[SCENE] Jake and Angel in "Punch-Drunk Lunch"
Angel: *is waiting outside the doors of the Rusty Gust Saloon. It is about 2:30 pm, and Angel is a bit early to meet Jake. She leans against the wall, idling, arms crossed, tapping her foot rather impatiently. She isn't in her Lunchland uniform, but she does have her basket with her for some reason*
Jake: *Turns the corner with his keys, trying to pay no mind to his pounding headache. He nearly stops in his tracks when he sees Angel standing outside the saloon. He walks up to her, putting on as cheerful of a smile as he can muster, though his tired-looking eyes betray his front.* If you're lookin' for the Pearly Gates, you got the wrong address.
Angel: *smiles and leans forward towards him after picking up her basket from the ground* You know they've clipped my wings. I'm here among all of you... *she looks up to the saloon-style doors* 'regular folk' now. *she gives him a once-over* You're looking tired.
Jake: *looks away and turns to the main doors, unlocking them as he talks* Trick of the light. Happens to us "regulars," see.
Angel: I see! *she says this in a light voice, though it's obvious that she doesn't buy it. She steps up to him as he unlocks the doors and glances down into her basket* I brought along a lunch for you. Steak, as you like it. It should pick you right up!
Jake: *closes the doors to lock them again, then turns to Angel with a genuinely appreciative tone.* Sure will! I haven't had a bite o' anythin' yet. *walks past Angel, going through the swinging saloon doors and heading for the counter* Got up an hour and a half past noon. How long you stoppin' here for?
Angel: I might just stay all night. It's been a while! *she follows him inside, taking a look around the empty interior of the bar before taking out a boxed lunch and sliding it across the counter-top towards him* I've got more than one on me. I don't suppose you want more than just the one, though...
Jake: Yeah? *grins and flips on the lights before going behind the counter. He puts his hand on the lunch to stop it.* Do a favour for me, then, will ya? I tell you what to grab and you can mix it up t'gether and serve it to me in a glass.
Angel: Hmm. Then you'd need something to cut it off... *she places the basket on the counter* How about a bit of control tonight? I don't want either of us ending up with a hangover.
Jake: *takes out his pocket knife* Too late. I'm askin' for a none-alcohol hangover mix. *cuts into the paper hugging the box* Get an egg from the fridge. Bottom shelf. B'hind the lime tupperware.
Angel: Hm? *she lifts an eyebrow critically before giving a slight smile and heading over to the fridge. She roots around in the contents before finally location the carton of eggs. She plucks one out and holds it between two fingers towards him* This alright.
Jake: As good as a chicken egg's gon' get! *puts his knife asides and tears the packaging open.* Crack that thing in a glass, then drown the yellow sonuvabitch hidin' in there with some olive oil 'til he can't breathe.
Angel: Ah... *she finally understands, and gets to work with it, cracking the egg with expert ease and measuring out olive oil with precise movements* Hm. So...
Angel: What did you get up to last night? ...Anything I claim I wouldn't do? *she smiles a bit here*
Jake: *opens up the lunch box -- the sight and smell of his favourite steak lunch makes him feel better already. He smiles down at it before turning his direction back to her.* Angel, you're my saviour. *grabs his knife and a fork from behind the counter* Nothin' much. Got m'self an unexpected visit, though.
Jake: *cuts into his steak* See the ketchup, Tabasco and worcestershire sauce sleepin' right underneath the counter in front o' ya? Bring' em on up.
Angel: Any time, Jake. *she finishes with the oil and reaches for the bottles* Got them... *she unscrews the lid on the tabasco sauce before glancing up at him* An unexpected visit? Good or bad? Oh, and how much of this...?
Jake: *brings a large chunk of the steak to his mouth and chews, savouring it for a few seconds and waiting until he's completely done before replying. He's too tired to give much thought to what he's saying.* It was Lana. *goes on with the recipe* A couple of squirts o' ketchup, and a dash each of th'other two.
Angel: *she falters with the bottle a moment at the mention of that name but catches herself quickly enough to make the movement imperceptible* Lana, huh? *she adds the ingredients, and a moment of silence lapses* ...It can't have been unpleasant. You stayed up drinking with her? *she smiles*
Jake: *swallows another piece of beef, his expression unchanging* It was all-overish. She came, talked for a spell, and b'fore I knew it, she'd split. *spears a carrot* Now add some vinegar, salt 'n' pepper and mix it.
