( jack innanen / 26 / he & him / local ) OLIVER "OLLIE" CALLAHAN has been spotted in town. They have been living here for 26 YEARS in DOWNTOWN.They are LOVABLE and SCATTERBRAINED, as far as newcomers should be concerned when approaching them at ROSSI'S where they work as a LINE COOK.
Ollie was always the kid that everyone liked but no one really noticed. He'd always been in the middle; the middle of three siblings, middle of the pack in school, etc. He was known as the fun one in friend groups, and the one people would call when they needed a laugh or a ride home. Being funny got him attention, so he just never stopped rolling with it; even if it wasn’t always the kind he wanted. To no surprise he was class clown for his graduating class.
After high school Ollie tried community college for about a year, then decided it just wasn’t for him. Of course he was the only one of his siblings not to follow through with that. It made him feel like a disappointment to his parents, but they were supportive and let him figure it out without making him feel shitty about it. After that, Ollie drifted through a string of odd jobs, such as a delivery driver, waiter, and dog walker before landing at Rossi's as a line cook. It started as a temporary paycheck to get by, but has somehow become his longest running job. it's something he's actually good at it; both the pizza making and connecting with people.
Ollie knows the regulars and remembers their weird orders and doesn't judge them. He tends to turn a bad day around with a dumb joke or a free slice (which he has a tendency to hand out probably too often). He's easygoing and charming, but underneath is just a guy that sometimes lies awake at night wondering if everyone else is passing him by. While they're all getting married, moving away, or chasing something bigger, he's still working at the local pizza place in the town he grew up in. Most of the time he's fine with that, but every so often insecurity creeps in.
Ollie is that friend that always remembers your birthday and shows up with pizza and a stupid card that makes you laugh until you cry. His apartment is as big as mess as he is, but he has a big heart. He's constantly battling between contentment and longing, but keeps that to himself. He'd rather brighten the world with a goofy pun or something that makes them smile. Ollie doesn’t always know what he wants, but knows he wants to feel like he belongs somewhere and doing something that matters.
a little about him:
Oliver 'Ollie' Callahan (fc: Jack Innanen)
26 y/o
status: happily taken by Diego @mourninglure
sexuality: fluid
likes volunteering at community events bc free snacks!~ but also he likes to feel useful
he loves animals & is always willing to pet sit for anyone
has a bonded dog & cat; Noodle & Dumpling
karaoke & bar trivia are some of his favorite social things to do
is weirdly competitive about arcade games & mini-golf
is a D&D Dungeon Master
is a hopeless romantic
golden retriever energy
shows affection by cooking for people
takes leftovers from work to the local shelter
is close with all of his family and super protective of them or anyone he cares about
more of a lover than a fighter but he'll go to bat for the ones he loves, even if he likely won't win
aesthetics: stickers on a dented laptop, coffee rings on napkin doodles, vanilla candles from the dollar store he thinks makes his apartment cozy, faint smell of gasoline from his beat-up car, keys jingling because he can never find the right one, old sneakers dusted with flour, a faded denim jacket with patches he sewed on, the static hum at the end of an old song on vinyl, soft cotton hoodies with frayed drawstrings
connection ideas:
honestly i'm open to anything & everything, but here are some ideas!
partner - Diego De La Cruz
ride or die/besties - Jimmy Weiland, Diego De La Cruz, Claire Mercer
childhood friends - Claire Mercer
long-time friends - Claire Mercer
neighbors -
D&D buddies -
good friends - Natalie Parker, Calder Briar, Daphne Dohan
"Me? Go out? You'd be the first to hear about it." It's true. Not just because they were neighbors, but Ro was his best friend after all. "You know, I'm not really all that hungry. I also don't mind making us something if we do get hungry, you know I like cooking for you." In general, of course, but especially for Rowan. But any thought of food, or anything, washed away the moment Rowan pulled Eli into am embrace. He softly sighed into it, fully giving in without hesitation. How was it possible that one person could tame so much in another? He wondered if he had such an effect on Rowan, and as he looked up into those eyes that were so full of adoration, Eli almost felt brave enough to ask.
