[SCENE] Jake, Lana and Ema in "What's the Occasion?"
((OOC: Scene took place on September 6th))
Lana: *it's 7:00 AM on a Saturday, and Lana Skye is in the kitchen area of her and Ema's townhouse, dicing up fresh strawberries on a cutting board. Beside her is a bowl of batter and a currently operating waffle maker. The appliance beeps once and she reaches over to rotate the iron; a delightfully pleasant aroma wafts around the room and across the house*
Lana: *this is not an ordinary sight; Lana is usually too occupied with her work to prepare such breakfasts save on special occasions. She also looks unusually cheerful, with her hair tied back in a ponytail; there's a smile on her face and she's even humming quietly as she attends to the fruit*
Ema: *enters, slightly disoriented, still in her pajamas. She's not usually up this early on weekends, but the uncommon smell of waffles woke her up. She runs a hand through her hair, which is slightly rumpled and messy* Morning, Lana. *she glances at waffle maker and fruit* What's with the waffles?
Lana: *glances up from the cutting board, giving her sister a genuinely contented smile* Good morning, Ema. *moves the carefully diced strawberries to one end of the board, sets down the knife, and reaches under the sink for a colander-- there's blueberries to wash* I thought it'd be something nice for us to enjoy, for a change. Could you get out the syrup and the cutlery?
Ema: *her brow furrows and she throws a suspicious glance at the waffles before slowly turning away. Waffles are not a regular occurrence in the Skye household* Are you positive there's nothing special going on today? *she opens the fridge and begins searching for the syrup*
Lana: Positive. *the cheerfulness doesn't flicker in the least. She finishes rinsing off the blueberries, and just in time; the waffle iron alarm sounds again and she moves to take out the golden-brown waffle and place it onto a plate, sprinkling icing sugar lightly on it* Here, why don't you take this one. *pours more batter into the waffle maker, and re-shuts the lid*
Ema: *finally finds the syrup and heads over to get the cutlery out. Three sets... she's still not used to that. She goes over to get the waffle, trying to balance it along with the cutlery and syrup* Thanks. Do you want me to, um, set the table or something?
Lana: Sure. *gets out two bowls, placing the blueberries in one and the strawberries in the other, bringing them over to the table in the dining area before heading back to the kitchen to turn the waffle iron over* Jake is still sleeping, though; we can eat first.
Ema: Ohh... all right. *puts down her plate and sets Lana's silverware in front of the chair across from her before sitting down. She drowns the waffle in syrup, then takes a bite* Mmm. *louder, so her sister can hear* Hey, Lana, these are pretty good!
Lana: I'm glad...! It's been quite a while, hmm? Perhaps I should make them more often... *the waffle maker beeps and she opens up the lid again, removing hers and bring it to the table, where she sits down*
Jake: *as Jake comes downstairs and heads for the kitchen, he loudly calls out:* Hey, Lana! If you're dressed already, do me a favour and go outside -- fetch my pants from the bushes, will ya? You kinda flung 'em out the window last night. *chuckles as he appears in view -- save for his poncho wrapped around his waist, the ends loosely clutched together in his left hand, he's completely naked*
Jake: *suggestively* Mm... Think I pulled a muscle, too. You wanna rub it for-- *freezes, the grin falling off his face when he realizes both Skyes are present* --Ah. H-hey, bambina...s.
Ema: *Ema, who had just taken a rather large bite of the waffle so that her cheeks are bulging, chokes on it when Jake appears. After a bunch of hacking and coughing she manages to swallow it. Her cheeks are flaming, as she keeps her eyes trained on her waffle, in an attempt to avoid looking at... well... at least he has a poncho on*
Ema: H-hi, Mr. Marshall. *her first instinct is to flee upstairs, but he's standing right there, so she just stays in her seat, staring at her plate*
Lana: *the instant Jake appears at the stairs and she sees what he's wearing-- or rather, what he's not, Lana fixes the man with a glare. As her sister stutters out a greeting, the older Skye is silent--seemingly too angry at the moment to even speak*
Lana: *finally--* What were you thinking?
