid of scaring her off before she really gets to know him. He wants to know more about her, too. It isn't like he's actively trying to lie to her. Someday, he'll tell her everything. But tonight isn't the time for that.
The RV gently bounces over the rocky, uneven terrain. It's a bit of a drive, but worth it. They eventually descend a hill into a clearing--a valley between steep faces of reddish brown rock formations, the ground sandy and gravelly, studded with rocks, brush, and the occasional cacti or desert plant. Jesse turns off the engine of the RV, tucking the keys into the sun visor above his head for safekeeping. Yeah, he'll never leave them in the ignition again after what happened the last time he'd done that. He definitely learned his lesson.
The sky is rapidly growing dark, and the further the sun sets, the more stars begin to appear in the night sky. ]
We're here. Finally.
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Date: 2022-09-26 09:37 pm (UTC)[She looks around at all the spacious beauty around her. The desert isn't something she's explore too much of, but she's fascinated by the rocks and sand and cacti. She wonders how a place so hot in the day could get so chilly come nightfall. As soon as he parks, she gleefully undoing her seatbelt and grabbing the basket. She's got a large blanket tucked in the handles of it. She hops out of the RV, looking around for the best spot to set up. She's a little distracted by the sky because it's filled with gorgeous colors. It's orange and reds with the first sinks of pink and violet. It takes her breath away.]
God, it's so beautiful out here, Jesse. Thank you for bringing me.
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Date: 2022-09-26 10:52 pm (UTC)[ Alexis gets it. They might not have to clear their heads from the same stuff, but everyone needs a little peace and quiet every now and again. It's relatable, even if Jesse knows he means it in a different way from most people.
Jesse's pretty used to the New Mexican heat. He regularly wears jeans and sweatshirts during the day in spite of the sun and how hot it can get, but that's probably because he spends a majority of his time indoors or in a vehicle, where air-conditioning is usually present.
He's less adapted to the cold, hence his extra layers tonight, though he definitely won't mind an excuse to get nice and close with Alexis later on. He pushes himself up out of the driver's seat and starts unpacking the things they'll need for starting a fire while Alexis gets the blanket and food all set up. Jesse puts a couple of folding chairs out where the fire pit will be, getting a metal container between the two where he'll burn the wood to make sure no embers go flying and end up setting fire to the nearby brush. The last thing he needs is for the fire department to come out and ruin their date. ]
No doubt. Thought it'd be a good night for it. Weather's clear. Should be able to see a lot of stars once the sun's done going down.
[ He crouches next to the fire pit, balling up some newspaper and setting the logs on top in a tripod formation to give the fire plenty of breathing room. He finds some sticks and small pieces of brush to use for kindling, piling it all beneath the wood before he stands up and rubs his and on his jeans. Whoops. Probably should've done that after eating, but he's not scared of a little dirt. Wandering back over to Alexis, he drops down onto the blanket, being careful not to kick any sand up onto it. ]
Can I help you with anything or, uh...yeah, looks like you got it all under control, huh?
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Date: 2022-09-27 02:50 am (UTC)She enjoys watching Jesse set to work. She's actually impressed he knows how to build a fire. David would never believe her, but she knows how too. It came in handy in Thailand when she was running with a drug lord for her freedom. She claps proudly when he gets the fire going in their makeshift pit then gestures for him to come join her. Alexis offers him a tumbler and feeds him a grape.]
It's always sexy to watch a man create fire.
[She's teasing but just a little. She really does find it appealing. It's not quite cold yet, but she presses closer to him anyway.] We have a little bit of everything. Sandwiches, pasta salad, charcuterie. I hope you like it!
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Date: 2022-09-27 03:03 am (UTC)Oh yeah? You think I'm sexy for buildin' a fire? Shit, guess I'll have to start using my fireplace at home more often.
[ Jesse laughs and then gingerly takes the grape from between her fingers with his mouth, smiling at her as he chews it, mouth closed. He takes the tumbler, a sip of wine following the grape and he looks over the array of food that she's set out for them. It looks really good. ]
Wow, quite the spread there. Kinda looks like some of the plates my mom used to whip up for, like, when we had company or whatever. I uh, I mean that in a good way. Looks awesome.
