[SCENE] Jake and Lana in "Apartment Hunting"
Took place last Saturday.
Lana: ((so jake how am I like a football))
Jake: ((nice and firm and looks good in leather mmm))
Lana: ((....))
Jake: ((I'd carry you to the end zone and spike you hard))
Jake: *it's the weekend, and the Rusty Gust Saloon & Grill is being looked after by Kate the bartender for a while. Jake has an important matter to attend to: apartment hunting. He's able to get back onto his own feet again, and he's already stayed at the Skye's longer than he should have. He looks for places for rent the old fashioned way, sitting at the dining table with the classified section of the newspaper and circling whatever sounds good*
Lana: *comes down the stairs, an empty cup in one hand and a binder of papers, opened, in the other. She reads from it as she passes the dining area and heads to the kitchen, opening up the fridge to refill her glass with water*
Jake: *writes the marked ads down in a memo book, calling out as he does* Hey, bambina...got a lot on your plate today?
Lana: Hmm? *shuts the fridge door, taking a sip from her glass* No, actually. I was just contacted by a potential client but I'm meeting with him tomorrow. *glances over to him* Why do you ask?
Jake: *still scribbling down addresses and times* What say you to accompanyin' me on my great hunt out in the grand horizons?
Lana: *smiles, shutting the binder and walking over to the table* Depends on what you're hunting, cowboy.
Jake: *puts down the pen and returns a smile to her* You know us cowboys are always on the move. Glad you gave me a roof to take shelter under while I got my finances in order, but it's about time I find me a place to settle that's rightfully mine.
Lana: ...Oh. *sets down her binder on the table and glances to the newspaper with all the circled entries in front of Jake. Her smile flickers somewhat* Are you sure that's what you want to do right now? ...Is now the time, I mean?
Jake: *remains chipper* I told ya I'd be outta both your hairs once I could support my own self -- and I'm a man of my word. Took longer than I thought it would... sorry for that. *folds the newspaper* But now is the time. Gonna check out these locations; see if there's a good spot for me to put down my bags.
Lana: You don't need to apologise. If you ever need to stay over again, you know... *trails off and shakes her head, smiling again* I'm getting ahead of myself. How many places have you written down?
Jake: *folds the newspaper in half, plopping in on top of the other sections. He skims the information he wrote down* Got seven of 'em here... Three are open for surveyin' today.
Lana: *nods* Three shouldn't be a problem at all. Let me go put this away-- *picks up the binder again* and get my purse. I'll be right down. *heads towards the stairs, taking her glass with her*
Jake: I'll be by the door. *takes his memo book and stands to get ready, relieved he won't have to bus everywhere...*
~~~
Lana: *about fifteen minutes later, Lana and Jake follow a rather large dumpy woman as she unlocks a worn apartment door. The entrance opens right to a tiny kitchen with a fridge and stove set that look as though they date from the previous century. There's a faintly musty smell and some of the paint is peeling but overall the place looks fairly clean*
Jake: *favouring his leather fringe jacket over his poncho today, Jake steps in with a satisfied expression as he looks around, taking a whiff of the musk* Hmm... Not bad. Nice 'n' cozy... Feels lived in.
Lana: *frowns slightly when she breathes in the musty air and studies the area with a more critical eye, noting the worn-down linoleum flooring* Hmm... it looks a bit dated. Do you allow for renovations and for the walls to be repainted?
Landlady: Ah yes, yes you can paint but only white. Any other changes you'll have to ask. *gestures them further inside, turning on another few sets of lights as they advance* But here, let me show you. Bathroom is here. *opens a door, revealing a rather cramped tiled room with the toilet jammed up against a tub* Bedroom, here. *another door--this one leads to a much larger room, empty. It has a window with a rather good view*
Jake: *walks into the bedroom; he's particularly attracted to the window* Hey now, this is pretty nice. Each room's got fine character and the view's downright proper. *turns to Lana without a hint of sarcasm* Whatcha think, baby?
Lana: *walks past Jake and to the window, frowning slightly* Well, it's not bad. And there is plenty of space in here. *by her tone though, it's clear she's not sold*
Landlady: *nodding quickly in agreement* Yes, is a very big room. Has place for big bed for you two, and many furniture.
Jake: *good naturedly* Oh, she's already got a place of her own. *giving a look around again, studying the amount of space* Yep -- got enough room here for me 'n' Billy, I reckon.
Landlady: *stares rather fixedly at Jake*
Lana: *quickly* His cactus.