"No, no. You don't have to worry yourself enough to fight anyone," Eli softly reassures, chuckling a bit, warmly smiling up at his best friend. "Just a busy shift, someone quit halfway, not only that, but I was also training a newbie the entire time. Two of my dishes were sent back to me, because the newbie messed it up, and the people ended up leaving without wanting to try something else. It was an absolute nightmare come true." He felt lighter now that he had voiced it out loud, even if it didn't change his shitty shift, Rowan always made things better just by letting him vent. His brows knitted in gentle concern, "Have you been making sure to take of yourself too, Ro? You're eating, right?" He sits back a bit now, looking his friendly over, as if suddenly needing to inspect to see if any little bit of Rowan has changed. "The town needs it's local hero, but I'm more concerned that you're taking care of yourself too. Hm. That's it..we're doing our weekly dinners again."
And then when Rowan repeats how Eli had been thinking about him it just makes Eli playfully roll his eyes and just nestles back into the other's embrace again. A few more selfish moments wouldn't hurt, right? "We should definitely work on that," Eli agreed, then adding, "I'll see what day my boss can manage to give me off during the week and make it an official day off. Maybe we can make dinner night a more permanent part of our routine." Maybe we can be a more permanent part of our routine. That's what he wanted to add, but he didn't. He finally leaned back a bit when Ro is the one to unwind his arms, but he doesn't go very far, and his gaze doesn't waver from Rowan as he speaks about Mr. Watson.
"Oh, I don't know. I think Mr. Watson can definitely give me a run for my looks. My dazzling personality and sense of humor? He might have to sharpen up." But he was jst joking because he knew that his personality was far from dazzling and his sense of humor was dry as a desert. "However," his voice softens, leaning in slightly, "I am happy to know that you haven't replaced me with anyone just yet. The feeling is mutual." A pause, before he speaks again. "And I haven't found anyone with a smile nearly as charming as yours. You're one of a kind." He reached out to cup the side of Rowan's face, gently brushing his thumb across his cheek, letting the moment hang for a beat too long. "As for making me feel better? You're doing a great job at is as it is." He lowered his hand, finally look towards the beer on the coffee table, reaching for two drinks. "Should I pop on something? Are you in the mood for horror, comedy," he smirks, looking over to Ro, eyebrows playfully waggling, "romance?"
Elijah's words made him smile softly, because he was honored to be confided in and trusted so much. Not that he expected things to stay that way forever. Some day Eli would find someone he wanted to settle down with, plan a future with and Rowan would no longer be that person for him. It was something Rowan didn't think about or focus on because the idea of it twisted his insides. Even if, what he wanted more than anything, was for his best friend to be happy. "You know I love your cooking, and that you enjoy it so much, but you've been on your feet all day. I promise I'm good with cookies and beer. You deserve a break. You aren't lifting a finger tonight. Deal?" Rowan could have easily stayed there all night just holding him, helping ease the heaviness and detriment of the day. It was a relief to hear that there was no one he needed to hunt down for him, but as Eli explained just what had made the day so terrible, Ro's arms tightened their grip around him more securely.
"I'm sorry, Eli. That sounds rough. But you powered through it. Tomorrow is another day," he added with the softest chuckle. "My mom used to always say that. I think it's from Gone With the Wind or something." He cracked a smile as Elijah became the concerned one; he got so lost in those eyes every damn time, like he was hypnotized or something. "I am, I promise. Mostly stale pretzels in the breakroom," he admitted, ducking his face. "But it's all good. I'm fine. I definitely wouldn't say no to our weekly dinners again though. I missed them." He missed him, actually. "Definitely. Let me know your schedule and I'll bid on mine. Shouldn't be that hard to get a weeknight off. I would love that, if you have time to squeeze me in between all of your dates."
