And The Show Begins

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

This was one night that Cal didn't want to go to work. Ayden had been in a funk, and he really hated seeing her like that. It didn't happen very often, so he knew something was up. And it made him want to call in sick with some emergency bullshit excuse. Just so he could sit at home with her with a massive bowl of popcorn and some really cheesy comedy or something. Or maybe work on that new shirt she asked him to make from his sketchbook. It was almost done, he just needed to fix up a couple things, so he didn't want to show it to her just yet. But he could have stayed home and finished it and see her face light up when he gave it to her. But no. She'd told him to go to work and promised she'd text him throughout his shift until she got tired, went out or whatever. He sighed, pulling his hand from his pocket to pull open the door to Gotham.

He shook his hair out once he got into the warmth of the building and headed through to the back, behind the stage. He needed to toss his things away and grab the inventory list. He was there hours before the Club actually opened but he needed to make sure his bar was stocked and he had extras readily available if need be. THe stage was in use already at the mid-afternoon hour every few minutes another Comedian would step ontot he stage and do their sound check before they'd step back down and the next would step up. He liked this part of his job a lot. He got to be there and hear the jokes before they performed live and proper. That poor kid a few nights before had been good, he'd remembered him. Cal had thought the kid, only a year older than himself, was funny, ingenious really. It was a shame his nerves got the better of him and the audience was full of drunk fools. But it was okay, Cal knew he'd get better and he'd be in again sometime and he'd knock the audience's socks off. He just needed to work up a little more confidence, that was all.

At his station, Caleb checked over his supplies and marked down what he needed to restock. He double checked that list before he went back into the back room where they kept the bar supplies and inside that door, grabbed a grey dolly-cart thing. He didn't need very much. More napkins, coasters, ashtrays that would be used to discard the peels of the lemons, limes and oranges. It was also those two things that always seemed to go missing the most; coasters and ashtrays. Really, he could see the ashtrays since they had the Gotham Comedy Club logo and name on them; great souvenirs to remember the night by. But the coasters? They just advertised a brand of beer the club sold; nothing overly special about that. Especially since the same brand was sold in about a dozen different places around New York alone. It didn't really matter to him, so it just let it slide. It was really what the ashtrays was there for; to be taken, used, discarded.

Taking a moment, Caleb pulled his phone from his back pocket and sent a quick text to Ayden. He wanted to make sure she was okay. Maybe even talk her into showing up at the club for a couple sets. Get her out of the apartment, somewhere other than the roof to shoot hoops. He didn't wait for a reply, the volume was still on since it wasn't actual hours and he was allowed, so he'd know when she texted him back, if she texted him back. She'd been acting a bit off lately, but he just assumed it had to do with school, or work. Shaking his head, he made sure he had everything on his list on the cart and satisfied with that, strolled the cart out into the big room and across it to his bar at the back. There were a few scattered along the walls throughout the room. Each had maximum two bartenders at each, and that was usually just training. He'd been at his own bar since the week after he'd started. He'd already had knowledge of how to mix quite a few drinks and what he didn't know, there was a book for behind the bar. He could just check that out and follow directions.

At his station, Caleb put his new supplies away, set aside enough for the first half of the night of everything he needed. He checked his watch for the time, and his eyes widened. Apparently he had spent more time in the backroom than he'd originally thought. The club was going to open in thirty minutes and he wasn't near ready. He was, but he wasn't. He had a half hour to slice lemons, limes and oranges, plus get the maraschino cherries into their proper place. Caleb sighed, pulling the cutting board from it's hiding place in a drawer under the shelf behind the bar, set it ontop of the solid wood and grabbed a knife and three of each fruit. He was in a serious rush, but thankfully, he'd been doing this for a while and could get it all done just in time. With just enough time to spare, he pushed everything into it's place using the knife, turned to the small sink and cleaned up his mess, washed his hands and put the knife and cutting board back into their places just as the lights dimmed and people starting walking through the door looking for seats.

The room would fill, maybe not to capacity, but close. And people would start lining up at the bars to get drinks to last until the first short break where they could get up and get some more. As the room filled, Caleb grabbed a dry cloth and started wiping down the bar, making himself busy since he wouldn't get the chance until the Host hit the stage.

_{TAG// ---
WORDS// 1029
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

Ayden hadn't been having the best of weeks. She knew she'd been pushing Caleb farther and farther ever since Monday evening, but she just couldn't help it. That phone call from her mother had seriously torn her apart. And she doubted even a cheesy movie night with Caleb and endless buckets of popcorn could fix her this time. It was too massive to be cured like normal. On Monday, her mother had called, like usual. Ayden always made sure she checked in at home, let her parents know she was still alive and breathing. But, this time, it had been her mom with the "exciting" news. Her father had walked out on her mother the night before, shoving divorce papers in her face and declaring he was done with her "diva" ways. And he hadn't even had the decency to call Ayden and let her know what the hell was going on.

It wasn't exactly that, however. She was still in shock from the fact that her parents were getting divorced. And at their age! After how many years of seemingly happy marriage and raising a baby girl together, they were separating for good. Their unique ties at their newspaper would be lost, as well, and Ayden wondered what the hell would happen. Would her mom try moving out here with her and Caleb? Would her dad? How was all of this going to play out for her? Not that she lived with them anymore, but what if one of them moved to another country or something? Ayden wanted to see them again someday, and she wanted to be that happy family that she'd regretted leaving behind when she'd traveled out to New York for college. It was then that the terrible thought hit her. Was this all her fault? Had her leaving caused her parents to grow apart and split in such an unfriendly manner? God. The guilt had been eating at her all week. Partly because she hadn't told Caleb, partly because she was coming up with more and more reasons why she thought the divorce was her fault. And, nobody knew anything about her troubles, so there was nobody who could tell her she was plain-out wrong.

The look in Caleb's eyes tonight as she'd told her to go to work had nearly ripped her heart in two. She knew he wanted to help her, comfort her, fix her like he always did. But, would he be able to this time? He wouldn't be able to understand her pain this time, nobody would. Not that she didn't wish he could. She needed to think, however, alone. So, she'd shooed him off to work and gone straight up to her rooftop, to the only place that really gave her some peace of mind. Sure, it was winter and a bit chilly, but Ayden threw a sweatshirt on and continued on her merry way. After a half hour or so of shooting and thinking, Ayden finally pulled her phone out, smiling gently at the text from Caleb. God, she loved the boy. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to send him off tonight...

Biting the inside of her lip, Ayden quickly sent her reply, going back downstairs to their apartment and changing into some new, less sweaty clothes. She threw her hair up into a messy bun, grabbing her keys, iPhone, and some cash and slipping into a pair of boots. She needed to see Caleb, even if he would be serving alcohol to rowdy New York partiers. Besides, distracting him from work sounded kind of fun. Maybe it'd help to take her mind off all this parent bull shit and remind her that she was still a college kid, one who was allowed to get drunk. And one who knew she had someone to carry her safely home and make sure no harm came to her. Ayden knew Caleb would keep her safe from even the roughest of situations, and, if she stayed in the apartment, she figured her guilt would eat at her even more. And texting Caleb wasn't the same as talking to him. She couldn't see his charming smile, or listen to him laugh, or grin at the handsome sparkle that always lit his eyes while they were teasing each other. That was what she needed: normal. She needed one person who wouldn't suddenly change on her. That person was most obviously Caleb.

