Isaac Callahan (carrotandstick) wrote in remains_rpg, @ 2016-02-18 17:59:00 |
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Entry tags: | # 2018 [12] december, demi rafferty, isaac callahan |
Who: Isaac and Demi
Where: their apartment
What: putting aside the bullshit and watching Star Wars
When: backdated to December 7th, Demi's birthday
How was it that for the second year in a row Demi was spending her birthday in confinement? Logically she knew how, but it still sent a pang through her. With everything that has been going on, it was easy not to be in the holiday spirit or even particularly excited about her birthday. She wanted to be, this time of year had always been her favorite, but this year -- much like last year -- it just felt like another day on the calendar. While she sat with her legs curled up underneath her, a book forgotten in her lap, Demi tried not to wonder if Isaac would even acknowledge her birthday. Tension still remained between her and Isaac, so much so that they were still sleeping apart, and that had likely driven him to go work on both a holiday and her birthday. It was naive to have expected anything else, though. Why would he take this day off for her? They were barely speaking, so celebrating seemed out of the question. And yet it still intensified that ache she felt in her chest, the one that was constantly reminding her of the unsteady ground they stood on. As dismal of a thought as it was, Demi expected her birthday to pass without fan fare. She was one year older, but probably no wiser than she had been the last time her birthday had rolled around. A twisted kind of smile turned up the corners of her mouth as she levered herself off of the couch, moving over to straighten one of the blankets that constructed her makeshift fort. The childish thing had been in the corner of the bedroom, her escape from the constant eyes of the Capitol. But a couple nights ago when she couldn’t sleep, Demi had moved it into the living room, hoping that being closer to Isaac might put her at ease enough to catch at least a couple of hours of rest. It hadn’t worked. But at least now she was near him, having abandoned sleeping in the bed days before that. It was too big and empty without him and only served to remind her of the loneliness she felt seeping into her very soul and the cracks in her life that were left with the absence of him. Demi turns from the fort then, hands tugging on the hem of the oversized t-shirt she wore. She had claimed this as hers, like a handful of other t-shirts that had once belonged to Isaac and now she cycled through wearing them. To this day she wasn’t sure if she was wearing the t-shirts as some kind of comfort for herself, or as a way to make herself so irresistible to him that he would have to break down being thawing out the deep freeze their relationship had been in since all hell had broken loose with the Hellhounds and the mayor. She was just stepping into the kitchen to grab something to drink before returning to her spot on the couch when she heard the door to the apartment unlatch, the hinges creaking slightly as it swung open. “Isaac?” Demi called out, hoping it was him walking through the door and not one of the patrolmen who kept guard over their place 24/7. “No, it’s Santa Claus,” Isaac called back dryly as he stepped inside, toeing off his shoes and sliding the backpack off his shoulders. He sort of felt like an idiot running around Austin in a full suit but an idea had struck him last minute and he’d had no choice but to roll with it. As tense as things continued to be between him and Demi, he’d opted to escape the apartment that morning to get ahead on some work, despite the fact that it was Christmas Eve and he had some time off. But after a few hours of reading over a case, he realized what a fucking idiot he was being. It was Demi’s birthday and there he was sitting in his office, ignoring her like a jackass. Before they’d even really gotten to know each other, when it had been his birthday, she’d tried to do something nice for him. Sure, it had been a complete disaster (because, yet again, he’d been a jackass) but she’d made an effort. It was only right for him to do the same thing. So he’d abandoned his office and ventured out into the city, looking for something special to celebrate her birthday. He wasn’t a baker or even a chef, so making her food was out. He rummaged through a few homes before his eyes landed on the perfect gift. A Star Wars DVD box set. Somehow in the past two years, after wandering around the city plenty enough, he’d never managed to find copies of the movies. But today, his luck had changed! Growing up, he’d been obsessed with the original trilogy -- and honestly his obsession had lasted into adulthood. They were the greatest movies ever and if anything could turn around the shitty vibe between them, it was Star Wars. He only hoped that Demi would accept