Jake: *feels he should go back upstairs or step back a little to conceal himself or something, but he can't move, caught in Lana's mighty glare... and he knows it's too late anyway -- the damage has been done. He grips at the fabric gathered in his hand nervously* It's... a mite unusual for her to be up this early, ain't it?
Lana: Regardless. You know she's here-- and what were you expecting?! *stands and crosses her arms-- her desire to hold her forehead is superseded by her continued glaring at the man. She advances a few steps towards him, momentarily seeming much taller than she actually is in her anger*
Jake: *keeps calm but sounds defensive, though he knows he has very few excuses to cling to* It's the weekend, baby. Were you expectin' me to assume immediately she'd be up at seven in the morning?
Lana: *bluntly, sharply* You should have, yes! Even if she hadn't been, she could have come down moments after you!
Ema: *Watching them fight is awkward enough, but the fact that they're fighting over something pertaining to her makes it even more uncomfortable. After only a few moments she can't take it; it's just too... weird. She stands up suddenly, breaking in before she can stop herself* God, Lana, chill out, okay? It's no big deal. *her voice is sharper than she intended, and she pauses, flushing* I-I mean, it's not fair to rag on him like that. He's right... I usually am up later than both of you.
Lana: *had seemingly forgot Ema was still present; when the girl speaks, her head turns immediately to her sister. She seems to flinch the slightest bit* ...........
Lana: ...Fine.
Lana: *marches to the door, opens it, slips on a pair of shoes and walks out, shutting the thing behind her*
Jake: *when Lana leaves he looks down awkwardly, scratching his chin* Uh... *looks up at Ema with a straight face* Thanks for the back-up. She gonna be right with that, you think?
Ema: *also awkwardly* Er, yeah, no problem. *glances at the front door and bites her lip* I don't know... she's probably ticked off at me now.
Jake: If she is, I'll take the fire for it. *walks up to the dining table and pulls out a chair, seating himself on it as he keeps his poncho in place with both hands* No point in her bein' a wet hen towards us both.
Ema: *slumps back into her chair, props her chin up with her hand and sighs* Yeah, I guess not. *pauses, then looks at him* Thanks.
Jake: *smiles at her* Don't mention it. I'm the one who shouldn't be here, rightfully. I'll be outta both your hairs when I've got my finances in order.
Ema: *shakes her head quickly* Don't worry... you're really not a problem, Mr. Marshall. I don't mind you staying here at all.
Jake: That so? *gives her a serious look* If there should be any concerns about the matter at all, I want you to tell me. Last thing I wanna be is a liability.
Ema: *sits up* No, seriously, you're not. I mean, it is kind of weird having someone else staying here when all it's ever been is me and Lana... but, I'll get used to that. It's not a problem. Really.
Jake: *smirks and idly glances at the door* Still, I shouldn't mooch off you ladies for much longer. Who's heard of an unmarried cowboy shackin' up with his woman and her sister? Gotta be some sort of rule against that in the Code, I'm telling you.
Ema: *her brows knit together and she shoots him a quizzical look* The... Code?
Lana: *silently, the front door opens a crack--though she doesn't step through, as of yet*
Jake: *returns his gaze to her* They say a man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job... The Code of the West! Unwritten guidelines the American frontier once lived by, bambina. Livin' in sin like this is frowned upon, I'm sure. That's why I gotta cut a path and go.
Ema: *she's quiet as she absorbs this, and, appearing to be thinking something over, she studies his face* You know, you don't have to move out. Haven't you thought about... getting married? You two have been together for a while, and... *she hesitates* I've never seen her as happy as she has been with you.
Jake: *blinks at her, unable to hide his surprise at the suggestion and the remark following it. The surprise, however, is soon replaced by a dead serious expression* No. We can't do that.
Ema: *frowns* Why not? What's wrong with it?
Jake: *sits back against the chair, looking straight into her eyes* Make me a promise, will you?
Ema: *leans forward, keeping his gaze* I will.
Jake: *without missing a beat* Don't let your sister marry an alcoholic.