Ayden snuck inside with the first crowd of people, easily finding Caleb's station. She stood still for a moment, watching him wipe down the counter. Chewing the inside of her lip, she grinned and crept up quietly behind him. Her hands quickly closed over his eyes, and she had to stand on her tiptoes so she could whisper in his ear. "Guess who!"

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 830!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: The beginning of epicness x3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

It was too late now, but he wished that he'd gone against Ayden's wishes and stayed home. Or maybe leave, walk around the block and then go home claiming that he'd been sent home because they already had too many bartenders and not enough stations. She probably would have believed him, but that didn't really matter to Cal in the least. What mattered what that she was okay. His little fire didn't have to go through whatever it was she was going through alone. She knew that. And he knew that it sometimes took time for her to tell him everything. The air got cleared eventually, it was just cloudy for a few days beforehand. He couldn't even come up with a serious reason for her to be so down. She'd been that way since Monday, moping around, pale like she was going to be sick or something. And nothing, absolutely nothing Cal had tried had gotten her out of her funk. He'd even cooked! Not exactly his specialty, but he'd attempted her favourite, and although it brought a ghost of the smile he loved, it still wasn't the same. He didn't want her to be in pain. He wanted her happy and laughing and joking around with him like they always did. It was really tearing him up inside that he couldn't fix this.

He could remember a time when they'd both been to carefree, so relaxed just hanging out in his basement with the TV and the radio going for background noise as they did homework, or he made clothes and she bugged him into leaving the sewing machine for something more exciting. There were so many memories he had stored away in that mind of his that made him smile and laugh and think 'what were we thinking doing that?'. She'd been there when he'd gone and gotten himself that first tattoo. The peace sign on the top of his left foot. The guy at the tattoo place had said he was crazy for getting his first there, but he was determined and Ayden had stayed with him the entire time, keeping him calm and joking around with him and the artist. At the time, it had been a big deal for him. The girl he was in love with- even at sixteen, was there at the major event in his life with him, holding his hand basically. It was just one of those memories he's always have with him. Just like the day she'd told him about her love of music. Or the look on her face when they'd gotten to their new home in New York and there, in the middle of the living room, sat a baby grand piano. It had be second hand, but was still in excellent shape. His grandfather had set it up for them. He knew a dealer in Seattle who had ties to New York where he'd managed to snag the beatiful black piece at a surprisingly small fraction of the cost.

His grandfather was the only one who knew about his feelings for Ayden. He couldn't lie to his grandfather, his namesake knew all about the fashion loving young man. So, there really had been no hiding it, and the piano had been his idea, though Caleb had always said it was his; to show how much he really cared about the young woman he was now living with. He shook his head, bringing himself out of his memories just as his phone rang, also reminding him to turn it off. Reception in the club was usually good, unless you were behind the bar. For some reason it was one of the only places in the entire building where he actually had to search for a signal. If it wasn't important, he'd just set his phone to vibrate, slip it into his back pocket and not worry about it. But the screen read Ayden so he checked it and smiled at the few words before actually setting his phone to vibrate and slipping it into his pocket. He had work to do. Patrons were arriving and he was almost finished with the back counter where he usually mixed the drinks with more than two kinds of alcohol. If it were something simple, tequila sunrise, whiskey sour, jack and coke, he just did that right in front of the customer, or the acohol, depending. He sighed, his back to the crowd but close enough to the proper bar that anyone could lean over and tap his shoulder to get his attention, or cough as though they were about to speak or trying to get his attention. Although, with his mind somewhere else, it was probably a safe bet that if they'd gone that route, he wouldn't have heard them anyway.

He was about to toss the cloth back under the counter when someone leaned over and covered his eyes. He hadn't seen her in the crowd, hadn't know she'd actually show up. But he couldn't have been more happier to feel her hands on his eyes and her voice whispering in his ear so close that it tickled. He tilted his head to the side, as if contemplating who it could be blocking his view. The smile was permenantly glued to his face whenever she was around, usually. And that moment was no different. But, as he didn't have customers yet, he could take a few minutes to joke around with his love. "Katy, I thought I told you, you can't just show up at my work like this. I could get fired!" He said referring to Katy Perry, though he- unlike half the male population of the country, didn't have some odd obsession with the artist. She had good music, and she was attractive, but his interests began and ended with hoping that one day she would wear his designs. Now though, he was just waiting on the slap to his arm that was bound to happen. And he knew from previous experience that it could hurt if Ayden wanted it to. So, he could only hope that she didn't. He grabbed her hands and spun around a bit dramatically because he was trying to keep her hands in his. She showed up. He leaned his elbows on the bar top so Ayden didn't have to stand on her tiptoes any longer. "Hello, Little Fire," he whispered with a smile that held more than she knew.

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 1079
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

Ayden knew that Caleb would be there for her through everything. Hell, they'd been best friends since forever, and were now living together in the magnificent city of New York. How much closer could you get to a person? But, she still couldn't find the words to tell him about this whole ridiculous situation. She was barely over her own shock, so that was probably why. Once she accepted the fact that, yeah, my parents are splitting and will probably rip each other's throats out if they see each other again, maybe she could muster up enough courage to explain why she'd been in such a mood. She'd have to tell him eventually, and she knew he'd weasle it out of her if she didn't 'fess up. He always did. Ayden herself also had a habit of doing that with him. She'd coax him away from the sewing machine and his sketchpad and drag him out on some crazy adventure or other around the city. They hadn't exhausted all the tourist locations yet, and she continued to use that to her advantage whenever she was in need of a "vacation" with her best friend.

That was what she needed right now. A vacation. She needed to go spend a weekend locked up with Caleb, their pets, twenty bags of popcorn, and a dozen cheesy movies. That would make her forget about this, and the fact that she knew her mother would be expecting her to return home and "help her get through this". But, truthfully, Ayden didn't want to go back. Okay, she didn't want to go anywhere near Seattle at the moment. She had a feeling she'd do something she'd regret, say something that destroyed ties with either or both her parents. And she didn't want that. She didn't want to be affected by this load of bullshit. Maybe if she dragged Caleb with her... but could she be that selfish? She knew he'd probably beg to come anyways, but she would still feel guilty about pulling him from his new life and studies here. No, this was something she'd have to face alone. No matter how fucking much she wished she could have her favorite guy by her side.

She couldn't help laughing as she felt Caleb's cheeks raise in a smile and heard him playing around with her. He always saw through this trick, no matter how many times she tried it and no matter what way it was performed. Caleb had a way of knowing it was her. Ayden grinned brightly, pulling her hands from his eyes and lightly smacking his shoulder before he could trap her hands. She giggled at his spin, shaking her head at him but letting him keep a hold of her hands as he bent down. He was considerably taller than her, but she liked it. It made her feel like he could protect her more, and it was great for when they were "cuddling" while watching movies back at their apartment. "Disappointed it's me?" she teased, smiling back up at him and hopping onto a bar stool. This was one of the reasons Ayden loved coming here. She could boss him around without him complaining. And, then she could also leave him a decently large tip that she knew he'd later spend on food, a movie rental, or something else they'd end up sharing. "I got lonesome, so I came to bug you," she smiled with a shrug, biting the inside of her lip and wishing she could drag him back home again and they could have the movie night he'd tried to bribe her with earlier. The noise and bustle of the club suddenly seemed to be pounding against her skull, and she longed for the peace and quiet she'd given up to come here. It also wasn't helping that his sweet smile was reminding her that she had something to tell him. They always shared everything with each other, and had made a promise years ago not to keep secrets. But, Ayden had been breaking that promise all week long and she was not enjoying the feeling of bottled up emotions pressing against her chest and begging to be set free.