Jake: And a fine specimen of a saguaro he is! I think he'd like it here. Why, I can feel the mugginess already.
Lana: It is rather muggy. Air conditioning isn't covered by the rent, is it?
Landlady: *a forced and therefore rather insincere smile* Ah, miss... there's no A/C.
Jake: *as-a-matter-of-factly* Gotta open up the windows, just like they did in the old days.
Lana: *this time her frown is directed at Jake*
Landlady: Do you have any questions? Would you like to look around more?
Lana: *quickly, before Jake can respond* I think we'll keep this place in mind, thank you. But we ought to get going.
Jake: *opens his mouth to respond, but Lana shoots first. He blinks at her*
Lana: *looks at him gravely* We have two more places to look at, today. *starts heading towards the door*
Landlady: *seems a touch irritated but not all that surprised; she follows, shutting the lights and reaching to her side for that ring of keys*
Jake: *follows, offering a friendly smile* Sure, we'll think it over. Thank you kindly for your time, ma'am.
Landlady: *begrudgingly* Not at all, not at all. *locks the door behind them, and is disgruntledly quiet as she leads them out of the building*
Lana: *no sooner than she's left, Lana shakes her head* That smell in there... I'm fairly sure it's mould.
Jake: *he's a bit more optimistic than she is* Ya figure? I thought it smelled more like fresh hay.
Lana: *blinks, heading over to where her car is parked* No, I'm... fairly positive. I'm sure you can find a better place, newer and with air conditioning. It's California, Jake-- and I know that's not Texas, but you'll be wanting it come warmer weather again.
Jake: *considers in her opinion as he moves to the passenger side of her car* Well, that's the most affordable of the three. Still think it had a certain bit o' charm to it...
Lana: *depresses the clutch and starts up the car, glancing over to the paper on the dashboard for the next location* There's a good chance there will be that same charm at the next location. And without that 'fresh hay' smell.
~~~
Lana: *thirty minutes later--quite a drive--Lana and Jake are let into another apartment, this time on the ground floor of the building complex. The furnishing is nice, almost excessively so; there's hardwood flooring in the front hall, high ceilings and no musty stench to be smelt. The landlord beams proudly as he points out features here and there--the tall windows in the living room, the new appliances, the recessed lighting-- as he shows them about*
Jake: *doesn't say much as the landlord goes on and on about the various features -- many of which are going right over his head -- and he's busy studying the look of the place. It sure looks pretty*
Lana: *this time she actually bothers to take out her camera, and she takes pictures of each room as the man speaks. She also asks questions, each of which are answered--yes, there's air conditioning and it's covered. Yes, the appliances are for the next tenant's use. Yes, the rent is actually the price listed in the newspaper--she has him repeat this more than once, as it seems to be a good deal lower than it ought to be*
Landlord: *waves them into the bedroom-it's just as large as the previous apartment they were at, if not more so--and opens up another door, speaking to Jake in a friendly manner* An' here's a walk in closet for the missus--we've got shoe racks already installed, too.
Jake: *blinks at the landlord before giving a hearty chuckle* Naw, uh... We ain't married. In fact, she ain't movin' in with me. 'S for myself.
Landlord: Ah, bachelor are ya? *rubs the back of his head* Sorry about that, I really should quit assumin' every time. Well, it's simple enough to get these racks removed. And you gotta admit this is a good place to bring a lady friend or two over to. *grins a rather greasy smile over at Lana*
Lana: *fortunately she doesn't notice, as she's inspecting the windows carefully. The view is to a rather busy street, with graffitied fences within sight that are quite jarring compared to the posh room interior they're standing in*
Lana: *to herself as an observation, more than anything* You would have to keep the curtains constantly drawn in here.
Jake: Ah... *chuckles again at that comment* I don't reckon she'd like me havin' female company over when she ain't around.
Lana: *glances back over to the two men, raising an eyebrow*
Landlord: Huh? Oh. Oh, I getcha.
Lana: *levelly* How is the crime rate in this part of town? I recall it was fairly bad a few years ago.
Landlord: Hm? Oh, it's fine, it's fine. Got a lot better. Besides, our front door security is top notch. We won't just let anyone in, you know.
Jake: *walks over to join Lana at the windows* I recall makin' a few rounds here myself.
Landlord: Oh, you were an officer. *a bit too quickly* That's good-- er, good! *even as he speaks, heated yelling erupts from somewhere outside--it's loud enough even to cut through the glass. The yells are followed by the wail of a siren*
Jake: *peers out, nudging his hat back to get a better view* What's the commotion...?
