Beer and Tofu
Title: Beer and Tofu
Author: sheabear
Recipient: rorylie
Song Used: Escape (The Piña Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
Rating: PG-13 (if that)
Summary: “Boy meets Girl…Boy grows tired of Girl, browses the Internet…”
Disclaimer: All I own is Cassie, the rose, and possibly the couch. Everything else belongs to Fox, Rupert, or someone who make a lot more money than me. (Don’t sue me. I’m just a poor ‘civil servant’ who has a lot of bills.)
A/N: I loved this song when it came out (c1980). I actually still have the first edition of the vinyl album packed away in plastic. (CD’s didn’t exist then…LOL.) I thought it was such a romantic testament to soul mates and forever. Now that I am a whole lot older and much more cynical I find the whole premise almost revolting. Why on earth would you want a partner who would consider leaving you at the invitation of an unknown and then to actually do it? Well, within the eyes of Chlack (and a few liberties) there is always a way…
My thanks to sej_1986 for reading along. Please enjoy and rorylie I hope this ‘fluffy’ story fulfills to your expectations. ;)
Beer and Tofu
White roses draped the ends of the rows, an endearing symbol of pure love and unity. Bidding peace their scent filled the air, intoxicating the welcomed guests. As the music started and the eyes turned to her, from the back of the room Chloe’s eyes remained fixed solely on Jack. So, the procession, the joining of two souls, the joining of two hearts, and the quoting of the affirmations of love began. His hand shook as held her ring. Jack steadied his heart as he placed the perfect band of gold around her finger. He reminds himself that they both had done this before. In white she was bathed in beauty. They both shared with resolute the lighting of candles. He marveled how she stood before him in confidence. There were no surprises. There was nothing to fear. When it was done, and they were as one, the bells rang and the doves rose filled the blue expanse. As her father gave them his blessing, he caught the glistening mist in Chloe’s eye.
The sun took its leave and Jack watched her though the strips in the glass. Amidst the switching murmur Chloe worked alone, never acknowledging the change of shift or the change of heart. “Chloe,” the voice in her ear aligned her back “I’m going to be a few more hours here. Go home.”
She looked up and saw his shadow above her. His eyes firmly fixed upon her.
“Jack, I have-”
“It can wait,” he cut her short. “Go home, Cassie needs you.”
“Fine.”
Even in disgust she didn’t have the strength or even the desire to argue. There had been too much of that. Jack watched as she reluctantly packed her bag. With tears filling her eyes she never looked back as she walked out the door. Jack wondered when new found life had gone so very wrong.
The lights of the upper floor went dark long before he drove up the winding drive. Jack knew she had been awake, waiting for him. Bathed in black he knew it would be just another lonely night. There were no words left for each other. The arguments had all been made. The silence now only testified of the fight. He stood at their door. Closing his eyes he reminisced, his hand wrapped tightly, painfully clutching the key.
He didn’t know how long he stood there. All he knew was he just did not want to face her. Most times he wished she would just tell him to leave. It would be so much easier. Yet, he made a promise. He made a vow. He wasn’t going anywhere. Jack had to believe they would work though this. He had nothing else. He had no one else.
When he could stand the solitude no more he opened the door and entered into the lifeless, unending darkness.
I was tired of my lady - we'd been together too long
Like a worn-out recording of a favorite song
Standing above her, he watched as Chloe slept. In a moment of reckless abandon he bent down to kiss her cheek. As he feared he felt her stiffen and pull away. Nothing would change. The scowl that filled her sleeping lips spoke it all…even in her dreams she found he was still not enough.
The broken man slipped his shoes and shirt. Slowly he gathered his pillow and laggard slowly down the hall. Glancing in at Cassie, his frustration was consuming. As was this, his nightly ritual. He unfolded his modest blanket and draped it across the family room couch. Along with him, he found that Chloe avoided it as well. This had become his bed. He would lie in it alone.
He knew he would not sleep.
There were no broken promises, just broken hearts. Flipping on the light he wondered where and why they went so wrong.