"What time do you get off again?" she asked, tilting her head to the side and trying to shake off the headache that was already beginning to build. Ayden hoped it'd lay off after everyone settled in for the first set. She did want to stay and watch Caleb for awhile, maybe talk to him and work up some courage to tell him what had been bugging her all week. It was quite obvious he knew something was up. Hell, he'd cooked for her, and had taken the pains to attempt her favorite. Her mother had made it all the time when she was little, however, so instead of cheering her up, it only succeeded in bringing Ayden down even more with thoughts of home. But, she needed to forget about all of it. All she had to focus on was Caleb and how his smile was brightening up her currently dark world.

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 900!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: <3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

They'd been friends forever. They knew almost everything about each other. He was at every game she played and she was the one that pushed Cal into signing up for the Fashion course in high school. She'd said it would look good on College Applications, show that he was interested in all sorts of different things. If only they'd known then that it would be tied with his first love. His first which was slowly becoming second place. He'd known for a long time that he loved Ayden. But at first he thought it was just that overprotective love some developed for their friends. And then, he realized that wasn't it. He had felt more for Ayden than he did any of the girls he dated. There were few, and he treated them well, but at the end of the day, he ran to Ayden to curl up on the couch with to eat popcorn and watch movies. That should have been a clue right there, but the crazy brunette boy hadn't seen it. He saw it now, and though himself a giant fool for not seeing it before.

Caleb had spoken to his boss while he was in putting his jacket away in the back room. He bullshitted just a bit, but he knew he couldn't spend the entire night at Gotham. He needed to get back to Ayden and figure out what the hell had been on her mind for the entire week. He had to give her time, he knew that, but it was almost a full week, and it was almost like she was just stuck, if that made any sense. He was concerned, worried, and scared for her. Something had to have happened during her usual phone call with her mom to get her so distressed, and yet, she'd bottled it up. Normally, he would have given her the time she needed, but he was starting to think that needling her worries from her was the only way he'd learn what happened. If he had to take some time off work and go back to Seattle for a weekend or something, he would do it. If it was that serious, he wouldn't let her go alone to deal with something bad. And she wouldn't be able to ask him to stay. She could, but he'd refuse.

The easy smile on his face never left and he shook his head. "Never," he said, squeezing her hands lightly. The crowd was starting to fill up the room and soon he'd have to leave Ayden to get some drinks for the patrons. But right now, he could still squeeze a few minutes in for Ayden; he always would and didn't plan to start pushing her aside now. Caleb laughed at her excuse. He knew better. She liked stopping by his work. She could sit down on the stool and order him around and he couldn't tell her to do it herself. He didn't mind, he got to spend that extra bit of time with her. Although, he was a bit protective now, since one of the other bartenders saw the wallpaper of his phone- them together at the top of the Empire State Building, an adventure Ayden had taken him on only a few months back when he'd been locked up behind his sewing machine thanks to one of his own little side projects. They'd joked around and acted like complete tourists even though they'd been living in the city for a few years. But they had fun, and Ayden made sure Cal got some much needed Vitamin D. Running to and from class was not enough apparently, at least, that's what Ayden kept telling him.

Caleb rolled his eyes, "Sure, bug me. What are you having?" he asked, preparing to get things in order. There were only a couple of people at the bar that he had to take care of as well since he was the only one at that particular station that night. But they could wait, as far as it looked, he was with a patron, which really, wasn't a lie. He listened for her drink order as he grabbed a glass and the stainless steel shaker. He filled the shaker with ice and set it on the counter. At her question, Cal's dark eyes lifted to meet her blue orbs. "I'm only here for the first two sets. Four at the most if my sub doesn't come in fast enough." He would have mentioned to her that she needed to act distraught if his boss happened to stroll past, but just one look into those pools of blue and anyone would have been able to see there was something up. Add in the fact that her shoulder's appeared, at least to Cal to be tense and it was obvious. Cal looked over to the other side of the counter with a smile on his face. He turned back, "Give me just a second," he said to Ayden before stepping downt he counter to the waiting customers.

With quick, efficient movements and very capable hands, Cal mixed drinks for the crowd. He took a scan of the room to see that the other stations were starting to get just as packed. He was at the very back of the room, against the wall. It was the best seat in the house in his opinion. He wasn't close enough for any cameras there might be and he could chat casually without interupting the performer. There were only a few people left when he wiped down the bar, stuffed the cloth into the back pocket of his black jeans and made his way back to Ayden. Those left were the ones taking up the rest of the leather stools. Back with Ayden, Cal reached under the counter to grab a can of Pepsi for himself. One of the perks of working the bar, he could help himself to all the soda and water his heart desired. He tossed a couple cubes of ice into the tumbler glass, poured in roughly half the can and added an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. It was completely frivilous and girly, but he liked the orange slices and the cherries. Cal leaned against the counter again before taking his first sip. He had laughter in his eyes, "What were you planning? To whisk me off on some grand adventure in the city that never sleeps to some undisclosed location to act like tourists?"

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 1084
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

Ayden loved Caleb, she really did. But, so far, it had only been a platonic love. Sure, they were so much more then just friends, practically siblings nowdays. But, part of her didn't want to be the little sister he'd never had. Ayden didn't know what it was, though. She'd never had issues about it before, but lately it'd been different. Something in his smile made her heart flutter in a away it never had before, and his eyes always seemed to be dancing and laughing whenever she walked into a room. And, even if she didn't know what it was, Ayden liked every single moment of it.

The smile stayed glued to her lips as she looked up at Caleb. She couldn't help it; he always made her feel better, no matter what it was. Though, she would admit, this week had been hard. He hadn't been cheering her up as much as normal, but he'd still brought some light to her currently darkening life. Ayden's smiled softened at his words, and she gently squeezed his fingers back in return. "Good," she nodded at him, smiling warmly and wishing she could be curled up against him right now in their apartment. Ayden wanted to go home and relax with him, have him all to herself and not share him with the guests that were in the club. She didn't want to let him go, but she knew she had to. After all, he wasn't hers. As much as she was beginning to wish he was.

She laughed as he rolled his eyes, smiling and letting his hands go. Ayden's fingers felt cold, but she pushed the thoughts away as quickly as they popped up. "It's my job to bug you," she smirked, shrugging at his question. He knew what she liked. It was just a matter of him picking which one he thought suited her best today. Ayden had only been to the club about a thousand times, and he'd mixed her drinks each and every time. If you asked her, she thought he had them memorized already. "You pick. You always know what I want," she answered as he pulled out a glass for her. Ayden almost added she wanted something with alcohol in it. A lot of alcohol. If she drank, she'd loosen up. And maybe then she'd be able to spill her guts to him like she'd done millions of times before. It didn't matter to her that he was a guy. Caleb was her best friend, and she'd never gotten along with girls in her lifetime, not even now. They caused drama, and she liked to avoid drama as much as possible. True, she did get bitched at for "stealing boyfriends" whenever she hung out with the jocks more than the jocks hung out with their girlfriends, but still. Ayden liked talking to Caleb. He was the fashionable side of her that had never been alive until college, and she embraced every part of it as long as he was there helping her. In return, she usually "manned" him up. She'd drag him out jogging, or to be tourists around the vast city they lived in. Ayden liked it, though. She liked being able to be herself with at least one person, even if that person had watched her transform from basketball shorts to mini skirts and back again.