Landlord: Oh, there are... some groups who don't get along out there. *it's a couple of guys with blue bandannas, gesturing quite enthusiastically towards another handful of men wearing red bandannas. As the siren grows louder, both groups disappear*
Landlord: ...As I just said... we don't let just anyone wander in here. There won't be any trouble.
Lana: *frowns, glancing across the room to the middle-aged man* Even if you do keep a strict watch on the doors, these windows are large and vulnerable to a break-in. *glances down to the sill, where there are the faintest traces of crushed glass remaining here and there* In fact... I'm willing to wager that has happened already.
Jake: *squints* I'll have my Winchester ready at my side at all times. I say: y'all just try to come 'n' get me.
Lana: You can't always be at the ready. *walks back towards the rest of the room, heading over to the far corner where there's a nook--where the bed should probably be placed. It's here, up close, where she spots a few pock marks on the wall. They're faint and look like they've been repaired but they're still very distinctive*
Lana: What happened to the former tenant?
Landlord: Oh, uh... she had to vacate rather suddenly for personal reasons. *a very telling, awkward smile which is interrupted by the wail of another police siren outside*
Jake: *goes over to where Lana is to inspect the very suspicious anomaly* ...Whatcha think, baby?
Lana: *shakes her head, carefully taking a photo of the wall* I think we should keep on looking. This area doesn't seem ready yet.
Jake: I concur. Let's get a move on. *to the landlord, with a polite smile* Thanks for the look-see, hombre, but I don't think the folks 'round here take kindly to my type.
Landlord: *shrugs not quite all that nonchalantly* Suit yourselves. I'll show you two out. *leads them back through the other very lovely rooms, back to the front hall*
Lana: *walks out the door and heads on out of the building, shaking her head once she reaches the outside*
Jake: *simply remarks as though he doesn't know what else to say* Well. Least them floors were nice.
~~~
Lana: *another thirty minutes later, Lana and Jake are walking into the front lobby of the final building they'll be looking at for the day. It doesn't take long for them to find the management office, where a middle aged, rather chipper woman steps out to greet them, introduce herself as Julie and lead them around. They're taken up an elevator, to the eighth floor*
Julie: We're just four minutes walk from the nearest grocery store, and one to the nearest bus stop. *stops in front of a door and unlocks it for them--it reveals a spacious living room area, in decent carpeting* Comeon in.
Jake: *follows the woman inside, immediately impressed by the place. He gives a low whistle* Feels rightfully clean in here.
Julie: That's because it is! *it's not as lavish as the former apartment but indeed it is clean, well ventilated and relatively new looking. There's a fairly pleasant view out of the living room windows, and a decently large-sized kitchen attached to the area with a center island counter*
Lana: *takes photos of all of this as she looks around*
Julie: *leading them to the right* Over here is the washer/dryer room, and here's the washroom-- *both look spick and span and are well lit* Over here is the second bedroom. *opens up the door* The distance from the master is definitely an asset--which I'm sure you know if you've got kids already. *chuckles*
Jake: *a short, awkward laugh* Kids? Heck, we haven't even tied the knot. *goes into the room* This here's for myself... and the second bedroom'd make for fine storage, I'm bettin'.
Lana: *looks rather uncomfortable at the line of conversation--but the landlady spots it and takes her arm*
Julie: Sorry, honey. Didn't mean to make an awkward moment. *looking over to Jake* And no dear, this here is the second bedroom. You'll want to stay in the other unless you have an ungodly amount of storage. *leads Lana by the arm out and down the hall, opening up the door-- it's to quite a grand bedroom and the view is unblocked by other buildings--there's a lovely view of a park some distance off*
Jake: *smiles at the view* Nice... very nice. Lookit all the green! *seems focused on the hunt, glancing around and testing the closet*
Lana: *seems much more reserved than before as she snaps a photo of the room* Are the utilities covered in the rent?
Julie: Yes, it's all included. Heating, air-con, water and electricity... *to Jake* You like what you see?
Jake: *shuts the closet door, turning to the woman* I like what I see and I like what I hear. *to Lana* How 'bout you, bambina?
Lana: ... Yes, it's certainly better than the other two places we've looked at. *looking to the woman* How are the other tenants nearby?
Julie: Oh, the ones over here mostly keep to themselves. Couples and such. *knocks against the wall, which makes a nice solid thud* And you won't hear a peep outta them though they are nice and decent people.