[ He smiles and reaches for a slice of prosciutto, stacking it with a piece of cheese and eating it. Yeah, he might not get along with his family these days, but he still had some good memories from when he was growing up. It kind of makes the whole thing a little more tragic--that things used to be good until they fell apart. Maybe it would be easier if things had been bad from the start. ]
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Date: 2022-09-27 03:10 am (UTC)Sounds like I have another excuse to come over to your place then.
[She picks up a finger sandwich. She likes those little cucumber sandwiches, but she guesses Jesse might want something a little heartier. There's smoked salmon with cream cheese and dill as well as ham with brie and thin apple slices. She chooses the ham to nibble on.] I hope you like it. I know I got a little carried away, but at least we'll have something to eat if we stay until morning!
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Date: 2022-09-27 03:37 am (UTC)You don't need an excuse to come over. You can just ask.
[ Jesse smiles, teasing. He knew what she meant, but he always gives the people he likes a little bit of a hard time. Just to see them smile if for nothing else. He chooses a ham sandwich after his prosciutto and cheese, though he eats the thing in one bit even though it's probably meant for two or three. Dainty he is not. But he tries. ]
I packed some stuff in the mini-fridge for breakfast, but the fridge means we got room for the leftovers, so they won't be wasted either way. Are you busy tomorrow? Like...if we stay is there a certain time you gotta be back by?
[ Jesse wants to make sure she knows he realizes she has other obligations and he wants to respect that. ]
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Date: 2022-09-27 12:34 pm (UTC)[She doesn't miss a beat when he offers. She's playfully teasing though she is intrigued by the idea of curling up with him before it. It's not the right weather for it necessarily, not like the coldness of the desert all the way out here. Then again, if they get too warm, they can just take off their clothes. Problem solved. With a sandwich finished off, she tries the smoked salmon and sighs at how good it is. She's pleased that he's thoughtful enough to pack food for breakfast. She's sold on staying here overnight with him.]
You're a pretty romantic guy, you know that?
[She's been on all kinds of dates over the years. All across the world. But this one takes the cake. It's intimate and sweet, and she's enjoying every moment. She shakes her head and reassures him she doesn't have plans in the morning. Her mornings usually consist of an early morning run, but she can go without.]
Nah. I've got all the time in the world right now.
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Date: 2022-09-27 06:03 pm (UTC)Yeah, of course.
[ He bites his lower lip, giving her an almost apologetic look when she calls him romantic. He knows she doesn't mean it in a bad way, but he's also aware of the fact that it's not everybody's thing. If his friends found out about this, they'd probably poke fun at him for days, but that's just the way they are. They don't mean real harm by it. The truth is, Jesse's always been a romantic at heart. He just hasn't had many opportunities to show that side of him to anyone. ]
Is that...cool with you?
[ He has to ask, even though she hasn't given him any signs that what he's been doing bothers her. Jesse's just the type of guy who has to check in on how the people around him are doing. He's not always the best judge of what might be going on in someone's head. ]
Cool, I'll cook us breakfast in the morning, then.
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Date: 2022-09-27 08:00 pm (UTC)[Ted has been like that. Her boyfriends prior, not quite. Alexis had once been led by the shine of adventure and excitement and handsome faces. Having boyfriend throw money at her and take her on fancy trips isn't true affection. It doesn't mean they actually cared. She's learned that now, and she likes to think she has better taste in partners.
Jesse sometimes gets this almost bashful look on his face when they talk. It's like he's shy. Or worried. She wants him to know she's in this with him. There's no faking it or pretending. She's here because she likes him. He makes her laugh and smile. She feeds him a piece of fruit.]
So tell me. What's your favorite thing about being out here?
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Date: 2022-09-27 09:30 pm (UTC)[ Jesse nods and gives Alexis a smile to let her know he's not just saying that and trying to hide his feelings or anything. Being romantic just...comes naturally to him. It feels like the right thing to do, to him. Why not show someone you're growing feelings for that you care? It seems almost silly not to. He's well aware that life's too short. If you don't show someone how you feel now, you might never get a chance for it later.
He eats the piece of fruit and then picks up another sandwich, chewing as he thinks over her question. ]
Definitely the stars. There's no light pollution out here, so once it gets fully dark you can see more stars than you ever can in the city. They used to take us on these field trips to the planetarium at school and I swear it looks just like that. Sometimes you can catch a few shooting stars, too.