Ayden couldn't help sighing at his answer to her question. Obviously, he'd talked his way out of staying the whole night like normal. And he'd done it for her. She knew that without him even saying so. He'd been worried about her before leaving, and she had a feeling he'd be home early to take care of her. Caleb always took care of her, even when she was as moody as she'd been this week. "What did you do to get that deal out of your boss?" she questioned. One of her eyebrows rose into that look that clearly told she knew he'd done something. But, Ayden loved him all the more for it.

"Mhm, have fun," she smiled as he whisked down the counter to serve everyone else. Ayden knew he'd have to pay attention to everyone else at his station as well. As much as she wished she could've just kept him pinned to her side, she watched him serve the other customers. He was very good at it, which sparked a tiny fire of pride inside of her. Ayden had always been proud of her boy, but she hadn't exactly been calling him that until lately. She guessed it was because she missed him this week, so her head was getting even more clouded and moody than normal.

She sighed again, closing her eyes for a moment and rubbing her temples. Was the place getting louder? No, probably not. Her head was just getting more annoyed by the second. Ayden mustered up a smile as Caleb came back over to her, laughing weakly at his decorative drink. She grabbed the cherry, eating it in one bite and smirking up at him as if to make him comment on her stealing. "Not at all. More like you, me, a bowl of popcorn, and some movies sitting in our living room," she smiled back, turning her eyes back down to her glass as she spoke. Ayden wanted to go home now, and part of her regretted coming in the first place. She could've texted him and asked him to come home. He would've, and she knew that. But... she hadn't thought of that a half hour ago.

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 998!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

Cal wished with everything in him that she'd just talk to him. It had been one of the things missing in the past week that he'd noticed quickly. After that initial phone call, she'd been quieter than usual, she'd stuck to saying as little as possible and she was acting absentminded, which normally would have made Caleb smirk, tug on a strand of her beautiful light brown hair of hers and crack a not so funny joke. It wasn't manly and if he were confronted by anyone about it, he'd deny it wholeheartedly, but he missed talking to her; proper conversations about things that mattered not who's turn was it to do the dishes; which, naturally reminded him that he still had to do the dishes when he got home. He loved her, had always loved her whether that was as a friend or more than that, he loved her. He wanted to be there, helping her through everything. He wanted to be the one she ran to when something was up; which, if his mind wasn't so fogged with reasons why she wasn't talking it out with him, he would see that he was. He'd been young, sixteen when he really fell for her, and he would have told her back then, but he didn't want to ruin what they had if his feelings were one-sided.

"Oh, that's your job, is it? Now it all makes sense!" Laughing, Caleb went to work on her drink. He'd found the recipe like all the best he'd found so far on the internet. It had quite possibly an excessive amount of alcohol in it, but glancing up at Ayden, he thought that maybe it might be good for her. If it did nothing else, it might loosen her tongue enough to spill whatever she'd been keep in that box she had locked away in the back of her mind. He'd memorized the recipe and put it together as though he'd done it a million times before. He always did this, mix Ayden a drink and then listened to her comments on it. If she didn't like it, it was unlikely he'd make it again. This one was supposed to be sweet with a sour tang. He mixed the drinks in his silver shaker, poured the mix into a tumbler with ice and added a small bit of sprite, and orange slice and set it on a coaster in front of Ayden. The reviews were excellent so he hoped she'd like it. "Careful, it'll knock you on your ass if you have too many," he said with a laugh.

When she questioned how he'd gotten out of a full shift, he just smiled and shook his head while he thought up some crazy wildly unbelievable tale to weave for her. Because the truth was just too close to his heart. He'd told his boss that something happened at home with Ayden and that it affected them both and that he knew he wouldn't be able to concentrate knowing she was at home drowning in her thoughts. He'd also mentioned that he would have called but it was too late for that by the time everything happened so he came in to talk in person. Half of what he'd said was complete and utter bullshit, but it got the point across, and gotten him most of the night off, with the promise that he take on an extra shift when everything's been worked out. Cal may make fun of his boss when out of earshot, but he was a great one. Unfortunately, he couldn't come up with a single thing to say to Ayden that didn't sound like he needed a little vacation in a padded room. Instead, he shrugged, "It'll be my little secret," he said, vaguely before rushing off.

He hadn't missed her rubbing her temples on the rare seconds he got to look back at her. Whatever was on her mind was seriously bothering her to the point that the hushed room was even annoying her. It was so opposite of her normal behaviour that it really was starting to concern him. He wished his sub would get there faster. Why the hell couldn't the man be the Flash? He would have already been there and mixing drinks and Caleb would be in a cab with Ayden headed home. Returning, he put on his perpetual easy grin. He couldn't set his drink down for a second with Ayden around. The minute the bottom of the glass touched the coaster he set down her slim fingers were in there digging out the cherry. His brow rose in an 'oh no, you didn't!' look. "You know, there is a very filthy joke somewhere in that action but being the gentleman that I am, I believe I'm going to leave it up to your imagination to figure out." Laughing, he lifted his drink to his lips again before she could snatch up the orange slice and eat that too. Holding it now, away from Ayden, he leaned against the counter, closer to her as the stage lights brightened, the show was about to begin. But back where they were they could keep up the conversation in hushed tones if they wanted to and they weren't interrupted. His gaze fell to the side in contemplation as he saw a group of girls' on a night out toast to something. He brought his eyes back to Ayden, laying his hand flat across the bar. "That sounds like the best offer I've had all week, Little Fire." his eyes narrowed, "What movies?" he asked, knowing if she hadn't already gotten them ready, she'd made a mental list or something.

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 952
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

Ayden was partially counting on some insane drinking making her spill her guts to Caleb. Hell, she wanted it to happen. That way, there was a high chance she wouldn't remember it in the morning, and then he would know about it all. If she told him on her own terms, it would most likely be an edited version of what happened. Partly because she didn't want him worrying too much about her, and partly because she didn't want to replay that conversation with her mother once again. She also knew he'd be all for them going home to keep her sane and try and possibly fix things between her parents. But, if she was recovering from some... heavy drinking, she would hardly be in any condition to fly on a plane. This seemed like the best option all around. She could kill two birds with one stone, and totally not remember half of it!

"You're just understanding it now?" she laughed in return, watching him work with a smile tugging at her exhausted lips. Ayden's smiled widened just a bit as she saw all the alcohol he was putting into her drink. Maybe he could read her mind. It wouldn't surprise her; he knew her better than she even knew herself. Plus, it looked like some new drink he'd come up with as of late. She hadn't been to the club in awhile, so who knew? It'd be nice to try something new, anyways. And wasn't she the Queen of the drinks he made? Ayden prided herself on it, that she had so much choice in it. Then again, she was very used to being spoiled by Caleb. "No cherries?" she gasped dramatically at him as he handed her the tumblr. Ayden ate the things like candy whenever she was here. Or, she just stole his. Depended on what mood she was in. "Mix me another right away, then," she muttered, giving him another smile as she took a sip. The alcohol burned her throat for a minute, but it was over-ridden by the other various twangs of flavor in the drink. Hmf. It was different. And very laced. "It's good. What's it called?" she said, downing half the glass after speaking. If she was going to get drunk, she was going to do it as fast and painlessly as possible. "I approve, my loyal slave. But put cherries in it next time," she teased with a "regal" nod.