Ema: *her face takes on a slightly pained expression* Come on, Mr. Marshall. You're getting help for that... you won't be an alcoholic anymore. It doesn't count.
Jake: Doesn't matter if I'm getting help. I ain't in the clear yet. I'm still a weak man... And my baby's not gonna get hitched with a mudsill if I have anything to do about it.
Lana: *the door creaks audibly as she swings it the rest of the way open and steps back inside. She's got his pants tucked under an arm, and steps back into the dining area to silently hand it to him--there's no indication she's heard any of the previous conversation, though there doesn't seem to be any more anger either; she's quiet*
Jake: *a small smile as he takes them with one hand, relieved to see she's cooled down* Thanks. I'll... go wear 'em. *stands up and makes a hasty retreat back upstairs*
Lana: *as she walks back to the kitchen and Jake heads up the stairs:* Come right back down. Your waffles will be ready. *to Ema* Would you like me to make you a new one?
Ema: Uhh, yeah. I'll go pitch this one. *grabs her plate and heads into the kitchen*
Lana: *turns on the waffle iron and pours on the batter before swinging it shut; she works without further comment*
Jake: *comes back downstairs a moment later wearing his t-shirt and jeans, smiling as he heads for the kitchen* Well, that's better. Hard eatin' breakfast with just one free hand.
Lana: *has already placed a fresh waffle on Ema's plate, and is currently opening the iron to remove yet another*
Ema: *takes her plate and heads out to the dining area*
Jake: *looks to them both, noting the silence. He retrieves a glass from the cupboard* So... waffles, eh? What's the occasion?
Lana: *places the waffle on a new plate, handing it to Jake with a steady look*
Jake: *takes the plate awkwardly* Thanks.... *turns to the sink and fills the glass with tap water, giving her another glance before moving to the table*
Lana: *pours fresh batter onto the waffle iron, taking a minute before she speaks up*
Lana: There wasn't any occasion in particular. But since it is the weekend and I don't have any cases to take care of today... how about we go out and do something together?
Jake: *puts down his food and sits down at the table* I'm for it, if you got something in mind.
Ema: *puts down her fork* Hey, Lana, what if we went to Disneyland? We haven't gone in a few years, and there won't be that many tourists since the season is nearly over. *looks at Jake* Have you ever been there?
Jake: *had finished pouring on the syrup and was cutting into the waffle when Ema makes the suggestion -- he pauses and gives her a blank look* ...Uh, when I was young'un. 'Bout ten years old or so.
Lana: Well then. I'd say it's about time for a revisit, hmm? *the waffle iron and takes out the last one, bringing it to the table for Jake*
Jake: Disneyland? You both serious?
Ema: Yeah. What's wrong with Disneyland?
Jake: *carefully* What do you expect me to do there...?
Ema: *stares at him* You know, go on rides, go to shows, do... Disneyland stuff.
Jake: .... *hopefully* Can we go do Universal Studios instead?
Lana: ... *contemplates as she seats herself and begins to eat* You want to see the wild west film set, correct. *it isn't a question*
Jake: ...Perhaps. *puts a piece of waffle in his mouth*
Lana: *glances to her sister* What do you think, Ema?
Ema: *looks at both of them* Well, we've never been to Universal before... so, sure, I guess so.
Lana: Cowboys it is. *finishes eating another piece of her own waffle* Let's get ready to head out in an hour.
Jake: All right. *looks down and grins as he eats, trying not to look too pleased about it*
Ema: Okay, cool. *she stands* I just need to take a shower and then I'll be ready to go. *smiles at them both before she climbs the stairs and disappears into her room*
Jake: *still smiling as he eats* And here I thought you were mad at me.
Lana: *sighs out slightly, before her mouth sets in a straight line* I know it wasn't your fault. But we do have to be more careful from now on.
Jake: I will be. *holds up a piece of waffle on his fork* This here's good stuff, by the way. You must like me a lot.
