Black and Blue

Name's Jordan. All there is to say, really.

[jordan-fitz]

text | jordan

Danica: Hey! So, I just got hired for a new job and need someone to go celebrate with.

Danica: Any chance you're free sometime this week? No pressure to say yes, of course.

Jordan: Hey, look at that! What'd you end up getting hired on as?

Jordan: But sure, I've got free time. I'm off this weekend, actually, both days, which is a miracle.

[jordan-fitz]

evelynxclarke‌:

“Absolutely.” Her smile ever gentle. “Oh, they stay here as long as they need to to find a home. I couldn’t bear throwing them into the system we save them from, again. The longest we’ve had is Penny over there by the register.” She gestured to a fluffy copper colored cat all puffed up in what the cat deemed to be her spot. A little bottom snaggle tooth showing. “She’s been here a year, now. Not the cuddliest or youngest which, sadly, most people tend to shun her for. She just has her own means of being with someone. It just takes some time to earn her affections is all. Once she trusts you, she’ll just want to be near you all the time.” She looked over to the cat who felt sort of like a mascot for the cafe, at this point. Though, she still longed for her to have a loving place to properly call home. Turning her attention back to the more demanding little snuggle monster continuing to rub his head along Jordan’s hand. Chortling, softly. “No, no. All the help I need is just enjoying these fur babies. I’ll be back with your order, shortly.” With that, she went to the back where the kitchens lied to place in the order.

This place was sounding greater by the minute, and Jordan turned wide eyes around the cafe. “That makes sense. I just wondered if people fostered or anything, you know? Just took them home from here and waited for them to be adopted in that way.” She wasn’t entirely sure how fostering animals worked, but she knew that people took them home and the shelter advertised for them on their websites and whatnot still. Her eyes moved to the cat in question, face falling into a brief frown. “Huh...that’s...I mean, she’s happy here, of course but...that sucks that no one’s really giving her a chance.” Jordan knew how Penny felt. She wasn’t the snuggliest or friendliest person either. Jordan was quiet and a little gruff and wasn’t keen on freely giving affection either. “How uh...how old is she?” Jordan asked curiously. She was seriously considering adopting a cat, but not today. It was easy to want to surrounded by all of them, but Jordan would need to consider with a clear head first. “Alright,” Jordan said with a brief smile, giving Rufus a couple more scratches. She had a million questions, but they could wait until Evelyn got back.

[jordan-fitz]

danicadurand‌:

“Yeah, it makes a difference I think. The more you enjoy what you’re doing, the better,” she shrugged. It wasn’t something that a lot of people got to experience, but it was something she was fortunate enough to have. Chuckling, Danica nodded her head towards Jordan. “That’s fair. Self preservation is definitely important. But, you can trust me on this one, it’ll be a good experience.” She hoped it would be, anyway. She hadn’t actually been to any of the fancier restaurants around town, but she had to assume that it would be worth the time to check out. “True, everyone does have different tastes. It’s always a fun experience, though, if you ask me. Hopefully it’s not too bad.” It would at least be an adventure, if nothing else, and a reason for them to spend more time together. “Oh…yes, of course. We’d both have to go change before we go out. A nice cocktail dress is usually suggested.”

“I guess I’m going to have to trust you,” Jordan teased. “But I have to warn you. If you’re screwing with me, I absolutely have military experience.” She grinned, clearly teasing. “So let’s hope it’s good, yeah? No, I’m kidding, I’m sure it’ll be fine. It’s just...I don’t know. A new experience like this is making me weirdly nervous?” Jordan wasn’t sure if it was the experience, or hanging out with Danica on a more personal level that was making her nervous. “Right...yeah. Totally.” Jordan said, biting the inside of her cheek. “Would you believe me if I told you I didn’t own a single dress? I’ll have to go buy one.” She snorted, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t lie when I told you I wasn’t fancy. Don’t worry though. I’ll manage to pull something together. I’m nothing if not crafty.” That, at least, was true. Jordan was usually able to pull something passable out of her ass.

[jordan-fitz]

evelynxclarke‌:

“You’ve got a nice easy face to remember.” It was clunky but a genuine compliment and one she delivered with her well kept smile. Nothing brought her more joy than seeing those kitties happy and being loved, even if it was temporarily. “We just got him here and yet he’s already charming his way into all the hearts.” A soft chuckle came as she took out a small pad to jot down the order, making sure to repeat back, “Turkey sandwich with ranch instead of mayo. That is not a problem. Would you like chips or fries with that? Can I get you anything else to drink, perhaps? Even a water?” Inclining her head slightly to the right.