Jake: *steps over to Lana* It's more'n just better than the other two. This is about equal to your place.
Lana: Not quite... but for living by yourself, yes. *puts her camera away*
Julie: *glance from one to the other* Do you have any other questions? I can leave you two alone for a moment if you'd like to discuss.
Jake: Hmm... *surveys the room again* Got anyone else taking serious consideration into signin' a lease?
Julie: A few, yes--but none immediately, which is what would be ideal for us. So if you're interested you might want to think about it as soon as possible!
Jake: All right. *smiles* Give us a moment, if you will, please?
Julie: Sure thing-- I'll be by the front, now. *steps out of the room, not shutting the door entirely but leaving it open a crack*
Jake: *faces Lana a few beats after the landlady leaves the room* Baby, you're quiet. What's eating you?
Lana: Mm? Nothing--I'm just thinking about the different features of this place. It's definitely the best option of what we've seen so far. *glances up at him*
Jake: *skeptical* That's all, huh?
Lana: For the most part, yes. Like Julie said-- you'll have to make a decision on this place quickly.
Jake: *keeps staring* You look about as happy as a hog bein' dragged away from a feed trough.
Lana: ...Did you just compare me to a pig?
Jake: *unshaken* You know what I meant.
Lana: *hesitates, considering her words* It's... just that this is all rather sudden.
Jake: Sudden? *steps in closer, concerned* What, me findin' a new place?
Lana: Yes--well, telling me that you wanted to start looking this afternoon. You seemed to have been enjoying yourself up to that point... *shakes her head* I just need a little while to get accustomed to the thought.
Jake: *blinks* You think I haven't been enjoyin' myself? Quite the contrary, bambina. What was sudden, though, was me movin' into your territory in the first place. I told you it was a temporary living arrangement, didn't I?
Lana: You did, and I knew it was going to be. *glances over to the window, her voice growing softer* I just rather it wasn't.
Jake: Hey now... *puts his hands on her shoulders, looking down at her* You'd rather we make it permanent? That what you're sayin'?
Lana: No--not necessarily-- *seems to stumble over her words, and frowns at herself for that* But yes... that's what I'd prefer.
Jake: *sounding genuinely surprised* That's the first I heard of it. *gently* Why didn't you say nothin'?
Lana: ...I didn't want to place any undue pressure on you. *finally looks back to him, reaching up to cup his cheek* You seemed pretty set on leaving.
Jake: Only 'cause I wanted to keep to my word and not overstay my welcome. *smiles* Buck up, baby. I like bein' with you 'n' Ema.
Lana: *smiles softly, giving him a tug of his whiskers* We like being with you too-- how could you think that'd you'd overstay?
Jake: Well, you ain't exactly accustomed to housin' a man, let alone a cowboy... *a short chuckle* Pretty big leap there. We never did discuss livin' together. Even back on the force.
Lana: Ema was younger then. The circumstances are different, now. *steps in, quietly searching his eyes* I don't want to press you for answers if you don't have them, but... where are we going, Jake? Where do you want us to go?
Jake: *his expression turns serious for a brief moment, then soften as he lightly strokes her hair* Wherever it is we're headed, sure would be nice to stay saddled up with you.
Lana: *closes her eyes, smiles and nods* ...I feel the same.
Jake: *clasps his hand behind her neck, resting them there* So, ideally, how long you want me to stay for?
Lana: ... *leans forward, her hand slipping down to his chest. She rests the side of her forehead against his shoulder* Ideally...? You wouldn't leave.
Jake: *brings a hand to her head, and a few beats pass before he says anything* Ever, huh...?
Lana: *braces herself, nodding against him* ...Yes.
Jake: I see. *stays silent for a while, just holding her; the apartment really is quiet*
Lana: *softly--but firmly* I won't bring it up again. But now you know.
Julie: *there's two knocks at the door, followed a pause and the landlady's head poking through the crack* Excuse me...?
Lana: *stands up straight-she would have pulled back save for Jake's hand still on her neck*
Jake: *gently lets go, smiling at the landlady* Ah, pardon me for the wait. *walks up to her* Dreadful fine place you got here, ma'am... but I'm afraid there's been a change o' plans. Hope you find yourself some good tenants -- it deserves some.
Julie: Oh, that's a shame. *and she does look rather disappointed* Well, best of luck to you and your friend, then. Shall I show the both of you out?
Jake: *nods* Please do. *turns to Lana* C'mon, bambina. Let's go home.