He meant it, although it was also Rowan fishing a little about the latest. Usually Eli told him how wrong they may have gone or completely disregarded it. He did want him to find happiness, really. But it was hard to ignore the pang of jealousy because Rowan wanted to be the one that made him happy. "Oh yes, absolutely. The guy is a silver fox," he joked back, keeping the space between them small. "And yeah, he doesn't stand a chance against your charm." He knew Eli was joking, but Rowan wasn't. He adored Elijah's dry wit and personality; he found him subtly hilarious. He didn't care what anyone else thought, they just got each other. Rowan's heart squeezed giddily to hear that Eli hadn't replaced him, and the touch to his cheek drew the quietest stutter of breath from him. Ocean eyes closed briefly before his lips curved, the brightest smile taking over his features. He didn't even realize how he'd slightly leaned into Elijah's touch, purely by instinct.
"I'm glad too. That you haven't replaced me, I mean." He murmured back, his eyes quickly dropping to Eli's lips before meeting his eyes again. "I'm telling you now, that's never gonna happen. You might find someone to replace me, but you're always gonna be my number one. And please, my smile is nothing compared to yours." At the loss on contact Rowan had to fight himself to keep from grabbing Elijah's hand and moving it back to his cheek. He settled for the beer instead, trying to stabilize himself as he removed his shoes and sunk under a blanket. "Oh you know I'm such a romantic," Rowan joked, although he could be persuaded, when it came to a certain someone. "What about a rom-com? Kind of brings in both elements? But honestly you pick. I'm just happy to be here." Rowan brought the beer to his lips for a sip, then asked the question that had been on his mind for days. "So um, how did that last date go?"
Natalie had, in fact, been waiting for the bench, doing other exercises in the meantime. She wasn't sure how long she had been doing that, but it felt like longer than she would have expected. And maybe longer than he seemed to be able to handle at this point. However, she wouldn't interfere in his workout like she wouldn't want someone to do that to her, even if she was getting a bit concerned for the firefighter.
She was ready to take his spot, leaving the smaller weights she had been using, already a bit out of breath herself, but wanting to finish the exercises that she had planned for today. At his question, her brows lifted just slightly, and she wiped her hands with the small towel hanging from her shoulder
"I'm thinking... a solid seven out of ten," she said with a smile. "But now that I know you're emotionally fragile, Rowan, I might bump it to an eight." As she threw the towel down and took the bigger weights he had been usings she gave him a wider grin. "Your shoulders started rounding on the last few reps," she teased.
"Seven out of ten? Well that's depressing," Rowan retorted, though there was a playfulness in his tone and a smile tugging at his lips. "You know what, I'll take that eight. I appreciate you being honest with me, Nat. Most people probably wouldn't. I guess I need to work on my shoulders then. I'm going to blame it on being overworked."
Rowan grabbed his water bottle and guzzled some of it down as he cooled off. He brought the edge of his shirt to his face to wipe off some of the sweat. "Do you need a spotter? I'm happy to if you just give me a minute to catch my breath. And you can fill me in on what you've been up to lately. I feel like it's been a while."
"I don't want to say yes, but yes absolutely. I mean I also offered to help you but I just moved here a week ago and I don't even know where much is so I offer to help but then I'm not sure how much help I'll actually be but it's the nice thing to offer. I can tell you where all of the mystery and thriller books are because those are the ones I gravitate towards myself." Athena explained to the man as she then laughed.
"It's all good. I wouldn't be offended anyway," Rowan assured with a little laugh. "Hey, it's the thought that counts. So are you new to the book store, or Ennora altogether?" He hummed aloud in thought, still not knowing exactly what would be up his alley. "Maybe a good mystery one might be worth a shot? I can't tell you the last time I even read a book, fully, but I thought it was about time I give it a try again."