his offering. The suit jacket and tie were slung over the back of the couch and then he unzipped his backpack, pulling out the DVDs moments later. “Happy birthday. I found some movies for us to watch. If you want.” Moving out of the kitchen, bottle of water in hand, Demi eyed Isaac first and then the movies he held out. Her heart involuntarily fluttered in that way it always did whenever he did something kind of her, something that cut through the mess that was their relationship and reminded her of the reasons she cared about, no, loved him. “If Santa looks like you then it's really a damn shame I stopped believing in him,” Demi commented, going with that because she wasn't sure just yet what to say to the fact that Isaac was here and making an effort on her birthday - despite the hell she had put him through, and to some degree was still putting him through. “I didn't think you remembered it was my birthday,” she finally added, stepping in closer to him to get a better look at the movies. “And Star Wars? Those are the ones with the light swords and the guy in all black, right?” Demi paused for a moment before adding. “I dressed up as the chick in the metal bikini for Halloween once, had no idea who she was, but the costume sure got a lot of attention.” This was said with the fond smile, that Halloween night had been one to remember. Inching just a little closer, still mindful of the tension between them, Demi added. “You went out and got movies just for me? Of course I want to watch them.” She stopped herself short before adding that she wanted to spend time with him too, Demi had a feeling he already knew that, even despite the issues they had been having of late. Isaac’s mouth fell open, too stunned to even respond to Demi because she’d just described Star Wars as those “ones with the light swords” and referred to Darth Vader, one of the most fearsome villains in all cinematic history, as that “guy in all black”. It took him a few moments to recover but finally he blinked a few times and said, “First off, his name is Darth Vader. Secondly, it’s Princess Leia in that metal bikini and it was pretty much every guys’ fantasy growing up. And lastly, even if you didn’t want to watch them, knowing what I know about your lack of knowledge on the greatest franchise that ever existed, it’s my civic duty to educate you about them.” His words were dead serious, though he couldn’t help but feel a jolt of excitement at the idea of Demi getting to see Star Wars for the first time. She was in for a real treat. Of all the reactions she thought she might receive, this had not been one of them. Demi quirked an eyebrow as she fought against the amused smile that threatened to appear. “So was she your fantasy growing up?” To which Isaac just raised his eyebrows in a ‘duh’ kind of way. Carrie Fisher was hot. She was already moving back into the kitchen as she said this, locating a pan and the bag of popcorn kernels she knew they had. A movie wasn't a movie without popcorn after all, right? “So what makes it the greatest franchise ever?” Demi asked conversationally, a part of her relieved to be holding a conversation with Isaac at all. She missed this, moments like this when they were just living life and the press of reality wasn't trying to jam a wedge between them. “And will there be a test at the end of the movies?” Now she was smirking as she turned her gaze from the portable stove to look over her shoulder at Isaac. “Of course there’s going to be a test,” Isaac replied easily, his mouth even pulling up in a smile, indicating that he was obviously teasing her. If he’d known that Star Wars would get them talking like this he would have went out and got it way earlier. He paused, watching the popcorn begin to pop before saying, “I mean, the series is this whole different world with different species and planets and politics plus there are light sabers, which are just about the coolest weapons of all time. And the force is awesome because everyone has it but the Jedis are the few who are able to harness that power and train to use it. Yoda is the oldest Jedi and walks with a cane and--No, I don’t want to spoil it. We just have to watch it, okay?” Grabbing his bottle of water, he took a drink, his throat dry after talking more than he had in weeks. “And what happens if I fail this test?” Demi asked, enjoying both the way Isaac was smiling and teasing her, as well as the way he truly seemed to light up and become fully engaged in convincing her that Star Wars was in fact the best movie franchise ever. Had things been more normal between them, Isaac would have threatened to withhold sex if she failed his test but considering the chill that had settled over the apartment in the last few weeks he just shook his head with a smirk. “I’m sure I’ll find a suitable punishment,” his tone surprisingly coming out more flirty than he would have thought. Maybe it was the Star Wars