ready to charge

i am cringe but i am free... send asks if you want i'll answer in character

[archimedeez]

tags

the main cast

RED

Dieter Ludwig - the Red Medic. Cheerful and typically helpful, but insensitive, stubborn, and egotistical.

Jean-Pierre Corbin - the Red Spy. Aloof and pretentious, prone to derisive outbursts. Despite his nasty comments, he is begrudgingly loyal to his team. Loves his wife more than life itself.

Mick Mundy - the Red Sniper. Painfully lonely but deeply antisocial. Can be coaxed out with some effort.

Odell "Dell" Joshua Conagher - the Red Engineer. Kind and fatherly, though emotionally repressed and can be cynical under pressure.

Tavish DeGroot - the Red Demoman. Boisterous and cheerful but prone to mood swings, occasional victim to bouts of melancholy.

Jane Doe - the Red Soldier. Oblivious and shallow minded, delights in annoying his teammates. Smarter than he acts.

??? - the Red Pyro. Friendly but shy, prefers to spend time outside than in with the team.

BLU

Jeremiah Conagher-Simmons - the Blue Scout. Peppy and eager to learn, though easily discouraged and privately insecure.

Liev Raskolnikov - the Blue Heavy. Good-humored and sensitive-natured, loyal and protective. Do not ask him about his past.

Misc

Mitzi Ludwig - Dieter's 7 year old daughter

Adalwolfa Ludwig - Dieter's ex wife

Laura Simmons - Jeremiah's mother

Werewolf AU

Ludwig - Former doctor. White wolf with black extremities

Mitzi - Ludwig's daughter. All black wolf

Emesis Blue

BLU

Friedrich "Fritz" Ludwig - the Blue Medic

RED

Dell Conagher - the Red Engineer

Ulrich Reinhardt - the Red Medic

Tavish DeGroot - the Red Demoman

Ghost AU

Johannes - Trauma surgeon killed in the 1940s when the hospital in which he worked was bombed.

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"I love you too. I was still a thief at a young age, you have not heard much of my parents because they died when I was young. I never knew my father before he died, what little I have of my mother was good. She was gone before I was nine. No relatives wanted a mixed breed." Dell's hand is kissed. "And that is why I stole and swindled my way into everything, I took this work because I was good at it already. As you know, the state of my hands was from being caught. The only reason I was, is to let someone else get away. That did me no good as the donkey ass shot me in the back two years later. So yes, I admit the loud mouth assholes can bother me. They are all the same." He kisses Dell's wrist and looks at him.

[archimedeez]

He is frowning, very clearly unhappy, but not with Jac. "And that's why you have a hard time believing people really care about you, too, huh? Sedrik told me you didnt know Liev thought of you as a friend."

[sashabeloved]

"Oui. I'm still embarrassed by this." He sighs. "Why are you upset?"

[archimedeez]

"I hate the way people see you, just 'cause they don't like the way you look." He trails kisses up Jac's hand and arm.

[sashabeloved]

"But you do. I happen to like it as well, but you very much look at me like you are worshipping." He sounds amused.

[archimedeez]

"Of course, how can I not? Look at you, you're a goddess."

[sashabeloved]

He laughs a little and kisses Dell's face. "I rather like that. And despite the circumstances, I liked being called your wife this time."

[archimedeez]

He holds the back of his head. "You want me to call you that from now on?"

[sashabeloved]

"Non, only when I feel like it." He glances at the time. "You tricked me."

[archimedeez]

"Alrighty. You let me know." Dell makes sure he is trapped securely in his arms. "And yes, I did."

[sashabeloved]

"I need to complete my work. It will not take long." He's starting to nod off.

[archimedeez]

"Then it can wait a little longer." He kisses him until he falls asleep.

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"I love you too. I was still a thief at a young age, you have not heard much of my parents because they died when I was young. I never knew my father before he died, what little I have of my mother was good. She was gone before I was nine. No relatives wanted a mixed breed." Dell's hand is kissed. "And that is why I stole and swindled my way into everything, I took this work because I was good at it already. As you know, the state of my hands was from being caught. The only reason I was, is to let someone else get away. That did me no good as the donkey ass shot me in the back two years later. So yes, I admit the loud mouth assholes can bother me. They are all the same." He kisses Dell's wrist and looks at him.

[archimedeez]

He is frowning, very clearly unhappy, but not with Jac. "And that's why you have a hard time believing people really care about you, too, huh? Sedrik told me you didnt know Liev thought of you as a friend."