Lana: *nods, smiling softly as she walks over to him and the landlady, and the woman leads them out*
Lana: ((so jake how am I like a football))
Jake: ((nice and firm and looks good in leather mmm))
Lana: ((....))
Jake: ((I'd carry you to the end zone and spike you hard))
Jake: *it's the weekend, and the Rusty Gust Saloon & Grill is being looked after by Kate the bartender for a while. Jake has an important matter to attend to: apartment hunting. He's able to get back onto his own feet again, and he's already stayed at the Skye's longer than he should have. He looks for places for rent the old fashioned way, sitting at the dining table with the classified section of the newspaper and circling whatever sounds good*
Lana: *comes down the stairs, an empty cup in one hand and a binder of papers, opened, in the other. She reads from it as she passes the dining area and heads to the kitchen, opening up the fridge to refill her glass with water*
Jake: *writes the marked ads down in a memo book, calling out as he does* Hey, bambina...got a lot on your plate today?
Lana: Hmm? *shuts the fridge door, taking a sip from her glass* No, actually. I was just contacted by a potential client but I'm meeting with him tomorrow. *glances over to him* Why do you ask?
Jake: *still scribbling down addresses and times* What say you to accompanyin' me on my great hunt out in the grand horizons?
Lana: *smiles, shutting the binder and walking over to the table* Depends on what you're hunting, cowboy.
Jake: *puts down the pen and returns a smile to her* You know us cowboys are always on the move. Glad you gave me a roof to take shelter under while I got my finances in order, but it's about time I find me a place to settle that's rightfully mine.
Lana: ...Oh. *sets down her binder on the table and glances to the newspaper with all the circled entries in front of Jake. Her smile flickers somewhat* Are you sure that's what you want to do right now? ...Is now the time, I mean?
Jake: *remains chipper* I told ya I'd be outta both your hairs once I could support my own self -- and I'm a man of my word. Took longer than I thought it would... sorry for that. *folds the newspaper* But now is the time. Gonna check out these locations; see if there's a good spot for me to put down my bags.
Lana: You don't need to apologise. If you ever need to stay over again, you know... *trails off and shakes her head, smiling again* I'm getting ahead of myself. How many places have you written down?
Jake: *folds the newspaper in half, plopping in on top of the other sections. He skims the information he wrote down* Got seven of 'em here... Three are open for surveyin' today.
Lana: *nods* Three shouldn't be a problem at all. Let me go put this away-- *picks up the binder again* and get my purse. I'll be right down. *heads towards the stairs, taking her glass with her*
Jake: I'll be by the door. *takes his memo book and stands to get ready, relieved he won't have to bus everywhere...*
~~~
Lana: *about fifteen minutes later, Lana and Jake follow a rather large dumpy woman as she unlocks a worn apartment door. The entrance opens right to a tiny kitchen with a fridge and stove set that look as though they date from the previous century. There's a faintly musty smell and some of the paint is peeling but overall the place looks fairly clean*
Jake: *favouring his leather fringe jacket over his poncho today, Jake steps in with a satisfied expression as he looks around, taking a whiff of the musk* Hmm... Not bad. Nice 'n' cozy... Feels lived in.
Lana: *frowns slightly when she breathes in the musty air and studies the area with a more critical eye, noting the worn-down linoleum flooring* Hmm... it looks a bit dated. Do you allow for renovations and for the walls to be repainted?
Landlady: Ah yes, yes you can paint but only white. Any other changes you'll have to ask. *gestures them further inside, turning on another few sets of lights as they advance* But here, let me show you. Bathroom is here. *opens a door, revealing a rather cramped tiled room with the toilet jammed up against a tub* Bedroom, here. *another door--this one leads to a much larger room, empty. It has a window with a rather good view*
Jake: *walks into the bedroom; he's particularly attracted to the window* Hey now, this is pretty nice. Each room's got fine character and the view's downright proper. *turns to Lana without a hint of sarcasm* Whatcha think, baby?
Lana: *walks past Jake and to the window, frowning slightly* Well, it's not bad. And there is plenty of space in here. *by her tone though, it's clear she's not sold*
Landlady: *nodding quickly in agreement* Yes, is a very big room. Has place for big bed for you two, and many furniture.
Jake: *good naturedly* Oh, she's already got a place of her own. *giving a look around again, studying the amount of space* Yep -- got enough room here for me 'n' Billy, I reckon.
Landlady: *stares rather fixedly at Jake*
Lana: *quickly* His cactus.