Ayden let loose a dramatic sigh at his words. He was obviously brushing her off about it, which made her believe he'd bullshitted to weasle his way out of it. She wasn't mad about it, however. In fact, she was kind of glad he'd done it. Ayden knew she would've done the same if their roles were reversed. It was just the kind of friends they were. They always wanted to be there for each other, always had to make sure the other was okay. But, this week had been hard on that. And, even if it was hypcritical, she didn't want secrets between them. She didn't want anymore drama than was already lurking just outside her present. Caleb was her one solid rock, the one person she could always count on, no matter what. "You're still telling me later," she insisted as he vanished down to the other end of the bar. She knew he was looking at her. It was just another thing that happened. She could tell when his eyes were on her, and she knew without a doubt that he was worried. It'd been eating away at her this entire week, that look in his eyes. It was so full of concern, worry, and hurt. Hurt because she wasn't telling him things. Ayden knew it was because of that; she knew, and, god, it was hurting her more than him. She just couldn't find the words. Not yet, at least. After a couple of those bombshells he'd mixed her, she'd probably be able to find a lot of words. A lot of words.

Ayden giggled as his eyebrows shot up. He should've known better; not her fault she was faster than him. "Psh, you wish I'd pop yours. Don't deny it," she smirked slyly, blowing off the "adult" atmosphere he was aiming for. Ayden was one of the guys, which, in other words, meant she usually could keep up with their sex jokes. Hell, she pioneered a lot of them when with the right people. And Caleb just so happened to be one of those people; the few who really saw the "tomboy" side of her she worked so hard to keep hidden. One more reason to love him. She smiled at him as he held his drink out of her reach. Ah, he was learning, after all. Ayden nibbled on her own orange slilce, shrugging as he spoke. She watched the lights on the stage flicker up, part of her sighing in relief. The sooner it started, the sooner it ended, and the sooner she could drag Caleb home with her. "I was actually gonna let you pick for once," she answered, finishing up her drink. One down. How many more to go? Well, she'd just have to see about that one.

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 951!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

Caleb would always worry. It was his nature when it came to people he loved. He was very much like his grandfather in that aspect. He knew he'd be that worrisome father if he ever had the chance to have kids. Overprotective father, right here! But when he cared about someone so much, he wanted them to be carefree and happy, both of which Ayden was not in the past week. It was making him upset. It was looking as though there was nothing he could do to get a real smile on her face. There had been a few times he'd wanted to call up her mother and just ask her himself what the hell was going on. Maybe even yell at her some. But he wouldn't do it. He wouldn't hurt Ayden that way; he wouldn't betray her like that. She'd tell him on her own time. He was starting to think he wouldn't care if it was one of her edited versions of the truth so long as she told him. It was a lie, but one he was more than willing to live with.

Caleb shrugged, pleased to hear laughter from her. It was something he usually heard so often that he didn't appreciate it so much. That was going to change, too. He missed hearing her laugh whether it was at something on the TV, radio or something stupid he said. He couldn't get enough of it. "What can I say, I'm a slow learner," he chuckled. They both knew he was a quick study, and if he wasn't so into dressing people up, he may have had a good career out of being a Psychologist. With her drink on the counter, he pushed the bottles out of the way and wiped off the counter again. "Not this time," he said smirking. It was nice seeing her loosened up, even if it was just as show. He stopped his work, to look up at her with a wicked grin. The name of the very alcoholic concoction he'd placed in front of her had a great little name. "Adios Motherfucker," he said as he leaned against the counter. "The third, apparently," he added. He shook his head, laughing at her. "I'm pleased, you're Highness," Cal said, bowing from his shoulders. He knew she'd ask for more. Maybe not that specific drink, but another something at least. And now, if he was asked to surprise a patron, he could hand this little number over.

With the bottles put away, and the counter wiped down again, and nobody looking for a drink at that exact moment, he was free to talk for a few minutes. Ayden may have wanted him to tell her what was really said in his boss's office, but the only way that was going to happen was when they were eighty rocking out in wheel chairs and eating jello. Or she got so hammered that she wouldn't remember his words even if he did decide to tell her the truth. Who was he kidding? They both knew he'd tell her what happened; he could never lie to his little fire. He'd almost missed what she said as he walked away, but he'd just caught it thanks to his excellent hearing. "Maybe, if you're lucky," he said with an easy shrug as he walked away. Now was seriously not the time to spill everything. It could all wait until they got home. At the opposite end of the bar, he flirted but it was empty, he checked on Ayden out of the corner of his eye and he kept watch of the stage for the cue most of the audience missed. It was just for the bartenders and servers letting them know they only had a few minutes left before the lights went down and they had to almost guess to mix drinks during a set.

Caleb's brows stayed hidden beneath his messy chocolate coloured hair. Her filthy mind was yet another aspect of what he loved about the girl sitting across from him. She could keep up with the conversation, play some hoops- and actually kick ass, she could switch from baggy sweats to miniskirts and rock both. There was so much to the petite brunette that she kept hidden from so many people. Caleb knew them all, and loved every little bit. "Do I?" he asked, "And here I am, thinking that ship sailed senior year... Thanks so much for clearing that up." It hadn't been what he'd been looking for; it hadn't been Ayden, which had been his exact thoughts after it all happened. He'd been fighting to deal with his feelings for her since he was sixteen, and thought they would never be reciprocated. His girlfriend at the time had wanted to, and he had loved her, but now he knew he didn't love her as much as he'd thought, and he knew now that she'd only done it, said she wanted to because she'd been cheating on him. When he'd found that out, it hadn't bothered him as much as it should have. In fact, it hadn't fazed him in the least. He'd been relieved, he'd broken up with her, a month later he graduated and then a couple months after that packed his things and moved to New York, leaving Seattle behind. And now, it wasn’t something he thought about at all, really. It was never brought up after it all came out in the first place and Caleb really couldn’t have cared. He did wish, afterward that he’d seen the signs so he would’ve said no. But it was too late now.

Even before she finished off that first drink, he was already starting on the second. He was going to keep the drinks flowing so she'd get steadily hammered and spill her guts as soon as her behind landed on their couch. He could see it, they'd get home, she'd bugger off down the hall to change into something comfortable, he'd go to the kitchen, put popcorn in the microwave, set up the DVD player with something they both liked, and then he'd race down to his room, change into baggy grey sweats and a tee. Then they'd meet on the couch pull the blankets over their legs. Cal would pass the bowl of buttered popcorn to Ayden before he pressed play, then he'd wrap his arm around her shoulders and wait. It wouldn't take long for her to start talking. And at some point, he'd pause the movie, she wouldn't notice and they'd just talk it all out. That was the plan, at least, and he hoped it worked out like that, or damn close to it. "Finally! My prayers have been answered!" he said dramatically. From the reviews on the drink, she'd only need another one, maybe two and it would be likely that Caleb would be carrying Ayden out of the club on his shoulders. He'd switch the drink off to something less toxic if he was there much longer. With her second drink poured into the fresh tumbler, Cal tossed in a handful of cherries and a slice of orange; his go-to garnishes. He switched the empty glass with the fresh one as the host announced the comedian and he ran on stage. It would all be over in seven minutes or less and the next one would step up to the plate.