The shift had wrung him out in ways that went deeper than physical exhaustion. By the time Elijah got home, peeled off his work clothes, and stood under the steady stream of hot water, his shoulders had felt like stone. A few hours later he was freshly showered, hair still slightly damp, stretched out along his couch with one arm tucked behind his head. He hadn’t done much of anything since—just let the quiet settle around him, the hum of the refrigerator the only sound breaking the stillness. His thoughts, unhelpfully, had drifted to Rowan. It had been a while since they’d actually sat down and spent time together despite living so close. The last date hadn’t gone anywhere—again. If he was being honest with himself, he hadn’t given it much of a chance. He’d kept one foot out the door the entire time, conversation stilted, effort minimal. It felt pointless to text Rowan about yet another failed attempt when the common denominator was clearly him.
The knock at the door startled him enough that he actually jerked upright, blinking toward the sound in confusion. He hadn’t ordered takeout, wasn’t expecting a delivery, and he definitely hadn’t made plans. For a split second he just stared at the door like it might explain itself—until Rowan’s voice carried through it, playful and warm and achingly familiar. Elijah’s entire face lit up without permission. The exhaustion clinging to him peeled back in an instant. He was already on his feet before he consciously decided to move, crossing the room quickly. Halfway there, he caught his reflection in the hallway mirror and paused, smoothing down his hair with his fingers, adjusting the collar of his shirt like it mattered more than it should. Then he opened the door.
The sight of Rowan standing there—arms full, grin in place—knocked the air clean from his lungs. For a second, Elijah just stood there taking him in, like he hadn’t realized how much he’d missed him until that exact moment. A soft chuckle slipped from him, warm and genuine. “It’s nice to see you.” His gaze dropped to the cookies and the six-pack, and his smile deepened. “Ah. The dinner of champs.” He nudged the door shut behind them and gestured him further inside, that warmth lingering in his expression in a way he didn’t offer many people.
He led Rowan into the living room, instinctively gravitating back toward the couch but staying on his feet for a moment like he couldn’t quite settle yet. “It’s really nice to see your face right now, Ro. Work was absolute shit today,” he admitted with a tired shake of his head, scrubbing a hand over the back of his neck. Then his gaze softened again, something quieter threading through it. “How’ve you been? I was just thinking about you,” he confessed, almost sheepish. “And that it’s been some time since we’ve seen each other.” A beat passed before he added, voice tipping into mock suspicion, “You replaced me with another neighbor, didn't you? Give it to me straight, Ro.”
Although free time had been difficult to find lately, especially needing to be on call with the current weather conditions, whenever he was granted some, Rowan found himself wanting to spend it with his best friend. It was possible that Eli already had other plans, and when he took some time to answer the door, Rowan feared he may have missed him completely. He was about to give one more knock when the door opened and there appeared Elijah with the warm smile that always lingered in the back of Rowan's mind. Blue eyes took in his soft, casual appearance and he fought not to tell him just how good he looked at that moment. Of course he did. He always did. He returned the smile with a brighter grin than usual, because damn, he'd really missed him.
"It's good to see you too. I was starting to worry that you went out. Maybe I should think twice about surprising you next time." He followed Eli's gaze to his arms and laughed brightly, the warmest he had in some time. Probably since he'd last been at Elijah's. "You know it. I was going to grab something more sustainable but I wasn't sure what you might be in the mood for. If you are hungry though we can order in, my treat." Rowan followed inside and set the refreshments down on the coffee table, though instead of plopping onto the couch like normally he crossed back over to Eli, his expression growing concerned when he sad what a bad day he'd had.
Rowan wasn't a hugger, not really. Except maybe to family, but all that was left of that in his life was his sister. It was different with Elijah though. All of these soft things that he didn't let others see, it was like he saved them up for him. Gently he drew him in for a hug, a palm running over his hair as he tried not to become too engrossed by the addictive scent of his shampoo and cologne. "What happened at work?" He asked softly, not fully letting go, but bringing his face back to look into those big brown eyes he adored. "Do I need to go kick someone's ass? Because you know I will." The question that followed earned a small shrug from the blonde. "I've been fine. Nothing exciting happening but nothing bad, either. Been on call with all this crazy weather," he explained.
