The giant wooden doors slowly creak open, letting out an eerie sound that echoed with the empty church. The dapper takes one step inside as he glances around with a worrisome look, silently praying to see a familiar demonic face within the walls of this holy sanctuary as ironic as it sounds.
Jameson allows his whole body to enter and gently close the doors behind him, a loud thump echoing as if to signal someone he as entered.
If the creak of the wooden decaying doors weren't enough, the securing latch sung throughout the abandoned church. The chill of the atmosphere welcomes its new warm guest and tells stories of its empty isles. Even the marble of the statues shares its age through unattended maintenance.
One statue further down the isle is accompanied with an interesting dressed, healthy, non-bound Anti. The demon is visibly surprised to the sudden arrival of the dapper and did not at all expect him to be at the church. The worry could be felt off of Jameson, the smell and taste of the emotion is not so difficult to recognize. It raises concern for the demon.
JUST LIKE OLD TIMES
A short piece, written for @anon-marvin and @anon-jameson
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“Where do you want to go first, Jellybean?” Marvin’s voice is deep as he puts costumes away. Jameson is almost startled, having been patient during the whole show. He’d almost forgotten that Marvin had promised to spend time with him after. Even though he’s backstage, in Marvin’s dressing room, watching the magician put things away.
{Repeat the question?} Jameson rubs the side of his face, feeling himself blush. Of course Marvin wants to spend time with him, they’re best friends.
Marvin turns to face him, giving him a grin. “Where do you want to go first? We don’t just have to limit ourselves to a movie or a dinner.”
Oh. Options. So many options. Jameson has no idea how to cope properly with this time period, but he’s sliding closer to Marvin anyway, unable to tear his gaze away from the man. He could get lost in thought about the times they used to share together. They used to go to pubs and bars back in their day, win bets and...
He’s not sure a bar today would hold the same whimsical fun as bars of old, but it’d still be worth a shot, right?
{We haven’t gone drinking together in some time, my friend.} He gets to his feet to help Marvin, grabbing at his cloak and holding it out for Marvin.
“Have you been to a bar in these times?” Marvin asks. “They’re vastly different from when we used to go.”
{I’m aware.} The smile fades from Jameson’s face. It’s still strange to him, how different things are now compared to their day. He’d no longer be able to sing loudly, but, he could still sway back and forth, arm and arm with Marvin, possibly.
“Come on then, I’ll buy.” Marvin takes the cloak from Jameson and puts it on, clasping it into place with his brooch. His hair is pulled back neatly, his mask is in place, but he still looks relatively casual enough to enjoy a night out with his dear friend.
He leads Jameson out of the theater and into the parking lot, where he’s parked his car toward the front and off to the side. He opens the passenger door for Jameson, who giggles before sliding in. {Why, still so polite, Marvin! You haven’t lost your touch.}
Marvin grins behind the mask as he moves around to the drivers seat. He adjusts himself after getting in, then drives off to the classiest bar. It’s on the expensive side, but Marvin knows the place well enough to know it’ll offer a new experience for Jameson. It’s a bit of a drive, but Marvin doesn’t mind.
“Where’ve you been, Jellybean? I haven’t seen you in so long, I had no idea you were in town.” He shoots a quick glance over before turning his gaze back to the road.
{Here and there,} Jameson responds. {Nothing too adventurous has happened to me in years.} He sighs before turning his gaze out the window. He’s grown accustomed to the lights and sounds, but now it’s even better, being able to enjoy them with someone he loves so much. He turns back to Marvin, tilting his head to the side. {What about you, Pop tart? I haven’t seen much of you either.}
“I’ve been around,” Marvin says, the smile dropping from his face. He’d rather avoid all the unpleasant truths they both share. He knows Jameson is still in possession of the watch, and Jameson probably is completely aware of what Marvin’s ultimate goal is. “Stage magic has kept me busy.” Nice save.
{I saw your show earlier. I wanted to come say hello, but I didn’t want to bother you either.}
“Jellybean...” Marvin trails off, feeling choked up. If anyone had been able to bring his walls down and make him feel vulnerable while also feeling safe, it was Jameson. “You don’t have to be afraid of that. I’ll make sure you get the best seats in every show from now on, okay? I’m always happy to see you.”
Jameson laughs. {You don’t have to go through large leaps just for me, the fact I’m able to spend time with you now is more than enough of a gift.} He rests his head back against the seat, looking out the window again. {This city is so vivid at night.}
“It’s very lively, yes.” Marvin pulls into the parking lot of the bar, shutting his vehicle off. “This place is probably the closest I could think of that would be up your ally. It’s classic, with decent food, and plenty of alcohol to keep us happy for some time. Lovely music, too.”
{Would you sing for me?} Jameson bats his eyelashes playfully and watches as Marvin exits, then walks around to open the door for him. {I would love to hear you sing a song for me. Just like old times.} He climbs out, resting his hand on Marvin’s arm.
Marvin remembers singing. He remembers feeling a sense of joy at one point, that had all been washed away with time and anger consuming his essence. But, he can’t refuse Jameson, not when his jellybean is looking so hopeful. “Of course I will. This night is just for us, okay? Anything you want, I’ll get for you.”
{Likewise, pop tart. I may not have the skills you do, but I do have some money on me, so let me split the bill with you.} His grin is so wide, so eager that Marvin melts. He can’t help it, even while leading Jameson inside.
This is going to be a return to their more innocent days. Probably much needed, for the pair of them. And hey, maybe Marvin could be convinced to do it again.
