Lana: *It's just after 11:00 PM when Lana enters the Rusty Gust, taking a moment to look around the saloon and try to spot Jake from the entrance*
Jake: *The bar is mostly empty, save for a few deadbeats who don't want to go home to face whatever problems await them there. Jake is behind the counter, polishing a glass. He'd been expecting Lana, but he had no clue when she was going to come -- he'd given into a few drinks already, none too affected but anyone who knows him can tell he's not completely sober.*
Lana: *she walks over to the bar, not minding the men sitting there, and takes her seat on one of the stools - the one directly across from Jake himself. When she speaks she's smiling, and there's little strain to it* Hi, Jake. Can I get a cranberry juice?
Jake: *when he hears her voice, he's caught off-guard.* Whoa there, bambina! Didn't see you come in. *goes to the fridge and fetches a can of cranberry cocktail* Careful out there. Lotta wolves a-prowlin' at night. Be safer to drop by while the sun's still out... *puts some ice and a thin black straw in a glass and sets it in front of Lana, opening the can of juice and pouring it in*
Lana: *she takes the glass with a bit of a nod* Thanks... and don't worry about me. We've walked tougher streets than this neighborhood's. *she takes a long sip, her eyes never leaving him* How are you holding up?
Jake: Right, but I was there to guard ya, and... well, I'm tied to this rumhole now, and this time I'm feedin' the wolves. *puts away the glass he was polishing, avoiding Lana's gaze as he answers* Good. Good. *that's all he says*
Lana: I know...we'll work on that. *she says nothing further but rises from her seat, leaning over the counter and pulling Jake towards her by the collar of his shirt, kissing him lightly on the chin and catching a whiff of his breath in the process*
Jake: *says nothing when he's pulled close to her and kissed. His eyes glances down to her lips, then to her eyes, a look of quiet surprise on his face. His question is a simple one:* What was that?
Lana: *she smiles at him - his chin scratches, but in a good, familiar way* A reminder...and a check. *she takes her seat, composure restored, not minding the other people in the bar as she sips her juice* I know it's been hard for you.
Jake: *watches Lana re-seat herself with a neutral expression. After a few beats, he wipes his mouth and places both hands on the counter in front of her* I'm tryin'... But I go ravin' distracted in here when the crowd's hot. So I end up stealin' a few drops.
Lana: *she shakes her head* I don't expect you drop it all at once, Jake. Not while you're here. *as she says this she looks at the patrons and grimaces; this isn't the crowd he needs to be around, regardless of his access to liquor* I've been thinking about that... but I don't have any ideas just yet.
Lana: *turns back to him* But how have you been otherwise? Anything interesting go on? *she considers mentioning the matter of applying for his license and dismisses it immediately*
Jake: *smiles a little at Lana's understanding -- he knew she would, but he still hates to disappoint when he'd made this decision with her.* I been teachin' that Wright fellow how to master the keys.
Lana: ... Phoenix Wright? You're teaching him what?
Jake: *gestures towards the upright piano with a nod of his head* Mondays to Fridays, every night, from four o'clock to ten, if you wanna see a former attorney at law tackle a thing he can't talk his way out of.
Lana: *she cocks an eyebrow as she looks at the piano, looks at Jake to make sure he is being serious with her, then looks at the piano again* ...I'll take you up on that, sometime. It must be quite the scene he makes.
Jake: They say the piano's able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibratin' air... *brings his fingers to his forehead and rubs as though alleviating a headache* He's better off usin' his mouth.
Lana: *she nods - that gesture is familiar to her* So why do you keep him on?
Jake: Brings a certain air o' charm to this place, don't it? *drops his hand, grinning* Like the bull's skull hangin' on the wall! *pauses and continues in a flat tone* 'Cept I don't gotta pay the bull eight bucks per hour. *another pause* Or feed it.
Lana: Indeed... Though I would do the same though, in your situation. *sips from her glass* I'll need to come by and see, in any case. Would it be all right if I brought Ema? I'm sure she'd be very glad to see you and Mr. Wright again.
Jake: No need to be askin' questions with obvious answers, bambina. *stands up straight and adjusts his hat* Close to graduatin', ain't she? *steps over to the register and grabs a peppermint from the bowl next to it*
Lana: She is. *looks off into space, given pause* Just a few more weeks and she'll be ready to get out on her own.
Jake: *smiles fondly at her as he undoes the wrapping* Shore is growin' up fast... Soon 'nuff, I won't be able to tell you two apart!