Reluctantly Rowan unwound his arms from Eli, but his hand gave his cheek the most tender, playful little pat. "You were thinking about me, huh?" His tone was playful as his eyes dipped to meet Elijah's again. "Obviously I was too, or I wouldn't have stopped by. I know our schedules are crazy, but we should work on that." Rowan's lips curled into a teasing smirk, but the glint in his gaze gave him away before he even spoke further. "Oh yeah, totally. You know Mr. Watson? The guy that sits on his porch and talks to the birds? He's my new bestie. It's not the same though, you know? Not nearly as good of a cook. Or as funny, and definitely not as cute." He let the words hang for a moment before continuing. "No way, you're irreplaceable, you know. Wanna sit and tell me what was so bad about today and what I can do to help you feel better?"
Usually weekend nights were the busiest ones at the station, which meant Rowan was almost always working during them. Somehow he'd managed to only have to work during the day, leaving a rare evening open. Once his calls were done (a few heroic deeds and one cat saved), Rowan showered up at the station and switched into fresh clothes. He could spend his time going out to the bar or something, but honestly he didn't really care what he was doing, except that he wanted to see Eli. It felt like a while since he'd last helped him with his date, and Rowan was curious how it went. Truthfully, sometimes all of the details killed him inside a little, for reasons he would not accept or admit to. Still, Elijah was his best friend, and if he happened to meet someone he fell for and wanted a future with then he was supposed to be a supportive friend and cheer him on, right? Right?? Even if the very idea made Rowan sick to his stomach and jealous in a way he couldn't explain.
Showing up empty-handed wasn't something he liked to do, but considering Eli's job, Rowan never knew whether to bring food or if he might prefer his own cooking. Instead, he stopped by to grab some cookies from Spoonfull of Sugar and a six pack of beers from the store, then headed over to Elijah's. He probably should have texted first to see if he was busy, but this was his best friend. He doubted Eli would mind. if he did, he'd just have to figure out other plans. As he approached the door, Ro shifted everything so that it was cradled into his left arm gingerly, then knocked at the door with his free fist. He tried to ignore the slurry of butterflies that always stirred when he waited for him to answer. "Reporting for duty!" Rowan called playfully, hoping Elijah could hear him from inside. "Got a call that there's something really hot burning up this place."
Chase snickered at his comment "Well, there's enough bars with my picture up due to being banned, so that's kind of a warning label..." she snickered, handing him one of the shots before lining up her own with him. "I'd like to see the punchline in that..." she agreed. "We can't leave this place as a sleepy, quiet town forever right? You'd all simply die of boredom" she teased. "Well, you are the more respected individual, they'd believe I was the troublemaker way before they even questioned you on it. So I'm happy to agree to those terms" she mused, knocking back her own shot and giving a playful click at the fire that came from the Tequila. "Uh...Lets just say, circumstance." she stated carefully, not wanting to give away any detail of the wife that was likely hunting her. It was the same person she ran from always.
"You have wanted posters out at bars? That's legendary behavior, Chase. But it's better than a mug shot, right?" Rowan tried his best to stay respectable, to stay out of trouble because his job was very important to him. And the town itself, considering he'd been born and raised here, with too many memories of his late mom to let go of. There were definitely better people though. "Well you did just come back, so there's still time to jump ahead of me." Politely he waved the bartender over and ordered another round for them both. Although she didn't give away much of her reason for return, Rowan sensed there was something deeper to it. "Well, how are you settling back in? All moved in and stuff?" This time when the shots arrived, Rowan tipped the glass back hands free. He hadn't done that since college but what the hell, why not? Chase was bringing the wilder side out of him, and he was due to let lose. "You still living in the same place?"