Angel: Hm. *she adds the salt and pepper a bit more liberally than she ought to, hands tensing slightly* Just a visit? Yet you look so very tired...
Jake: *munches on the carrot, still not looking at her* Know about that new job of hers?
Angel: *her knuckles turn suddenly white around the bottle. Her voice is a flat hiss* Yes. *her posture relaxes a bit, but her tone is hard* I'm... not sure how I feel about that. *she glances over her shoulder up at him, brushing her hair over her eye* Yourself?
Jake: *turns his head to her with warm but sad smile* I'm happy for her. She's gonna do good.
Angel: I suppose she will. *she hesitates, looking into his eyes, and sets the glass down, coming closer to him* What's that look for?
Jake: *straightens himself up a bit as she approaches, cutting into the steak; his tone is more playful than sarcastic* It's called a "smile." You do it when you're happy.
Angel: Actually, people do it all the time when they're sad. Or angry... *she's smiling now, slightly bitterly* ...She came to share her good news?
Jake: *pauses to enjoy his meal, watching Angel's expression as he swallows* She sure wasn't wishin' fer an ego boost. *points towards the glass* Pass it on over, will ya? My head's hurtin' somethin' powerful.
Angel: No, I suppose she didn't need it. *there's a light tone of sarcasm in her voice as she slides the glass over to him* You sure you didn't... boost her ego anyway? *she gives a short laugh, smiling*
Jake: *stops the glass with the palm of his hand* Thank you kindly. *lifts it; he doesn't answer her question* ...She was a shinin' example o' beauty as always. Think I went temporarily blind!
Angel: She is beautiful, that Lana Skye... Like a leopard. What I wouldn't do to wear a pelt like hers ten years ago... *she looks lost in thought for a moment* I haven't seen her in a while.
Jake: Six years... *looks down at the foul mixture in the glass* First time I saw the sun at half past midnight. Could barely lay my eyes on 'er. *pauses* Wonder how long it'll be 'til next time.
Angel: Ah... *she looks up at him, trying to comprehend* Why not... go see her, every now and then? I'm sure she wouldn't mind...
Jake: *a few beats pass, and he lifts the glass, staring at the unappetizing drink. He takes it to his lips and downs it, making it disappear with a few gulps*
Angel: *brushes her hair back over her eye, her vague smile fading* ...Well.
Jake: *slams the glass down on the counter -- he tries to look unfazed and forces a smile as he comments on its taste.* Mmm. Vile, offensive, and leaves a dreadful bad taste in my mouth. *tugs down on the rim of his hat a bit* Just like my treatment of her last night.
Angel: *her eyebrows lift and her eyes widen momentarily, but the look is brief and soon passes* You... didn't. Jake! *she leans forward towards him, looking up at him past the rim of his hat* What happened?
Jake: *averts his gaze from Angel's* I had a good forty rods in me when she walked through those doors. I reckon she wanted to set things straight with me, but I was too juiced up to know what was what.
Angel: *her look darkens* Did you upset he- *she seems to realize something and corrects herself* Did you upset each other? *she taps her fingernails on the counter, looking thoughtful*
Jake: Hard to say! I barely remember what happened. But you know how short my temper can get under the right circumstances -- and she's as strong-headed as a bull. *puts the glass away to the bottom shelf of the counter for now, not wanting to see its remains*
Angel: Vile... Offensive... Almost like you're describing my menu. It's no way to treat somebody, but I... wasn't there. And you say you don't remember? Then why do you seem so upset about it...?
Jake: *his hat hides his eyes from Angel's view as he leans down, shoving the glass away* I remember what happened right b'fore she left this doggery. She was radiant... blinding. Warm. *stands up straight, still looking away* Couldn't face 'er, so I fired a few warnin' shots. She refused to budge.
Jake: *grimly* Next thing I know, I'd reloaded my chamber and shot her twice-- in the heart.
Angel: *she watches him stand and stares up at him with a detached look in her eyes* It's starting to make sense... though it makes none at all, really. *she stands too, placing a hand on his elbow* You and Lana... You don't think you can face her? *she pauses* Strange how... answers don't always lead to solutions.
Jake: During her absence, I thought long and hard 'bout what to say to her the next time we had a chance to jaw. I had my cards and... I didn't get to play none of it. *returns his gaze to her with a pained smile* Danged easy for me to say I didn't mean any o' the things I fired at 'er, but... just as easy to say I did and the whiskey helped loosen my trigger finger! *chuckles bitterly to himself*
Angel: *she tilts her chin up* I think it'd have happened either way. I haven't seen you without a flask in hand for quite a while... *her voice turns hard* Chances are she wouldn't have caught you sober anyway.
