Jayden's reclusiveness has been more on the normal side for him, just a product of distraction and overworking, and although that's not necessarily the healthiest way of doing things it's certainly par for the course rather than anything to worry too much about. He's more lost track of time than anything else when it comes to having gone quiet.
So he offers a small grin at the sight of Blake, especially when it becomes apparent that he's in such a good mood. It's a noticeable change, and a very nice one.
"Little of everywhere. Not just my room or the Horizon." Just, you know, for the record. Sure, he's definitely been spending time both places--a lot of time, actually--but he's also been elsewhere, including where they've met up here on the streets of Cadens. He's returning from one of the magic lessons he'd finally signed up for, and although he's only had a few so far, his ego may have been bolstered a little by the teacher's declaration that he's a fast learner.
So he's in a good mood too, returning the shoulder bump, if slightly late. "You seem happy. Anythin' I should know about?" His tone is right on the line between genuine and teasing, but definitely meant as the latter.
That Jayden feels it's necessary to identify that he'd been more than two places only strengthens Blake's amusement. He barely tamps down a grin, even laughing gently as he gets nudged in return. It feels good, even if he can't entirely put a pin on why.
"What, like I won the lottery or somethin'? Nah, sorry, not rich yet," he says, although that would be kind of nice. Maybe he'd retire, or maybe he'd just spread around the wealth and keep working. Arguably, he hardly knows how to do much else these days. Something he thinks Jayden can relate to.
His eyes turn skyward, squinting against the light. He can blame his friends for some of this fortune, a fact that he won't be forgetting any time soon.
"Guess I'm just feelin' good today. Woke up on the right side of the bed," Blake adds, although his bed's against the wall so it's always waking up on the same side. "Finally. Only took me eight months. Thought I might celebrate my newfound confidence and stylish trim."
"Do they have the lottery here?" Jayden asks, and then almost adds a stupid joke about how if they do it'd probably be more a The Lottery sort of thing, but that's a little morbid for the light mood and even he can recognize that. Besides, he's much more distracted by--
"Eight months?" It's been eight months? He'd stopped keeping track a few months ago, but quick mental math confirms it, as hard as it is to believe. Okay. No need to have some sort of existential crisis until it's actually been a year or something, so moving on, just ignore the surprise. "The uh, the new look's workin' for you though. Didn't want to say it before, but I'm not sure grunge was your style."
He's joking, of course. Was it even grunge? Who cares, not like Jayden knows anything about styles, and the sentiment's what matters. Right? Right.
Similar to Jayden, Blake wants to avoid those clouds if he can help it. "Think that's called emo," he jokes, knowing full well that he represented little more than a picture of depression — a thoughtless and hope-starved pit of his own.
He hadn't paraded himself around town after receiving his haircut, much more concerned about teasing than compliments, especially with those lasting scars marring what has otherwise been described as an okay looking mug. "Feels kinda nice someone noticed, thanks," he adds after a short pause. The pique in his skin always tinges high on his cheeks and the tips of his ears and it's not missing here, even as he swipes at his face to fruitlessly avoid the consequences.
"Thought I'd see if I could score myself a nice dinner over it." The tentative approach may not suit Blake, but it's better than outright spilling his thoughts on the matter.
That is entirely too subtle. Jayden is not hopeless when it comes to picking up this sort of thing, even if he basically never engages with it, but it's usually from strangers or acquaintances; this is a totally different dynamic and expectation, and one he has very little experience with.
So he just breezes past it, instead continuing with the lightly teasing tone. "What, the magic dating apps thing not workin' out? Resorting to the old fashioned method of meetin' people in person?"
"Haha, well, you can't mess with the classics, can you?" he agrees, almost wishing for a second that he had access to what is clearly a hellscape known as Tinder. Granted, he doesn't expect he would find Jayden there in any case, but that's really beside the point.
Blake finds himself trying not to look too obvious as he reassess his approach, not entirely sure in his own right what he's really getting at. Dinner is one thing, but dinner — note on the emphasis — is an entirely different matter and not one he's got any expectations toward, except maybe that his asking would go smoother than this.
"Been a bit more'n eight months since I bothered. Figured it was time." Time stops for no one and loneliness can be pervasive. He kicks a stone up the road and watches it go, idly continuing. "You had dinner yet?" He glances over to study his friend as they meander wherever, already squinting in expectation that this will become more obvious any second.
"Least there's plenty of bars here." That's the real classic, right? And sure, they're not bars in the modern sense, but taverns and the like are close enough. Should serve the same purpose.
