The Wishing Well [Alice and Jai]
@xalicexnewportx Alice didn't usually go out to bars, she didn't like being around too many people, but when Evan had all but ordered her to take the rest of the night off, and when Alice had seen Chief Lennox pulling up in the parking lot as she got into her own car, sh couldn't help but roll her eyes and then decided maybe it was time to go grab a drink. So into the Wishing Well she went, it's where mostly locals hung out from what she had gathered, and no one would look at her twice for coming in straight after work and looking like she had come in straight from work. She pulled herself onto a bar stool and sighed as she listened to people around her chattering, having a good time and just existing. It was okay, she could get through one night of people.
@jxichxturvedi Zeph had once again left the office early. Jai could have easily guessed where he was going but learnt not to question it. He found the whole thing rather amusing really and it meant he could wrap up and get out of the station sooner so he certainly want going to complain. He finished the paperwork on his desk and left it there for Zeph to deal with in the morning and headed out for the night. Jai had a few options for the evening, the night was still young and despite being a small town there was a a fair bit to do to keep ones self entertained. Jai wasn't sure what exactly he wanted to do so he went for the easy option and headed to the wishing well. He headed in, giving a few nods to the locals he had met on his rounds before spotting the back of the brunette he had met earlier in the month. His previous assumptions confirmed "Well if you're here then I was right about where the boss went" He chuckled "Mind if i join?" Jai asked, not wanting to interrupt if she was waiting for company
Alice: Alice was just accepting her drink from the bartender when she heard the Rookie's voice behind her as he approached. She turned and glanced over her shoulder before she rolled her eyes with a slight nod. "Oh yeah, he's exactly where you think he is," she confirmed before she nodded to the seat next to her. "Go ahead, I'm not staying for long. Just one drink, maybe two, and then I should probably head home," she explained before taking a sip of her drink. "They do this pretty often you know," she added. "Just do you know what you're getting yourself into."
Jai: Jai smiled, pulling up the stool next to her, gesturing to the bartender for a beer. "Well I'll keep you company for a drink then, since we're both out of work early for the same reason" Jai chuckled before shuddering slightly as an image of their bosses popped into his head."I had a hunch, Ive never know cops to be so keen to work with lawyers. Thought it was a small town thing, close knit community working together. But then your boss came to the station one day and.." Jai trailed off, needing no further explanation. The bartender placed his beer in front of him and he took a sip. "Get some early finishes and longer lunches out of it though, so not all bad"
Alice: "Ugh it's the worst when they aren't quiet," she said, understanding exactly what he was saying when he trailed off. "It'd be pretty funny to lock them in the cells at the station sometime though," she admitted as she glanced over at him with a slight smile. "But yeah, I know what you mean, most of the lawyers I know think local police are idiots," she teased lightly before sipping her drink again and then set it down. "So how are you liking Saintes so far?" she asked after a moment. "You've been here a couple weeks now, right?"
Jai: "I don't think they know how to be" He commented, realising they've both had to endure their bosses' activities. "By all means, I will help do that. Although I do not want to be the one to go let them out in the morning" He smiled, pulling a small face at the thought of what they'd walk into. "I mean we can't rule anything out yet, that could still very much be the consensus." He chuckled, deciding to shrug off his jacket, hanging it on the hook under the bar. "A month now yeah. It's amazing, so glad I made the move. A little too soon to call it home but boy did this place live up to the reputation."
Alice: "I mean I'm not going to do it," she replied with a scoff. "Ms. Meyers would crucify me!" she pointed out as she looked at him with a slight smile. When he hung up his jacket she watched and then glanced back at him, somewhat relieved to at least have someone to talk to during the time she was forced to spend among the public. When he said he'd been happy to have moved there she thought about that, running her fingers up and down the stem of her glass as she thought about that. "And you're from the UK Right?" she asked after a moment. "I think that's what I remember Chief Lennox saying."
