Winning Out

[luisxbautista]

tempestuouslady‌:

Tempest simply nodded in confirmation at his request to ‘start over’. He’d made an effort to communicate with her properly, and she appreciated such things. She watched as he asked for his own drink and looked to her for her order as well. “The blood of my enemies, usually, but today I’ll settle for a nice dry red,” she looked to the bartender as she said so. “Cabernet if you have it,” she added, side-eyeing her companion as he rubbed at his jaw after her compliment. She took his hand and shook it, gently but appropriately. “Wonderful to meet you, Luis. I’m Tempest Maddox. You can call me Temp, if you’d like,” she offered with a small smile. “I’m curious, what had you so distracted earlier?”

He nodded, giving her order into the bartender. As they gathered their drinks, he leaned on the wooden bar top, shooting her a smirk of amusement. “I’m on to you. Let people see you drinking the red wine so when you’re kicking back with a nice glass of enemy blood they’ll mistake it for the vino. Nice plan,” he was teasing her, but their was no malice in his words. He did, however, almost laugh out loud when she said her name was Tempest. He knew little about her yet, but it seemed fitting from the small amount he had experienced. “I’ve been working all day. I needed a break, but sometimes when you get something stuck in your brain, it’s hard to switch it off,” he shrugged. “What about you? What brings you out tonight?” 

[luisxbautista]

nicxwade‌:

“Good thing I have a whole ten years to get it under control,” Nick grinned. Over the years, his circle of friends had grown smaller and smaller until they fell into two categories: business or childhood. But, seeing as his business friends were only seen in a more professional capacity and his childhood friends were back in New York and Boston, he was flat out of luck in the Cove. Unless this idea worked. “Like a lower lumbar support group?” Nick jokingly asked, a grin taking form on his lips. “Couch Potatoes United. I like it. Let’s spread the word tonight, get the ball rolling.”

“I mean, sure, a decade seems like forever now, but it’ll pass in the blink of an eye. 2010 seems like it was last week. I think you might be a little pushed for time,” Luis pointed out with an amiable smirk. A genuine smile came to his face at the other man’s words, and he nodded his head. “That’s exactly it. Backaches anonymous.” The thought of it was entirely ridiculous, but he liked it all the same. “Sounds like a plan. We’ve gotta get recruiting if we want this to take off.” 

[winonahqs]

A toothy smile creased her lips as she laughed at his joke, shaking her head. “I think that’s a good idea, especially if they’re this swanky. I’m not really used to doing these things solo.” Back home, she never had to; her father had an all-or-nothing approach when it came to event attendance. In his mind, it made them look more tightly-knit. “Definitely. I’ll make sure to bombard you with pictures to get you ready for the experience. They need to make a new friend before they get bored of me. Where do you work?” Her pets had been her main source of comfort since arriving to South Carolina, and she was eager to expand her social circle, if only by a little. Luis seemed like great company to keep. “Pennsylvania to Boston,” she repeated, finding humor in the sentiment as she approached the bar. “Living on the cusp of New England wasn’t enough, you jumped right to the heart of it.” She tried not to put too much focus on the way his explanation ended; he seemed okay, and it wasn’t her place to pry. Winona gave a slightly exaggerated sigh, resting her elbows on the bar top and pretending to mull over the way she would tell her story even though she’d practiced it several times, making sure to omit non-essential details. “I got my JD and moved back to New York for a little while to work at my family’s practice, but there were a lot of growing pains in that process. I just came to realize that my family and I operate very differently these days and an old professor of mine put in a good word here in town. Kind of felt like it was meant to be.”

[luisxbautista]

Her agreement to his plan was a relief. There was no normal way to come out with a scheme like that, but thankfully she didn’t seem to think he was a weirdo yet. “It is pretty swanky. I think showing up for the first few events solo is fine, but after that he was going to start looking silly. “You’re honestly my saviour. Both for being my plus one and the dog videos. I’m a private investigator, but I have my own business, so I kind of have to be on call constantly,” he explained with a small shrug. There was a lot to be said for working for yourself, but that it was easy wasn’t one of them. “What can I say, I’m an all or nothing kind of person.” When he had his mind set on something, he was like a dog with a bone. It was part of why his chosen career path suited him so well. He just couldn’t let go until he had satisfied his wants, or his curiosity. “Oh, so you’re in law?” He asked, his interest renewed. “Do you still practise? Or do you plan to start up here?” Luis paused for a moment, pondering over her words. “Living with family can be hard, and working with them is even harder. If you ask me, it’s commendable that you managed it for any amount of time.” 

