InsaneJournal

Tweak says, "Say 'Moosey Doom'!"

Nox Alekos (in_his_shadow) wrote in haunted_roads,
@ 2008-03-10 12:57:00

Entry tags:

nox, serena

Week Three: Tuesday, February 19th, 2008
Who: Nox and Serena
When: Tuesday evening
Where: Starting at the Towers and heading to the Sonics game

Nox jogged into the bathroom for a quick shower. He'd spent the last hour tidying up the apartment, and he didn't much care to smell like Pinesol when Serena arrived. Women wore the strangest variety of scents, some that Nox really couldn't stand, but he was quite sure Pinesol wouldn't appeal to her nose. The apartment had been messier than normal, and it really needed a scrubbing. The last few days had been busy and stressful for Nox, so he was grateful to be spending some time away from work tonight with someone who could hold a conversation that didn't include phrases like "rate of decay", or "revenge killing", or "mutilated corpse". Real downers. They came with the job, and Nox did live his job, but it was nice to break away sometimes.

He scrubbed off his stress, along with the smell of household cleaning products, and hopped out of the shower, quickly dressing. A basketball game called for casual comfort, so he threw on jeans and a long sleeve, black, cotton shirt. When he emerged from his bedroom and checked his watch, he realized he needed to sprint down to the lobby. Serena would be arriving any second.

Not wasting a moment, Nox took the stairs. He was fast, and he found he often made it to the ground floor on foot faster than he would in the elevator. Running from the stairwell and into the lobby, he looked down at his watch again and started walking around the lobby to see if she'd snuck in early. His phone hadn't rang, but maybe she was just waiting politely.

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aloveforgotten
2008-03-24 02:35 am UTC (link)

Serena had actually been running a little behind because her walk with Tony had taken longer than she had originally planned. At first she had considered making it a quick one but since she was putting him back on a plane in a few hours she figured that she owed it to him to give him a nice, long one. Poor guy was putting up with a lot recently and she hoped he would forgive her once they were settled into their new place.

After a quick shower, fresh clothes and some light make-up, she headed down and jumped into the cab that had been called earlier. She was actually looking forward to the basketball game since she hadn't been to one since high school and of course spending time with her new buddy Nox was always good. He was definitely a nice guy and she really was fortunate to have run into him when she did. Hell, if she hadn't she might not have been convinced to move to the city.

The trip to the Towers as fairly short and soon she was breezing through the lobby doors. She was dressed simply in a pair of jeans, a light emerald colored sweater and some sneakers. "Hey!" she called once she caught sight of him. "Sorry I'm a little late." Serena hated being late but it was only a few minutes so it wasn't too bad. "We should probably get going so that we aren't late. I want to see everything!"

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in_his_shadow
2008-03-25 03:44 pm UTC (link)

Serena was no more than a few minutes late, hardly anything to apologize for. "Not a problem at all," he offered with a warm smile, happy to see her. She looked beautiful in her casual clothes, though he hadn't really seen her wear anything else up to this point. Still, they were both perfectly suited for a night with the Sonics. Nox was so excited, he'd only been to two other games this season, and tonight was likely to be a tight game, though he was fully confident the Sonics would pull it out in the end.

"I promise, I'll get you there early enough that we have time to get hot dogs and beers before the game starts... unless you don't like hot dogs and beers... and if you don't, we should probably establish that right now." He gave her a mock serious expression, as if to say he wouldn't be caught dead with someone who didn't enjoy such classic American staples.

Nox so clearly enjoyed his seemingly 'human' existence. Why did he have to be a demon? Humans really didn't realize how great their lives were. He was convinced it was the short life span that made living so much more meaningful. When you realized how long you had to live, it made you less likely to enjoy each and every moment.

He motioned toward the back door to the parking lot, and escorted her to his car. "So what time is your flight? I'd hate to leave the game early, but we might have to if we're going to avoid post game traffic." They'd have to go back to her hotel to get her belongings, and then speed to the airport. Good thing he was allowed to use his station vehicle even when he was 'off duty' (though, that was a bit of a misnomer, since he was technically on-call at all times). Nox had never used his lights or siren unless he really was responding to a situation, but if she was at risk of missing a flight, he might break the rules just this once. Maybe.

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aloveforgotten
2008-03-25 09:25 pm UTC (link)

Serena looked shocked. "Who doesn't like hot dogs and beer?" That was like blasphemy or something! Sure it went straight to the hips but it was just un-American to not partake in such fine foods. "And I should probably tell you now, but I expect two of each. I tend to eat like a horse."