Jai: "And we certainly can't have that" He smiled, sipping at his beer. The place wasn't too busy, there was a buzz of chatter amongst the other patrons but otherwise it was fairy quiet and Jai and Alice were able to talk with out to many distractions. "Yes, grew up just outside of London, a place called St.Albans. Spent my whole life in London. Well untill coming here of course. It's been quite the adjustment but i think I'm getting the hang of things" He shrugged "Ever been to the UK?" He asked out of curiosity
Alice: She enjoyed that he seemed to distract her from the chatter of the people around her and she enjoyed listening to his accent, a small smile playing on her lips as she listened to him talk before she cleared her throat. "Oh- no, never been. I'm actually from New England," she told him as she gave him a cheeky smile. "You know, since old England wasn't good enough, they had to improve on it," she joked as she finished her drink. "Kidding, but um, no, I'd love to go sometime. My family actually helped throw the tea in the harbour,"
Jai: Jai chuckled at her joke, grinning back at her, her cheeky smile making him want to smile more. "It's definitely worth a visit. There's also definitely places to avoid but I think that's true with any place. But if you want to survive in England, definitely don't be throwing tea into any bodies of water" He chuckled, noticing he has finished her drink "Would you like another?" He asked gesturing to her empty glass "I'd love to hear about your family and their tea dumping escapades"
Alice: Alice couldn't help but smile at him before glancing at her drink when he gestured to it. "Oh, um, sure," she smiled at his offer of another. "It's just a Malibu Sunset," she said as she gestured to the bartender who began to make up her drink. "I actually don't know too much more about the family, just that my dad says they were on the mayflower- but to be honest, I'm not even related to them." she admitted. "I'm adopted,"
Jai: Jai finished up his beer and when she got the bartender to get her another, he gestured for another beer also. "Adopted or related- Family is family." Jai commented with a smile. "We tried to convince our sister was adopted once. It did not go down well" Jai chuckled, a sad smile crossing his face briefly as he thought back to his sisters at home. "I guess tho since your adopted and not directly responsible for the tea dumping, we can look past that indiscretion" He teased
Alice: “My sister and I are actually adopted,” she smiled. “And we’re identical twins so it’s not like we could convince each other that the other one was the adopted one,” when he started to tease her again she smiled again and then sighed as she twirled her hair around her finger. “Does that mean you wouldn’t have looked passed that if I had been related to the tea dumpers?” She asked coyly. “What if I was a vampire who had participated?” She added with a teasing smile. “Would you look past it then?”
Jai: "Yeah I could see why that could have been tricky. I'm the oldest which carries a lot of power and it would of been wrong of me not to use that to torment my sister's" he chuckled,leaning against the bar. "I'm not saying I couldn't have look passed it but it would of taken some time. I mean committing an act of treason with tea…blasphemy" he shook his head before chuckling. "See that's a tricky question cause well vampires, very very cool but also tea"
Alice: Alice couldn’t help but giggle at his justification for forgiving her blasphemy if she had been a vampire. “Ahh, too bad I’m not a vampire then,” she commented as she looked at the bartender who was putting both of their drinks on the bar in front of them. “Thank you,” she said softly and then picked up her drink when they walked away. She turned her attention back to the rookie and gave him a sweet smile before she took a sip of her cocktail. “So I’m just gonna ask- what are you?” She asked after looking him over.
Jai: "Shame, would of been very cool if you were. But then again you seem cool regardless" Jai said, smiling at her. The bartender placed their drinks in front of them and Jai paid for them both and turned his attention back to the brunette. Jai let out a laugh at her question, he'd not actually been asked since he'd been in town, he figured most people could just sense what he was. "Besides devilishly handsome, charming and of course- Humble" Jai joked "I'm just a regular ol human bean" he shrugged, pausing not knowing if it was rude to ask her the question in return.
Alice: She had assumed that, she didn’t get the pull of magic off of him, nor did he make her skin crawl like witches did. She thought for a moment, and then pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “That makes sense,” she admitted after a moment. “You don’t put me on edge,” why was she honest? She didn’t know, but she was, and she had said what she was thinking. Jai didn’t put her on edge, he actually made her more comfortable than she remembered being in a long time. Maybe it was the fact that he was a cop, maybe it was because he was just so unassuming and genuine- she didn’t know. But he didn’t freak her out. “I’m a familiar,” she admitted. “I don’t know if you know what that is- but that’s what I am.”
Jai: Jai raised his eyebrow slightly. There was definitely more to her comment but it was not his place to ask and it very much could have been down to simple fact that he was a cop. To some people that put them on edge and to others it made them feel more comfortable. "Well I'm glad to hear it" Jai said softly, giving her a smile. He nodded before shaking his head a little. "All I know is that it's something to do with witchcraft but forgive my ignorance if I'm wrong" he chuckled running his hand through his hair
Alice: Alice sighed at his limited knowledge of her species before she shrugged. “Technically, yes,” she sighed. “But that’s not all- we’re basically like.. like batteries to witches,” she explained as she looked at her drink, her finger following a line of condensation down the glass. “We have our own magic, but it’s not strong. Our magic helps boost a witch’s magic. We’re like a level up for witches,” she muttered as she picked up her drink and took a longer sip from it this time.
