[SCENE] Jake and Lana in "The Cowboy Returns"
Lana: *it's early February 2025, and of course it is still relatively chilly in Los Angeles. Lana Skye wraps her coat warmly around herself after she parks her car in her driveway, stepping up to the front entrance of her townhouse with her keys in hand. It's the evening, but it's not yet very dark outside--she'd finished up early at the agency for once. Turning her key in the lock and opening the door, she is greeted by the warm glow of the hall light--not such an unusual occurrence, as she usually leaves it on to greet her upon return from work. However, what is unusual is the distinctive and achingly pleasant smell of food being prepared. Unsure of what to think, she steps into the house with shoes still on, turning at the first doorway and looking into the kitchen*
Jake: *the kitchen has clearly been used. The cutting board and knife are both on the counter with bits of vegetables still stuck on them. A few uncapped shakers of red spices have been left out. Most telling of all is the big pot -- the largest one she has -- lidded and sitting on the stove, giving off a familiar aroma*
Lana: *blinks, stepping up to the pot in somewhat of a daze. Lifting up the lid reveals a slowly simmering chili--unbelievingly, she stares at it for a moment before spinning around, stepping out to the rest of the house* ...Jake? Jake!
Jake: *there are no signs of anyone else around, save for a large duffel bag dumped on the floor of the dining room. There's a hat that can only belong to one person propped on top of it. Behind Lana, a toilet flushing is heard, followed by running water. The door to the half-bathroom located across the kitchen opens, and Jake steps out, looking the same as he always did...except he's a little weathered (albeit in an attractive way) and his hair's much, much shorter and scruffy, slicked back slightly into natural spikes*
Jake: *he smiles at her and when he speaks, it's in an airy tone, as though he hasn't been gone for a year and a half:* Howdy, bambina! How was work?
Lana: *just... stares at him*
Lana: You... you came back.
Jake: *matter-of-factly* Just got back today. *moves to the kitchen to check on the chili* You hungry? Believe it or not, I perfected my cooking even farther.
Lana: *doesn't seem to hear his question--she follows his movements with her eyes, turning as he moves into the kitchen, but not following after him*
Jake: *removes the pot lid and gives the chili a slow stir with a wooden spoon before bringing it to his lips for a taste. Setting it down and covering the pot again, he turns to her, casually leaning against the counter* Might need another half hour or so. *pause* What's the matter? You look like you seen a ghost.
Lana: *glances away, arms folded across her chest--her fingers are digging into the cloth of her coat's sleeves* ...How long are you staying for...?
Jake: *blinks* Staying where?
Lana: *shuts her eyes* Here.
Jake: *all too chipper* Well...if you mean L.A., I'm back fer good. Couldn't find a place to park, so my steed 'n' wagon's just 'round the corner. *gestures with his thumb*
Lana: *evenly--a little too evenly, considering that her hands are now starting to shake and she is deathly pale* And that's it?
Jake: *calmly examining her features* Bambina, you all right? You're whiter than the snow on the Wind River mountain ranges.
Lana: *glances away from him--she's shaking more strongly, and it starts to show in her voice* You didn't respond to my letters for half a year. It's been half a year.
Jake: *his smile finally weakens, but it's still there. There's a strange sort of soft affection to his tone now* ...Yeah. Entirely my own fault -- wasn't nothin' personal against you. I got bitten by the procrastination bug bad. Didn't think you'd mind so harshly...Can you forgive me?
Lana: *she manages to have one hand release its grip-- it shakes as she moves it up to cover her eyes. She turns away from him, her voice getting higher, louder* You didn't think I'd mind? How could you--what did you think I'd feel?!
Jake: *keeps a steadfast gaze on her, not moving from his spot; he lets a few uncomfortable seconds pass before he responds regretfully* Can't, huh? Figured as much.
Lana: It's not that simple! *takes in a quick gasp of air--she's breathing rather shallowly, quickly, still not turning back to him* I can't just-- Oh-- *breathes in sharply again as some thought or realization strikes her. When she speaks again, it's in a murmur* Why did you. Why are you doing this...?
Jake: Hey, whoa. *steps up to her, placing his hands on her shoulders with concern* Calm down. Relax. You're breathin' like a leaky bellows.
Lana: *flinches at his touch, taking a staggering step back to pull away from his hold. The hand at her face comes down and it's damp; she clenches it. However, rather than her features being sad, her face is contorted in anger. The pitch of her voice raises again* It's been a year and a half, and you come back here like nothing's happened--as though you've never left?!
Jake: *understanding, he keeps his hands to himself and looks straight at her, noting the hurt in her voice* I didn't want to make a big show outta coming back. I wanted my return to feel natural. After all...this is where I belong.
Lana: *meets his eyes, staring angrily, questioningly at him--and then she wavers, her voice lowering again as she processes his words* You realize that now...? Do you really believe that, now...?