[luisxbautista]

nicxwade‌:

“You aren’t wrong. Maybe I’ll make it my goal in the 2020s to fill out people’s knowledge of the 1920s. That should keep me busy the rest of the decade,” Nick smiled. “I’m glad one of us knows the layout. We should hang out sometime, crack a beer and just sit on the couch. That way we can’t be faulted for sitting around all day since it’s technically a social outing.”

"A busy decade for you, by the sounds of it," Luis chuckled. He wasn't exactly s history buff himself, beyond old movies, so perhaps his words were a little hypocritical. "You know what, that would actually be perfect. The best of both worlds." He had forgotten how hard it was to make friends as an adult, especially solo. There had always been college or roommates or work or his ex to act as the buffer for meeting new people. Now he was single, living alone and running his business out of a spare bedroom, relying on Cove Club events to bring new people into his life. "Maybe if we find a few other like-minded couch potatoes, we could make it a regular gathering," he suggested.

[luisxbautista]

shawnaisms‌:

“i used to. i still work with them now and then, but since i moved to the cove, i transferred to the station here. i still do a lot of patrolling in beaumont, though.”

"In that case, I'm sure we will probably be working together in the future, though I think I'm going to be doing more in Beaumont than the Cove" Luis smiled warmly. There was a lot of crossover between the police's work and what he did, but it was the nature of the game that they worked together, their differing methods providing insight the other could not glean. "If we're ever headed out to Beaumont at the same time and want to carpool, let me know." He said, only half joking.

[luisxbautista]

tempestuouslady‌:

Suddenly the female appreciated the way that he changed his tone. She nodded in understanding. “Apology accepted,” she said gently, one shoulder moving slightly upwards in a half-shrug. “And I apologize for snapping. It’s unladylike,” she added, looking down at her empty drinking glass as he asked his question. “Oh no, I’m not headed anywhere. You can certainly buy me a drink,” she agreed with a tiny smirk. “You got a name to go along with that chiseled jawline?”

Things had steered dramatically in the opposite direction, and for that, Luis was grateful. He wasn't a combative person by nature, and if he hadn't have made things right, it would have played on his conscience for days. "Start over?" He offered, the corner of his lips tugging upward in half of a smile. He fished his wallet out of his pocket, signalling for the attention of the bartender, ordering a second rum and coke for himself and turning to the brunette with brows raised in question. "So what's your poison?" He asked her. Her next words made him laugh out loud. "Chiselled jawline?" He repeated, almost in disbelief, hand running over said jawline in a self conscious gesture. He lowered the hand from his face and held it out to her to shake. "It's Luis. Luis Bautista. And you?"

[damienstarling]

open //

  @covestarters​ - - the sun was slowly rising over the ocean, the warmth from the rays bringing the smallest of smiles to damien’s face. he took a deep breath and wiggled his toes into the sand. it had been a long night at the headlights and damien couldn’t wait to wade into the water and wash off the sins of his job. he wasn’t the only one who was out at this early hour, however.

     “ couldn’t sleep either, huh? “

[luisxbautista]

The nature of Luis' business meant he often kept odd hours. Private detectives didn't get the luxury of a 9-5, and it was often the case that, after a few hours of work, his body clock was completely thrown. It was impossible to just come home and relax, and so Luis had to search for other methods to unwind. Luckily, the beach was right there, and the gentle lull of the waves was perfect for sending him into a state of tranquility.

Desire his quest to wear himself out, Luis didn't mind the interruption. He turned to look at his new companion with an amiable smile, shaking his head to confirm his suspicions were correct. "Unfortunately not. Guess it isn't the night for it," he shrugged, showing he wasn't particularly bothered by the lack of shut-eye. "What about you? Anything in particular got you out so late?"

[sweetdreamcr-deactivated2020033]

malachi didn’t like clubs. malachi hated them. but tonight was a different story, with the alcohol pumping through his body he found himself completely thrashing about on the dance floor. ❝   ain’t got no time to pretend. don’t fuck around, this is our last chance, ❞  he sung, throwing his hands up in the air and swaying his body to the music as his favorite band blasted overhead.

perhaps he was dancing too hard, because he found that he lost his balance completely and fell over, whether he fell into a person or a speaker he immediately started apologizing to whatever he fell into. ❝   shit, i’m so sorry.   ❞ he proclaimed, the blush on his face now forming because of his clumsiness.

[luisxbautista]

It wasn't his usual haunt, but Luis had resolved himself to get out more. A lot more. He had fallen into a rut, and moving to Lighthouse Cove was only the first step towards kick-starting a new way of life. He needed to meet people, make new friends, and break out if the glass box he had shut himself in.