His attention is caught by the stone Blake kicks and he watches it briefly as well, the distraction still a little on his mind as the question about dinner is asked. His immediate reaction is to wonder if it's actually time for dinner, and then to reach for the pocket watch Hilda had given him, but he only completes part of the motion before--
Wait.
No, he's reading into this. Right? Of course he is. "I haven't, but you don't need to be givin' up so easily. I think you can probably do better."
That should be a safe response, at least if he is indeed reading into this. If not then there's probably no avoiding awkwardness anyway.
There's a slight purse to his lips at Blake tries his best to parse through that response. He's looking for a safe reply himself, but ultimately what comes out is nothing like that.
"So you... want to be wooed?" he asks, haltingly, eyebrows knitting gently. There's no sense whatsoever to be had here, and Blake is clearly misinterpreting, although it's hard to say if that's strategic or not. "I've never gotten a 'try harder' before."
Oh boy. There's a lot of inherent humor in that response, or at least there would've been if it hadn't been happening to Jayden; if he'd overheard this conversation in the office it would've been hilarious, because he could've laughed at it from afar and then retreated into his office when someone inevitably started crying or something. But it's much less funny right now and much more awkward.
"Oh, err, that wasn't... Exactly what I meant." Nailing it. But Jayden has to slow to a stop because there's no way he can have this conversation and walk at the same time; he'd probably trip over the first uneven cobblestone or something considering how distracting this is going to be. He has stock excuses he tends to use when people ask him out back home, but they won't work here because Blake knows him too well, and so he's quickly going over options mentally for what might work the best. Some version of the truth, probably, but that would require being truthful.
One part of the truth is infinitely both easier for Jayden to talk and more likely to avoid making things incredibly complicated, so it's the clear winner.
"Kinda of, uh, the opposite. I don't really do the relationships thing." It's true, at least in any sense that counts, with the one incredibly important exception. But there's no need to go into that, even if he has the sudden fear Blake might be able to tell he's not being completely honest, and goes for an immediate distraction by continuing. "So that old 'it's not you, it's me' excuse is actually not an excuse here."
It's definitely not anything about Blake as to why he's being rejected, it's just that there was only one person who wouldn't have been.
Well at least one of these things feels familiar, although it's been a long time since he's been told it's not him. Usually it is Blake creating the reason for the awkward end, from his pedantic need to share as little about himself as possible right up to the fact that he has trouble with people in his personal space.
"Ah, uh," he starts, but then nods slowly as if each time he's steering a metal ball through the maze of his mind. A dozen thoughts spring to mind — many of them alternative approaches that might have made this easier — but he finds himself ultimately at a loss, his dark eyes pinging over Jayden's features as they stand in silence for a few awkward moments.
"Same here," he finally pipes up. His fingers find his ear and he tugs at the lobe without much thought, fidgeting as he's wont to do. "Back home, I mean— And... in general." How long had it been since he even considered anything more than few dates? Far longer the one-night stands used to blow off some steam, and still longer yet since he dreamed of having a family of his own.
He shrugs, and while he's doing some part of playing this off as nothing, Blake can't help but be a little disappointed. "I'd kick myself if I didn't ask," he says, that rueful smile no less genuine.
He's curious, though, knowing there's more. Sensing it. He'd ask, but Jayden's already been fairly gracious considering Blake's sudden appearance.
He watches Blake fidget with no lack of empathy; although he doesn't know this exact feeling since he's never really been in Blake's position, it's easy enough to imagine how awkward he might feel, plus who knows what other emotions might go into this sort of thing. Even if Blake seems to be trying to downplay it.
Not that Jayden's going to oppose those attempts either, and he offers a weak grin at Blake's last comment. "Hey, I'm flattered, I think you're the only person who's talked to me for more than five minutes and still been interested." He's exaggerating, but only just barely. Most people are not asking Jayden out because of his personality, and it really is nice that Blake's known him for months--with many of those months being awful for both of them--and not only hasn't been scared away, but the opposite.
When he laughs, it's not as pathetic as he's expecting, a fact that feels pretty good after what could have been a very weird moment for them both. He crosses his arms, this time to make a face at Jayden, one that suggests he doesn't believe it for a second.
"Yeah, okay, I'm sure you're not embelishin' just to make me feel better," he jokes, sarcastically, throwing an arm over Jayden's shoulder. "It sucks, but it's not like we're not havin' a good time anyway. We can still have dinner, I'll just avoid makin' eyes at you and playin' footsie under the table."