Jake: And a fine specimen of a saguaro he is! I think he'd like it here. Why, I can feel the mugginess already.
Lana: It is rather muggy. Air conditioning isn't covered by the rent, is it?
Landlady: *a forced and therefore rather insincere smile* Ah, miss... there's no A/C.
Jake: *as-a-matter-of-factly* Gotta open up the windows, just like they did in the old days.
Lana: *this time her frown is directed at Jake*
Landlady: Do you have any questions? Would you like to look around more?
Lana: *quickly, before Jake can respond* I think we'll keep this place in mind, thank you. But we ought to get going.
Jake: *opens his mouth to respond, but Lana shoots first. He blinks at her*
Lana: *looks at him gravely* We have two more places to look at, today. *starts heading towards the door*
Landlady: *seems a touch irritated but not all that surprised; she follows, shutting the lights and reaching to her side for that ring of keys*
Jake: *follows, offering a friendly smile* Sure, we'll think it over. Thank you kindly for your time, ma'am.
Landlady: *begrudgingly* Not at all, not at all. *locks the door behind them, and is disgruntledly quiet as she leads them out of the building*
Lana: *no sooner than she's left, Lana shakes her head* That smell in there... I'm fairly sure it's mould.
Jake: *he's a bit more optimistic than she is* Ya figure? I thought it smelled more like fresh hay.
Lana: *blinks, heading over to where her car is parked* No, I'm... fairly positive. I'm sure you can find a better place, newer and with air conditioning. It's California, Jake-- and I know that's not Texas, but you'll be wanting it come warmer weather again.
Jake: *considers in her opinion as he moves to the passenger side of her car* Well, that's the most affordable of the three. Still think it had a certain bit o' charm to it...
Lana: *depresses the clutch and starts up the car, glancing over to the paper on the dashboard for the next location* There's a good chance there will be that same charm at the next location. And without that 'fresh hay' smell.
~~~
Lana: *thirty minutes later--quite a drive--Lana and Jake are let into another apartment, this time on the ground floor of the building complex. The furnishing is nice, almost excessively so; there's hardwood flooring in the front hall, high ceilings and no musty stench to be smelt. The landlord beams proudly as he points out features here and there--the tall windows in the living room, the new appliances, the recessed lighting-- as he shows them about*
Jake: *doesn't say much as the landlord goes on and on about the various features -- many of which are going right over his head -- and he's busy studying the look of the place. It sure looks pretty*
Lana: *this time she actually bothers to take out her camera, and she takes pictures of each room as the man speaks. She also asks questions, each of which are answered--yes, there's air conditioning and it's covered. Yes, the appliances are for the next tenant's use. Yes, the rent is actually the price listed in the newspaper--she has him repeat this more than once, as it seems to be a good deal lower than it ought to be*
Landlord: *waves them into the bedroom-it's just as large as the previous apartment they were at, if not more so--and opens up another door, speaking to Jake in a friendly manner* An' here's a walk in closet for the missus--we've got shoe racks already installed, too.
Jake: *blinks at the landlord before giving a hearty chuckle* Naw, uh... We ain't married. In fact, she ain't movin' in with me. 'S for myself.
Landlord: Ah, bachelor are ya? *rubs the back of his head* Sorry about that, I really should quit assumin' every time. Well, it's simple enough to get these racks removed. And you gotta admit this is a good place to bring a lady friend or two over to. *grins a rather greasy smile over at Lana*
Lana: *fortunately she doesn't notice, as she's inspecting the windows carefully. The view is to a rather busy street, with graffitied fences within sight that are quite jarring compared to the posh room interior they're standing in*
Lana: *to herself as an observation, more than anything* You would have to keep the curtains constantly drawn in here.
Jake: Ah... *chuckles again at that comment* I don't reckon she'd like me havin' female company over when she ain't around.
Lana: *glances back over to the two men, raising an eyebrow*
Landlord: Huh? Oh. Oh, I getcha.
Lana: *levelly* How is the crime rate in this part of town? I recall it was fairly bad a few years ago.
Landlord: Hm? Oh, it's fine, it's fine. Got a lot better. Besides, our front door security is top notch. We won't just let anyone in, you know.
Jake: *walks over to join Lana at the windows* I recall makin' a few rounds here myself.
Landlord: Oh, you were an officer. *a bit too quickly* That's good-- er, good! *even as he speaks, heated yelling erupts from somewhere outside--it's loud enough even to cut through the glass. The yells are followed by the wail of a siren*
Jake: *peers out, nudging his hat back to get a better view* What's the commotion...?