That was how he found himself at the club. He didn't think he'd been out like this since college- certainly not since his marriage had begun. Beer in hand, he bobbed his head in time to the music, trying to shake the feeling this was a colossal waste of time. He was too old, too awkward, and not having fun. Luis had resolved himself to turn and go, when he felt the impact of another body colliding with his arm. He stumbled a bit, but instinctively reached out to steady the other. Once he gained his bearings, his brows furrowed in concern. "Hey, no harm done, nothing to be sorry for," he said assuringly, shouting over the top of the music. "It might be a good idea to get some air, though. Want me to come with?"

[declanhqs]

@covestarters​

Though Lighthouse Cove was the last place Declan anticipated his team would relocate him to upon his release from rehab, they didn’t do a half-bad job. It was quaint but lively. Hidden away to keep from appearing on gossip blogs but aesthetically pleasing enough to maintain the enviable Instagram presence of a so-called celebrity. The adjustment period didn’t have much of a learning curve either, and the people were pleasant enough. His agents placed him there to give him a relaxing “in-between” period before finding his next gig, but he wouldn’t be upset if his stay was longer than expected.

If there was anything similar about his tenure in Seattle and his current stint in Lighthouse Cove, it was the reliability of finding him seated on the beach with his toes in the sand during his free time. (His free time was limited before; now his schedule was wide open.) His arms were crossed on top of his knees, propping his head up as he looked out at the water. Hearing someone make themselves comfortable nearby, he raised his head and momentarily tilted his attention to the side. “You a regular around these parts, too?”

[luisxbautista]

Life in The Cove was easy for Luis. With none of the complications that had plagued him in Charleston, but easier than yet another cross-country move, he was enjoying the peace of every face belonging to a friendly stranger, of nobody knowing his name or his story. Not that there was a big story to tell. He had got married, it didn't work out, and that was all there was to say. Still, it didn't mean he wasn't in need of a reboot, and Lighthouse Cove was practically built with that purpose in mind.

He had never so close to the beach before. His home in Charleston hadn't been too far, but located close enough to the outskirts that it was still necessary to get in the car and drive there. Now, it was practically on his doorstep, a prospect that had practically sold the house to him sight unseen, though he was getting precious little use out of it. He'd probably been there twice since move in. It was, after all, January, hardly the time of year for it. Nevertheless, he had time to kill, and what better way to do so than a walk across the seafront?

He hadn't expected an empty beach. He didn't think it had been deserted since the day he moved in and, as was the norm in the Cove, he wasn't surprised when the man called out to him. It wasn't what he was used to, but it was becoming the new normal here. Offering a smile of greeting, Luis shook his head. "No, but I think I'd like to be," he said. "What about you? Occasional visitor, or is this a regular haunt?"

[luisxbautista]

ofidyllics‌:

“POSITIVE,” DOMINIC CONFIRMED. whoever’d wanted this pie wouldn’t miss it; dominic wasn’t even sure someone had asked for it, he may have just been bringing it as a gesture pie. he thought on the offer for a moment before nodding. “sure. i’d like that. what are you watching?”

Luis grinned. He hadn't had much planned for the night- some Ramen, maybe, or a peanut butter sandwich- but the arrival of the pie had certainly been an unexpected surprise. "I was watching the first Indiana Jones movie, but we can find something together if you aren't into it," he shrugged, hitting a button on his remote that booted up Netflix. "any good recommendations?"

[luisxbautista]

ofidyllics‌:

JACE SMILED, A toothy grin. “sure,” he said with a nod as luis offered to drive them there. “i don’t mind. i work at the university in beaumont so i walk a lot; my legs could use some rest.” he raised an eyebrow, looking around for luis’s car. “lead the way…?”

His car was parked close by, and Luis gestured to where it was at the end of the road. “It’s the black Kuga,” he gestured to it, hitting the button on his keys so it lit up and leading the way over. “There’s an aux cord somewhere, feel free to plug your phone in.” It wasn’t a long way to the coffee shop, but he rarely drove without music, and he didn’t want to be judged on his own tragic tastes. “What is it you do at the university?” he asked, curiously. 

[audreyspencer]

                          audrey looked at the half white half baby blue fence in front of her. she’d managed to paint half of it so far, but there was a lot more work to do before it was finished. people have always dreamed about a white picket fence, but yet again this girl was not one of them. her parents would’ve never approved of painting it blue and the thought of that made her giggle. she bent down to get more paint on the roller and began painting again when she heard someone walking up to her from behind. audrey quickly turned her head to face the intruder and greeted with a confused expression. “ — hello? ”

@covestarters​

[luisxbautista]

“Sorry,” Luis said, quickly. He probably should have announced himself upon his approach, so as not to look like a weirdo, but it was too late now. “Hi,” he said, belatedly. It sounded silly now. “Sorry, it’s just we haven’t met and I wanted to introduce myself. Luis Bautista,” he held his hand out, wondering if he seemed as much of a loser as he felt. “Your fence looks pretty great. It’s unusual,” he complimented. “Do you need a hand with it or anything?” 