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Date: 2022-09-27 09:53 pm (UTC)[With the fire burning, it's not too cold. The stars are really starting to shine brighter. Her shoulder brushes against his. She nibbles on some of the pasta salad and sips at the wine. Gazing up at the sky, she does feel a lovely sense of peace wash over her. She's really glad that they came out here.]
I love living in the city, but I love sights like these too. I remember being out in the middle of nowhere in Thailand. Everything was so crazy, and I wasn't sure I was going to make it home safely but-- I just looked up at the sky and all the stars, and it felt like it would all be okay.
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Date: 2022-09-27 11:16 pm (UTC)[ Jesse scoots a little closer to her, but doesn't put his arm around her just yet. Only because they're still picking at the food she brought for dinner. Jesse eats another piece of fruit and takes a sip from his tumbler of wine. ]
Thailand, huh? That must've been pretty cool. I've only seen it on, like, TV or whatever. Never been out of the country. Hell, I've barely left the state. Someday, though.
[ He smiles, thinking. Some day he'll be able to retire and travel the world. Keeping his mind on thoughts like that makes the rough days easier. ]
But--hold on, you said you weren't sure you'd make it home safe? What happened?
[ Jesse turns his body more towards hers, eager to find out. Partially because he can definitely relate to being in unsafe situations, but also because she doesn't seem like the type to get herself into those situations. He's curious. ]
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Date: 2022-09-27 11:58 pm (UTC)[It's said lightly and matter of factly. It's simply part of her life. Aroon had been very nice. Granted, she had to bribe him with sex, but she figures that's not something she should bring up on a date. She's not ashamed of what she did, but she doesn't want Jesse to see her differently. Or judge her for it. She really wants him to like her.]
It all ended up working out in the end!
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Date: 2022-09-28 02:13 pm (UTC)[ Jesse's eyes widen. ]
That's...yeah, I'm glad you made it out safe, too.
[ For a moment, he's tempted to talk about how he can relate--why he truly knows how harrowing a situation it must have been, if Thai drug lords are anything like Mexican ones. He surely remembers what it was like waking up in Tuco's trunk, a machine gun pointed at his face. But thankfully, they were both alive to tell the tale or...to not tell it. He does want to tell her, but he's afraid of where the line of questioning might lead after that, and he doesn't want to put her in a position where she feels uncomfortable but can't leave. So, he keeps it to himself, for now.
Jesse finishes his plate of pasta salad and scoots a little closer, slipping an arm around Alexis' lower back. He still had a hand free to sip at his wine and pick at some fruit if he wants, but he's also making sure to leave room for s'mores. ]
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Date: 2022-09-28 02:33 pm (UTC)[She gives him a teasing wink. Alexis has certainly seen and been through a lot, but she's never let it get her down. From checkpoints in South Africa to playing billiard for her friend's freedom in a Ugandan drug smuggler's villa, she doesn't spook very easy. She doesn't look it. With her bubbly demeanor and boss babe energy, people usually didn't expect her to be taken hostage so many times.
She loves the warmth of his arm around her. She leans in and brushes her lips along his cheek. She's really excited for s'mores.]
When's the last you had s'mores?
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Date: 2022-09-28 03:08 pm (UTC)[ And maybe someday he'll be able to share some of what he's been through, too, though it's undoubtedly heavy subject matter, even if there are some lighter stories that he's far enough from now to be able to laugh at a little. Jesse shivers at the brush of her lips against his cheek. God, how did he get so lucky? ]
Man...
[ Jesse glances upwards in thought. ]
It's been years. Unless, like, you count those s'mores-flavored Pop-Tarts.
[ He nudges his shoulder against Alexis' playfully. Jesse presses a quick kiss to her jawline before he pushes himself up so he can go in the RV and retrieve the stuff they need for the s'mores. He's back quickly with a bag of marshmallows, a box of graham crackers, and some chocolate bars. He even bought some 'Smore's sticks' from the supermarket, which really are little more than over-priced wood dowels sharpened at one end, but whatever. Might as well go all out for date night, right?
He sets all the stuff down and then goes about helping to clean up whatever food they're finished with so he can pack the leftovers into the fridge. Better off only keeping out what's necessary so they don't attract too many desert critters, though it's been a quiet night so far. The fire's probably enough to keep most stuff away. Finally, he finishes with his rushing around and tosses a couple more logs onto the fire before he settles by it. The folding chairs probably weren't even necessary. Not for tonight, anyway, when he wants to stick close to Alexis and keep her warm. ]
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