Lana: Mm. *glances down at her plate, smiling slightly as she cuts up the remainder of her waffle* That I do. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Jake: *eats the rest of his breakfast with contentment, noting to himself that he will indeed have to be careful -- if this happens again, he'll be sleeping alongside his pants in the bushes*
Lana: *it's 7:00 AM on a Saturday, and Lana Skye is in the kitchen area of her and Ema's townhouse, dicing up fresh strawberries on a cutting board. Beside her is a bowl of batter and a currently operating waffle maker. The appliance beeps once and she reaches over to rotate the iron; a delightfully pleasant aroma wafts around the room and across the house*
Lana: *this is not an ordinary sight; Lana is usually too occupied with her work to prepare such breakfasts save on special occasions. She also looks unusually cheerful, with her hair tied back in a ponytail; there's a smile on her face and she's even humming quietly as she attends to the fruit*
Ema: *enters, slightly disoriented, still in her pajamas. She's not usually up this early on weekends, but the uncommon smell of waffles woke her up. She runs a hand through her hair, which is slightly rumpled and messy* Morning, Lana. *she glances at waffle maker and fruit* What's with the waffles?
Lana: *glances up from the cutting board, giving her sister a genuinely contented smile* Good morning, Ema. *moves the carefully diced strawberries to one end of the board, sets down the knife, and reaches under the sink for a colander-- there's blueberries to wash* I thought it'd be something nice for us to enjoy, for a change. Could you get out the syrup and the cutlery?
Ema: *her brow furrows and she throws a suspicious glance at the waffles before slowly turning away. Waffles are not a regular occurrence in the Skye household* Are you positive there's nothing special going on today? *she opens the fridge and begins searching for the syrup*
Lana: Positive. *the cheerfulness doesn't flicker in the least. She finishes rinsing off the blueberries, and just in time; the waffle iron alarm sounds again and she moves to take out the golden-brown waffle and place it onto a plate, sprinkling icing sugar lightly on it* Here, why don't you take this one. *pours more batter into the waffle maker, and re-shuts the lid*
Ema: *finally finds the syrup and heads over to get the cutlery out. Three sets... she's still not used to that. She goes over to get the waffle, trying to balance it along with the cutlery and syrup* Thanks. Do you want me to, um, set the table or something?
Lana: Sure. *gets out two bowls, placing the blueberries in one and the strawberries in the other, bringing them over to the table in the dining area before heading back to the kitchen to turn the waffle iron over* Jake is still sleeping, though; we can eat first.
Ema: Ohh... all right. *puts down her plate and sets Lana's silverware in front of the chair across from her before sitting down. She drowns the waffle in syrup, then takes a bite* Mmm. *louder, so her sister can hear* Hey, Lana, these are pretty good!
Lana: I'm glad...! It's been quite a while, hmm? Perhaps I should make them more often... *the waffle maker beeps and she opens up the lid again, removing hers and bring it to the table, where she sits down*
Jake: *as Jake comes downstairs and heads for the kitchen, he loudly calls out:* Hey, Lana! If you're dressed already, do me a favour and go outside -- fetch my pants from the bushes, will ya? You kinda flung 'em out the window last night. *chuckles as he appears in view -- save for his poncho wrapped around his waist, the ends loosely clutched together in his left hand, he's completely naked*
Jake: *suggestively* Mm... Think I pulled a muscle, too. You wanna rub it for-- *freezes, the grin falling off his face when he realizes both Skyes are present* --Ah. H-hey, bambina...s.
Ema: *Ema, who had just taken a rather large bite of the waffle so that her cheeks are bulging, chokes on it when Jake appears. After a bunch of hacking and coughing she manages to swallow it. Her cheeks are flaming, as she keeps her eyes trained on her waffle, in an attempt to avoid looking at... well... at least he has a poncho on*
Ema: H-hi, Mr. Marshall. *her first instinct is to flee upstairs, but he's standing right there, so she just stays in her seat, staring at her plate*
Lana: *the instant Jake appears at the stairs and she sees what he's wearing-- or rather, what he's not, Lana fixes the man with a glare. As her sister stutters out a greeting, the older Skye is silent--seemingly too angry at the moment to even speak*
Lana: *finally--* What were you thinking?