He did all he could. He opened his laptop.
So while she lay there sleeping, I read the paper in bed
And in the personal columns there was this letter I read
He found his salvation in the window. His simple indiscretion was not so simple any more.
It began in an internet chat room. He desperately needed someone to talk to. They had so much in common. With absence of breath the pair discovered they each had the same unyielding need. He was lonely. She was lonely. They became closer than either had intended. He was drawn to her. As his love slept he poured his heart out to a stranger. He told the intruder his wants. He told her his desires. In the consuming night he told her things that he only should have told Chloe.
"If you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga, if you have half a brain
If you'd like making love at midnight in the dunes on the Cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for - write to me and escape"
He paused, and then read the invitation again. He fixated on the email. As if a light was dawning he wondered, “Could it be that easy?” Could he really just drop everything? Could he just walk away? He thought of his daughter. Someday, when she learned of what he may do, what would she say?
I didn't think about my lady - I know that sounds kind of mean
But me and my old lady have fallen into the same old dull routine
Fighting the demons of reason he rationalized it. He deserved to find happiness. Chloe and he could barely look at each other and heaven help them if they actually tried to talk to each other. In his mind he counted the reasons, both the pros and the cons. He was an honest man. He wanted the best for him, and for his life. He realized that he and Chloe were over long ago. He had to move on.
Enough is enough.
They would be better apart.
With his laptop he opened a window.
He began his escape.
So I wrote to the paper, took out a personal ad
And though I'm nobody's poet, I thought it wasn't half bad
He smiled when he read what he wrote.
It was perfect.
Send.
xoxoxo
She opened her window.
She read the response.
"Yes I like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain
I'm not much into health food - I am into champagne
I've got to meet you by tomorrow noon and cut through all this red-tape
At a bar called O'Malley's, where we'll plan our escape"
Without a second thought, she picked up the phone and dialed his number.
She smirked. “Jack Bauer, please leave a message.” She received the expected response.
He was avoiding her.
With pain and contempt her resolution was firm.
“Jack, I have errands to run after work. I will be home late. Please don’t wait up for me.”
For a moment she hesitated. She clutched the thought. Then with the fates of the world she sealed it.
“Good bye, Jack.”
What ever became of the day, she was done.
xoxoxo
The clanking of the glasses filled his senses. He contemplated his resolve. A red rose sat before him, reminding him that red rose is as love. A red love is the blood of life. It fills the veins of a man and its thorns pierce into his soul.
He looked at the flashing on his phone. Without guilt or regret he turned it off. “It was over.” Whatever becomes of this day, he was done.
So I waited with high hopes and she walked in the place
I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face
Shaken from his thoughts, he found her standing before him. Shock over took the both of them as they each looked upon the face of the other. It all made complete sense. This resolute was absolute. A welcoming smile was shared each with the other. The beauty of the moment unfolded and a perfect understanding was obtained.
He was the first who spoke.
“Awe… Mrs. Bauer. Why am I not surprised?”
It was my own lovely lady, and she said, "Oh it's you."
Then we laughed for a moment,
Rising to greet her he took her hand and drew her close.
and I said, “I never knew.
That you like Piña Coladas, getting caught in the rain
And the feel of the ocean, and the taste of champagne
If you'd like making love at midnight in the dunes of the Cape”
He looked her in the eyes. He needed to know.
“Are you sure about this? Is this what you really want?”
She cupped his face with her passion hands. She touched his lips to hers. Within the moments before the parting she left no doubt. She was freely giving all he she had to him.
You're the lady I've looked for - come with me and escape
She wanted a new life with him.
He wanted a new life with her.
He offered his red rose of love. Gathering her in to his wonting arms they walked out the door.
Together they made their escape.
xoxoxo
Time had passed and Chloe finally felt a freedom she never known. She now sat comfortably on the ‘foreboding’ couch while across from her she saw his honesty. She felt his love. She knew desire. Darkness had faded, leaving the warmth of glorious day.