Lana: Ahhh... *she says nothing, looking down into her drink before tipping it back and gulping it*
Jake: *looks at Lana as though expecting her to say more* You happy or scared, or what?
Lana: *she sets the glass down, staring at the ice in it* I... I guess I'm a little sad. Not scared. I know she can take care of herself. But I wasn't there for her for a long time. I haven't always done right by her, and I think I may have wasted a lot of time.
Jake: *puts the mint candy in his mouth as Lana speaks, rolling it contemplatively with his tongue. He can tell this is a complicated issue for her.* Not too late to catch up on those times, is it?
Lana: *she shakes her head and picks the glass back up, letting a piece of ice slide into her mouth and rolling it around before biting it* No...it's not. But I still worry. She seems happy - is happy - but I can't give her back her childhood.
Jake: *takes a few steps to walk back to her, standing directly opposite* If she's happy, then I'd say you done good, Lana. You done all you can, given the circumstances... I'm sure you've heard this all before and it may be dull music t'yer ears, but it ain't no flack.
Lana: *still chewing the ice as she looks up at him* I know. It's what I tell myself, too - and sorry. I didn't come here to get sentimental over things I can't change.
Jake: *speaks without missing a beat* Pay no mind to it; now how about us?
Lana: *she swallows the ice and blinks at him* Us? How do you mean?
Jake: *bites down hard on the candy with his molars, splitting it into two pieces. He looks around the room briefly -- business is quiet enough to be able to leave his post. He leans in, bringing his face close to Lana, speaking in a low voice next to her ear* Back room or backstage. Yer choice.
Lana: *she feels her pulse quicken at the suggestion - she told Ema she would be out late, there's certainly time, but he hasn't actually suggested anything like that i-* Backstage.
Jake: *stands up straight, one hand on the bar counter sliding back as he does, letting it drop off the edge* Come with me. *It's hard to read his expression -- without meeting her eye, he stalks off to the door leading backstage.*
Lana: *she rises and follows, not looking back, wondering exactly what it is he's leading her to - wondering whether or not she should be worried*
Jake: *opens the door and flicks on the light, stepping inside and waiting for Lana to come in as the lights hum quietly above*
Lana: *steps through the door, taking another moment to look around, trying to assess the situation - him not moving for the couch cuts off several avenues of speculation, so now she's more curious, and it reflects in her voice* What's up, Jake?
Jake: *his hat shields his eyes as he talks* You just followed desperado into a secluded room, where no one can hear you scream... You gonna turn yer heel and walk away? Or will you take yer chances and shut the door?
Lana: *reaches back and closes the door, keeping her eyes locked on him*
Jake: *nudges the rim of his hat up with a satisfied grin* Ah! Good to see we both trust each other, then.
Lana: *smiles, hands clasped behind her back and her stance formal and business-like* I hope we do. What's this about?
Jake: Allow me to repeat myself if you will, bambina... but it ain't too late to catch up on the lost times, is it? I'm talkin' 'bout us this time, of course. *crunches on a piece of his mint*
Lana: *the answer's the same, and her smile falls away but the look she gives is just as soft, only more searching* I like to think so... It's something I would be willing to work very hard for.
Jake: It's gonna be a doozy. *a beat* Not as big as tryin' to go cold turkey while tendin' to the bar, but... *glances off to the side as if in deep thought* Just as important, I'd say.
Lana: So you're ready to try too, then.
Jake: *chews silently for a moment* Maybe. *pause* Gotta make sure o' somethin' first.
Lana: *leaves a pause herself* Make sure of what?
Jake: How I feel when I tell you this. *finishes off the last piece and moves his hand to his hat, removing it and looking straight at her.* Lana Skye, I forgive you.
Lana: I... *she looks at him for what feels like a long time, though it's only a couple of seconds; she hadn't realized that she had been waiting for him to say that, and the words tighten her throat, make her voice small for an already child-like question* ...Really?
Jake: *His eyes flick upwards like he's searching for something above his head, or trying to listen to something in the distance. After a few moments, he nods to himself in affirmation.* ...Yep, that feels about right. *Turns his attention back to Lana* Wasn't even all that sure myself 'til I said it, but yes. I do.
Lana: I don't... *looks down, unsure of how to answer, temporarily at a loss for words* ...Thank you, Jake.
Jake: *smiles at her; he feels greatly relieved, too, but he's trying not to show it* I'm a selfish man, bambina. I got that out of the way so I could ask you the next question without feelin' any doubt of sorts.