Jai: Jai propped his elbow on the bar, resting his head on his hand as he listened to her explain her species better. "I had no idea" Jai said, an element of fascination laced in his voice."I knew of familiars, the news made sure to recount all the species that they knew of but honestly I didn't want to listen to what they had to say. There was so much anger and outrage and disgust about all the species that I didn't want to listen to what they'd have to say." He explained a little "Rather learn for myself through personal experience" he gave her a small smile
Alice: She gave him a tight smile as he recounted the experience he’d had with watching the news. She remembered when the news had come out, her father had known what was happening and he had demanded she and her sister be at home that evening. She remembered the four of them sitting around the tv in the living room, watching the news break. “We’re basically a support species,” she mumbled. “Like a battery pack for witches. We’re not all that interesting,” she said as she stirred the drink in front of her with her straw.
Jai: Jai shook his head in protest "I mean support can be invaluable and I imagine a lot of witches wouldn't get as far if they didn't have their familiar to help. Like I'm just support to the Chief, but let's face it, I'm pretty damn invaluable" He joked, teasing slightly to try and lift her spirits. "Alice Newport, don't let me hear you say those words again" he tutted jokingly. Taking a sip of his beer
Alice: She glanced up at him when he joked about being invaluable, and a small smile tugged at her lips. His gentle chastise made her lips curl even further and she looked down as she felt her cheeks warm up. “Fine, I won’t let you hear me say it again,” she said as she gave him a little bit of a challenging smile. “So tell me Mr. London Calling,” she joked. “If all your family is back in the UK, why come here?”
Jai: Jai relaxed a little when she began to smile, glad that she was still at ease with the conversation they were having. "Thats my girl" he exclaimed, clearing his throat slightly when he realised how that might have come across. "Sorry" He found himself muttering into his beer as he grabbed it quickly and took another sip. "Well Saintes was calling, obviously" He chuckled. "You ever felt drawn to something? like everything would click into place if you just did that one thing? Well thats how i felt when the world became aware. its stupid really…" He trailed off, his fingers starting to pick at the label on the bottle
Alice: Heat flooded her cheeks at the phrase “my girl” it was not like he could possibly know that that phrase made her heart race and her knees weak. When he began to describe what had brought him to Saintes he looked away and she took a quiet, steadying breath. “It- it’s okay,” she mumbled, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. But she listened to him, listened as he pretty much described how she’d felt before, drawn to a witch, forced to follow. “I know the feeling,” she finally admitted. It was rare for a familiar to fight the pull to magic, but she did that every day now, making herself fight against that click. “What are you hoping will click into place for you here?” She asked as she reached out, touching his fingers to still them from the anxious movement, before she drew her hand back, not wanting to be presumptuous.
Jai: There was an air of understanding between them. Jai could feel it, something about her demeanour made him feel like she understood. It was weird, they had only known each other a little while but he felt comfortable with her. Jai was pretty easy going and got on with everyone but this, there was something about this that just felt different to his usual friendships he formed. His eyes glanced down as her fingers brushed over his and he stilled his movements. Her hand pulled away and he set the bottle down. "I love my life in London. My family, my friends and my job but there was something missing. I felt like i could be doing more, helping more…" He paused, realising the next sentence out of his mouth would make him sound like an idiot "Ive always wanted to be a superhero, its the reason I became a cop and when the news broke and the town was announced…I don't know i felt like i needed to be here, helping, keeping the peace…Making a difference"
Alice: She listened to him, unable to keep from smiling when he said he wanted to be a superhero. It was cute, him wanting to be a superhero, him falling into the line of work he was in. It reminded her of her a little bit. "I get that," she admitted. "I wanted to make a difference too. To help people. That's why I got into law." she admitted as she glanced at him. "This is so nerdy, but I was on the debate team, and I was an amazing debater," she smiled a little sheepishly. "I was supposed to become a lawyer, but… You know, life happens," she shrugged. "I bet your girlfriend misses you," she commented lightly, casually, was she digging for information? Maybe. But she would seem casual, like she was just having a conversation.