Jake: *his tone is laid-back and playful in an almost deliberate way* Now, don't you get sour on me 'bout that, too! So I like to knock back some -- but I always have. I jus' have more time to do it. *grins* I'm sober now, ain't I?
Angel: I don't know. Are you? *she smiles up at him with half-lidded eyes, though her voice is serious* And for how long...?
Jake: *his grin falters* Huh-- what? Can't you tell?
Angel: *she turns her face away* I can't... It's been a long while, Jake. Not that it's my place. I bite my tongue at the familiar lunch... It's still the same recipe, even if the topping's changed.
Jake: Angel... *solemn* If you ever switch the asparagus next to my Salisbury steak to cauliflower, you'd better believe you're gonna hear me complain.
Angel: *smiles suddenly* Please do. It's the only way to change things, after all.
Jake: *smiles back* But fixin' people ain't like fixin' a lunch. *turns his back on her to take another piece of steak -- it's getting cold now, but it's still good.*
Angel: It isn't? I think they're quite similar, myself. You have to know what you're doing, but you can always go off the instructions a little... Some people are bitter, others are sweet... I'd say life is a lot like lunch.
Jake: Mmyeah? *chews contemplatively* I made a doozy 'f a mess las' nigh. *swallows* What am I supposed to do 'bout the rotten dish I served?
Angel: *she waves her fingers* Serve a complimentary dessert and hope that it smooths over the bad aftertaste. That's all you can do.
Jake: I'm sure she's one angry customer now. *puts down his fork and faces her with a flat look* You heard me, didn't you? I didn't just hand her a cold plate; I knew exactly how to take her down, and that's what I did. *gestures with his fingers* Aimed and shot, right where it hurt. ...I don't know what I was thinkin'.
Angel: I don't know, either. Did you mean it, though? Did she do something to deserve being taken down? I have to say that I've... wanted to, at times, though I don't think I ever would...
Jake: .... *simply* She cared. And... that got to me somehow. *Looks as though he's searching for some good answer, but gives up.* Beats me.
Angel: Because she cared... *Angel's expression softens, and she brushes her hair over her other eye* Think you're scared of that? Of having that again? It's been... a long time.
Jake: You're askin' a man who can't even find his own answers. You might as well be throwin' your questions to the wind.
Angel: Mm... *she runs a hand through her hair* It's not a bad thing to be scared. But I... know what you mean about firing back because of it.
Jake: How are things b'tween you and her, anyhow?
Angel: Her and I? *Angel appears startled for a moment- in that instant, she hadn't been thinking of Lana at all, but of Edgeworth, and she realizes that Jake still doesn't know. She tries to cover up the falter* Ah... I'm not sure. She and I get along, but I haven't seen her in such a long time... We talk every now and then.
Jake: Hm. *doesn't give that any more thought* Complimentary dessert, huh? That the best route to take?
Angel: I'd say so. One made with care. It's the only way to try to win back a customer. Bitterness is so hard to forget if you're not a fan... *she tilts her head, touching a hand to her earring*
Jake: *earnest* Thanks, Angel. *a genuine smile returns to his face* You know, there's three things in this world that never fail to lift my spirits. One's liquor -- warms me like a hug, it does, but it ain't no friend o' mine right now -- two's a steak from Lunchland. *gestures to it*
Jake: And... *slyly steps towards Angel and slips an arm around her waist* ...number three's one of your complimentary desserts.
Angel: *she leans into his touch without really thinking on it, bringing her arms up to drape them over his shoulders* So I count as two on that list...? *she doesn't quite meet his gaze, nor does she make any other move, not entirely sure of what they are doing*
Jake: Mm-hmm. *leans his head in close, nuzzling her hair to take in her scent. He speaks with a low whisper.* I've missed you, baby... *Brushes away a strand from her exposed ear and gently nips at its outer rim*
Angel: *her hand trails up to the back of his head, dislodging his hat and letting it fall to the floor. She turns her head with his touch and considers for a few moments to let him continue, because it's been a while, but...*
Angel: *she puts a hand to his chest and applies some pressure* Ah, y-yes... Jake, just ease up a moment...
