(no subject)
Title: An Expensive Cocktail
Author: Tacti
Pairing: (Gargoyles) one-sided Xanatos/Owen, Elisa/Goliath
Rating: PG (alcohol)
Genre: angst
Word Count: drabble
Summary: While out at an expensive bar, the last person Xanatos expects to find is Elisa. He's definitely too drunk and too rich to deal with this right now, especially after meeting Owen's family
You know those miserable, down-in-the-dumps nights when you just want a drink? Tonight was one of those nights for David Xanatos. Impossible wealth meant that he at least had the privacy of his own booth in a trendy bar in the trendy part of NYC. It was when he staggered to the bathroom that he ran into problems. Literally.
“Whoa there, partner. Seems like you've been hitting 'em hard. Bad day?” The corners of his mouth twitched upward as he recognized the voice.
“And what's a gargoyle's girl doing in a high end place like this? I didn't think your detective salary was that much.”
“Heh, you're right. I'm here on business. Which happens to be you.”
“Ms. Maza, I'd be more than willing to engage you on any other night but--”
“Hold on; you didn't let me finish. Goliath said he was worried about you, so he told me to come check up. Look, I'll buy one drink and get outta your hair if you really don't wanna talk. But you seem like you've got a lot weighing you down for someone so rich.” She winked, returning the insult with her own good nature.
He sighed. “The booth on the left is where I'm sitting. I'll be back.” He returned and found that Elisa had made herself comfortable in his booth.
“How do you order? I just want a beer.” He sighed and sat down, pressing a button.
“What can I get you, sir?” the bartender's voice asked.
“A bottle of beer. And send bring up the Vegas Ono.” It came within the minute and Elisa chugged it. That surprised Xanatos, though he didn't say anything. He focused on the jewel-encrusted glass in front of him, and removed his previous cuff links to replace them with the 18 ct ones that sat on the tray next to his drink.
“It's genuine stingray leather, you know,” he said, idly sipping at his $10,000 cocktail. By the time he finished it, the feelings seemed to flow out naturally. “My life is like a 3 o'clock soap, you know? I hired Owen because he's smart. And the only friend I have. I've been in love with him for years, but he never noticed. He got married and had children, and I had to pretend. I'm surrounded by money, but the one thing that I want, I can't have. Is it so wrong to be in love with him?” Elisa reached across the table and put her hand on his.
“Trust your heart, even if it hurts. Maybe, you're being taught that money isn't everything.”
“I already knew that, Ms. Maza. Even if I offered him money, there are certain lines that Owen would never cross.” His hands were in his hair, and he felt like he was going to cry and throw up at the same time. Neither of which was very classy. “It's enough just having him by my side.”
“That means that he's either really good at his job, or you love him a whole lot.”
“It's a bit of both, actually. Owen is phenomenal at his job. He's a perfectionist and a bit cold, but I love that about him.” The wealthy gentleman was beginning to get dizzy. “Okay, I got it out of my system. You can go have a date with Goliath or something. I'll take care of the bill.” Elisa didn't seem impressed with that last bit, but his shooing prompted her to exit the building.
She took a cab on the way back, and rode it to the top - to see Goliath. He embraced her, and she leaned up to give him a peck on the cheek.
“Gimme a sec, there's something I have to do.” She went into the castle and called: “Owen! Owen, you here?” He emerged from one of the office rooms and stared at her blankly.
“Was there something you wanted?” he asked, sounding slightly bored.
“Just wanted you to listen to this,” Elisa said, pulling out the recorder from inside her jacket and pressing it into his palm. Before he could ask any questions, the detective was gone. Owen had no choice but to rewind and hit 'play.' At first, it was just background noise, and he skipped through it. 'Was that David?' he wondered. He stopped and replayed. It was! He listened to the tape and was surprised to find a tear drop staining his glasses.