“Chloe, I’m sorry you were so unhappy.”
“Jack,” she countered, “You were just as miserable.”
“It was my choice.”
“As it was mine.” she added.
He reached up and wiped her falling tear. As he caressed her cheek she pursed her lips.
“What are we going to do Jack?”
He spoke without hesitation, “Be happy Chloe. Whatever tomorrow brings, you will always be just Chloe, and I will always be just Jack. I promise what ever happens the sun will rise. I want to be here, as long as you will have me, I want to share it with you.”
"If you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain...
He slid next to her and pulled her close. Wrapped in his arms he felt her body tremble. He cursed himself. The last thing he wanted to do was make her cry… again.
Steeling his heart he glanced to her eyes. His ears prepared to hear her sob. Instead of the familiar that they both had shared he found a far different sound. This was a different noise that emerged from the woman he always loved.
She laughed.
It was a laughter he had never before heard that escaped her lips. Her eyes filled with tears of joy, a joy that freely flowed. Much to his relief she shared her sublime thought.
“I’ve always been a beer and tofu girl.”
He knew exactly what she meant. He knew that she had found acceptance.
“Yes sweetheart,” wiping his own joyous, tearing eye he chuckled, “and that is always what I’ve loved about you.”
The love that flowed between the pair was honest and complete. A tearful, black, and lonely past was pushed behind. With joy, color, and with each other a new future was foretold. With pure acceptance he lifted her in his arms and carried her past Cassie’s door and to their cherished bed. Enjoying the touch and accepting the gift, together they felt the union of heart.
His kisses trailing her special spot she posed to him a question.
“Jack, did you ever see it coming…I mean did you ever image?”
Lifting his head, “Umm…Imagine what sweetheart?” his hands were wrapped within her hair.
“Would you ever have guessed that Morris and Audrey would run away together?”
He thought for moment and pressing closing to her he replied.
“No darling, but I hope they are happy.”
A contented smile crossed her face.
“So do I.”
Author: sheabear
Recipient: rorylie
Song Used: Escape (The Piña Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
Rating: PG-13 (if that)
Summary: “Boy meets Girl…Boy grows tired of Girl, browses the Internet…”
Disclaimer: All I own is Cassie, the rose, and possibly the couch. Everything else belongs to Fox, Rupert, or someone who make a lot more money than me. (Don’t sue me. I’m just a poor ‘civil servant’ who has a lot of bills.)
A/N: I loved this song when it came out (c1980). I actually still have the first edition of the vinyl album packed away in plastic. (CD’s didn’t exist then…LOL.) I thought it was such a romantic testament to soul mates and forever. Now that I am a whole lot older and much more cynical I find the whole premise almost revolting. Why on earth would you want a partner who would consider leaving you at the invitation of an unknown and then to actually do it? Well, within the eyes of Chlack (and a few liberties) there is always a way…
My thanks to sej_1986 for reading along. Please enjoy and rorylie I hope this ‘fluffy’ story fulfills to your expectations. ;)
Beer and Tofu
White roses draped the ends of the rows, an endearing symbol of pure love and unity. Bidding peace their scent filled the air, intoxicating the welcomed guests. As the music started and the eyes turned to her, from the back of the room Chloe’s eyes remained fixed solely on Jack. So, the procession, the joining of two souls, the joining of two hearts, and the quoting of the affirmations of love began. His hand shook as held her ring. Jack steadied his heart as he placed the perfect band of gold around her finger. He reminds himself that they both had done this before. In white she was bathed in beauty. They both shared with resolute the lighting of candles. He marveled how she stood before him in confidence. There were no surprises. There was nothing to fear. When it was done, and they were as one, the bells rang and the doves rose filled the blue expanse. As her father gave them his blessing, he caught the glistening mist in Chloe’s eye.
The sun took its leave and Jack watched her though the strips in the glass. Amidst the switching murmur Chloe worked alone, never acknowledging the change of shift or the change of heart. “Chloe,” the voice in her ear aligned her back “I’m going to be a few more hours here. Go home.”