putting him in a good mood, but honestly, he’d missed her a great deal. Fighting sucked. “Oh, I have no doubt that you will,” She answered Isaac’s flirty tone with one of her own, and couldn't help the way she giggled as Isaac stopped himself from revealing every last detail to her. “And with a sales pitch like that of course we have to watch it,” she remarked while she turned the heat off on the camp stove and reached for a bowl from one of the cupboards above the stove. “But I have one stipulation, we watch in the blanket fort, away from prying eyes.” Demi was unashamed about her desire to have some privacy with him, especially since this was the first time in months they were really talking and enjoying each other's company. Once the popcorn was in the bowl, he nodded to her request and followed her to the blanket fort, grabbing his laptop and the first DVD on the way. He paused a moment, eyeing the blanket fort for a moment, trying to imagine how his 6’1” frame was going to fit in there before he lowered himself to the ground and crawled his way in, his legs comically sticking out. There was no way to hide the amused expression that appeared on her face as Isaac crawled his way into the smallish blanket fort she had created. Truthfully it had been designed for one person, which meant they were more than cozy as Demi lowered herself down to the floor and squeezed in beside Isaac. This was the closest they had been in weeks, but even still Demi tried to give him space (what little there was) because she was still very much unsure as to where they stood. “So this first one is called “A New Hope” and technically it is the fourth movie of the series, but everyone knows the prequels are shitty movies. Basically you just need to know that Jedis used to be a well known thing around the galaxy and there were a lot of them but then Anakin Skywalker was ordered by his Sith master to kill them all so there’s been a disruption in the Force around the galaxy. There’s other stuff, too, but I think it’s more fun for that to be a surprise the first time you see it.” Because he’d been shocked as hell the first time he learned that Leia and Luke were siblings. They just didn’t make cinematic reveals like that anymore (or, rather, when they’d actually made movies before the zombies happened). Demi listened intently as Isaac explained the first movie he was going to play, nearly positive she would be interrupting him throughout the movie to ask question. “There’s nothing that’s going to scare the hell out of me in these, is there?” She questioned, peering sideways at him. “And I realize you're already in here, but did you want to change into something that isn't your suit before we settle in for this marathon?” Without being able to leave the apartment and with nobody visiting really, Demi spent her days in leggings and t-shirts, so she was already as comfortable as she was going to get. “You’re not scared of aliens, are you? A lot of the people in this movie aren’t exactly human. But other than that, you should be good,” Isaac said as he looked over his outfit. He really should have changed before jamming himself into this little blanket fort. “But you make a good point. Can you get the movie ready while I go change?” He asked, already beginning to wiggle his way out. Demi laughed. “No, I'm pleased to inform you I'm not scared of aliens,” she offered a faint smile and before she could think better she added. “So don't worry, I won’t be clinging to you out of fright or anything.” Maybe if they were on better terms she would do it just to garner a laugh from him, but the tension between them still remained and she still felt like she was walking on eggshells sometimes. Quickly breezing past her remark, she gave a nod to Isaac’s question as he began to leave the blanket fort. “Yeah, I can.” He wasn’t gone long and once he’d swapped his suit for pajama pants and a white t-shirt he managed to work his way back in. “We all set?” Giving Isaac as much space as possible upon his return, Demi answered. “I think so,” with a quick cursory glance, she continued. “We have the movie, we have popcorn, we’re both settled in now, yeah, I definitely think we’re ready.” Without waiting for him to confirm his agreement with what she had just said, Demi hit the play button on the movie. The first half of the movie they watched in relative silence, Demi sneaking glances in Isaac every now and then and having to hide a smile at just how happy he looked. She had to quickly look away a couple of times, or risk being chided for not watching the actual movie, still, looking was worth the risk - she couldn't remember the last time she had seen him this happy. “Please tell me those two end up together,” Demi finally exclaimed as Han and Leia interacted on the screen. “I mean that’s what they’re building towards, right?” “This is a spoiler free zone,” Isaac responded very seriously, though after