Jordan’s brows drew together, and she brought a hand up to touch her cheekbones. “I do?” she said, genuinely bewildered, “I hope that’s a good thing.” Chuckling, she shook her head. “How often do you cycle the cats?” she asked, “Just when someone gets adopted, or is it like sort of a foster system.” Jordan was already feeling the urge to take one of these guys home, and she didn’t even like cats all that much. Still though, she was feeling some of the stress melt from the bunched muscles of her shoulders. “I can see why though,” she said with a soft smile, “He’s a cutie.” Nodding her head, Jordan offered her a brief smile. “Um, yes to the chips and the water please. Do you want some help?” Frowning, Jordan waved her hand a second later. “Sorry, silly question. It’s a habit. Always offering help. Pretty sure it’s the military in me.”

[jordan-fitz]

evelynxclarke‌:

A few moments later and she closed the books to get up and tend to the new customer. A familiar heir about her that she couldn’t quite place, yet she let that recognition  keep in her eyes. “Hello, again.” Another giveaway without being so rude as to ask where they had met. “I see Rufus here made sure you’re nice and welcome.” Indicating to the purring tabby still demanding pets from the woman. “Has he also helped you pick out anything you’d like from the menu?”

“Oh!” Jordan responded, eyes popping a bit wide, “I’m -- I’m kind of surprised you remembered, I wasn’t sure. Hello.” It was nice to be remembered, if Jordan were being honest with herself. Laughing, Jordan nodded her head, scratching down the tabby’s back. “Rufus. That’s a good name for him.” Glancing toward the menu again, Jordan nodded her head. “Oh, uh, yeah. I think it’ll just be a turkey sandwich for me, if you don’t mind. But um...can you replace the mayo with ranch instead?” she asked hopefully. Mayo wasn’t Jordan’s favorite. “It’s uh...it’s nice in here,” she admitted, “Thanks for the invite.”

[jordan-fitz]

evelynxclarke‌:

A week or so had passed since she put up the flyers. They had help done the trick to get her business booming even more so. She already had five cats new homes and currently in the process to take in more to spare them from the euthanized lists of shelters. Currently, now, she was working on a little bit of paperwork behind the counter as a few regulars and new patrons alike were there enjoying their chill time with the cats when the door opened again. As per usual, she chimed out, “Welcome to Cat’s Cradle. Feel free to sit anywhere you’d like and I’ll be there in a moment to take your order. Menu’s are on the boards” she pointed up above her head, “And one at each table, though, you’re welcome to sit on a couch, floor, beanbag. Wherever~.”

@jordan-fitz

In all honesty, Jordan wasn’t sure this woman would remember her. They had only met once, in passing, and Jordan had mentioned wanting to come by and check the place out. It had quite a few people inside, and she smiled softly at the animals milling around, letting loose a short bark of laughter as she felt a cat rubbing at her legs. Instead of approaching the counter and ruining her work, Jordan nodded, saying a quiet thank you and taking a seat on a nearby beanbag. Absentmindedly, she reached out, running her hand down the back of a particularly friendly cat as she read over the menu. Catching the other woman’s eye, Jordan gave her a friendly smile, unsure if she’d be recognized. “No rush, I’m happy to wait if you’re busy.”

[jordan-fitz]

andrew-ces‌:

“I’m Canadian! Which means I have one… the real one.” He winked playfully. “In October and the American one since i live here in November.”

“Ah, that makes a lot more sense,” Jordan chuckled, shaking her head. “The real one though, please,” she snorted, “I wouldn’t call Canadian Thanksgiving the real one. Maybe just...the knock off of America’s.” She winked at him, clearly only joking. “Good luck though. That much food in back to back months is a recipe for disaster,” she laughed.

[jordan-fitz]

danicadurand‌:

“Also kind of, yes, but…you know. If you can make a job out of your hobby, you’re doing pretty good for yourself,” Danica shrugged. Maybe that was how you were supposed to survive adulthood. It was how Danica had filled all her time back in New York and, she hoped, how she would make it through being in Orlando now. A soft laugh filtered through her lips, shaking her head towards Jordan. “Oh, come on. Have a sense of adventure. They’ll explain what it is you’re eating and if it’s something you’re super against, we just move to the next course,” she promised. “But, oh no. People pay to get told what’s good. The chef knows better than we do, after all, right? It’s a fairly common thing at some of the bigger name restaurants, actually.” Choices just left people the option to pair things poorly and ruin the chef’s vision, or at least that was what Danica had always heard about it. Though she wasn’t sure she bought into it, she’d never actually had a bad experience at one of those places. “Perfect. I’ll get us a spot and we’ll make it happen tonight.”