Jake: *hesitantly* Yeah, I...ah. It didn't work out. *lowers his gaze, scratching the back of his neck* Turns out I'm a city slicker at heart. ...You may've noticed I began skippin' the details of my work halfway through in my letters.
Lana: *frowns as she stares at his features--confusion has been added to the list of emotions playing across her face* So you didn't get used to it. ... And that's why you came back...?
Jake: *glances back up at her; his tone is of conviction, but solemn as well* I didn't wanna admit to you my true feelings 'bout my test ride of life in Wyoming. But here I am.
Lana: *either his words or his solemn expression has helped her calm down somewhat as well, though her hands are still tense* Is that why you stopped writing altogether?
Jake: *turns to the stove, picking up the lid to examine the simmering chili again* I'm far from being a poet -- didn't know how to put nothin' to words without sounding offish. *giving the chili a stir* Before I knew it, months had passed by like a cold winter's gust. I knew I couldn't put off explainin' myself any longer... *taps the spoon against the rim and puts it down, looking back at her* so I swallowed my pride and returned home.
Lana: *glances off to the side again--she's calm now, but too much so. Her words are cold* ...And so you come slinking back to the city, wanting to resume everything where you left off.
Jake: *eyes her intently* It wasn't no easy decision.
Lana: *curtly, meeting his eyes before glancing off again* How so? If you didn't like it there, where else were you going to go?
Jake: *calmly* Don't be that way, bambina. I didn't enjoy the way things between us went no more than you did.
Lana: ...Only, in your case you could have done something about it before now.
Jake: *firmly* I had a lot goin' on and some things just plumb slipped my mind. I know I should've kept in touch better. No need to beat that in for me.
Lana: If I'm one of those things that just 'slipped your mind', I don't know why you came back. *she's silent for a minute, refusing to look at him. Her voice grows softer--some emotion seeps back in, and her tone is reluctant--apologetic, even* I've tried to move on since then.
Jake: *blinks at her* Move on how?
Lana: I thought you weren't coming back. *keeps her eyes fixed on the dining room table some lengths away* I was halfway through writing a letter to you--I thought I had to let you go. I held on for a year and a half, but--I did let you go.
Jake: Ah. *seemingly taking the news better than one might expect* You've bagged yourself another man, then.
Lana: *hesitates, neither assenting or dissenting*
Jake: *smiles good-naturedly, complacence returning to his tone* Pardon me for my intrusion, then. *gesturing to the pot* This should last you a week. Don't mind me -- I already got my vittles from Carl's Jr. on the road here. *casually walks out the kitchen, past Lana, heading for his bag*
Lana: ...Hold it! *turns to him, reaching out and grabbing his arm* Where... are you going?
Jake: *stops in his track, looking back at her* I'm a mite tuckered from the long drive. I need to find me an inn where I can recuperate.
Lana: *keeps her hold on his arm* You can stay here for now. Use my bedroom--or Ema's. She won't be back home for a while. *softly* ...Don't just leave again.
Jake: *a sad sincerity to his expression* Awful kind of you to offer...but it just ain't in me to lodge with another man's lady.
Lana: *firmly* I'm not "anyone else's". There's someone else... but nothing is set in stone. *glances away again* I didn't know there was even a possibility you would come back.
Jake: ...You didn't. *turning to her fully* Now what in Sam Hill gave you that idea?
Lana: *stares at him, temporarily disconcerted by the question* ...You wanted us to "go on a break." You said there was a possibility you would be staying in Wyoming. Then you completely stopped responding to me for half a year.
Jake: You think I woulda put a bullet in the relationship without informing you first?
Lana: You had already given me a warning... *shuts her eyes* Yes, I was afraid that was the only notice that I would get.
Jake: Why would I do that to you? *with genuine interest -- almost indignant* Do you take me for that kinda man?
Lana: ...I don't know. *though she's still holding on to him--it doesn't seem as though she'll let go any time soon--she curls her other hand up, her thumb moving to her lips. Her voice is tinged with resignation* No, it's not anything against you. It was just the state of what we had... that's all.
Jake: If I was certain it was a permanent move, I woulda told you as much. *gently takes her hand in his before she can chew on her thumb* I may be a fool at times, but I ain't cruel. I wouldn't leave you hangin'.
Lana: *shuts her eyes, her shoulders seeming to sag slightly at that. She can't bite down on her thumb, but she presses her lips together* ...I'm sorry I doubted that.
Jake: And I'm sorry for not making myself clear enough. *peers down at her* Now, 's there a good reason why you won't look at me?
Lana: *after a moment, she opens her eyes to glance at him--she looks anxious, troubled... and sorrowful, even. The corners of her eyes are damp* ...I missed you. I've missed you so very much.