[sashabeloved]

"Oui. I'm still embarrassed by this." He sighs. "Why are you upset?"

[archimedeez]

"I hate the way people see you, just 'cause they don't like the way you look." He trails kisses up Jac's hand and arm.

[sashabeloved]

"But you do. I happen to like it as well, but you very much look at me like you are worshipping." He sounds amused.

[archimedeez]

"Of course, how can I not? Look at you, you're a goddess."

[sashabeloved]

He laughs a little and kisses Dell's face. "I rather like that. And despite the circumstances, I liked being called your wife this time."

[archimedeez]

He holds the back of his head. "You want me to call you that from now on?"

[sashabeloved]

"Non, only when I feel like it." He glances at the time. "You tricked me."

[archimedeez]

"Alrighty. You let me know." Dell makes sure he is trapped securely in his arms. "And yes, I did."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"I love you too. I was still a thief at a young age, you have not heard much of my parents because they died when I was young. I never knew my father before he died, what little I have of my mother was good. She was gone before I was nine. No relatives wanted a mixed breed." Dell's hand is kissed. "And that is why I stole and swindled my way into everything, I took this work because I was good at it already. As you know, the state of my hands was from being caught. The only reason I was, is to let someone else get away. That did me no good as the donkey ass shot me in the back two years later. So yes, I admit the loud mouth assholes can bother me. They are all the same." He kisses Dell's wrist and looks at him.

[archimedeez]

He is frowning, very clearly unhappy, but not with Jac. "And that's why you have a hard time believing people really care about you, too, huh? Sedrik told me you didnt know Liev thought of you as a friend."

[sashabeloved]

"Oui. I'm still embarrassed by this." He sighs. "Why are you upset?"

[archimedeez]

"I hate the way people see you, just 'cause they don't like the way you look." He trails kisses up Jac's hand and arm.

[sashabeloved]

"But you do. I happen to like it as well, but you very much look at me like you are worshipping." He sounds amused.

[archimedeez]

"Of course, how can I not? Look at you, you're a goddess."

[sashabeloved]

He laughs a little and kisses Dell's face. "I rather like that. And despite the circumstances, I liked being called your wife this time."

[archimedeez]

He holds the back of his head. "You want me to call you that from now on?"

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"I love you too. I was still a thief at a young age, you have not heard much of my parents because they died when I was young. I never knew my father before he died, what little I have of my mother was good. She was gone before I was nine. No relatives wanted a mixed breed." Dell's hand is kissed. "And that is why I stole and swindled my way into everything, I took this work because I was good at it already. As you know, the state of my hands was from being caught. The only reason I was, is to let someone else get away. That did me no good as the donkey ass shot me in the back two years later. So yes, I admit the loud mouth assholes can bother me. They are all the same." He kisses Dell's wrist and looks at him.

[archimedeez]

He is frowning, very clearly unhappy, but not with Jac. "And that's why you have a hard time believing people really care about you, too, huh? Sedrik told me you didnt know Liev thought of you as a friend."

[sashabeloved]

"Oui. I'm still embarrassed by this." He sighs. "Why are you upset?"

[archimedeez]

"I hate the way people see you, just 'cause they don't like the way you look." He trails kisses up Jac's hand and arm.

[sashabeloved]

"But you do. I happen to like it as well, but you very much look at me like you are worshipping." He sounds amused.

[archimedeez]

"Of course, how can I not? Look at you, you're a goddess."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"I love you too. I was still a thief at a young age, you have not heard much of my parents because they died when I was young. I never knew my father before he died, what little I have of my mother was good. She was gone before I was nine. No relatives wanted a mixed breed." Dell's hand is kissed. "And that is why I stole and swindled my way into everything, I took this work because I was good at it already. As you know, the state of my hands was from being caught. The only reason I was, is to let someone else get away. That did me no good as the donkey ass shot me in the back two years later. So yes, I admit the loud mouth assholes can bother me. They are all the same." He kisses Dell's wrist and looks at him.

[archimedeez]

He is frowning, very clearly unhappy, but not with Jac. "And that's why you have a hard time believing people really care about you, too, huh? Sedrik told me you didnt know Liev thought of you as a friend."

[sashabeloved]

"Oui. I'm still embarrassed by this." He sighs. "Why are you upset?"

[archimedeez]

"I hate the way people see you, just 'cause they don't like the way you look." He trails kisses up Jac's hand and arm.

