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 Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 5:27 pm
Jacob had ventured to Samir's home and workplace before, so it was only natural that at some point Samir had returned the favor. However, Jacob had far less freedom than Samir had in his job--and probably far more work. Insurance in Destiny City was always bound to be a lucrative business, if not also unfortunate and nerve wracking.
Samir's day hadn't gone quite as he expected and every attempt he made to successfully complete any task had been met with hardship and failure, and every attempt to get back on the right track seemed to only make things worse. Every errand was incomplete, every unfortunate incident that could happen did.
So he needed a break from routine. He was in the area of Jacob's work, looked at his watch, and knew that he was within the perfect window of opportunity for lunch.
He knew enough about the man to chance a guess at what he might enjoy, so picked up a meal to go, went to his office, and when he didn't hear any voices inside he rapped on the door and poked his head in.
To make sure he wasn't interrupting something, he gave the room a quick scan and made sure that Jacob didn't look too busy before holding up the lunch bag and letting the scent waft in. "Got a minute?"
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Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 5:36 pm
Jacob was working hard on a case, staring bleakly at the computer his eyes looking tired as they always did at this time of the day. The job paid well, and it had wonderful benefits but…it kind of drew a person’s soul away with far greater strength than anything the Negaverse ended up doing.
The male stifled a yawn, stretching slightly, wishing that he could be wrapped up in one of his comfortable hoodies instead of this stupid, itchy uniform shirt when he heard the knock, and the all too familiar voice.
And then a fantastic smell filled the room.
Leaning back in his seat, Jacob grinned, his eyes warming at the sight of his captain and friend and he gestured to the chair on the other side of his desk. “Please. Have a seat. What have you got there, and do you have enough to share with a starving man? Because, damn, Samir. I need whatever is in that bag, and I need it now.”
He wondered idly what the occasion was…had he missed a training session? Or was this just…a gesture of friendship…and if so…
What could he do to pay it back?
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Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 6:26 pm
Samir laughed and closed the door behind him as he entered, taking a seat across from his desk.
"Come now, I'm not so cruel as to wave lunch in front of your nose without any expectation of sharing. I dropped by for lunch. I didn't know if you would be busy or not, so I was prepared to simply stop and say hello."
He began to extract food from the bag, pleasant smile on his face; he laid it out on the desk, mindful not to get anything anywhere it shouldn't be.
"Would it be all right if I joined you for lunch?" he asked, looking up to meet Jacob's eyes. He smiled, friendly, but assured, "If policy here says I shouldn't, I won't cause trouble. I was just out and thought of you while I was in the area."
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Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:08 pm
Jacob stood and moved over to the door, closing the blinds and reaching a hand out to swap the placard on the door to ‘Lunch’.
“You came a great time, Samir. I have a client coming in about an hour and I was just thinking about where I wanted to go eat, and here you are, saving me all of the trouble. And saving me from my brain inching its way out of my ears. I thought I was going to fall asleep a few minutes ago. Everything was blurring together.”
He sat back in his chair and reached for the food that the other male had brought. “This smells amazing. You can come for lunch whenever. I normally go around this time, we could make it a ritual, if you want to keep feeding me. I won’t ever say no.”
Perhaps he could bring food to his friend too. Surprise him…though. It would be more difficult to surprise the male in the forge. Or the junkyard…that might be easier, but he could make a bigger impact if he came upon Samir working his metal…
Sparks would fly, that would be for sure. “I get if we can’t, but it’s always nice to see you.”
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Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 8:25 pm
A smile blossomed onto his face, quite pleased to have finally gotten something right today.
"You're more charming than usual," he laughed. "But I suppose I have a soft spot for food, so maybe I'm a little more sensitive. My mother used to say that food always tastes better when in good company, so," he lifted up some of the seasoned fries he'd gotten in his order.
"To good friends, and good meals. May we come together often, and grow into fat, old men together."
It was almost a toast; he helped himself to a fry and then tilted the container to offer some for Jacob to taste.
"I would be glad to break up the monotony of the day any time. You've already made my day better. Nothing has gone right today before this. Hopefully I don't mess this up too," he said, smile plain on his face.
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Posted: Tue Jan 21, 2020 9:30 pm
Jacob grinned and shrugged idly. He didn’t think he was being charming, but he wouldn’t say anything to ruin that opinion. The grin grew at the impromptu toasting their friendship and he nodded, taking a fry. “Here, here!”