“Well, that’s fair,” Jordan agreed with a nod of her head. “Guess everything’s all good if you’re doing work that you love or like...whatever.” In all honesty though, Jordan didn’t love her work, she just tolerated it. She didn’t think she wanted to share that out loud though. “I have a sense of adventure,” Jordan said with a small half smile. “I just also happen to have a sense of self preservation too.” She trusted Danica though, so Jordan didn’t mind branching out a little bit...even if she was skeptical. “I’ll do it though. Of course I will. I can’t risk looking like a total wimp,” she teased. That just wouldn’t do in front of pretty women because...duh. “That’s...so weird,” Jordan said with a brief shake of her head. “I mean, sure, the chef knows more than us, that’s true, but I mean. People have different tastes.” Some people had cheap tastes, Jordan included. “I don’t know, I guess that must just take some getting used to. Should be something new to me, at least,” she chuckled. “Good,” Jordan said with a grin, “What like...is there a dress code?” She looked down at her jeans and plaid shirt. It was probably not this,

[jordan-fitz]

sage-durand‌:

At the sound of a familiar voice, Sage turned a sharp frown toward Jordan, wordlessly reaching out and stealing her beer, gulping back an impressive swallow. “Erugh,” she choked out, making a face, “Dark beer, never mind.” She pushed it back over wordlessly, returning to frowning harshly at the television. “It’s not going so well, no,” she grumbled, fingers clenching against the bar, “We’re ranked seventh, Fitz. Seventh. We’re not playing like we’re ranked seventh and we’re losing to Notre Dame. Notre Dame, Jordan.” She fixed her with a look that insisted that that statement alone was something to panic over. “I need more alcohol,” she groaned, tipping her head back and baring her throat to the ceiling.

Jordan’s eyes widened as her beer was taken from her, and she gaped wordlessly at Sage. That was...new. “Yeah,” she said, momentarily struck dumb, “It’s dark beer.” Her eyes slid to the tv screen then, wrinkling her nose at the score. “Right, yeah...this is bad,” she said, not really following. It clicked then, and she let out a bark of laughter. “You went to college at Stanford, didn’t you?” It would make sense, but honestly, Jordan hadn’t pegged Sage to be too into sports. “Fuck Notre Dame though,” she said, amusement slipping across her face. No reason to not stand in solidarity. “I feel like more alcohol wouldn’t be best though,” she sighed, signalling the bartender. “Not yet at least. Try some water instead, Doc.”

[jordan-fitz]

danicadurand‌:

“I think that’s just what adult life is because yeah…I don’t think I have any hobbies either? Unless you count…computer stuff?” she said with a slow shrug of her shoulders. It was kind of a depressing thought, but nothing did spring to mind as an actual hobby she could cite for herself. Working with computers and hacking wasn’t necessarily a job for her, but she wasn’t sure hobby was the word for it either. Chuckling a little, Danica waved a hand in the air at Jordan’s concern. “That’s half the fun. You never really know what you’re going to get until it’s in front of you. I’ve picked up a few things over the years, so I think I’ll at least be able to steer us clear of anything terrible, but…” Danica laughed again, tossing her hands back up in the air. It wasn’t much of an exaggeration, she’d definitely picked and eaten some strange things in her time before she’d grown accustomed to fine dining, but it was all worth the fun. “The real fancy places usually don’t even have a menu anyway. You eat whatever they decide is on the menu for the day and hopefully you like it. Very different experience, but if you’re in, I can book us anywhere in town.”

“I don’t know what even qualifies as a hobby anymore,” Jordan admitted with a laugh. “I doubt it’s computer stuff though, since that’s also kind of your job.” She wrote algorithms, Jordan figured she also worked hand in hand with computers on a daily basis. Or, well, used to, considering she was on  job hunt currently. “Not terrible would be...preferable,” Jordan said, trepidation making itself known. “I’d rather not eat something terrible today but I guess...” She loosened up, shaking her head as she laughed. “I guess there’s no real way to tell until I just...eat it.” If it was a fine dining restaurant, Jordan wasn’t worried about her dietary restrictions. If she requested no pork, she figured they would oblige. She toyed with bringing it up to Danica, but she also knew people could get weird about that. That was a conversation for another day. “What? That is...nuts,” she said, eyes wide, “You’d figure the places with bigger selections would be more expensive, but I guess not.” She wondered just why places like that could charge such exorbitant amounts. “I’m in,” she said after a brief pause, excitement flitting across her expression. “It should be fun.”