At least he feels better being out with it because it's utterly embarrassing to be a thirty year old ex-cop Batman-elect with a heavy crush on every pretty person with a nice smile and a dozen-plus braincells to rub together. It lends to a lot of short-term everything. Which, come to think of it—
"S'pose that means casual sex is also out of the question?" The lilt still sustains its questioning nature because it feels a little backwards, but Blake's got a hefty divide between physical and emotional pleasure so out it comes before he thinks twice. "Haha, god, don't answer that," Blake adds, shoving Jayden away playfully.
This could have definitely gone worse, at least if all the media Jayden's seen about a friend asking another out and being rejected and it being this huge dramatic heartbreak was telling the truth. Which he supposes it still could be, though at this point he's hoping it was just a dramatic exaggeration.
He rolls his eyes at the comment about footsie and the arm around his shoulders, about to remark on how dangerous it is to get into a situation where someone with longer legs might have reason to kick you, but then Blake drops that question and he is so glad for the immediate backpedaling that saves him from having to answer.
"Yeah, you definitely owe me dinner now." He remarks flatly, but with a faint hint of amusement underneath it all the same, using the momentum of the shove to dramatically turn in the direction of a tavern he knows is nearby. "And a drink, too, for good measure."
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2023-10-15 01:47 am (UTC)So he offers a small grin at the sight of Blake, especially when it becomes apparent that he's in such a good mood. It's a noticeable change, and a very nice one.
"Little of everywhere. Not just my room or the Horizon." Just, you know, for the record. Sure, he's definitely been spending time both places--a lot of time, actually--but he's also been elsewhere, including where they've met up here on the streets of Cadens. He's returning from one of the magic lessons he'd finally signed up for, and although he's only had a few so far, his ego may have been bolstered a little by the teacher's declaration that he's a fast learner.
So he's in a good mood too, returning the shoulder bump, if slightly late. "You seem happy. Anythin' I should know about?" His tone is right on the line between genuine and teasing, but definitely meant as the latter.
screams at my typos, tho
Date: 2023-10-15 03:30 am (UTC)"What, like I won the lottery or somethin'? Nah, sorry, not rich yet," he says, although that would be kind of nice. Maybe he'd retire, or maybe he'd just spread around the wealth and keep working. Arguably, he hardly knows how to do much else these days. Something he thinks Jayden can relate to.
His eyes turn skyward, squinting against the light. He can blame his friends for some of this fortune, a fact that he won't be forgetting any time soon.
"Guess I'm just feelin' good today. Woke up on the right side of the bed," Blake adds, although his bed's against the wall so it's always waking up on the same side. "Finally. Only took me eight months. Thought I might celebrate my newfound confidence and stylish trim."
if it makes you feel any better I legit didn't notice
Date: 2023-10-15 03:45 am (UTC)"Eight months?" It's been eight months? He'd stopped keeping track a few months ago, but quick mental math confirms it, as hard as it is to believe. Okay. No need to have some sort of existential crisis until it's actually been a year or something, so moving on, just ignore the surprise. "The uh, the new look's workin' for you though. Didn't want to say it before, but I'm not sure grunge was your style."
He's joking, of course. Was it even grunge? Who cares, not like Jayden knows anything about styles, and the sentiment's what matters. Right? Right.
clearly I didn't notice the first time either lol
Date: 2023-10-15 04:26 am (UTC)He hadn't paraded himself around town after receiving his haircut, much more concerned about teasing than compliments, especially with those lasting scars marring what has otherwise been described as an okay looking mug. "Feels kinda nice someone noticed, thanks," he adds after a short pause. The pique in his skin always tinges high on his cheeks and the tips of his ears and it's not missing here, even as he swipes at his face to fruitlessly avoid the consequences.
"Thought I'd see if I could score myself a nice dinner over it." The tentative approach may not suit Blake, but it's better than outright spilling his thoughts on the matter.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 04:42 am (UTC)So he just breezes past it, instead continuing with the lightly teasing tone. "What, the magic dating apps thing not workin' out? Resorting to the old fashioned method of meetin' people in person?"
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 05:11 am (UTC)Blake finds himself trying not to look too obvious as he reassess his approach, not entirely sure in his own right what he's really getting at. Dinner is one thing, but dinner — note on the emphasis — is an entirely different matter and not one he's got any expectations toward, except maybe that his asking would go smoother than this.
"Been a bit more'n eight months since I bothered. Figured it was time." Time stops for no one and loneliness can be pervasive. He kicks a stone up the road and watches it go, idly continuing. "You had dinner yet?" He glances over to study his friend as they meander wherever, already squinting in expectation that this will become more obvious any second.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 05:31 am (UTC)His attention is caught by the stone Blake kicks and he watches it briefly as well, the distraction still a little on his mind as the question about dinner is asked. His immediate reaction is to wonder if it's actually time for dinner, and then to reach for the pocket watch Hilda had given him, but he only completes part of the motion before--
Wait.