Jake: *feels he should go back upstairs or step back a little to conceal himself or something, but he can't move, caught in Lana's mighty glare... and he knows it's too late anyway -- the damage has been done. He grips at the fabric gathered in his hand nervously* It's... a mite unusual for her to be up this early, ain't it?
Lana: Regardless. You know she's here-- and what were you expecting?! *stands and crosses her arms-- her desire to hold her forehead is superseded by her continued glaring at the man. She advances a few steps towards him, momentarily seeming much taller than she actually is in her anger*
Jake: *keeps calm but sounds defensive, though he knows he has very few excuses to cling to* It's the weekend, baby. Were you expectin' me to assume immediately she'd be up at seven in the morning?
Lana: *bluntly, sharply* You should have, yes! Even if she hadn't been, she could have come down moments after you!
Ema: *Watching them fight is awkward enough, but the fact that they're fighting over something pertaining to her makes it even more uncomfortable. After only a few moments she can't take it; it's just too... weird. She stands up suddenly, breaking in before she can stop herself* God, Lana, chill out, okay? It's no big deal. *her voice is sharper than she intended, and she pauses, flushing* I-I mean, it's not fair to rag on him like that. He's right... I usually am up later than both of you.
Lana: *had seemingly forgot Ema was still present; when the girl speaks, her head turns immediately to her sister. She seems to flinch the slightest bit* ...........
Lana: ...Fine.
Lana: *marches to the door, opens it, slips on a pair of shoes and walks out, shutting the thing behind her*
Jake: *when Lana leaves he looks down awkwardly, scratching his chin* Uh... *looks up at Ema with a straight face* Thanks for the back-up. She gonna be right with that, you think?
Ema: *also awkwardly* Er, yeah, no problem. *glances at the front door and bites her lip* I don't know... she's probably ticked off at me now.
Jake: If she is, I'll take the fire for it. *walks up to the dining table and pulls out a chair, seating himself on it as he keeps his poncho in place with both hands* No point in her bein' a wet hen towards us both.
Ema: *slumps back into her chair, props her chin up with her hand and sighs* Yeah, I guess not. *pauses, then looks at him* Thanks.
Jake: *smiles at her* Don't mention it. I'm the one who shouldn't be here, rightfully. I'll be outta both your hairs when I've got my finances in order.
Ema: *shakes her head quickly* Don't worry... you're really not a problem, Mr. Marshall. I don't mind you staying here at all.
Jake: That so? *gives her a serious look* If there should be any concerns about the matter at all, I want you to tell me. Last thing I wanna be is a liability.
Ema: *sits up* No, seriously, you're not. I mean, it is kind of weird having someone else staying here when all it's ever been is me and Lana... but, I'll get used to that. It's not a problem. Really.
Jake: *smirks and idly glances at the door* Still, I shouldn't mooch off you ladies for much longer. Who's heard of an unmarried cowboy shackin' up with his woman and her sister? Gotta be some sort of rule against that in the Code, I'm telling you.
Ema: *her brows knit together and she shoots him a quizzical look* The... Code?
Lana: *silently, the front door opens a crack--though she doesn't step through, as of yet*
Jake: *returns his gaze to her* They say a man's got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job... The Code of the West! Unwritten guidelines the American frontier once lived by, bambina. Livin' in sin like this is frowned upon, I'm sure. That's why I gotta cut a path and go.
Ema: *she's quiet as she absorbs this, and, appearing to be thinking something over, she studies his face* You know, you don't have to move out. Haven't you thought about... getting married? You two have been together for a while, and... *she hesitates* I've never seen her as happy as she has been with you.
Jake: *blinks at her, unable to hide his surprise at the suggestion and the remark following it. The surprise, however, is soon replaced by a dead serious expression* No. We can't do that.
Ema: *frowns* Why not? What's wrong with it?
Jake: *sits back against the chair, looking straight into her eyes* Make me a promise, will you?
Ema: *leans forward, keeping his gaze* I will.
Jake: *without missing a beat* Don't let your sister marry an alcoholic.
Ema: *her face takes on a slightly pained expression* Come on, Mr. Marshall. You're getting help for that... you won't be an alcoholic anymore. It doesn't count.