Jai: Jai was blushing a little, he could believe he just admitted to the pretty brunette next to him he wanted to be a superhero. What did they put in the beers over here? he thought but still took another sip. When she responded and admitted she too wanted to make a difference, he smiled feeling like less of an idiot for wanting to do good. "Debate team?" Jai raised his eyebrows before his face split into a huge grin and he held up up his hands "I would certainly not want to mess with you and your debating abilities" He commented, dropping his hands again "Debates not that nerdy though, if you want to be in the big leagues of nerdiness you have to be like yours truly." He gestured to himself with his thumbs "Comic book club and fantasy game league" He chuckled before mentally smacking himself for being an idiot. "You still could? I reckon Evan has some connections. If thats what you wanted to do still of course" he shrugged a little, shaking his head. "I..I didn't have one" he commented sheepishly
Alice: When he grinned Alice felt herself smile too, his smile was so genuine and she bit her lip as she looked down, trying not to show how much his smile had affected her. "Debate is pretty nerdy," she pointed out with a smile. "What you're talking about it geekiness, debate is a lot of research, a lot of picking apart arguments- it's basically the precursor for being a lawyer, but when you're like, a kid." she explained. When he pointed out that she still could become a lawyer, she nodded and took a sip of her drink. "I could," she agreed. "And I'm looking into it. I work so much though, so it would take me a bit of time, but it's still on the table." When he admitted that he didn't have a girlfriend she gave him a quick glance over before shrugging. "I'm sure it won't take long for some hot siren or angel or something to scoop you up," she commented blithely. Did she have some insecurities about those more powerful, and arguably sexier species? Sure, she did, and she was sure he'd find someone cool in no time, someone like a vampire, or a werewolf, or hell, even a witch who could interest him and make him happy. And why wouldn't he? He was a nice guy from what she could tell, he had a good heart, he wanted to help people, and he had a killer smile. Add to that he was cute and had a foreign accent, arguably the best accent, she didn't stand a chance against the women of Saintes.
Jai: "If you don't think that a comic book or fantasy game club doesn't have its fair share of debates then…you have not seen a debate like two guys arguing over who is worthy enough to lift Mjölnir" He chuckled "I respect the amount of work it takes to be in debate also, I reckon you kicked ass." He grinned, leaning over to nudge her with his shoulder. "We didn't really have debate at my school" He shrugged. "Well thats great, always good to keep the option there. You're going to do amazing things, as a paralegal as a lawyer. The world is yours" He grinned, realising the sentiment was rather cheesy so he gave her his best cheesy grin to match. He laughed at her comments and shook his head in disagreement "Not a chance" Jai, had had his run of relationships. They weren't terrible and some had been rather good but ultimately being a cop tended to be an issue in long term relationships and the strain often caused the relationship to take its natural course and end. "We are in a town full of amazing supernatural creatures. Familiars, Sirens, Fae, Weres I doubt their looking for a nerdy human cop."
Alice: "You know what, I did see a lot of those kinds of arguments, the debate club doesn't exactly attract the jocks," she pointed out with a grin before she blushed a little when he said he imagined she kicked ass. She had kicked ass once upon a time. She had been a different person back then, she had been confident, she had been outgoing. Nowadays it was different, and it felt like part of herself had been stolen from her. She felt her smile fade a little, but it came back when he bumped his shoulder against hers. She smiled up at him and then chuckled at his self depricating comment. "Familiars aren't that amazing," she reminded him gently. "But I get what your'e saying- and I disagree," she said before she crossed one leg over the other as she sipped her drink. "Mm, you never know who you're going to connect with," she pointed out as she smiled at him. Did she feel a connection with the cute cop? Maybe a little- and maybe in the past she would have been brave enough to have done something about it, but right now, she was sure one of those cooler species would sink their claws into him before she even got a chance to leave any sort of good impression on him.
Jai: "Yeah, that makes sense. I knew you kicked ass look, you have a counter to all my points. I concede to the queen" he joked, mock bowing to her from the stool. "Well I've met one and they so far are pretty awesome so statically they are amazing. Are you going to argue with those kinda statistics?" He raised his eyebrows, waggling them teasingly. "It's all serendipity" He looked at Alice, trying to figure out the point she was making. "Are you going to try to set me up with the locals? Do I annoy you that much that you're going to play matchmaker!?" Jai exclaimed, clutching his hand to his chest feigning horror
Alice: Alice laughed when he bowed to her and she lightly pushed his arm, but she smiled as he tried to bait her into debating his statistics. "I don't think I can," she conceded, and laughed as he wiggled his eyebrows. When he asked if she was trying to set him up she shook her head quickly. "Oh- no that's not what I was trying to do," she said with a laugh. "I am so not a matchmaker." she assured him as she turned back to her glass, blush burning her cheeks.