[jordan-fitz]

andrew-ces‌:

“Oh yeah totally, I love the last three months of the year, specially this year because I get two Thanksgiving, I enjoy handing out candy and seeing all the kids dressed up and I enjoy going to parties… I specially going letting go and just eating a lot. Gotta take advantage of my season being over.”

“You get two? How do you get two?” she asked with a laugh. Jordan wasn’t even expecting one, considering she’d be far too lazy to cook up a huge meal for herself. “Ah, the kids are great,” she said, “Their costumes are cute as hell. Doubt I’ll get much traffic, I live in an apartment, but still. It’ll be good to see them all having fun.” Popping a brow, Jordan tilted her head. “Your season? You a sports guy?”

[jordan-fitz]

evelynxclarke‌:

“I’m pretty sure I’m destined to live on a farm in my old age with nothing but rescue cats.” Although she laughed, it wasn’t quite a horrible fate. At least she’d be able to harbor more for their safety. “Well, Miss, I look very forward to your visits. Our furry helpers as well. They’ll help you destress, I’m sure of it.” Cats were great for that, as science had proved. “Oh, I think so, too. Probably because the patrons just spoil them with attention.”

“Well that hardly sounds like the worst thing in the world,” Jordan chuckled, shrugging her shoulders. “Living on a farm with a bunch of pets sounds like a dream.” Blinking, Jordan gave a brisk shake of her head, holding her hand out. “I’m sorry, I haven’t introduced myself. I’m Jordan.” She wasn’t entirely sure cats could help her destress, but she’d been proven wrong before. “Pretty sure that’s a cat’s dream,” she said with a snort. “Getting a bunch of attention. Or, well...some cats’ dreams anyway. Most of the ones I’ve met have been pretty antisocial.”

[jordan-fitz]

sage-durand‌:

Sage’s night was not going well. The bar was crowded, college football games broadcast on all the screens, alcohol flowing freely. Grace was tucked in the corner with the Florida game. Sage could hear her cheering from across the bar, which only made her face fall further into a frown. Stanford was losing. Stanford was losing to Notre Dame of all teams, which was just unacceptable. As the Fighting Irish scored again, Sage let loose a few choice curses and tossed a couple napkins uselessly at the bar in front of her. “Why!” she burst out, “Who is calling these defensive plays? They’re running all over us! We’re ranked seventh! We’re not performing like we’re ranked seventh.” Grumbling, she took a large gulp of her beer, figuring just putting it out into the universe like that, not directed at anyone in particular, would make her feel better. Still though, the bar was crowded. She was half expecting a response.

After meeting Sage’s cousin and developing sort of an embarrassing crush, Jordan felt the need to look out for her more than ever. She had no doubt Sage was capable, but hearing her spew curses across a crowded bar clued her in that maybe, just maybe, she was a little bit drunk. Sighing, Jordan took the Guinness she’d been nursing the whole night and slid into the seat next to the young surgeon. “Hey Doc,” she said quietly, taking a peek at the score on the tv and wincing in sympathy, “Not going so well, I take it?” 

[jordan-fitz]

andrew-ces‌:

“Is it me or does it feel like people wait for like the 1st of October at like 12 am to get out their Halloween decorations?” He said looking around. “It feels so weird to wake up and be just… flooded with like autumn and Halloween but the temperature isn’t anywhere near the 20s.” He commented as he sipped on his Pumpkin spice latte.

“It’s not just you,” Jordan assured him with a wry smile. “I feel like I go to bed on the last day of September, then get smacked in the face with Halloween on October first.” Her expression softened though, and she shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t mind it though. Halloween’s a really cool holiday.”

[jordan-fitz]

danicadurand‌:

“I’ll have to walk around and check. Might as well give it a shot,” she agreed with a half shrug. Any reason to go shopping was a good one and if there was something worth buying, a new wardrobe was really in order. That was a sentiment Danica could understand. Without work, she was admittedly floundering a bit. There was only so much exploring the new city she could do and it was already growing tiresome. She hung out with her family when she could, but even that she could only do so much of. “No? No hobbies or anything that keep you busy?” The older she got, the less it seemed like people had hobbies like that. Really, what did adults do other than work? She was still figuring that one out herself. “Oh, trust me, it’s not as bad as it seems. Intimidating at first, but the food is worth it. It’s fancy and expensive for a reason, believe it or not.”