She looked up and saw his shadow above her. His eyes firmly fixed upon her.
“Jack, I have-”
“It can wait,” he cut her short. “Go home, Cassie needs you.”
“Fine.”
Even in disgust she didn’t have the strength or even the desire to argue. There had been too much of that. Jack watched as she reluctantly packed her bag. With tears filling her eyes she never looked back as she walked out the door. Jack wondered when new found life had gone so very wrong.
The lights of the upper floor went dark long before he drove up the winding drive. Jack knew she had been awake, waiting for him. Bathed in black he knew it would be just another lonely night. There were no words left for each other. The arguments had all been made. The silence now only testified of the fight. He stood at their door. Closing his eyes he reminisced, his hand wrapped tightly, painfully clutching the key.
He didn’t know how long he stood there. All he knew was he just did not want to face her. Most times he wished she would just tell him to leave. It would be so much easier. Yet, he made a promise. He made a vow. He wasn’t going anywhere. Jack had to believe they would work though this. He had nothing else. He had no one else.
When he could stand the solitude no more he opened the door and entered into the lifeless, unending darkness.
I was tired of my lady - we'd been together too long
Like a worn-out recording of a favorite song
Standing above her, he watched as Chloe slept. In a moment of reckless abandon he bent down to kiss her cheek. As he feared he felt her stiffen and pull away. Nothing would change. The scowl that filled her sleeping lips spoke it all…even in her dreams she found he was still not enough.
The broken man slipped his shoes and shirt. Slowly he gathered his pillow and laggard slowly down the hall. Glancing in at Cassie, his frustration was consuming. As was this, his nightly ritual. He unfolded his modest blanket and draped it across the family room couch. Along with him, he found that Chloe avoided it as well. This had become his bed. He would lie in it alone.
He knew he would not sleep.
There were no broken promises, just broken hearts. Flipping on the light he wondered where and why they went so wrong.
He did all he could. He opened his laptop.
So while she lay there sleeping, I read the paper in bed
And in the personal columns there was this letter I read
He found his salvation in the window. His simple indiscretion was not so simple any more.
It began in an internet chat room. He desperately needed someone to talk to. They had so much in common. With absence of breath the pair discovered they each had the same unyielding need. He was lonely. She was lonely. They became closer than either had intended. He was drawn to her. As his love slept he poured his heart out to a stranger. He told the intruder his wants. He told her his desires. In the consuming night he told her things that he only should have told Chloe.
"If you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga, if you have half a brain
If you'd like making love at midnight in the dunes on the Cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for - write to me and escape"
He paused, and then read the invitation again. He fixated on the email. As if a light was dawning he wondered, “Could it be that easy?” Could he really just drop everything? Could he just walk away? He thought of his daughter. Someday, when she learned of what he may do, what would she say?
I didn't think about my lady - I know that sounds kind of mean
But me and my old lady have fallen into the same old dull routine
Fighting the demons of reason he rationalized it. He deserved to find happiness. Chloe and he could barely look at each other and heaven help them if they actually tried to talk to each other. In his mind he counted the reasons, both the pros and the cons. He was an honest man. He wanted the best for him, and for his life. He realized that he and Chloe were over long ago. He had to move on.
Enough is enough.
They would be better apart.
With his laptop he opened a window.
He began his escape.
So I wrote to the paper, took out a personal ad
And though I'm nobody's poet, I thought it wasn't half bad
He smiled when he read what he wrote.
It was perfect.
Send.
xoxoxo
She opened her window.
She read the response.
"Yes I like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain
I'm not much into health food - I am into champagne
I've got to meet you by tomorrow noon and cut through all this red-tape
At a bar called O'Malley's, where we'll plan our escape"
Without a second thought, she picked up the phone and dialed his number.
She smirked. “Jack Bauer, please leave a message.” She received the expected response.
He was avoiding her.
With pain and contempt her resolution was firm.