He ate quietly for a moment, thinking over the other male’s words and shook his head. “You’ve never messed anything up when I’ve been there, and I can’t see you starting now. You’re an amazing guy and you have great tastes in food. And hobbies. And dogs.”
Chewing for a moment, Jacob laughed softly. “And people that you decide to take under your wing. I’ve learned so much working under you, and I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, you know. Even if sometimes I get mad when you decide I need some extra training. I know it’s all worth it in the end, and I know you’re doing it so I stay alive, just in case the worst tries to happen.”
He appreciated it. More than he could say, and he knew his words weren’t doing much to really show how he felt. But he did his best.
“So…don’t ever worry about messing up, is what I’m saying. Not with me. I’ll forgive anything.”
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 6:25 am
Samir laughed again, pleased with the goodnatured reassurance from Jacob. "Well, I appreciate that," he assured, and though he was silent for a few moments after that it didn't seem like it was born out of any discomfort or displeasure.
Samir was keen to roll a thought around in his head before saying it aloud, especially if it was important, or dangerous.
"I know the training hasn't been easy. But I'm proud of how well you've pulled through it all. Your growth is phenomenal. You've made me very proud. Honestly, I can't wait to see how you turn out after all of this. Though, I will confess something."
A few more fries.
"I wasn't worried about your footwork last week. When I told you to stay for more training?"
Another fry.
"...You seemed like you had something on your mind, bringing you down. I was a little worried about you. I used the excuse of training to check up on you, and I used keeping you late as an excuse to take you to dinner."
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 6:32 pm
Jacob grinned and looked pleased with that, nodding slightly. “Well…you know you don’t have to say things that make me feel like I’m not learning quickly enough if all you want to do is spend more time with me. I’d feel a lot better about myself if you just asked. And I’ll always go to dinner with you, you don’t have to pretend to need something for that. We’re friends, right?”
He reached over and took another fry, watching the dark haired male with a thoughtful expression. “Are you afraid I’ll rebuff your friendship? Because I promise, I won’t.”
Chewing slowly, Jacob watched Samir for another few moments. “I like spending time with you. It’s one of my favorite pastimes. You’re a great person to be around and I always feel lighter after I’ve spent time in your company. Even if you are pushing me like a tyrannical drill sergeant. Though, I won’t lie. I am always sad to leave, even on those nights that I’m relieved to get away from our training.”
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Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2020 6:42 pm
Samir laughed softly, perhaps playing off the words. "Ah, yeah," he reached up to muss up his own hair and then finally just propped his elbow on the table, resting his chin in his hand. "...I suppose I've been thinking about it a lot lately. Friendships and all. I'm friendly with a lot of people, but I suppose...I haven't actually really got that many friends. The last person I had--the last person I was really quite close with, I mean..."
A faraway look crossed his eyes and he seemed to be mulling over the memory for a bit before he finished, "I lost them, rather abruptly. So, I suppose, a part of me is still a little over cautious! Of course, you can't say no and disappear if it's for work!" he laughed again. "I know how dutiful you are. Even here," he glanced around and smiled at Jacob when his eyes settled upon him again.
"You always work so hard. It's very admirable. But, thank you for your kind words. And I'm sorry if I've made you feel bad about yourself. You really shouldn't, I like you quite a bit. I consider you a very good friend. But I suppose I thought it might be presumptuous! I don't want you to feel pressured to do anything just because I'm, well. A Captain. Naturally, there would be no repercussions in your civilian life if you declined such invitations."
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Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2020 7:06 pm
Jacob listened, thoughtful and for a long moment and finally he grinned, standing slightly and leaning over to tweak the male’s nose. “Then make it for work, if you think that’ll make me come hang out. But, it makes me feel good to know that it’s not just for work. And you’re not just a Captain. You’re my Captain. I’d feel awful if you weren’t there to guide me, and honestly, I’m not sure where I’d be if I didn’t have you. I’m sure I’d be a mess or would have died or something else stupid like that. But…I wouldn’t be doing as well as I am. And that’s all thanks to you, Samir.”
He wanted badly to question him about the person that he lost, had a burning curiosity about it, and just wanted to ask but…wasn’t sure that he should. Wasn’t sure that he would even really like the answer.