Although Teo had every intention of being able to get himself home tonight, it was probably a good thing someone else was there keeping an eye on him. He hadn't been much of a drinker in recent years, and he wasn't exactly thinking rationally as it was. So it was probably also a good thing Rowan was trying to keep the conversation contained. Teo could be frustrated, but he didn't need to tank Ike's reputation in some seedy bar over a hunch.
Looking around, realizing anyone could have heard him, Teo blushed a bit and leaned closer to Rowan. "For starters, he keeps accusing me of cheating. Or at least of flirting with other people or something," he said, chewing on his lower lip thoughtfully. "And he comes home later than usual, says he's going to the gym but we used to go to the gym together. He smells different. Like a different kind of aftershave or something, but I know he isn't using anything different." Teo's blush got deeper, pink spreading down his neck a bit. "He keeps bringing up the idea of a threesome, or just bringing someone else home for some kind of kink or something," he said softly, embarrassed to be admitting it.
Maybe it would've been a relief to get away from Ike. Teo could've used a break from being someone's punching bag, at the very least. But he couldn't help feeling he had to be there with Ike, that he couldn't just up and leave. He was stuck, had been for a really long time now.
Even if Rowan wasn't the most versed in relationships, what Teo was relaying to him were sure signs of cheating. His heart fell, wishing he couldn't agree, but it was very possible Teo's hunch was right. "That's such bullshit, man. I'm so sorry. He doesn't deserve you." He said it firmly, matter-of-factly, because it was entirely true. He'd known Teo since they were kids and he deserved much better than some man using him for his own whims.
"I'm not good at keeping relationships, so I'm far from an expert but... those do all sound like tell-tale signs. I mean, I hope it's not the case, but it seems like once they start pointing the finger, it's usually a signal they're the one doing the cheating. Everything else is just further evidence." His voice had grown soft in saying so because he didn't want to hurt Teo, but he also couldn't lie to him. Honestly, he wanted to hunt Ike down right about now and beat the living daylights out of him.
Rowan's knuckles cracked as he search Teo's face softly. "Do you really want to be with him? I'm sorry, I know it's not my business and you've been together a long time but you can do so much better. And if you need a place to stay for a while or anything, I got a spare room."
Mars had been watching, not because he was actively watching but only because that just ended up being where he was looking as he was spacing out. Vision unfocused but his line of sight was very much directed at Rowan so it should come as no surprise at all that once 'eye-contact' was made, conversation soon was struck. Though, for a moment, Mars only blinks back blankly before pulling the Airpod from his ears. Through the screaming little white earpod is music which is a far cry from the overhead hip hop pop funk playing through the abysmal gym's sound speakers. Due to this delay in audio processing and trying to replay the moment Rowan approached to remember the way his lips were moving, Mars only picks up on the latter half.
So he nods, pretending that he heard the entire speech as he crosses his arms thoughtfully and seriously. "Yes. Mhm. I'm also emotionally fragile and accepting compliments. So after I do you, ya better do me, yeah?" His voice rolls out deeper than perhaps expected for a body as lithe and lean as his own, perhaps better suited for someone twice his size at the very least but there it rolls out, smooth like warm butter on a roll in a delectable jazz club, accented heavily in a Chicagoan accent.
Rowan felt eyes on him, and it made him wonder if maybe his form was shoddy today. If maybe he was too lost in his own thoughts to focus on his usual routine. Then as he noticed the distant look in Mars' eyes, as if he hadn't actually been paying him much mind but instead was in a daze, he couldn't help but laugh a little. In fact, he wasn't sure if Mars had caught any of that at all, but he appreciated not being ignored. Rowan shifted his weight against the rack, forearm resting casually along the cool steel, posture loose and nonthreatening.
"I was totally joking about being emotionally fragile. Though not so much the other part." He pushed off the rack then and stepped closer, grounding himself in the familiar rhythm of the gym: the low hum of machines, the distant clatter of weights, the steady pulse of effort in the air. "Alright," Rowan agreed, voice warm and laced with an easy confidence. "You go first. I'll spot you." His hand rested briefly against the bar, steady and ready. "Then it's your turn. You can tell me I'm doing amazing. Maybe lie a little if you have to. I won't hold it against you."