[winonahqs]

“Tapped or blitzed. Those have always been my guests. I’d like to think I’m right most of the time so really, you just keep proving that you’re my new go-to during these things.“ Luis was proving to be very easy to talk to; though he admitted to being out of his element, he was trying considerably and doing a good job. That was enough for Win to appreciate as she laughed to herself. “I’ll keep that in mind. They’re all ready to be spoiled whenever you are, just say the word. I definitely see you rescuing dogs, though, which is applaudable in its own right.” She quickly surveyed the scene of the foyer before nodding her head to the patio door on the other side of the room, saying,  “Lets.” Winona led the way, figuring he was close behind as she slid the door open and stepped outdoors. “What brought you to good ol’ South Carolina?”

[luisxbautista]

“I may not be tapped, but I could certainly be blitzed with a little effort,” he joked. “It would be nice to have a friend to go to these club gatherings with- we could always come to the next one together, unless you find a date or something,” he offered. He did feel a bit of a fool showing up alone, and it would be nice to have a friend by his side. It certainly made him feel less self-conscious about the whole thing. “I’m in. Remind me to give you my number before the end of the night and you can text me the address.” He was quite excited at the prospect. As much as he was a dog-lover, it was rare he got some quality time to play with puppies. “I would love to rescue, but my work keeps me way too busy. It wouldn’t be fair.” he pointed out. He followed her to the patio, moving to hold the door open after she had opened it to allow her to set out. “Well,” he paused for a moment, cherry picking what parts of the story were relevant. “I kinda grew up in Pennsylvania, and eventually moved to Boston. That’s where I met my ex. She was from Charleston, so we moved down here when things got serious. One divorce later, and here I am,” he let out another chuckle to show the situation wasn’t as serious as his words might suggest. “What about you? What’s your story?” 

[luisxbautista]

tylerdavis‌:

“oh that’s what they all love,” he chuckled. “and i love every second of it, but damn i can’t see my floor still.. they are all under ten. eight, six and two. a damn house full.

Luis smiled, fondly. It was everything he had wanted when he had married himself, but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. “I’m sure it was a Christmas to remember, by the sounds of it,” he said, kindly. “the floor will still be there in a few days. It does sound like you have a full house, though. What are their names?”

[luisxbautista]

covebxys‌:

“fair enough, that most certainly is an offer” bruno nodded his head affirming the words that came out of his mouth. “help yourself” he motioned to the table that had beer and wine and some cups on it. bruno retreated to the back of his shop, putting back on his barber smock and grabbing a cape and motioning to an open barber chair, “take a seat, it’s no problem at all” bruno smiled. usually at his old shop he’d try some crafty trick to avoid a last minute cut, but he figured he would need to at least pretend to be hospitable for now.

Luis sighed in gratitude, moving a little further into the shop. “I really appreciate it. I know its late, but I was a little tied up earlier and couldn’t make it.” He picked up a beer, and moved to take the offered seat. “I can help you clean up, though, if it will get you out of here faster?” he offered, internally cringing at the fact he had made the man’s day longer than it needed to be. In interest, he glanced around the place. It was a nice place, and it looked as though he had worked hard on it. “So, how was opening day? All good?” he asked, conversationally. 

[luisxbautista]

nicxwade‌:

“Think of it this way, if everyone went fancy, it would be a pretty lame depiction of the ‘20s,” Nick offered. “I guess it does make going home to the couch all the more rewarding, so not all bad.” He laughed a little. “Nice to meet you too. I am — my partner, Erin. She’s around here somewhere. We’re over on Sea Drift Lane. What about you?”

“It would be very Gatsby. I think that’s about all a lot of people know of the 20s,” Luis pointed out with a small smile. “It’ll be like coming home from a long day at work and jumping on the couch- the best part of the day. I’m over at Cove Court. It’s not too far from Sea Drift Lane.” 

[luisxbautista]

shawnaisms‌:

“i do my best. it’s pretty much common sense,” she said. “they are strong, but it depends on how you raise them in general too. — are you? i’m a police officer. it’s nice to meet someone in the industry around here.”

Luis looked at her in interest at the revelation, nodding his head and trying to hide his eagerness. “Oh, that’s awesome. I used to be on the police force back home in Boston, but when I moved to Carolina I went private. Do you work in Beaumont?”