Her laugh was rich and bright as they headed for the door and out into the cool night air. She did have a tendency to pack away the food but fortunately being on her feet for hours on end helped her from morphing into the size of a house. "Um, eleven forty-five, but we should try to get there by eleven so that I have time to check Tony in." Thank goodness there had been a late flight that night or she would have had to have skipped the basketball game.

A few seconds later, they were both in the car and speeding off toward the game. Her eyes were wide and held a twinkle when they arrived and she bounced around like a small child as they made their way inside. "You have no idea how excited I am to be here. I feel like a kid in a candy store." Even if she had wanted to earlier in her life, she had been far too busy with school to take any time off to go to a professional sporting event so this was a real treat.

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in_his_shadow
2008-03-26 02:25 pm UTC (link)

"I don't know! But I wouldn't want to associate with a freak like that, so it's a good thing you're a fan. And I will absolutely be getting you at least two of each..." he shrugged and pretended to pat his pockets, "Or maybe you'll be treating me," he teased with a grin. Of course he had money on him, and he'd do his best to insist upon paying. Serena was new in town, and this was sort of a date, right? He'd asked her out, it was his treat. Besides, how could he resist with a smile and laugh like hers? Serena really was a little ray of sunshine, and considering he was a creature of the shadows, it was perhaps strange for him to be attracted to someone so bright, but Nox was fairly abnormal for a shadow demon... or, well, a demon in general.

"Eleven forty-five... I think we should be able to make that easily. And, yeah, getting there by eleven should be early enough. The airport is never all that busy before the last flights go out. And, if there were a real issue, I could probably pull some strings for ya." He knew the airport PIO quite well, as well as a few of the top TSA workers, so that wasn't an issue. "Too bad dogs aren't allowed at the game... not unless you pretended to be blind and put a service dog vest on him. It would have been fun to bring him along. I've thought about getting a pet but never gone through with it. How long have you had Tony?"

It was fun watching Serena's reactions to everything as they walked into the stadium. The noise off the concrete made it hard to hear one another, but that was part of the fun. When you attended a game, you almost ceased to be an individual. You became part of a group, and you all shared the same highs and lows. It was the positive side of that whole 'mob mentality' theory. Nox enjoyed the energy, the feeling that he was included in something greater than himself.

He took hold of her hand and eyed their tickets, reading the signs as he led the way through the crowd to their seats. When he'd found them, he let her choose a spot to sit first. "I can't believe how good his seats are," Nox said in a loud voice so she could hear him over the music and the cheering as the pre-game activities wrapped up on the court. "What kind of beer do you want?" he asked next, remaining standing. He'd run and get them some food and drinks now, before the game began.

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aloveforgotten
2008-03-26 04:14 pm UTC (link)

"At least huh? Are you trying to fatten me up?" Another laugh slipped past her lips as he patted his pockets. "Maybe if you're good." Serena didn't mind paying one bit. After all, Nox was the one who had acquired the tickets and invited out so really it was only fair. And if he insisted on paying well...she'd let him buy the first round while she picked up the second. Seemed like a good deal to her. Now the whole date thing...well Serena really hadn't thought about it that way and more considered it just two friends hanging out but then again she had been walking around with blinders on for the past three years so yeah.

A soft chuckle rose from her throat and her blue eyes twinkled. "Wow, knowing a cop really does have its perks." She had met a few over the years while she worked at the hospital back in New Haven but it wasn't like they ever hung out outside of work so this was a new experience. The closest she got to hanging out with anyone in uniform was when she grabbed a drink with some of her friends who were paramedics but that was about it. "I'm not sure they'd believe that a big bulldog was being used as a seeing eye dog. I also don't think Tony would appreciate being dressed up." That dog had a personality all his own, no question.

When he asked how long she had had Tony, her eyes darkened a bit but she brushed any negative feelings away. "Well I've known him for a little over three years but I only adopted him a little over a year ago." That was pretty much all she was going to say on that subject because talking about the supposed to be dead fiance would just be a downer and kill the rest of the night for her.