Landlord: Oh, there are... some groups who don't get along out there. *it's a couple of guys with blue bandannas, gesturing quite enthusiastically towards another handful of men wearing red bandannas. As the siren grows louder, both groups disappear*
Landlord: ...As I just said... we don't let just anyone wander in here. There won't be any trouble.
Lana: *frowns, glancing across the room to the middle-aged man* Even if you do keep a strict watch on the doors, these windows are large and vulnerable to a break-in. *glances down to the sill, where there are the faintest traces of crushed glass remaining here and there* In fact... I'm willing to wager that has happened already.
Jake: *squints* I'll have my Winchester ready at my side at all times. I say: y'all just try to come 'n' get me.
Lana: You can't always be at the ready. *walks back towards the rest of the room, heading over to the far corner where there's a nook--where the bed should probably be placed. It's here, up close, where she spots a few pock marks on the wall. They're faint and look like they've been repaired but they're still very distinctive*
Lana: What happened to the former tenant?
Landlord: Oh, uh... she had to vacate rather suddenly for personal reasons. *a very telling, awkward smile which is interrupted by the wail of another police siren outside*
Jake: *goes over to where Lana is to inspect the very suspicious anomaly* ...Whatcha think, baby?
Lana: *shakes her head, carefully taking a photo of the wall* I think we should keep on looking. This area doesn't seem ready yet.
Jake: I concur. Let's get a move on. *to the landlord, with a polite smile* Thanks for the look-see, hombre, but I don't think the folks 'round here take kindly to my type.
Landlord: *shrugs not quite all that nonchalantly* Suit yourselves. I'll show you two out. *leads them back through the other very lovely rooms, back to the front hall*
Lana: *walks out the door and heads on out of the building, shaking her head once she reaches the outside*
Jake: *simply remarks as though he doesn't know what else to say* Well. Least them floors were nice.
~~~
Lana: *another thirty minutes later, Lana and Jake are walking into the front lobby of the final building they'll be looking at for the day. It doesn't take long for them to find the management office, where a middle aged, rather chipper woman steps out to greet them, introduce herself as Julie and lead them around. They're taken up an elevator, to the eighth floor*
Julie: We're just four minutes walk from the nearest grocery store, and one to the nearest bus stop. *stops in front of a door and unlocks it for them--it reveals a spacious living room area, in decent carpeting* Comeon in.
Jake: *follows the woman inside, immediately impressed by the place. He gives a low whistle* Feels rightfully clean in here.
Julie: That's because it is! *it's not as lavish as the former apartment but indeed it is clean, well ventilated and relatively new looking. There's a fairly pleasant view out of the living room windows, and a decently large-sized kitchen attached to the area with a center island counter*
Lana: *takes photos of all of this as she looks around*
Julie: *leading them to the right* Over here is the washer/dryer room, and here's the washroom-- *both look spick and span and are well lit* Over here is the second bedroom. *opens up the door* The distance from the master is definitely an asset--which I'm sure you know if you've got kids already. *chuckles*
Jake: *a short, awkward laugh* Kids? Heck, we haven't even tied the knot. *goes into the room* This here's for myself... and the second bedroom'd make for fine storage, I'm bettin'.
Lana: *looks rather uncomfortable at the line of conversation--but the landlady spots it and takes her arm*
Julie: Sorry, honey. Didn't mean to make an awkward moment. *looking over to Jake* And no dear, this here is the second bedroom. You'll want to stay in the other unless you have an ungodly amount of storage. *leads Lana by the arm out and down the hall, opening up the door-- it's to quite a grand bedroom and the view is unblocked by other buildings--there's a lovely view of a park some distance off*
Jake: *smiles at the view* Nice... very nice. Lookit all the green! *seems focused on the hunt, glancing around and testing the closet*
Lana: *seems much more reserved than before as she snaps a photo of the room* Are the utilities covered in the rent?
Julie: Yes, it's all included. Heating, air-con, water and electricity... *to Jake* You like what you see?
Jake: *shuts the closet door, turning to the woman* I like what I see and I like what I hear. *to Lana* How 'bout you, bambina?
Lana: ... Yes, it's certainly better than the other two places we've looked at. *looking to the woman* How are the other tenants nearby?
Julie: Oh, the ones over here mostly keep to themselves. Couples and such. *knocks against the wall, which makes a nice solid thud* And you won't hear a peep outta them though they are nice and decent people.
Jake: *steps over to Lana* It's more'n just better than the other two. This is about equal to your place.
