(Untitled)

[howling_laugh]

Once again, the front door slams open, admitting Coyote. This time, she is dressed to the nines (maybe even the tens). She is carrying a flute of champagne, and maaaaybe a sprig of mistletoe.

"Hello, Milliways!" she crows happily.

The line for New Years kisses starts here.

Comments

[un_fallen]

He's a bit wild-eyed when he comes in, but looks amiable enough otherwise. It takes a moment to get his bearings, and then he's shuffling off toward the bar when he catches sight of Coyote.

He stops well before he reaches his customary stool, head shaking slightly in wry disbelief. But it's tough to watch her and keep up his gruff demeanor; hypocrisy or not, he's smiling.

[howling_laugh]

Coyote grins, and chucks a hunk of mistletoe at him with a lofty underhand.

[un_fallen]

He catches it without really looking, and turns to head in that direction, instead.

"Looks like you've come in from someplace a little nicer than I did," he says when he reaches her.

This is not uncommon. It is also his roundabout way of saying that she looks nice, if you turn sideways and squint.

[howling_laugh]

Coyote takes most complements as her due.

"That is debatable. I find Milliways far more suited to my interests. But one must cultivate friends and neighbors, after all."

She eyes him. "Where have you been?"

[un_fallen]

"Uh," he says, a little shifty. "The usual, outside. The streets. Closer to downtown tonight - people are getting wild out there. I have an hour and five minutes before all hell breaks loose, so to speak."

[howling_laugh]

"Then allow me to wish you a happy New Year, Mountain Time." She leans in to kiss his brow, his cheek, and then his lips."

[un_fallen]

He's grateful that she's given him a little warning, at least. His smile turns a little goofy.

"Happy new year to you, too," he says, still dazed from his entrance.

[howling_laugh]

"Are you on business, tonight, in your wild and crazy streets? Or just lurking?"

Like Batman.

...

Okay, that shouldn't be such an attractive thought. Coyote does not consider herself a geek. But still, hot guy in a cape and a mask? Highly acceptable.

Also acceptable: fireman calendars. We're just saying, Raguel, it being the New Year and all.

[un_fallen]

"Nothing specific tonight, if you'd consider that 'just lurking.' Sounds kinda sinister."

Her eyes have taken on a thoughtful, million-miles-away sort of look that he doesn't entirely trust. His face falls back into the suspicious expression that is the default alternative to 'brooding.'

[howling_laugh]

"Are you denying your potential to be sinister? It would be a terrible shame," she says, grinning at him. This probably does not ease his mind. "But perhaps it is not the best way to start the new year."

[un_fallen]

"Potential, sure," he says, somewhat discomfited. "I think you're right, though. I should be saving babies and small animals, that kind of thing."

[howling_laugh]

Coyote gives him a long look from under her eyelashes, then promptly snags his arm and leads them both toward a table. Once they are seated, she plants her elbows on the table and rests her chin upon her hands.

"Now, tell me what you are really up to that has you in such a state."

She's known him long enough to tell, which is frightening in and of itself.

[un_fallen]

"I'm not up to anything!" he protests, leaning back. Being the subject of her penetrating gaze is like being the proverbial worm squirming on a hook. It's uncomfortable, to say the least.

"I've been out, the usual, like I said. Had a couple encounters I wasn't expecting, I guess, but it's not like I couldn't deal with it. I was just surprised, so. Maybe that's why I look like I'm in a state."

He smooths a hand down the front of his shirt. As though that will help.

[howling_laugh]

"'Encounters'," Coyote quotes dubiously as she leans over the table and buttons one button on his shirt.

She wonders idly if he's ever worn a tie. She should have made him wear a tux that night at the Babylon.

[un_fallen]

He watches her fingers warily, but doesn't pull away.

"Yeah. There are a lot of people out tonight. Shouldn't be expecting - I mean, I didn't expect - er. Just a lot of people," he finishes lamely.

[howling_laugh]

"Mmhmm." She also runs a hand down his shirt absently. (It still doesn't help.)

"You would tell me if there was anything I could do to assist, correct?" See, now that she's asked him to help out, she's going to use it to her advantage and hold it over his head foreeeeever.