Serena found herself hanging onto his hand with an almost death grip as they wove in and out of the crowd. It was almost impossible to get through the sea of people and since she had no idea where their seats were, she wanted to make sure that she didn't get lost in the process. Fortunately they managed to get to their seats in one piece and she just went ahead and took the inner most seat so that Nox wouldn't have to crawl over her to get to his. Besides, she was much smaller and had an easier time slipping by if she needed to get up.

Cerulean eyes darted from one place to the next as she tried to soak up everything and she almost missed that he had asked a question. "Anything that's not light. Other than that I don't really care. Here." She dug into her pocket and pulled out some money which she then shoved into the front pocket of his jeans. "And don't try to give it back either."

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in_his_shadow
2008-03-26 04:38 pm UTC (link)

Nox looked her over, "My pockets definitely don't have the funds required to fatten you up. It would take a lot more money than I've got on me." She wasn't overly skinny, but she also didn't seem to have any extra weight on her. She was just the right size by Nox's estimation. "I'm thinking it'll be at least a two dog night for me as well. Get some kraut on there, and I'll be a happy man." Er, demon. Whatever.

"They don't have to believe it, few people would be willing to question a big bulldog. Hopefully the people at the airport give him just as much respect. I always feel terrible for animals having to travel in the bellies of planes. If you go out of town for a spell again and want to give him a break from travel, I don't mind watching him for you. My schedule can get crazy sometimes, but I can make time to take care of Tony, or I could probably convince Cecily to look in on him. She lives in the towers too... good kid."

There was something awkward in Serena's voice when she answered his question about how long she'd had Tony. It seemed to be the sort of tone that begged someone to drop the subject, so Nox did. He was still getting to know Serena. Something was strange about her reply... who had she adopted the dog from? But he didn't question her further on it.

Nox was surprised when Serena stuffed money into his pocket, and it caused an immediate rush of blood to his cheeks. The blush was bright red and burned his face. "Ok, nothing light... and I won't attempt to shove any cash down your pants." He laughed a bit nervously and left to get them food and drinks.

When Nox returned, he found that the game had just tipped off. He slid down the aisle and took his seat beside her, handing over the dog and large plastic cup of booze. Nox kept an identical set for himself. "So... you ever been to an NBA game before? Oh, and before I forget... you're gonna have to enter the little March Madness bracket contest that the station is starting up. I'm forcing friends outside the station to participate, and you don't have a choice in the matter."

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aloveforgotten
2008-03-26 07:08 pm UTC (link)

"Ha, now you're trying to flatter me." If Serena ever got stuck behind a desk, she was doomed. Or she would just have to get a gym membership or something. Hmm, maybe she should get one anyway? Athough The Towers did have an exercise room. Decisions, decisions. "Oooo! I love sauerkraut!" Mm, mm, mm!

Her mind wandered back to her most recent trip. "They were actually really good to him and the cage wasn't too terribly small. Poor guy needs to not fly with me for a long time to come." For any trips, it was car rides or nothing. "Aww thanks, I will definitely keep you mind if I need someone to watch him." Having a backup plan was always good in her book.

Serena really hadn't realized how inappropriate that move of hers had been until she watched his face go bright red. Oops. Fortunately he turned to go get the food and she was saved from having to come up with some sort of apology that would only make her look stupid in the long run. Whew.

When he returned, she took the snacks without really every breaking eye contact with the game. "Thanks." The beer was brought to her lips and a long swallow was taken as she watched over the edge of her cup. "Never. I just went to the games back in high school and a couple when I was going for my undergrad down at USC." Basketball hadn't been really big there but she did try to go to as many football games as possible. USC fans were crazy and really fun to watch.

"Wait, what? I know nothing about anything when it comes to basketball." How was she supposed to pick teams when she didn't even know who they were? By who had the better uniforms? Hmm, that could work. "Fine, if I had to do that then you have to go with me to the ballet or something equally as confusing." Ha, that would probably get her out it.

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in_his_shadow
2008-03-26 07:30 pm UTC (link)

"Flattery is the act of giving excessive compliments... often when they aren't deserved. You're beautiful," he said somewhat shyly, "So my compliment was hardly excessive. If anything, it was less than you deserve." Now he was feeling even more bashful. Nox hadn't done any of this in a very long time. He felt awkward about it, like maybe his timing was off. Perhaps it was too soon for him to be dating again.

Both their hot dogs had sauerkraut on them. He loved the stuff and couldn't believe he'd lived the majority of his life not even knowing the stuff existed. It was good to see that Serena liked it too. The little trip to the concession stand had made him feel a little less flustered, so he was able to sit, eat, drink, chat, and watch the game like nothing at all was out of the ordinary.