Jake: *wraps his other arm around her; draws back a bit when he feels her hand on his chest and grins at her amorously* 'S all right. We can head on to the back o' the stage. *leans in again* Lemme just have a few bites here first. *eagerly kisses her neck, his stubble brushing against her skin*
Angel: ! *Angel almost groans; he took her meaning totally the wrong way. She presses both of her hands against him now, drawing her neck and shoulder away from his mouth* Jake, no, I meant... Ah... Listen. *she suddenly regrets it; she does want to continue*
Jake: *His hand slips under her coat and travels up her back, his rough fingers tracing her naked shoulderblade. When she presses him again, he pulls away but still holds onto her, eying her playfully.* Hmm? What is it, baby?
Angel: That, ah... *she seems distracted by his movements and struggles to get her words together* That one thing I said I'd tell you about. *she realizes that he can't possibly take her seriously right now and backs up a little into the counter*
Jake: *keeps one hand on her hip but withdraws the other, pulling his head away further to get a better view of her expressions* Ah, right. The new item to yer special menu?
Angel: Yes... *she runs a hand through her hair, lowering her gaze* That. It's... Well. There's a man...
Jake: Who is it this time? *smirks and idly runs a finger along her collarbone*
Angel: That's the thing. It doesn't seem to just be this time. I've decided to... *she reaches up for his hand and pushes it away*
Jake: *blinks at her, his smirk fading as he realizes she isn't acting like her usual self. He lets his hand be pushed away and he leaves it in the air.* You decided to what?
Angel: *she scowls briefly, feeling as though she definitely should have brought it up earlier* This sounds tackier than overcooked rice, but I've... decided to change.
Jake: *a blank stare; whether he knows what's coming or not, he returns his free hand to his side and continues inquiring.* As in changin' a pair o' boots... or a change in the wind?
Angel: I've been running around in circles for a long time. And I think I finally might just have a straight path ahead of me... *she crosses her arms under her chest, flicking her eyes up at him*
Jake: *pause* You don't mean... naw. *takes his hand off her hip and wipes his mouth* ...Don't tell me you're clearin' off your menu and stickin' to just one! *a forced chuckle*
Angel: *she turns her head* I know it sounds strange. ...It sounds strange to me. But in order for me to move forward, I suppose I have to leave the empty lunchboxes behind...
Jake: *a few beats pass as he watches her with a carefully neutral expression, his tone that of defeat.* You ain't pullin' my tail, are you?
Angel: *she murmurs* No. *she looks back up at him* I'm not. It's a bit strange, of course... But I've grown to... like it. *she tilts her head* Jake, are you alright?
Jake: *bends down and retrieves his fallen hat from the floor, placing it back on his head. His hand obstructs the view of his face when he's tugging down on the front rim, but he's smiling as he gives her a polite bow.* Pardon me, miss. Didn't mean to rope in another man's lady.
Angel: *she re-crosses her arms* It's so recent that I suppose I wasn't able to... *she feels bad; slightly guilty... But she doesn't let it show, of course. She tosses her hair over her shoulder* Aren't you going to ask who...?
Jake: Tell me. *returns his attention to his lunch so that she doesn't see his expression, piercing another hunk of room temperature steak* Who in tarnation could hold yer interest so high? Lemme guess: that intern in forensics. No... that dogie in the photo lab's more your style. *brings it to his mouth and chews, not looking at her*
Angel: Neither. *and for a moment she hesitates, wondering just how to bring this up* What if I told you... *she leans forward on the counter on her elbows* That he was...
Angel: ...A prosecutor? *she braces herself for the inevitable reaction*
Jake: *shoots her a look of disbelief* A pro-- *chokes on his food and clutches his chest, coughing violently a few times before he's able to swallow* *strained* Prosecutor?!
Angel: *she reaches out to pet him on the back, looking half-amused and half-grim* ...I think I had much the same reaction.
Jake: *clears his throat, straightens himself and peers down at her with half-lidded eyes* The bandito who stole my baby's heart... what's his name?
Angel: *looks up at him with her hair covering her left eye. She pauses before replying in a soft voice, a hand touching her right earring* ...I don't think you'd believe me if I said.
Jake: I've swallowed tougher brews, Angel. I asked for a name; now give it up.
Angel: *she gives a light, slightly forced laugh as she says* Miles Edgeworth? *as though it's a question*
Jake: *whatever restraint he had over his emotions, it breaks, and he keels over slightly as if he had been shot.* E-- Edgeworth?!