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 1 247
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

Out of the two of them, Ayden was definitely the careless ones. Her planned actions for tonight were already proving that one true. But, she was reckless because she could be. She knew she'd always have someone there to keep her out of trouble and make sure she returned home safely each night. That someone was none other than her best friend, the one she often took for granted in situations like these. Ayden just knew he'd make sure she was okay, so it gave her the confidence to get hammered in front of a bunch of strangers and know she'd wake up in her own apartment tomorrow. As long as Caleb was there, everything would be perfectly fine. Everything always was.

"Finally, you admit it!" she joked again, giving him a hint of a smile as he chuckled. Ayden missed laughing so much; she missed laughing with him and just being carefree and playful like they usually were. She missed her Caleb and the fun times they always had whenever they were together. It seemed to have been forever since they'd last had one of their spectacular days out on the town, and Ayden suddenly felt the need for one. She wanted to spend time with Caleb; just her and him, and possibly their little pets. Really, she just wanted to go home and forget all about this week. "You're kidding?" she smirked back, raising one eyebrow at him. It wasn't penciled on like usually, and neither were her eyes or lashes. Ayden hadn't had time to fuss over being girly while rushing out of their apartment and to the club. Part of her regretted it now... but it wasn't like anyone would be seeing her but Caleb, anyways. No point in getting spiffed up for him when she knew he preferred her "natural" state. Or, as she called it, the face she'd had before her dramatic transformation during their freshman year in college. "As you should be," she said, lips quirking as he gave her a half bow to play along with her little game.

Ayden gave him a look of fake shock. "When am I not lucky with you?" she joked back as he scooted away from her to help the other patrons lining the bar. But, she was generally "lucky" with him, though not in the sense many people believed. He just spoiled her to no end, as this week proved. But, it had only sparked the guilt in her more every time she discovered something new that he'd done. He'd cooked, he'd taken a crack at her insane pile of laundry, and he'd even been feeding Kimmie this week, something Ayden usually did because Caleb claimed to be disgusted by the food. He'd really been going out of his way for her this week, and she was going to find out what he'd done this time. It'd probably require only a bit of weasling from her, and maybe a puppy dog pout if things got too bad. But, really, she knew she'd find out. They always discovered each other's secrets. Ayden even knew her own would be revealed soon enough; she was just waiting until she was drunk enough to finally bubble over and spill.

When the whole Senior Year Relationship Tragedy had occured for Caleb, Ayden had been anything but sympathetic. Well, she had been, but she'd been more pissed off than anything else. That chick had cheated on her best friend after forcing him into sex, and, back then, Ayden hadn't exactly been the little lady she was these days. There had been one nasty cat fight after she'd found out, and a bit of heartache at the thought that Caleb was no longer innocent. She hadn't been able to figure it out, but something about it just... she didn't know. It was one of those rare times when Ayden thought she was feeling more for Caleb than simply friendship. Yet, each and every time she'd deny it. "We're forgetting entirely about that, remember? Sex with a two timing whore doesn't count," she said loftily, taking another sip of her drink. "So, your ship has been un-sailed and you know you want me to re-sail it," she smirked, the haze already flickering in her mind as she rambled. Damn, he was right about this drink. It was already taking control over her exhausted mind. Or, maybe, it was the stress and exhaustion talking, only being assisted by the alcohol.

The lights turned into a blur around her, the hum of the people becoming muddled and somewhat distant. Ayden could push it away and fend off the headache; or she was hoping she could. "Hey, watch it! Or we might end up watching Revenge of the Bridesmaids for the fifteenth time!" she scolded playfully, giving him a joking glare as he set her next drink down. It was to her lips almost as quickly as the last had been, and a good portion of it was gone by the time she set the drink back down. The buzz increased, and Ayden easily let herself slip into it. The freedom was welcoming; any escape was these days.

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 927!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

It had been so obvious when they were younger that they would end up needing each other more than either of them would probably care to admit. She was the storm his life needed and he was the calm that followed in her wake. It had been like that since forever. They'd go out with friends and he'd be the one making sure she got home alright, he was the one that made sure everyone got home. His friends used to joke about him being some sort of mother hen type, but at the end of a night of hard partying they were thankful for him. And for the next week, he had free coffee for making sure rowdy brood of friends were still alive at the end of the night. He thought that was why Ayden got a little crazier than usual when they went out, because he would always be there to catch her when she fell; both literally and figuratively. There had been times, when he really wished it was just figuratively, but when one drinks, one gets crazy ideas, that don't always go according to plan.

He laughed at her being so overdramatic. He missed this. He missed how they acted like fools, joking around with each other, and just having fun. He wanted everything to go back to being normal. He wanted to walk in from a particularly annoying shift, and know Ayden's there to let him rant, and then help him make fun or the stupid twits he had to serve with flirty smile. He wanted to be home, cooking something up for dinner for when Ayden got back from her late class. He wanted to scour Blockbuster for a movie neither of them have seen that looks ridiculous and watch it with throw and popcorn. He'd lost count the number of times he'd woken up in the middle of the night, or the next morning with Ayden curled into his side on the couch, after they'd both fallen asleep during one of those really crappy movies. It brought a pang to his heart that he had to try and rub away with the heel of his hand, that they hadn't done that all week. Sure, he'd cooked, they'd watched movies, talked about school and work and made fun of stupid people. But neither of them were willing to talk about the elephant in the room, and always that entire week, they both walked down that hallway and slept in empty, cold beds. He'd rather a slightly too small, crowded couch over what he was feeling any day.

"I wish I was. That's what it's called. Look it up, I think it's still saved in my favourites on my laptop," he said, holding back more chuckles. They had a habit of joking around to the point that people actually started to think that Caleb really was Ayden's lowly slave. Then he went and did something stupid like tug on her hair, or say something that was anything but servant-like. It took outsiders a few minutes but they finally caught on. He was pretty sure it had taken his boss almost a week before he finally started believe Cal that he wasn't actually Ayden's servant, they were just odd like that. It was a good thing he'd been working there for a while or else he probably would have had to find a new job. Normally, he could have gone the entire night, playing this game, but he had customers, lining up, and between talking to Ayden, flirting with the female patrons and talking sports with the male patrons, he just couldn't keep up. Another time, another place and maybe it would have been different.

He'd just barely heard what she said when he scooted down the bar, but it made him laugh and a couple patrons split their attention between the two of them. No one could say thier relationship was normal, quiet or dull, that much was for sure. He'd been concerned, yeah. Concerned enough to feed Kimmie. It wouldn't have been a problem, but the smell of her food was just... bleh. As it was, he had to hold his breath until it was in her little dish and the rest put away. When he came back to that end of the bar and was leaning against it a song popped into his head that had been playing over the speakers while the group of employees had been stocking their bars. "Do you really want to know what I told my boss? It's a big one," he said, hoping she'd take the bait and he'd give her another reason to laugh, though he knew it would be really lame.