Jake: *smiles unabashedly upon seeing her eyes* Missed you, too. I'm glad to be back.
Lana: *gently tugs her hand free of his, his smile causing her to try and reciprocate with a slight one of her own. It isn't entirely successful* I can't promise you anything for certain... I don't know what to do. But you will stay--here--at least until everything is sorted out, won't you? I need some time to think all of this through.
Jake: *returns his hand to his side* You sure you want me to stay? A minute ago you sounded about ready to raise a bristle with me.
Lana: I'm not sure that I've ruled that out as a possible action. *tries to glare at him--but that isn't entirely successful either and so she just looks at him, observing all the little details about him that have changed in the year and a half he's been away* I haven't seen you for such a long time... I still need to get over the shock of actually seeing you again.
Jake: *grins devilishly, running a hand through his hair* Hard to believe I'm gettin' older, I know.
Lana: *frowns-- then glances off. She speaks somewhat distantly* ...I'm going to go get changed. *heads back towards the door, removing her jacket and her shoes at the shoemat before walking over to the stairs*
Jake: *reaches down to his bag, glancing back at her* Something still pesterin' ya?
Lana: No... it's nothing.
Jake: *slinging the strap over his shoulder, he picks up his hat by the crown and follows her up to the bottom of the staircase* You ain't exactly what I'd call an open book, bambina. Mind reading out loud for me?
Lana: *climbs the stairs, her hand gripping the railing* What kind of situation have I been put into? Rather... what kind of a situation have I put myself into?
Jake: *watches her silently for a moment* ...Guess you can't skip to the end to find out how it all concludes.
Lana: *turns to look back at him* What do you mean?
Jake: When a dust storm's roarin' across the dry lands and you can't even see what's five feet ahead of you, how do you know when it'll end? *smirks* Only time will tell.
Lana: *shuts her eyes at the allusion, proceeding quickly up the stairs*
Jake: *keeps a small smile on as he begins to walk upstairs himself* When I rode back into town, I visited Neil first.
Lana: ...Did you? *softly* It has been a while since you last went to visit him.
Jake: *any awkward tension in his voice slips away at the thought* Yep. Stopped by, said hi... Saw the flowers. *pause* Thanks, Lana.
Lana: *shakes her head* You don't need to thank me. *walks to her door, placing her hand on the handle* It'll be the 19th soon. I'd like to visit again.
Jake: *stops a foot behind her* Ten years.
Lana: *nods* Ten years exactly... it's a little hard to believe.
Jake: Which reminds me. *unzips his bag and reaches in, shuffling some of the contents aside before pulling out a small box the size of his hand. It's wrapped in what looks like butcher paper with some twine tied around it in a bow. He hands it over to her*
Lana: *glances over* This is for me? *turns and takes it, carefully undoing the twine and lifting the butcher paper up at the edges* What is it?
Jake: Just a lil' somethin' for your birthday. *grins* You'll be joining me on the other side o' the hill soon.
Lana: ... I'd nearly forgotten. *lifts up the lid of the box and looks at what's inside-- it's a roundish metal object with a star engraved on it, with the faintest traces of wear on the surface. She runs a finger lightly over it, not quite understanding* Is it a buckle?
Jake: It was the cap for my saddle horn! Won't be needin' that no more. *says this without sadness* Pretty nice, ain't it?
Lana: It is, very. *looks up at him contemplatively for a moment before she smiles, slightly* ...Thank you.
Jake: *giving her a fond smile* Don't mention it. *turns, heading for Ema's room*
Lana: *watches him head off, before walking into her own room. She hesitates before shutting the door firmly behind her*
Jake: *stands in Ema's bedroom, eyeing the teenage girl decor like he just walked into a saloon that doesn't like his type*
Lana: *sets the gift box and saddle horn cap on the little nightstand beside her bed, changing out of her suit jacket and skirt. She hangs up both items back up in her closet--pausing momentarily when she sees the blue-gray dress next to it--and putting on a casual blouse and pants. She heads to her washroom to rinse her face, then silently exits the room*
Jake: *has set his bag down and unpacked a bit during that time. He looks out the room; being back after so many months away is a strange feeling. Even the floor feels unusual against his feet. When Lana comes out, he doesn't say anything*
Lana: *stands by the doorway to Ema's room, looking in. Jake looks entirely strange standing there in the room... not so much because he'd been away for so long, but because he's never lingered in that bedroom to begin with* You can stay and unpack a bit more, if you'd like. I'll go check on the chili.
Jake: How long you expectin' me to stay here for?
Lana: *glances off* ...How long do you want to stay for?
Jake: *smirking* You wanna house this land-loper 'til he's found himself a job? Or mayhaps you'd like him for keeps?