Jai: Jai watched her turn away and noticed the red creep up her cheeks. Is she blushing? She's cute when she blushes he thinks to himself before shaking the thought from his head. He should t be thinking that way as he was certain that's not where her mind was at. "Kind of glad to hear it. I've got three sisters and let me tell you, they are relentless with their attempts of matchmaking sometimes."
Alice: "I know the feeling- my boss is always telling me to get out there, to meet people, that sort of thing. Like, we get it, you're screwing the chief of police, you win," she said sarcastically as she threw her hands up and then dropped them into her lap. "Not that he's my type or anything- I mean, he's nice, but the fae kind of freak me out," she admitted with a chuckle. "They always seem to know everything, Chief Lennox, he just knows things, right?" she asked as she looked back over at Jai.
Jai: "She definitely is winning. I mean they both are. Look at them, I would say it's a crime to look as good as they do but what they're gunna do arrest themselves. Actually scratch that thought, I really don't want to picture how the cuffs might of been used" Jai pulls a face. He already knew way to much about the chiefs sex life and he certainly didn't want to add to that. "I mean he's pretty tuned in into everything I'll give him that, definitely got more talent then me but I am at a disadvantage. Although he doesn't know everything, that I know for sure"
Alice: Alice laughed lightly at that and then turned to look at him, pushing her hair behind her ear again. "If that's what you use your cuffs for, maybe you can show me sometime?" she asked before taking a long drink of her cocktail and then glanced down. It was brave of her, the flirtation, it made her heart beat in her chest, but if he turned her down, she could blame it on the alcohol. She blushed, and then gestured for another drink as she finished hers, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye to see his response to her blatant flirting. It was hard to imagine what had come over her in that moment, but after a moment of internal retrospective, she remembered- this was what she had been like before. Before everything else, she had been fun and flirty and not afraid of having a good time.
Jai: Jai turned red, his breath caught in his throat. He didn't just blush a little, he could feel the his face get hot and he was almost thankful for his dark complexion and prayed with that and the dimmer lighting that it hadn't become obvious to the now brazen brunette of his reaction. Where did that come from he racked his brain trying to figure out if he'd missed something because he was not expecting her to say that. Jai didn't know how to respond "Let me take you out first before we break out the handcuffs" he commented, trying to keep his voice sounding normal. Smooth, She's asking for a good time and you offer her a date. Two very different things Chaturvedi
Alice: Alice looked back at him when he offered to take her out, biting her lip as she thought about the offer. "Sure," she said as she gave him a small, flirty smile. "What did you have in mind?" she asked as she turned to face him again, then glanced at the bartender when they dropped off another drink for her. She hadn't expected herself to be so blatant, to make such a comment, but she'd done it, and unless he was just going to brush her off, it may have worked? It all depended on what he said next.
Jai: Jai's mouth fell open but he quickly shut it so as not to gape at her. He was expecting a brush off and a laugh and a joke and the conversation subject changed and that would be that. But she had said yes. Jai didn't know whether she was being polite or maybe she just saw it as a friend date and nothing more and on those thoughts his excitement dwindled, figuring friendship was on the cards. Not that he would of minded. "Bowling?" He said but it came out more like a question. Well any chance of romance has gone out the window in that suggestion
Alice: Alice watched his mouth fall open, and she almost giggled at the shocked look on his face, it seemed like they were both out of their comfort zones in this moment, and she took a sip of her drink, but when he mentioned bowling her eyes lit up and she smiled. Alice loved bowling, she had since she was a kid. She used to go with her parents and her sister, and they'd always had a great time. "I love bowling," she beamed at him. "When?"
Jai: Jai let out a small breath and grinned back at her, thankful that she didn't turn her nose up at his suggestion. "Me too" He chuckled thinking back to all the birthdays him and his sisters had where bowling was the main event. "Whenever suits you really. I'm sure we can parent trap the bosses if we need the evening off"
Alice: She laughed at him saying they could parent trap the bosses for the night off and shook her head before she looked at him with a fond smile. "Leave it to me," she said. "I'll make sure the both of them are so distracted with each other they'll forget they have employees," she assured him. "Just let me know when, and it's a date."