The fiasco of senior year was forgettable to say the least. His young and foolish heart and mind had been conned and fooled into relieving her guilt ridden soul. That had been stupid, but he'd been looking through rose tinted glasses in a way. He'd put all his feelings towards Ayden into that relationship, which wasn't fair to any party invovled. She hadn't been Ayden, and he'd made a mistake. However, he had been young, and afterward, he'd found out how much of a whore she'd really been. It had also shocked him how much of a movie his life was turning out to be like. He'd seen a movie like that, only the kid in the movie had found out she'd been cheating at graduation, and then found out with whom at the party following. He'd never found out, but a couple of his friends whom he kept in contact with told him she'd been knocked up, well after he'd left Seattle, and they knew who the poor sap was. Caleb pittied him, because he didn't know what a whore she was, and how he'd be the one raising that kid if she kept it. Of course, at the time, Ayden had been his priority.

And another reason for his exes resentments. Caleb had taken Ayden's side in the two women's scuffle. He had taken Ayden home, calmed her down and bought her ice cream for her troubles. "Oh, yes. How could I have forgotten that little rule?" He shook his head with an amused grin. "Oh, baby, do me now." Caleb rolled his eyes as if he were joking but his words held too much truth. He wasn't willing to admit it without hiding behind sarcasm and Ayden was still in the dark about his feelings; even after all these years. There had barely been enough time for Cal to replace the drink before it was to Ayden's lips, and the lights around the room were dimming, the stage lights bringing the raised dias into a harsh glare and the host was center stage warming the crowd up before the comedian replaced him. It was all done so smoothly and with the ease of two people that had done it all before. The guy onstage was funny, his jokes were quick and subtle and before Cal knew it, the only man onstage was saying his farewells and the host was once again onstage. One down, he thought.

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 1 197
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

Ayden could feel it; the haze that only could accompany extreme amounts of alcohol. It was tugging at her brain, making her slightly dizzy but also throwing all her fears out the window. It hadn't even been thirty minutes yet, but, man, that drink really was knocking her on her ass. At least, it would be when she stood up. Or tried to. Hopefully, Cal would be helping with that, though, and saving her (yet again) from totally embarrassing herself in public. Not that she minded doing that because, well, who didn't when they were drunk? Ayden simply preferred Caleb's help as opposed to some stranger's, especially if she was entirely out of it. Who knew who could take advantage of that? With Caleb, at least, she knew she'd be safe and out of the danger of being dragged to some back alley way. Yeah, he was definitely better than the alternative.


She gaved him a smirk as he spoke, raising her eyebrow at him. "Is this you giving me permission to raide your laptop?" she gaped at him, sipping at the drink again and basking in the light burn it left as it traveled down her throat. The warmth spread throughout her body again, dragging her even deeper into the clutches of this monster drink. At least she could prove the name really did fit the thing. Even if she still would be raiding his laptop later because he'd just said she could.

Ayden's eyes followed him as he moved down the bar, the alcohol blurring her vision. None the less, she could detect the flirty smile on his lips, the one he was using on some blonde chick who definitely looked like a whore. Then again, most girls who got too close to Caleb looked like a whore to her. It was another of those things that she couldn't explain. Ayden just thought of Caleb as "hers". He was her best friend, her roomie, her shoulder to cry on, her partner in crime. He was hers. And, sharing him with another female was just... no. Ayden wouldn't be able to do it. Even back during their high school senior year, she'd hated watching him with that girl. It was because, deep down, she was jealous. Part of her wanted to be that girl... but it was a part Ayden still hadn't come to terms about accepting. She blinked her widening eyes as Caleb came back over to her, and she pushed the thoughts away to simmer in the back of her mind. "Of course," she nodded in confusion, watching him curiously. What the hell was he up to now? Despite the alcohol induced haze, Ayden could tell when he was up to something. It was a result of how well they knew one another.

At his words, something sparked inside of Ayden. What it was, she couldn't tell you for the life of her. But, she... she wanted to follow that vulgar instruction. It shocked her brain into freezing for a moment, though her heart beat quickened ever so slightly as her dreamy eyes looked up into his. God, this drink was doing things to her mind. But, they were things she wasn't entirely against, even if she'd probably regret them in the morning. The key word was probably. Before she knew what she was doing, Ayden reached up from her bar stool and leaned over the counter a ways. She moved towards Caleb, her lips hovering over his for a moment as that internal battle raged. Part of her, albeit a small part, knew this was due to the insane amounts of alcohol in that drink. The other, much larger, part wanted this. Ayden wanted to kiss him, to make that girl a ways down the bar back off. Caleb was hers; she just needed to make her final claim over him.

Ayden's lips pressed hungrily to his, one of her hands reaching up to tangle into his hair as she moved closer to him, trying to find a way to get her body closer to his.

What the hell had she just done?

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 720!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

As casually as he could, Caleb checked the time on his phone for the five hundredth time since he got to work hours before. Where the hell was his sub? He should have been in already. Sure, they gave him time clear through two sets, but Cal didn't have that time. He did, really, but he didn't. Not when Ayden was at the club, and the drink he mixed was clearly already getting to her. That second one would definitely be the final one. He shook his head, "Raid, no. Hell, no," he said, knowing she'd do it anyway. And he was now very thankful he'd moved all of his important, top secret files to that USB drive hidden away in his room. That would be all he needed, for Ayden to find that and read the journal entries it held.

He didn't notice who he was talking to, flirting with. To him they were all just faceless people, really. Blonde, brunette, red head, he didn't notice. Blue eyes, brown, green, he didn't care. They only meant one thing to him; tips. Tips he could use to splurge on this, surprise Ayden with that. He smirked, wanting to laugh but held the urge in check. Carefully, he wiped the smirk off his face and put on a serious air about him. "Okay," he said, nodding. "I told my boss you killed a man in Reno just to watch him die," he said, pulling off a rather convincing expression. Johnny Cash had been an excellent singer and songwriter; one of Caleb's only "Country" favourites. And the song was a pretty damn good one. Not one of his ultimate favourites from the man in black, but it was still good. And Ayden would see right through his ploys to make her smile, to make her laugh. But he could live with that, as long as she did so genuinely.

He was going to have to leave, without his sub and pray to god the dolt got there soon. Ayden was... leaning closer. What the H... Caleb's mind went completely and utterly blank. His thoughts died on his tongue. It was a damn good thing he had been leaning on the counter or there was a possibility he would have stumbled back. As it was, his fingers somehow tightened on the flat surface, before one hand lifted up to mirror her movements. His fingers found the nape of her neck, drifted upwards still until they tangled in that beautiful thick curly hair. How many years had it been that he'd been dreaming of this moment? Too many, and now it was right here, right now, and he had to break it off; cut it short. He indulged a moment longer, probably a moment too long, before pulling back, allowing his hand to fall. He pulled in air like it was water and he'd been stuck in a desert for far too long. An odd analogy to think up when it had felt like the same thing with his lips pressed to hers. "Ayden now isn't the time for this," that wasn't what he'd wanted to say, but he bit that back. What the hell, where is this coming from, finally! Those were all things he wanted to say, but he had to put a hold on all of that.