Lana: ...I don't know. I need some time to think it over. *glances down* At least until you've found a job--I'm not going to throw you out of here. *hesitates* ...Are you thinking about going back to the Gust?
Jake: Remember what I wrote...'bout customer service being one of my callings? It's looking more and more like I'll be livin' with the Gust, dyin' with the Gust. Like the saloon owners of the old days.
Lana: *folds her arms, looking to him* You know that I could always find you something to do at the agency--even if it were only in a consulting role...
Jake: *glances down with a sigh as he idly feels the back of his head* Been a long time since I done any work in that field.
Lana: It's not exactly something you can ever forget. Give it some thought.
Jake: Guess I can't pick up everything from where I left it, huh? *motions towards the stairs* C'mon now. Supper's on.
Lana: *nods, heading down in a rather awkward silence. It's only when she's made it to the kitchen and is taking out the bowls and utensils that she speaks again* ...Aren't you going to ask who it is?
Jake: *takes a seat at the dinner table, coquettishly leaning forward and resting his chin on his hands* Who's the new boy~?
Lana: *turns to the stove to shut off the burner. She lifts up the lid of the pot, giving it a stir before she starts spooning the chili into the two bowls. Her face is rather impassive* You do know who he is.
Jake: My goodness! *gives a girlish grin, leaning more forward* Lana Skye, you are full of surprises. Who is it? Lee? Douglas?
Lana: *glances over the counter to stare at him--then proceeds to break two large pieces off of a loaf of bread, placing them along with the bowls of chili on a tray. She opens a cupboard for two glasses* It isn't anyone at the agency, though I suppose starting there isn't a bad guess. I have worked with him before, however.
Jake: *feigning excitement* Is he handsome?
Lana: I'd say so. *goes to the fridge for the milk* It's Miles Edgeworth.
Jake: .... *sits straight up, deadpanning* Lana, when I asked who the boy is I was only kidding.
Lana: He's thirty-one, Jake. *fills the two glasses, places the milk back into the refrigerator, and carries the tray to the dining room table*
Jake: ...I'm getting some strong déjà vu vibes here. *rubs his temples with one hand*
Lana: *sets a bowl, a glass and a loaf of bread in front of him before placing down her own across from him* How so?
Jake: This ain't the first time he rustled away my woman. *picks up the spoon* What's he got that I don't?
Lana: ...I had forgotten about that. *takes her seat, picking up her spoon* Well, in this case-- we do share many hobbies and interests. *stirring her bowl* He was courteous and supportive, without any expectations. I did make it quite clear to him he should hold none. *tilts her head* ...And he is quite the gentleman, which you are not.
Jake: *swallows a spoonful of chili, dipping the utensil into the bowl again* *calmly* You're right. I ain't.
Lana: *glances down at the table, taking a bite of her food after a moment* I'd meant that lightly.
Jake: Naw, you are correct. I'm no gentleman. *looks up at her from his bowl, dead serious* I'm the sort of bad egg who'd -- without any respect to Edgeworth or your feelings -- invade your personal space, grapple you to the floor, stare straight into your eyes and demand you be my woman again, like no gentleman ever should or would. 'Cause I'd take what I want, however I please, with no shame or decency. Edgeworth wouldn't do that for sure, 'cause he's a well-born man.
Lana: *her spoon clinks against the side of the bowl as she rests it there. Looking over to him, her cheeks are flushed--likelier from anger than from arousal, as she's also glaring at him solidly from across the table* *curtly* You're right; he wouldn't do such a thing. But you'd never try that either, Mr. Marshall--bad egg or no.
Jake: *plainly* Nah, I wouldn't. *turns his attention back to the meal, scooping up some chili* Just 'cause I'm no gentleman don't mean I got no table manners.
Lana: ... *keeps frowning at him a moment more--but it can't last very much longer under these conditions. She shakes her head and laughs softly, disbelievingly, picking her spoon back up* *after a moment* You're right, you know. Your cooking has improved even more since you left.
Jake: *smiles to himself immediately upon hearing her laughter* I've come back with a few more recipes up my sleeve. A fair warning to ya -- you may find yourself hooked on my cooking.
Lana: *softly, with a faint, if slightly troubled smile* And then I'd need you to stay, wouldn't I?
Jake: Yep. Whatever would you do then?
Lana: ...I suppose I'd then have to ask you to stay, if that were the case. *this, however, is said without a smile; she resumes eating*
Jake: *doesn't respond to that -- instead, he drinks from his glass and keeps eating silently with a content expression*
Lana: *finishes off a good portion of her bowl before she speaks again. Her eyes search his contented features questioningly* Are you so sure about how the future will turn out?
Jake: *doesn't look up* I'm just happy to be here, bambina. *takes a spoonful of chili*
Lana: ...Ah. *and she looks back down at her bowl again, resolving to quietly finish the rest of her meal*