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"I love you too. I was still a thief at a young age, you have not heard much of my parents because they died when I was young. I never knew my father before he died, what little I have of my mother was good. She was gone before I was nine. No relatives wanted a mixed breed." Dell's hand is kissed. "And that is why I stole and swindled my way into everything, I took this work because I was good at it already. As you know, the state of my hands was from being caught. The only reason I was, is to let someone else get away. That did me no good as the donkey ass shot me in the back two years later. So yes, I admit the loud mouth assholes can bother me. They are all the same." He kisses Dell's wrist and looks at him.

[archimedeez]

He is frowning, very clearly unhappy, but not with Jac. "And that's why you have a hard time believing people really care about you, too, huh? Sedrik told me you didnt know Liev thought of you as a friend."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[sashabeloved]

"I know, that is not what I was referring to. I am simply tired of having a subpar people surrounding me. Yourself and my circus group of coworkers, my son included, have been the best to say the least. I did not grow up how most of you assume, I did not have wealth." He strayed away from mentioning much of his past before. But sinks into Dell's touch.

[archimedeez]

He is pulled closer. "We love you, no matter what some loud mouthed assholes say. Keep talkin, honey."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

"I do not understand what you are trying to say."

[archimedeez]

He puts a hand on his wife's cheek. "You gotta treat yourself better. You ain't to blame for the way people have treated you."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[sashabeloved]

He almost drops the clipboard but manages to hold onto it. "Dell-"

[archimedeez]

He plops down with him, pulling him onto his chest and kissing his cheek. "Mhm?"

[sashabeloved]

"I have work." He lays comfortably. "Do not have me fall asleep."

[archimedeez]

"I make no promises." He rests his head against him. "You smell nice."

[sashabeloved]

"Unlike most here, I wash with soap." He takes his gloves off and stretches a little, humming while he does. "Truly, you are better now?"

[archimedeez]

"Yeah. You okay about it?" He catches a hand to hold.

[sashabeloved]

He steals a kiss. "I am exhausted with it being assumed that I am a exotic pet. I am glad you do not treat me that way."

[archimedeez]

He can steal as many as he wants. "I really hate that that's your bare minimum."

[sashabeloved]

"What?" He steals another.

[archimedeez]

"You bein' glad I dont treat you like a pet is the minimum for a partner." He gets the mans goggles.

[sashabeloved]

"You have met Laura. What standards have I ever had." He gives a look.

[archimedeez]

"Give yourself more credit than that, hon." Dell looks right back at him.

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[sashabeloved]

He almost drops the clipboard but manages to hold onto it. "Dell-"

[archimedeez]

He plops down with him, pulling him onto his chest and kissing his cheek. "Mhm?"

[sashabeloved]

"I have work." He lays comfortably. "Do not have me fall asleep."

[archimedeez]

"I make no promises." He rests his head against him. "You smell nice."

[sashabeloved]

"Unlike most here, I wash with soap." He takes his gloves off and stretches a little, humming while he does. "Truly, you are better now?"

[archimedeez]

"Yeah. You okay about it?" He catches a hand to hold.

[sashabeloved]

He steals a kiss. "I am exhausted with it being assumed that I am a exotic pet. I am glad you do not treat me that way."

[archimedeez]

He can steal as many as he wants. "I really hate that that's your bare minimum."

[sashabeloved]

"What?" He steals another.

[archimedeez]

"You bein' glad I dont treat you like a pet is the minimum for a partner." He gets the mans goggles.

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[sashabeloved]

He almost drops the clipboard but manages to hold onto it. "Dell-"

[archimedeez]

He plops down with him, pulling him onto his chest and kissing his cheek. "Mhm?"

[sashabeloved]

"I have work." He lays comfortably. "Do not have me fall asleep."

[archimedeez]

"I make no promises." He rests his head against him. "You smell nice."

[sashabeloved]

"Unlike most here, I wash with soap." He takes his gloves off and stretches a little, humming while he does. "Truly, you are better now?"

[archimedeez]

"Yeah. You okay about it?" He catches a hand to hold.

[sashabeloved]

He steals a kiss. "I am exhausted with it being assumed that I am a exotic pet. I am glad you do not treat me that way."

[archimedeez]

He can steal as many as he wants. "I really hate that that's your bare minimum."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[sashabeloved]

He almost drops the clipboard but manages to hold onto it. "Dell-"

[archimedeez]

He plops down with him, pulling him onto his chest and kissing his cheek. "Mhm?"