Angel: *her eyes widen briefly and she reaches out for him, trying to steady him* J-Jake, it's not as though- it's- ah. *she looks frustrated with herself a moment*
Jake: H...Heh! *his pained grin twitches as he casts his gaze down to the floor* I hadn't the foggiest idea you two were... F-fer how long?
Angel: For-- I don't think it matters. A-are you alright? I should have... told you sooner. *the look of frustration only increases slightly as she pulls lightly on his arm*
Jake: *after a pause, he recovers quickly; he straightens his posture and tilts his hat up a bit with a composed look* You're right. It don't matter none. No need to concern yourself with me... This ain't the first time I've had reality give me the cold shoulder. She's a harsh mistress, she is.
Angel: Hey now. *Angel's voice turns hard suddenly* I'm... just... Jake, I'm trying to move forward, and me keeping so many different boyfriends... It's not becoming of a woman my age, especially when I no longer have a use for it. You know I've wanted to go back to my career for so long and I've... managed to do it, in a way. *her voice softens here* And you and I...
Jake: *smiles warmly at her* A good hat just gets better as it gets older... much like you, Madonna. *he gently takes her hand in his, and his tone is genuine* That cowdog must be somethin' else, to have swooped you up onto his saddle. My congrats to you both. *plants a dry kiss on the back of her hand before releasing it*
Angel: *she looks distantly sad at his words, even though they're kind; she draws her hand back to herself with a slight shake of her head* You don't think it's... I mean... It is Mr. Edgeworth...
Jake: You happy when you're with 'im?
Angel: *her eyes are downcast* I... am. He does make me happy.
Jake: Ah! All I needed to hear! Don't wanna interfere with something that ain't botherin' me none. *picks his knife up off the counter and stabs the last piece of steak, biting into it straight off the blade*
Angel: *she watches him silently for some moments, before finally giving a soft sigh. She knows she's not going to get much more out of him on this- that they'll need to discuss it again at another time, another place- and her mind wanders back to Lana* ...Are you going to apologize to her?
Jake: *finishes chewing and swallow* There's an old sayin' down in Texas: "Some people grin and bear it; other people smile and change it." I would be the former.
Angel: But if you... feel badly about it, then... *she pauses, not wanting to interfere, but...* If I'm not wrong, Lana came to you and you pushed her away like a overdue lunch box. In that... I think you forget that she had a reason to come in the first place.
Jake: ...Hm. *ponders this thought as he finishes off the rest of the vegetables* One thing's fer certain: I sure hope to be seein' you more often. You and the pride of Lunchland. *grins and closes the empty lunch box, turning to her with a hand on the counter* Even if we're done knockin' boots.
Angel: Mm... of course. I'll come see you any time you'd like. You just never seem to ask. And in the mean time... I think it wouldn't hurt either of us to see Lana more often. *the admittance is a bit difficult; she tips her chin up at him* Don't you?
Jake: *tilts his head down, his hat casting a shadow over his eyes* The three of us... together?
Angel: ... *she looks away, crossing her arms* Hmph. I never suggested such a thing. *but her tone has a small thread of amusement to it*
Jake: Heh! You may be right, though; couldn't hurt none... *glances up at the clock on the wall* ...and I'd chat with you more, but time's tellin' me to get a move on. Gotta open this here saloon soon and I ain't done with the preparations!
Angel: Would you like any help? I plan on staying a bit more... Oh, and I've got a few more lunches for you as the night wears on. *she tilts her head with a smile*
Jake: *grins* You sure know how t'win me over still. How do you do it?
Angel: To be cliche, the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. *she gives a laugh*
Jake: So long as we're tossin' out the obvious lines... Angel, you're a star. *smirks at himself, aware of how awful that was*
Angel: Don't I know it. *she lifts an eyebrow, amused, and then glances about* I'll go make myself busy for a bit if you want to pick up this conversation in an hour or two...
Jake: Be my guest. *gathers the remains of the lunch and throws it in the trash bin. He pauses, then asks:* ...Is it true that he plucks his eyebrows?
Angel: Hmm? *Angel appears surprised for a moment, standing there and staring at Jake as though trying to remember something* ... *it suddenly clicks, and the look on her face shifts from surprised to blank to a little scowl and then a dark sort of amusement. She reaches for her wallet, pulls out a $20, and hands it to Jake silently- and then heads over to the tables in the back to do some cleaning*
Jake: Hah! Knew it.