Jake: Doesn't matter if I'm getting help. I ain't in the clear yet. I'm still a weak man... And my baby's not gonna get hitched with a mudsill if I have anything to do about it.
Lana: *the door creaks audibly as she swings it the rest of the way open and steps back inside. She's got his pants tucked under an arm, and steps back into the dining area to silently hand it to him--there's no indication she's heard any of the previous conversation, though there doesn't seem to be any more anger either; she's quiet*
Jake: *a small smile as he takes them with one hand, relieved to see she's cooled down* Thanks. I'll... go wear 'em. *stands up and makes a hasty retreat back upstairs*
Lana: *as she walks back to the kitchen and Jake heads up the stairs:* Come right back down. Your waffles will be ready. *to Ema* Would you like me to make you a new one?
Ema: Uhh, yeah. I'll go pitch this one. *grabs her plate and heads into the kitchen*
Lana: *turns on the waffle iron and pours on the batter before swinging it shut; she works without further comment*
Jake: *comes back downstairs a moment later wearing his t-shirt and jeans, smiling as he heads for the kitchen* Well, that's better. Hard eatin' breakfast with just one free hand.
Lana: *has already placed a fresh waffle on Ema's plate, and is currently opening the iron to remove yet another*
Ema: *takes her plate and heads out to the dining area*
Jake: *looks to them both, noting the silence. He retrieves a glass from the cupboard* So... waffles, eh? What's the occasion?
Lana: *places the waffle on a new plate, handing it to Jake with a steady look*
Jake: *takes the plate awkwardly* Thanks.... *turns to the sink and fills the glass with tap water, giving her another glance before moving to the table*
Lana: *pours fresh batter onto the waffle iron, taking a minute before she speaks up*
Lana: There wasn't any occasion in particular. But since it is the weekend and I don't have any cases to take care of today... how about we go out and do something together?
Jake: *puts down his food and sits down at the table* I'm for it, if you got something in mind.
Ema: *puts down her fork* Hey, Lana, what if we went to Disneyland? We haven't gone in a few years, and there won't be that many tourists since the season is nearly over. *looks at Jake* Have you ever been there?
Jake: *had finished pouring on the syrup and was cutting into the waffle when Ema makes the suggestion -- he pauses and gives her a blank look* ...Uh, when I was young'un. 'Bout ten years old or so.
Lana: Well then. I'd say it's about time for a revisit, hmm? *the waffle iron and takes out the last one, bringing it to the table for Jake*
Jake: Disneyland? You both serious?
Ema: Yeah. What's wrong with Disneyland?
Jake: *carefully* What do you expect me to do there...?
Ema: *stares at him* You know, go on rides, go to shows, do... Disneyland stuff.
Jake: .... *hopefully* Can we go do Universal Studios instead?
Lana: ... *contemplates as she seats herself and begins to eat* You want to see the wild west film set, correct. *it isn't a question*
Jake: ...Perhaps. *puts a piece of waffle in his mouth*
Lana: *glances to her sister* What do you think, Ema?
Ema: *looks at both of them* Well, we've never been to Universal before... so, sure, I guess so.
Lana: Cowboys it is. *finishes eating another piece of her own waffle* Let's get ready to head out in an hour.
Jake: All right. *looks down and grins as he eats, trying not to look too pleased about it*
Ema: Okay, cool. *she stands* I just need to take a shower and then I'll be ready to go. *smiles at them both before she climbs the stairs and disappears into her room*
Jake: *still smiling as he eats* And here I thought you were mad at me.
Lana: *sighs out slightly, before her mouth sets in a straight line* I know it wasn't your fault. But we do have to be more careful from now on.
Jake: I will be. *holds up a piece of waffle on his fork* This here's good stuff, by the way. You must like me a lot.
Lana: Mm. *glances down at her plate, smiling slightly as she cuts up the remainder of her waffle* That I do. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Jake: *eats the rest of his breakfast with contentment, noting to himself that he will indeed have to be careful -- if this happens again, he'll be sleeping alongside his pants in the bushes*