a moment gave her a slight smile, the look on his face giving Demi all the answers she was looking for. “But seriously, Princess Leia is a badass chick in charge of this rebellion army and you’re focusing on who she’s going to fall in love with? This was a big feminist thing in the 70s, having a female character with a body and brains featured in a sci-fi movie like this.” Even after all these years he was still his parent’s son, analyzing the world through this political lense. Demi didn't need to ask more, Isaac’s smile told her what she wanted to know - even if he did just declare the fort a spoiler free zone. “Your look gave you away, mister.” She informed him, poking him in the ribs with her elbow. Soon though she was sobering up and eyeing Isaac with a raised eyebrow. “Obviously I was focusing on the wrong thing, but you’ve set me straight now,” Demi answered dryly, the corners of her mouth fighting against a smile as her mind chose to focus on how hot Isaac looked when he was arguing a point. “I won't ask about Leia’s love life again, although to be fair she should get to have a little bit of fun, even if she is commanding a whole rebellion. And I mean if she was such a feminist icon, why did they put her in a metal bikini and turn her into a sex symbol?” Isaac shrugged at her question, a smile still on his lips, entirely too enthusiastic about the current topic of conversation. “I dunno, guess that’s the 70’s for you. Besides, just because you know about the gold bikini doesn’t mean you know about the context of it,” he replied, cryptically. Even if he’d blown his cover about Han and Leia’s future romance, he could still ensure there were still some elements of surprise. And it was an important distinction that Leia wasn’t wearing that bikini of her own free will, which is why he felt that it didn’t diminish her feminist icon role. “I just think you’ll find that while, yes, there is a romance element in the series, the main focus is the struggle between the light and dark side and Leia plays a big part of that.” Although Demi really didn't know anything about what they were discussing she didn't care, she and Isaac were talking and smiling and it was just about the best way she could have imagined to spend her birthday. “Does the gold bikini show up in this movie or will I need to wait to find out what the context is for it?” She questioned, unconsciously shifting closer to Isaac. “I know, I know. This is a spoiler free zone, but can you at least tell me if I have to wait for another movie to figure that out?” Despite his no spoiler talk, he didn’t see how giving away that detail would be a problem. “Two movies actually. Next is The Empire Strikes Back and then Leia is in the bikini in Return of the Jedi. Damn, I’ll have to see if I can find a copy of The Force Awakens and then you’ll see super awesome badass female characters.” It was upsetting to think about how the zombie apocalypse had stopped George Lucas from finishing Episode 8 and 9… “Two more movies before I find this out? And The Force Awakens?” Demi’s tone held a note of question towards the end, though she was assuming that that must be another Star Wars movie, but having never paid attention to the franchise she just wasn't positive. “The force, that's what the Jedi’s use right? So is that like another Star Wars movie?” “Yes, that’s what the Jedi’s use,” Isaac said, holding back a laugh. “You’ve come a long way already young padawan. The Force Awakens was something like the next generation of the series, taking place 20 or 30 years after the end of Return of the Jedi. It was supposed to be another trilogy, but it didn’t get finished before the world went crazy.” The look of confusion that flashed across Demi’s features could almost have been noted as comical. “Padawhat?” She had never in her life heard that word before, had Isaac made it up? Was it even an actual word? “Goddamn zombies ruined everything,” Demi remarked with a faint grin, before adding. “Did it have the same characters?” Demi was full of questions when it came to this topic, and she enjoyed listening to Isaac talk about something he seemed to really enjoy - frankly she didn't hate the fact that right now in this moment he seemed happy. “Only a couple of the same characters,” Isaac said, holding back a smile, before pointing back to the computer screen. “But that’s all I’m telling you. Spoiler free zone. I mean it. Let’s keep watching.” They still had a long way to go on their viewing journey and Isaac would be damned before he gave away any more secrets. And if he found himself watching Demi more than the actual movies? Relishing each of her reactions and rejoicing the fact that she actually seemed to be enjoying the movies--well… It was the first good night they’d had in a long time and even if things were still fucked up, at least he knew his girl was a Star Wars fan. And for now? That was pretty damn good. |