“I promise though…I’m not going to just up and disappear. I mean…” He hesitated and shook his head. “I only do that if there’s a really, really good reason…and you don’t strike me as the type to give me a good reason to do that.”
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Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2020 3:42 pm
Samir blinked when his nose was tweaked and rubbed at it promptly though the smile never diminished from his face. "Ideally, I'd hope not. I like you too much to try and chase you away. Of course," he gestured to the food between the two of them. "I wouldn't feed just anyone, anyway."
He might have, though. But he didn't necessarily plan it with anyone. Didn't dream about dropping by and visiting often enough that he figured he might as well act on it.
"But I'll work harder on that. You're right, I shouldn't have given you a reason to worry or doubt yourself or be concerned that you weren't meeting expectations. Truthfully, you always have. I'm very proud of you. I appreciate how hard you work, how much effort you put into everything. And, more than that, I appreciate you."
Another smile; he was being genuine. "You're a good guy, you know. And I appreciate that. You brighten up my life, Jacob, and I suppose I ought to say thank you for that every now and then."
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Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2020 8:53 pm
“Thank goodness! Feed me as often as you’d like to, I insist.” Jacob grinned in reply, enjoying Samir’s smile and tilting his head to the side just slightly. “I’ll feed you too, you know.” He couldn’t help saying, as thought that were truly the way to cement a friendship.
He felt warmth in his chest at the other male’s words and shook his head, almost amused. “Hey. There’s no reason to thank me. I appreciate it though, but you brighten mine too. You have made me really excited for everything…you make the Negaverse…almost like a family, and I like it. You show me the reasons why we have to do things, and teach me the best ways to do them, so…thank you. I appreciate each and every moment you spend with me, and I secretly hope that I get to spend more. Honestly, if you want the truth, there have been some days where I’ve pretended to not understand something just so you’d keep teaching me, so I guess we both have to realize it’s not going to be bad to just…be friends.”
Jacob laughed softly and shook his head. “We’re kind of a mess, I suppose.”
He looked back at the male and gave a smile that warmed his lavender eyes. "Let's never change, yeah?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 4:28 pm
Samir found himself laughing at Jacob's confession. "Oh, we're both guilty of a little deception, it seems. At least it was the most wholesome sort of deception--and for a good cause."
He held Jacob's gaze, perhaps taking the opportunity to examine his eyes, to get lost in their vibrancy.
"Sometimes, change is good," he suggested. "For example, maybe we could help each other be less of a mess!"
His smile continued to dance on his face, as pleasant as it was serious. "I'd like to think that you make me a better person. So I'd like to change, for the better. But, we should always stay friends, that much is certain. There would be quite a hole in my life without you."
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 5:04 pm
“I feel the same, so let’s do each other a favor and make sure that we stay in one another’s lives, okay?” He gave a grin, feeling his face go a little warm as the male seemed to gaze into his eyes for far longer than he thought proper, or even possible. He liked it.
He liked it more than he wanted to admit.
“Anyway...would you like to do dinner tonight too? My treat? And maybe I could come and stay over? I miss your dogs.”
And he didn’t really want to admit just how much he wanted the other male’s company, but at this moment, he wanted perhaps a bit more than just his company. “We could have a party. Make fancy popcorn…watch some movies?”
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Posted: Sat Feb 08, 2020 5:17 pm
"That, I can promise," Samir said easily; he wanted to stay in Jacob's life and he wanted to ensure that Jacob stayed in his. The smile on the man's face brought Samir a sense of ease, like it fully confirmed that he wasn't intruding. Being treated to dinner was a completely unplanned ending to this lunch rendezvous and though he was full, Samir suddenly felt like he could go for dinner right now.
"I'd love that. All of that. When you're done with work, you should head home and pack and overnight bag. We can go out to eat, order in--" he paused. "...We should go out to eat, unless you want the dogs trying to join us at the table. But they're good company for watching movies, I can get the pullout sofa set up in the living room, I'll grab all the extra blankets and pillows. It's comfortable. Oh!"
Samir perked up again. "It's going to rain tonight, so it'll be cold. It's good movie watching weather. The dogs will curl up with you. It's the sweetest," he insisted. "You'll never get a better night's sleep than with one of them resting their head on your chest. Yes, you must spend the night, you'll see."
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