Lana: I understand. *it wasn't such a selfish thing, to her - she feels lighter* What is it?
Jake: *runs a hand through his hair and talks very smoothly, though he's greatly nervous inside* I need a distraction away from my ol' habits, and you're pretty easy on the eyes. On my next day off, thought I should go take a look-see what's goin' on in town these days... Whaddaya say? You wanna come with?
Lana: *the smile is genuine, flattered* Mr. Marshall, are you asking me out on a date?
Jake: *grins playfully* Does it sound like one to you? Thought I'd have a nice night on the town with an old friend. I won't try nothin'... 'less you ask for it.
Lana: Then yes - I would love to come with you. *steps closer to him, tilting her head back when she's close enough to need to in order to keep eye contact* And you don't need to wait for me to ask.
Jake: *tilts his head down, looking at her* That was a lot easier than I thought, I tell you what. Sure as hell glad you took the risk -- not that I didn't expect you to. You ain't no lily liver.
Lana: I'm glad too... but I think part of it is just know what both of us want. *pauses* When's your next day off?
Jake:What we want, huh? *thinks on that thought for a bit before replying* Next Wednesday.
Lana: I'll be sure to clear my schedule for you.
Jake: Muy bueno! ...Thanks, bambina. *a content, genuine smile as he keeps looking down at her, quite unable to look away*
Lana: *pointedly makes no move beyond looking up at him* You didn't need to ask me back here for that.
Jake: *his tone unchanging* Then why'd you choose this room when the back room was closer?
Lana: *hers is similarly level* Because the back room was closer.
Jake: So what? Thought we'd need the extra privacy?
Lana: I was hoping so, yes.
Jake: Hoping. *pause* Sounds like you had somethin' in mind.
Lana: Well... To be honest, I thought you did.
Jake: And you still chose to come in here without even askin' why or what.
Lana: *smiles* I had high hopes.
Jake: *can't help but grin* Don't you know it's dangerous to make assumptions around a cowboy, missy?
Lana: *reaches up, running her hand along the lines of his jaw and to the back of his head, digging her fingers into his hair* Don't you know how dangerous it can be to leave a woman's expectations unfulfilled?
Jake: *brings a hand to her collarbone, tracing it with his finger before resting it on her shoulder* Wasn't sure if you were armed or not. Thought I'd let you draw first.
Lana: *the smile shifts into a grin* I'm unarmed, cowboy. What will you do?
Jake: That so? *leans in, his lips slowly approaching hers* Comin' to a showdown unarmed is dangerous, too.
Lana: *leans back up and kisses him, not responding otherwise - he tastes like peppermint schnapps but she doesn't care*
Jake: *bringing his arms around her shoulders, he pulls her closer and his kiss grows more eager -- whether doing this is a smart idea or not, he doesn't give a damn right now*
Lana: *when he pulls her against him her breath catches, and she relishes the feeling of closeness - but in another moment she wants more, breaking away the kiss momentarily* Jake...the couch...
Jake: *looking down at her with a light chuckle, he pushes gently on her shoulders, towards the couch's armrest* How long's it been?
Lana: *she steps back willingly, almost eagerly, seating herself on the armrest and never break eye contact* Six years.
Jake: *tosses his hat onto the seat and runs his hands down her sides, stopping at her thighs and lightly rubbing them through the fabric of her skirt* Lordy, bambina. How'd you cope?
Lana: *grabs onto the armest with her hands, steadying herself and licking her lips - it has been six years, and she's feeling all of that time* By myself.
Jake: *reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small tin of Altoids. He opens it and drops the last one in his hand -- he'd been saving it for closing time* Shoulda said somethin' sooner, then. I'm not a selfish man, you know.
Lana: *it takes a second for that to register, but when it does her smiles drops and her face is all intense seriousness, but her tone isn't* Then, please...don't keep me waiting.
Jake: *puts the tin away and doesn't break eye contact as he kneels down onto the floor in front of her. He slowly slides a hand in between her thighs while looking up at her, grinning widely. It's a familiar sight -- one he wasn't sure he'd ever have the pleasure of seeing again.* Pardon me; what was that?
Lana: *she hears him against a backdrop of white noise and the dull whine of a high-pitched ringing in her ears - it takes her a moment but she relaxes as best she can, and smiles for him* Please. Don't keep me waiting.
Jake: Hang on tight. *He pops the mint in his mouth and leans in.*