"USC is better known for its football program, so it's no wonder you didn't make it to the court all that often. The Sonics aren't great... they're actually having a fairly terrible season so far. I've heard there are rumors the team will leave. But, so long as the Mariners stay, I'll be alright." He loved basketball, but Nox's first love in the sporting world was baseball.

He glanced away from the action the court to grin at Serena and shrug, "Sure, I don't mind going to the ballet. I like classical music, and dance is a very old art form that's worthy of respect." He couldn't say he was a fan of ballet, but it didn't irritate him. If the dancing got boring, at least he would have the orchestra to enjoy. "But I'll help you out with your bracket if you'd like. Not that it will matter. You can know everything there is to know about all the teams, and it still comes down to luck a lot of the time. Those dark horses just come out of no where every so often."

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aloveforgotten
2008-03-26 08:52 pm UTC (link)

Okay so maybe when he gave her the compliment her cheeks flushed a little. Just because this wasn't a date and she was by no means ready to date, didn't mean that being told you were beautiful got old or anything. "Thank you." It had been a long time since anyone had told her she was beautiful. It was nice to hear again.

"Tell me about it. People there practically live and breathe football. It's insane!" Heaven forbid you actually try to stay in and study when there was a home game. There had been a few occasions where Serena had to leave school and go to a Starbucks just to get away from the chaos and keep herself from being dragged along to some tailgating party. "I need to catch a Mariners game someday too. Does Seattle have a hockey team?" Hockey was a pretty awesome sport.

"Really?" Colored her surprised. Not many guys would agree to go to the ballet and she didn't get that gay vibe from him. Hmm. "I'd really like that. In fact, I was think about checking out that theater I passed by the other day. What was it called...Théâtre du Macabre I think." All of her years in school hadn't exactly given her much time to go to the theater expect maybe to catch a movie every so often, so she wanted to see all that Seattle had to offer in the way of The Arts.

"Tell you what, how about list them by their team colors and tell me how many to pick?" Totally seemed like a good idea to her!

The game was pretty awesome and by half time, Serena was on the edge of her seat. "Wow, close game," she said as she stood up and finally allowed her body to straighten out and stretch. "Thanks again for bringing me."

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in_his_shadow
2008-03-26 09:32 pm UTC (link)

Serena blushed at Nox's compliment, and he got a little pink in the cheeks as well. Ok, so they were both kinda adorably dorky at the moment. That was a good thing! No sense in ruining the moment, so he didn't press his luck.

"Uh.. the Thunderbirds? I've never actually seen them play though. I'm terrible on skates, so I haven't ever tried to learn how to play hockey. Figure I'm keeping the general population safe so long as I stay off the ice. Razor sharp skates and a large stick? It's a dangerous combination. What about you? You play hockey... or any other sports for that matter?" He tended to follow the sports he could play, and since hockey wasn't one of them, he wasn't much of a fan.

Nox grinned at her and then chuckled, "I know, I know... not many guys would be caught dead at the ballet. Not the heterosexual ones anyway. But if the music is good, everything else sorta falls into place." That was the great thing about music, the way it moved people, either physically or emotionally. "I haven't been to the Théâtre du Macabre, but I've heard good things about it. There's a good art gallery nearby as well, if you enjoy art. I like classical sculpture." He had always appreciated Michelangelo's take on sculpture... the idea that something perfect was hidden within a block of rock, it only needed to have all the excess chipped away.

"Colors? Seriously?" That got a hearty laugh out of Nox. "Sure. If you want to pick based on uniforms, or perhaps the attractiveness of the guards, then who am I to stop you! But if you win, I'm going to force you to do my brackets in the years to come, and you won't be allowed to tell anyone how you pick the winners. Deal?" He held out his hand to shake on it, his hot dog long gone along with his beer.

Nox stood to stretch as well, nodding in agreement about the game. "Oh, yeah, absolutely. Thought it would be something fun to do, a nice way to welcome you to the city." A man behind them stretched as well, only the idiot wasn't sober, and as he did so, he dropped a half-full cup of beer. Nox, having extremely fast reflexes, quickly batted it away and guarded Serena from getting drenched. He glanced down at the spilled cup on the ground, then to Serena, "You didn't get any on ya, did you?" It would be a nightmare to smell like beer, especially for her flight.

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