“I guess...I guess not really,” Jordan admitted. I didn’t even really have any when I was back in Baltimore. A lot of my time is spent working. Still is, really.” With her job, she had to nearly always be ready, though it wasn’t as bad on her as it was on the doctors. “I don’t know. Now that I’m thinking about it, I probably should pick something up,” she laughed. “I work, go to sleep and workout and that’s...pretty much what I do. So unless you count working out as a hobby...” She trailed off, knowing it wasn’t one. “What about you though? Do you have any hobbies that keep you busy? Aside from being accosted by guys, I mean.” She wondered if anyone had hobbies once they got a real career. She didn’t know if having a career meant you had time for it or not. “Well, yeah,” she laughed, shrugging her shoulders. “I mean, I’d think they’d get the best of everything, but I can’t promise I’ll have any idea what I’m reading on the menu.” She wasn’t too scared about that. If Danica couldn’t deal with her just not knowing fancier ways of life, well...it probably wouldn’t work out anyway.

[jordan-fitz]

evelynxclarke‌:

“It is!” She beamed, rather proudly. “I opened it up a couple years back. Though, giving credit where credit is due, I got the idea after a semester abroad in Korea. I missed my family and my kitties so much, I visited one by my dorms pretty much every day.” It was a fond memory, in fact. Something comforting to be surrounded by something so familiar while stuck on the other side of the world. “We do pretty well. Not as many adoptions as I want to have cycling through, but, if I had my way, we’d be finding at least ten cats homes a day. More, if I could manage it. I’m very over eager like that.” Admitting with a self conscious bite to her lower lip. “I’m sure if you come by, you’ll at least have a nice time. You can even play with them, if you like. They love to play and snuggle. We even have toys for them to help with interactions.”

“I didn’t even...well, okay. I knew they were a thing, I guess, but not until pretty recently.” It was pretty cool, going to a place filled with animals sounded pretty much like heaven. Huffing out a laugh, Jordan gave a one shouldered shrug. “Nothing wrong with wanting to give the cats good homes faster, I guess.” Jordan wasn’t a cat person, but she knew she’d take one home if it were necessary. They were cute just...not as good as dogs. “That’s...a really awesome way to get people interested,” she admitted with a nod. “Maybe one day when I’m off work, I’ll stop by. It seems like the type of place I’d enjoy, I think.” Nodding her head, Jordan gave the other woman a small smile. “It’s a good thing what you’re doing, I think. I bet the cats like your place way more than the pound.”

[jordan-fitz]

danicadurand‌:

“I’m fine with overpriced, as long as the quality is worth the price tag,” she shrugged. Money wasn’t really an object for her, not when she knew how easy it was to just quickly grab some cash from…anywhere she wanted, really. She smiled a bit, then, nodding once towards Jordan with a grateful expression. “I appreciate that. I’ll keep that in mind if I figure something out, maybe you’ll know someone.” Danica didn’t see herself going back to a standard job any time in the near future, it just didn’t seem all that appealing anymore. But, of course, she needed to have something on the books to keep herself out of jail, so she’d have to figure out something eventually. “Busy is good, right? Sitting around too long just…” she trailed off, making a motion next to her head to indicate it would drive her nuts. “But perfect, okay. How about we go to dinner? I can get us reservations somewhere fancy.”

“Well, hell, you might like some of the stuff from Disney Springs then. I think they have designer things? I don’t actually have any idea.” She was a pretty cheap shopper. Jordan wasn’t really all that hard to impress when it came to clothes. Or, really, much of anything. “Yeah, just...you know. Figured I’d bring it up in case you ever wanted it.” She gave her a small smile, knowing her job wasn’t the most glamorous thing in the world. Still though, work was work, and she’d pass along a good word if Danica needed her to. “Yeah,” she said, brows furrowing, “I guess busy is good. Sometimes it’s nice to have a break though. Not that --” She cut herself off, laughing. “Not that I have much to do when I’m on a break.” She really needed to get out more. “Fancy?” Jordan asked, slightly uncomfortably. “Yeah, sure fancy is uh...I can do fancy. I think.” She winced, rubbing the back of her neck. “I don’t think I’ve ever really uh...been to a fancy place before.” She was pretty sure she wouldn’t understand half the menu, but she could suck it up.