[sashabeloved]

"I have work." He lays comfortably. "Do not have me fall asleep."

[archimedeez]

"I make no promises." He rests his head against him. "You smell nice."

[sashabeloved]

"Unlike most here, I wash with soap." He takes his gloves off and stretches a little, humming while he does. "Truly, you are better now?"

[archimedeez]

"Yeah. You okay about it?" He catches a hand to hold.

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[sashabeloved]

He almost drops the clipboard but manages to hold onto it. "Dell-"

[archimedeez]

He plops down with him, pulling him onto his chest and kissing his cheek. "Mhm?"

[sashabeloved]

"I have work." He lays comfortably. "Do not have me fall asleep."

[archimedeez]

"I make no promises." He rests his head against him. "You smell nice."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[sashabeloved]

He almost drops the clipboard but manages to hold onto it. "Dell-"

[archimedeez]

He plops down with him, pulling him onto his chest and kissing his cheek. "Mhm?"

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.

[sashabeloved]

Both pets have been fed, Jac is standing in the kitchen. He always forgets to sit before starting work.

[archimedeez]

He is picked up and carried to the sofa. "You're snugglin with me for a minute before we start that paperwork."

[archimedeez]

Dell's wife steals some pie off his plate in the diner, then kisses some whip cream onto his lips.

He calls him a thief and catches him by the jaw to kiss him back before letting him go.

[sashabeloved]

He chuckles quietly. "I like this lime one. Could you teach me how to make it?" His clothes are more feminine today, a sweater and some pants, but he wears it in a specific way that gives off what he wants.

[archimedeez]

Dell had complimented him on his clothing when he had seen Jac wearing it. "Sure, I think Ma had a recipe for a lime pie somewhere... I'll have to ask Benj."

[sashabeloved]

He clearly appreciated it, "I would enjoy that." Dell gets a kiss on the cheek. And he notices a bit of an odd glance from a stranger. His wife goes to use the bathroom.

[archimedeez]

He stares back at the stranger as his partner leaves, trying to figure out what the look is for.

[sashabeloved]

He stay in his seat, the stranger stays at the counter. He is able to speak without shouting at Dell. "Where'd you find her?"

[archimedeez]

"Mind your business." The disdain in his voice is clear, Dell scoffs and attempts to end the interaction by sipping his coffee.

[sashabeloved]

"Woah, chill. I just wanted one for myself. Guess you like to keep the exotics to yourself." He laughs and sips his coffee. Predictably, he doesn't see an issue with what he says.

[archimedeez]

"Boy, if you know what's good for you, you'll shut your mouth." He sets his mug down hard enough that a little sloshes over the rim.

[sashabeloved]

Jac comes back out and immediately sits back down with Dell, asking what is the matter in French.

"Hey, how much for one night? You can speak French in my ear all you want honey." He even holds out a dollar.

[archimedeez]

Dell calmly stands up, politely excuses himself from their table, and strides up to the man. Before the clown has a chance to say anything, he punches him square in the face. Metal hand.

[sashabeloved]

Jac was trying to ignore him but the dollar did bother him. He quickly gets up too once he sees Dell stand, and before he could do anything, the man was punched. He does not hesitate to carefully call his name, "Dell."

"What the fuck man!" He swears, loudly, the diner is mostly silent. And yet, none of the staff do anything. The small group that was in there does go after leaving cash on the table. So no one else is really around to hear the clown yell.

[archimedeez]

He sweeps the idiot's leg forward at the same time to knock him onto the floor. "You got somethin' to say about another man's wife, you keep it to your damn self. Next time it might be more than a smack in the teeth." He plucks the bill out of the man's hand and returns to Jac, already counting out a large tip for the diner staff and adding the man's dollar to it. "Sorry for interrupting our lunch, honey."

[sashabeloved]

"You married one of those???" Yet he still keeps talking.

He decides to stick to French, "My Dear, leave him." He cups the side of Dell's face and offers some of his cash. "It does not bother me at this point. I've heard worse."

[archimedeez]

His husband's fists clench again and he is very clearly about to go back over there. "Sonofabitch--"

[sashabeloved]

He is held onto, "Dell." His hands are taken into Jac's "I would like to leave here with my husband. And not with pieces of that man on my husband's hands." His wife tilts his face so they lock eyes.

[archimedeez]

He looks like he wants to argue but sighs and nods. "Yeah, let's get outta here." He kisses Jac's hands.

[sashabeloved]

They are stopped, Jac is handed a container of pie from the staff. He nods and then leads Dell out. "How are you?"