Lana: Not quite... but for living by yourself, yes. *puts her camera away*
Julie: *glance from one to the other* Do you have any other questions? I can leave you two alone for a moment if you'd like to discuss.
Jake: Hmm... *surveys the room again* Got anyone else taking serious consideration into signin' a lease?
Julie: A few, yes--but none immediately, which is what would be ideal for us. So if you're interested you might want to think about it as soon as possible!
Jake: All right. *smiles* Give us a moment, if you will, please?
Julie: Sure thing-- I'll be by the front, now. *steps out of the room, not shutting the door entirely but leaving it open a crack*
Jake: *faces Lana a few beats after the landlady leaves the room* Baby, you're quiet. What's eating you?
Lana: Mm? Nothing--I'm just thinking about the different features of this place. It's definitely the best option of what we've seen so far. *glances up at him*
Jake: *skeptical* That's all, huh?
Lana: For the most part, yes. Like Julie said-- you'll have to make a decision on this place quickly.
Jake: *keeps staring* You look about as happy as a hog bein' dragged away from a feed trough.
Lana: ...Did you just compare me to a pig?
Jake: *unshaken* You know what I meant.
Lana: *hesitates, considering her words* It's... just that this is all rather sudden.
Jake: Sudden? *steps in closer, concerned* What, me findin' a new place?
Lana: Yes--well, telling me that you wanted to start looking this afternoon. You seemed to have been enjoying yourself up to that point... *shakes her head* I just need a little while to get accustomed to the thought.
Jake: *blinks* You think I haven't been enjoyin' myself? Quite the contrary, bambina. What was sudden, though, was me movin' into your territory in the first place. I told you it was a temporary living arrangement, didn't I?
Lana: You did, and I knew it was going to be. *glances over to the window, her voice growing softer* I just rather it wasn't.
Jake: Hey now... *puts his hands on her shoulders, looking down at her* You'd rather we make it permanent? That what you're sayin'?
Lana: No--not necessarily-- *seems to stumble over her words, and frowns at herself for that* But yes... that's what I'd prefer.
Jake: *sounding genuinely surprised* That's the first I heard of it. *gently* Why didn't you say nothin'?
Lana: ...I didn't want to place any undue pressure on you. *finally looks back to him, reaching up to cup his cheek* You seemed pretty set on leaving.
Jake: Only 'cause I wanted to keep to my word and not overstay my welcome. *smiles* Buck up, baby. I like bein' with you 'n' Ema.
Lana: *smiles softly, giving him a tug of his whiskers* We like being with you too-- how could you think that'd you'd overstay?
Jake: Well, you ain't exactly accustomed to housin' a man, let alone a cowboy... *a short chuckle* Pretty big leap there. We never did discuss livin' together. Even back on the force.
Lana: Ema was younger then. The circumstances are different, now. *steps in, quietly searching his eyes* I don't want to press you for answers if you don't have them, but... where are we going, Jake? Where do you want us to go?
Jake: *his expression turns serious for a brief moment, then soften as he lightly strokes her hair* Wherever it is we're headed, sure would be nice to stay saddled up with you.
Lana: *closes her eyes, smiles and nods* ...I feel the same.
Jake: *clasps his hand behind her neck, resting them there* So, ideally, how long you want me to stay for?
Lana: ... *leans forward, her hand slipping down to his chest. She rests the side of her forehead against his shoulder* Ideally...? You wouldn't leave.
Jake: *brings a hand to her head, and a few beats pass before he says anything* Ever, huh...?
Lana: *braces herself, nodding against him* ...Yes.
Jake: I see. *stays silent for a while, just holding her; the apartment really is quiet*
Lana: *softly--but firmly* I won't bring it up again. But now you know.
Julie: *there's two knocks at the door, followed a pause and the landlady's head poking through the crack* Excuse me...?
Lana: *stands up straight-she would have pulled back save for Jake's hand still on her neck*
Jake: *gently lets go, smiling at the landlady* Ah, pardon me for the wait. *walks up to her* Dreadful fine place you got here, ma'am... but I'm afraid there's been a change o' plans. Hope you find yourself some good tenants -- it deserves some.
Julie: Oh, that's a shame. *and she does look rather disappointed* Well, best of luck to you and your friend, then. Shall I show the both of you out?
Jake: *nods* Please do. *turns to Lana* C'mon, bambina. Let's go home.
Lana: *nods, smiling softly as she walks over to him and the landlady, and the woman leads them out*