Athena was a big reader but she didn't really think she'd be running a bookstore. She figured it was her best way to remain quiet and nobody would know what she was still doing back home. She didn't want to do the every day working in the bookstore but today she decided to be out in the front and she was sitting at the register as one of the workers was stocking the shelves with the new books that they just received. Athena looked up from her magazine when she heard the bell ring as someone entered the store. "Welcome, let me know if you need help with anything."
Rowan enjoyed reading, but it wasn't something he really had all that much time for unless it was an incredibly slow day at the station. Even then, he usually opted to work out instead. On a whim he decided to swing by the bookstore to see if anything new caught his eye, but he usually got overwhelmed by the choices and ended up leaving empty handed. The woman at the counter greeted him and he flashed her a smile and nodded softly. "Thank you. Is it obvious I'm lost as soon as I walked through the door?" He teased, knowing she was just being friendly and doing her job. "I honestly never know what to get when I come in here."
Seeing Rowan drinking, Teo finally sipped from his own glass. He was crossing that line, going over the threshold, and he knew he didn't plan on stopping anytime soon tonight. If he had to crawl home, then so be it. Tonight was potentially a drink-to-forget kind of night, and Teo was okay with that. In fact, he welcomed it.
"Just fine," he repeated, forcing a smile. A little too much force, though, and he let it slip while he continued to drink. He nodded along with Rowan's words, remembering the days when it seemed like he never stopped moving or working, grateful things weren't like that anymore. When he was asked what he was up to, why he was out, Teo couldn't help but laugh a bit. It wasn't a happy laugh, though.
"I think Ike is cheating on me," he said finally, pursing his lips and making eye contact with Rowan for a brief few moments. "So I guess I just wanted to get out for a bit."
Rowan didn't intend to go overboard with the drinks, so if Teo needed to he'd make sure he got home safely. Something in the tambor of his voice hinted that he wasn't really 'fine'. Unless Rowan had lost his ways of reading Teo over time, as space had pushed them further apart. But he had a hunch. His smile and laugh didn't appear as pure and genuine as usual. It was his confession that followed though that really cemented Rowan's instincts.
"You think Ike is cheating?" Rowan's brows furrowed together and he swiveled himself to face Teo better, so they could keep the conversation limited to them and away from anyone else that might be nearby. It was a small town and people were always gossiping. "What makes you think that?" Rowan couldn't explain what it was about Ike; he didn't really know the guy, but something always felt off there. If he was going by vibes, anyway.
"You can talk to me, you know?" He offered more softly, sincerity swimming in his blue eyes. "You know it stays between us."
Chase only grinned at the other "Oh you know what I'm like! Straight into it and no bullshit" she hummed, tapping the bar for another shot to be poured for her. "Well, the night is still young- so jail could still absolutely happen tonight" she snickered, motioning him over with a finger "Come on, join me in a shot..." she hummed. "I'm glad that someone is happy to see me out and about here..." she mused, raising her shot glass in a toast with him.
Rowan shook his head the second she tapped the bar for another shot, already laughing under his breath. "Oh, I know," he said, watching her with an amused glint in his eyes. "You should come with a warning label." He didn't hesitate to join at the invitation. Shots weren't something he did that often these days, but once in a while wouldn't hurt. "That sounds like a set up for a really terrible joke. A PI and a firefighter walk into a bar..." His smile softened a fraction when she said she was glad someone was happy to see her out. "Of course. Ennora's way more interesting when you're threatening public disturbance." Rowan grabbed his own shot and help it up in reciprocation. "Deal. But if we do end up in jail tonight, I'm telling everyone this was your idea." And with that, he tipped the shot back; it had been some time since he'd felt that burn. "So, what brought you back?"
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