[archimedeez]

"I was doin fine 'fore that shithead," he mutters as he takes Jac back to their vehicle. "Im sorry you had to deal it."

[sashabeloved]

"I did not. You punched him before I had the chance to. Excellent form by the way. I am surprised he was awake." He opens the passenger door for Dell.

[archimedeez]

"Thanks, honey." He hops in. "God, I hate men like that. Think they can treat people like sex objects and get away with it."

[sashabeloved]

"I have gotten a total of twenty dollars from those exact situations. Except I was the one punching instead of you. Now what bothered you the most?" He begins driving home.

[archimedeez]

"Called you exotic, asked me where I got you. And then he had the nerve to say he only thought you were worth a buck."

[sashabeloved]

"How much do you think I'm worth out of curiosity?"

[archimedeez]

"You're priceless, darlin." He looks over and puts a hand on Jac's knee. "But he could at least not imply you're a cheap prostitute."

[sashabeloved]

Jac is a bit bothered but doesn't see it. "Do I look that horrible?" His eyes are focused on the road.

[archimedeez]

"What do you mean, do you look that horrible?" He can hear Dell's frown.

[sashabeloved]

"Do I look like a cheap prostitute?" He sighs. It was already difficult for him to wear the clothes, he has plenty but struggles to wear the ones that aren't purely for the suave work persona he puts on display. "I do not want flattery, I would like brutal honesty."

[archimedeez]

"You look like you're trying out new styles for yourself. It looks fresh on you, you look happy. Not like a prostitute." He squeezes his knee. "Promise."

[sashabeloved]

"Fresh, as in new?" He doesn't grip the steering wheel as tight.

[archimedeez]

"Yeah, but it ain't a bad thing. You look pretty." Dell is still looking at him, he has a warm smile on his face.

[sashabeloved]

He glances at Dell, he's almost smiling. "Thank you. Did I tell you why I hesitate with things like this?"

[archimedeez]

"I dont think so, go on?"

[sashabeloved]

The small smile fades. "I have always had a curiosity with women's fashion. I knew I liked fashion in general, as did everyone else. But I only quietly assessed women's. Jeremiah had to have been a few months old, roughly three if I am remembering correctly. I relieved Laura for the day, my son was asleep and I went to at least pick up a few things around the house. I don't know why I did it, but I put on her heels in front of a mirror. I was too in my own mind with pairing outfits to hear her enter the house. The look of digust is one I have never forgotten. Something that felt right a few moments ago felt deeply wrong." Jac takes a long breath while speaking, "And of course within the coming days, I wouldn't hear the end of it."

[archimedeez]

Dell scowls. "Should've known. She was real bad for you, Jack. I'm sorry she killed the joy in it for you, and I'm real proud of you for tryin it again after all these years."

[sashabeloved]

"It helped you were accepting. I was not worried about Jeremiah truthfully, I was afraid you would have a similar reaction as Laura. Knowing everything I do about you, it still wouldn't mean you'd accept me." He pulls into their driveway and sinks into his seat. "I suppose this is why I am exhausted."

[archimedeez]

"Yeah hon, with all the stress you have, of course you're exhausted." He gets out and opens Jac's door for him, then offers a hand to help him out. "Tell me what you're feeling?"

[sashabeloved]

"As you said, exhausted. I have a few things to do however." He sits there in the car as he does when tired and trying to will himself to get up. Jacques takes Dell's hand after a moment.

[archimedeez]

He holds it to his lips. "Whaddya still got to do? Ill take care of it, you go on and rest."

[sashabeloved]

"You cannot assist with this. It is work." He manages to get up. "I am putting in requests for inventory this week. Your brother is making something I am not speaking on. You may stay with but do not look."

[archimedeez]

He raises an eyebrow and walks him inside. "I won't look, promise. Hey, buddy--" Tanner immediately appears at their feet, he missed them.

[sashabeloved]

He is scooped up and given scratches after the pie is put on the counter. "My dog now."

[archimedeez]

"You did get him, I suppose it's only fair. Where's that cat?" He calls for Jolie.

[sashabeloved]

She is sleeping on their bed.

[archimedeez]

He pauses with one hand stretched toward her, debating if he wants to wake her or not. She's so cute but she's sleeping...

[sashabeloved]

Jac opens a food can and she bolts up and sprints to get it. He's lost twice now.

[archimedeez]

"Damnit." He follows her back out to the kitchen.