“Jack, I have errands to run after work. I will be home late. Please don’t wait up for me.”
For a moment she hesitated. She clutched the thought. Then with the fates of the world she sealed it.
“Good bye, Jack.”
What ever became of the day, she was done.
xoxoxo
The clanking of the glasses filled his senses. He contemplated his resolve. A red rose sat before him, reminding him that red rose is as love. A red love is the blood of life. It fills the veins of a man and its thorns pierce into his soul.
He looked at the flashing on his phone. Without guilt or regret he turned it off. “It was over.” Whatever becomes of this day, he was done.
So I waited with high hopes and she walked in the place
I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face
Shaken from his thoughts, he found her standing before him. Shock over took the both of them as they each looked upon the face of the other. It all made complete sense. This resolute was absolute. A welcoming smile was shared each with the other. The beauty of the moment unfolded and a perfect understanding was obtained.
He was the first who spoke.
“Awe… Mrs. Bauer. Why am I not surprised?”
It was my own lovely lady, and she said, "Oh it's you."
Then we laughed for a moment,
Rising to greet her he took her hand and drew her close.
and I said, “I never knew.
That you like Piña Coladas, getting caught in the rain
And the feel of the ocean, and the taste of champagne
If you'd like making love at midnight in the dunes of the Cape”
He looked her in the eyes. He needed to know.
“Are you sure about this? Is this what you really want?”
She cupped his face with her passion hands. She touched his lips to hers. Within the moments before the parting she left no doubt. She was freely giving all he she had to him.
You're the lady I've looked for - come with me and escape
She wanted a new life with him.
He wanted a new life with her.
He offered his red rose of love. Gathering her in to his wonting arms they walked out the door.
Together they made their escape.
xoxoxo
Time had passed and Chloe finally felt a freedom she never known. She now sat comfortably on the ‘foreboding’ couch while across from her she saw his honesty. She felt his love. She knew desire. Darkness had faded, leaving the warmth of glorious day.
“Chloe, I’m sorry you were so unhappy.”
“Jack,” she countered, “You were just as miserable.”
“It was my choice.”
“As it was mine.” she added.
He reached up and wiped her falling tear. As he caressed her cheek she pursed her lips.
“What are we going to do Jack?”
He spoke without hesitation, “Be happy Chloe. Whatever tomorrow brings, you will always be just Chloe, and I will always be just Jack. I promise what ever happens the sun will rise. I want to be here, as long as you will have me, I want to share it with you.”
"If you like Piña Coladas, and getting caught in the rain...
He slid next to her and pulled her close. Wrapped in his arms he felt her body tremble. He cursed himself. The last thing he wanted to do was make her cry… again.
Steeling his heart he glanced to her eyes. His ears prepared to hear her sob. Instead of the familiar that they both had shared he found a far different sound. This was a different noise that emerged from the woman he always loved.
She laughed.
It was a laughter he had never before heard that escaped her lips. Her eyes filled with tears of joy, a joy that freely flowed. Much to his relief she shared her sublime thought.
“I’ve always been a beer and tofu girl.”
He knew exactly what she meant. He knew that she had found acceptance.
“Yes sweetheart,” wiping his own joyous, tearing eye he chuckled, “and that is always what I’ve loved about you.”
The love that flowed between the pair was honest and complete. A tearful, black, and lonely past was pushed behind. With joy, color, and with each other a new future was foretold. With pure acceptance he lifted her in his arms and carried her past Cassie’s door and to their cherished bed. Enjoying the touch and accepting the gift, together they felt the union of heart.
His kisses trailing her special spot she posed to him a question.
“Jack, did you ever see it coming…I mean did you ever image?”
Lifting his head, “Umm…Imagine what sweetheart?” his hands were wrapped within her hair.
“Would you ever have guessed that Morris and Audrey would run away together?”
He thought for moment and pressing closing to her he replied.
“No darling, but I hope they are happy.”
A contented smile crossed her face.
“So do I.”