No, he's reading into this. Right? Of course he is. "I haven't, but you don't need to be givin' up so easily. I think you can probably do better."
That should be a safe response, at least if he is indeed reading into this. If not then there's probably no avoiding awkwardness anyway.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 05:42 am (UTC)"So you... want to be wooed?" he asks, haltingly, eyebrows knitting gently. There's no sense whatsoever to be had here, and Blake is clearly misinterpreting, although it's hard to say if that's strategic or not. "I've never gotten a 'try harder' before."
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 06:08 am (UTC)"Oh, err, that wasn't... Exactly what I meant." Nailing it. But Jayden has to slow to a stop because there's no way he can have this conversation and walk at the same time; he'd probably trip over the first uneven cobblestone or something considering how distracting this is going to be. He has stock excuses he tends to use when people ask him out back home, but they won't work here because Blake knows him too well, and so he's quickly going over options mentally for what might work the best. Some version of the truth, probably, but that would require being truthful.
One part of the truth is infinitely both easier for Jayden to talk and more likely to avoid making things incredibly complicated, so it's the clear winner.
"Kinda of, uh, the opposite. I don't really do the relationships thing." It's true, at least in any sense that counts, with the one incredibly important exception. But there's no need to go into that, even if he has the sudden fear Blake might be able to tell he's not being completely honest, and goes for an immediate distraction by continuing. "So that old 'it's not you, it's me' excuse is actually not an excuse here."
It's definitely not anything about Blake as to why he's being rejected, it's just that there was only one person who wouldn't have been.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 06:40 am (UTC)"Ah, uh," he starts, but then nods slowly as if each time he's steering a metal ball through the maze of his mind. A dozen thoughts spring to mind — many of them alternative approaches that might have made this easier — but he finds himself ultimately at a loss, his dark eyes pinging over Jayden's features as they stand in silence for a few awkward moments.
"Same here," he finally pipes up. His fingers find his ear and he tugs at the lobe without much thought, fidgeting as he's wont to do. "Back home, I mean— And... in general." How long had it been since he even considered anything more than few dates? Far longer the one-night stands used to blow off some steam, and still longer yet since he dreamed of having a family of his own.
He shrugs, and while he's doing some part of playing this off as nothing, Blake can't help but be a little disappointed. "I'd kick myself if I didn't ask," he says, that rueful smile no less genuine.
He's curious, though, knowing there's more. Sensing it. He'd ask, but Jayden's already been fairly gracious considering Blake's sudden appearance.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-15 04:23 pm (UTC)Not that Jayden's going to oppose those attempts either, and he offers a weak grin at Blake's last comment. "Hey, I'm flattered, I think you're the only person who's talked to me for more than five minutes and still been interested." He's exaggerating, but only just barely. Most people are not asking Jayden out because of his personality, and it really is nice that Blake's known him for months--with many of those months being awful for both of them--and not only hasn't been scared away, but the opposite.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-16 01:59 am (UTC)"Yeah, okay, I'm sure you're not embelishin' just to make me feel better," he jokes, sarcastically, throwing an arm over Jayden's shoulder. "It sucks, but it's not like we're not havin' a good time anyway. We can still have dinner, I'll just avoid makin' eyes at you and playin' footsie under the table."
At least he feels better being out with it because it's utterly embarrassing to be a thirty year old ex-cop Batman-elect with a heavy crush on every pretty person with a nice smile and a dozen-plus braincells to rub together. It lends to a lot of short-term everything. Which, come to think of it—
"S'pose that means casual sex is also out of the question?" The lilt still sustains its questioning nature because it feels a little backwards, but Blake's got a hefty divide between physical and emotional pleasure so out it comes before he thinks twice. "Haha, god, don't answer that," Blake adds, shoving Jayden away playfully.
no subject
Date: 2023-10-16 03:28 am (UTC)He rolls his eyes at the comment about footsie and the arm around his shoulders, about to remark on how dangerous it is to get into a situation where someone with longer legs might have reason to kick you, but then Blake drops that question and he is so glad for the immediate backpedaling that saves him from having to answer.
"Yeah, you definitely owe me dinner now." He remarks flatly, but with a faint hint of amusement underneath it all the same, using the momentum of the shove to dramatically turn in the direction of a tavern he knows is nearby. "And a drink, too, for good measure."