Cal leaned back and ran his fingers through his hair. He had to take a minute to think. He couldn't let Ayden know how he was feeling. He turned to do... something and saw his replacement walk out of the back room. Cal rolled his eyes to the ceiling. "I'll, uh, I’ll be right back," he said to Ayden and met the other man half way. They spoke quickly about placements and things, just in case his was different than Cal's. With that done, Cal slipped into the back room, grabbed his things, popped his head into his boss's office to say he was out and left. He was gone all of five minutes, if that, and when he returned Ayden was sitting where he'd left her. He talked up to her and stopped, this time on the same side of the bar as her. He held out his hand and smiled before nodding his head towards the exit. Getting his things ready, he'd had time to breathe, time to think. He still had no clue what he was going to do about that kiss, but he was damned if that was going to distract him- and it would all night, from the plans he'd made earlier about getting her to talk. "Let's go home, Little Fire," he said, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 781
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// <3}[/size]

[Ayden Karissa Turner]

HOLD YOUR BREATH BECAUSE TONIGHT WILL BE THE NIGHT
• that i will fall for you, don't make me change my mind •

The lights were blurring around her, the noise becoming a mere hum that was easily forgotten about in her mind. All Ayden could see was Caleb, and even he was becoming slightly fuzzy around the edges. Damn. What had he put in this drink? None the less, she took another sip of it, entirely missing it as he checked the time for what she would've guessed was the millionth time. When was his sub supposed to be here again? Two sets, right? "Mm, maybe I'll do it while you sleep. Then you can't say no," she smirked at him, blinking her eyes a few times as she tried to focus on him. Was he swaying? Or was that just her? And, why were these lights suddenly so friggin' bright?

Ayden narrowed her eyes slightly at the girls who he'd been flirting with. It normally didn't bother her this much; hell, she encouraged it most of the time. She knew it got him better tips and, with his looks, why not work it? But, her normal track of thought was being thrown off by this drink. And, how many had she had now? Two? Three? Man, she was losing it. And she hadn't even been here a whole hour yet. Sad. "And he believed you?" she laughed, rolling her eyes at the stupid joke but smiling anyways. Granted, it was due to the fact that she'd smile at a real murder right now, but that was the drink talking. Okay, most of what she was doing was the drink talking.

The feeling of his lips pressing back against hers dragged Ayden somewhat out of her haze, but not enough to make her stop. She wanted this, wanted him. She didn't want to share him anymore, despite the lack of tips that might be a result of this. He was hers, he always had been. Though, not in the way that their kiss suggested. But, she didn't care. This kiss was all that mattered right now. The feeling of his lips on hers, of his hand tangling into her hair, that was all really cared about. Even if she wouldn't remember any of it in the morning. Before she could step anything up, however, he was breaking away from her, making her pout up at him cutely. His words confused her, and she blinked at him with those big eyes, a twinge of hurt in them now. What did he mean "now isn't the time"? "B-But, Caleb..." she stuttered, giving him more of those puppy dog eyes as he leaned away from her. Where was he going!?

She watched him rush away, the ability to speak abandoning her as he met up with what she assumed was his sub. Finally. Maybe... maybe she could try something while they were in the cab. There was no doubt in her mind that he'd be helping her stumble outside, and she really wanted to do more than just kiss him. Where this was coming from, she didn't know. But, for now, she'd blame the alcohol. Er, she'd blame the alcohol tomorrow morning, too, when he asked what the hell had been wrong with her. And, technically, she could blame it on him, seeing as he'd been the one to give her the crazy drink with who knows how many different alcohols in it. So, really, this was his fault...

Ayden shook the thoughts off as he came back, giving him a brilliant smile and taking his hand. She stood up, her knees going weak the moment she did. The room spun for a moment, but she caught herself on his chest, clinging to it as the dizzyness faded a bit. "But Seattle's too far away," she answered in confusion, looking up at him with frightened eyes. "We can't go back there. Not by them," she added, her brow furrowing in frustration as she leaned more against him.

I WON'T LIVE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY, I SWEAR IT'S TRUE
• because a guy like you is impossible to find •

TAG: The Adorkable Roomie <3
LOCATION: Gothem Comedy Club :D
WORDS: 700!
MUSIC: "Fall For You" by Secondhand Serenade
OUTFIT: Check!?
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Caleb Sebastien Turner]

Caleb's eyes were wide in a fake shock. It didn't matter if she managed to get past his password, it would make him turn twelve shades of red, but it wouldn't matter. It wouldn't even matter if she lurked the entire hard drive, there wasn't anything on there, he had transferred all his important things to an external hard drive and a USB, and all of that was done before he'd picked up his newest laptop for school, along with that electronic drawing pad and stylus. She wouldn't find anything so he only smirked and nodded his head as if she could do whatever she wanted because she wouldn't get anywhere. "You just go ahead and try it, hon. See if you get passed the password," He said, taking the dish cloth and wiping down the dry counter. It gave him something to do when he didn't have anything. He was practically watching the clock, wishing the damn kid would get there faster. His sub was still fairly fresh on the scene. He may have been older than Caleb y a year, but he had never tended bar before; which, considering how many drinks Cal mixed on average a night, Gotham wasn't the place for him. He should have started out somewhere a little slower, like a pub or a bar or hell, even a club, but not Gotham. And now, to take forever to come in, when it had been clear in the conversation that Cal had been in on, that his coming in as fast as possible was the point.

Caleb grinned shaking his head, pieces of his bangs lifting out of his eyes for a few seconds before falling back into place. Absently, Caleb brushed them out of his eyes. He liked having the hair fall around his face, but he didn't like it getting in his eyes. It got in the way when he was mixing drinks. "Of course not, but it got you to laugh," he said, finally tossing the cloth under the counter. He really wanted to go home. It was as if he'd already been at the club his entire shift, which if he were being honest, he had been thanks to the inventory he had to run before his actual, real shift began. Without even realizing it, Caleb was rearranging the bottles by him, in no particular order, but just to waste some time. He didn't know what else to say, he didn't know what else to do. He just wanted to leave and curl up on their couch with Ayden.

That kiss shot right through him, and he really didn't want it to end. But he couldn't let it go on when she'd been drinking. As much as he really wanted it to, it wouldn't have been fair to either of them. When it was the real deal, he wanted them both to be sober; he wanted to be alone with her in their apartment. He wanted to be able to forget the world around them for the time. He couldn't do that at work, when she'd been drinking, and he'd been preoccupied with getting the hell out of there. The hurt in her eyes cut him deeper than any knife, knowing that he was the reason it was there. If it had been any other time. It was bad enough she wouldn't remember a thing of this in the morning, and he wasn't sure he'd tell her either. And if she did manage to weasel the truth out of him, he sure as well wasn't going to tell her he kissed her back. That would set off too many alarms and the possibility that she didn't love him back was too overwhelming for him to deal with. He shook his head, sadly. "No buts, Little Fire," he said, not wanting to. He should have just left it where it was, but no. He just couldn't do that, apparently.

He'd been too pleased to see his sub, and too pleased to get his things and get the hell out of the club. He wanted to be as far away from there as possible. Not because he was embarrassed, but because he wanted Ayden to himself. Even if nothing was going to happen because of her intoxication, he still didn't want to share her; not tonight. When he finally got her to her feet, she swayed a bit, but was fairly steady to walk outside. Caleb looked down at the petite girl with her fingers splayed across his chest to keep herself up, with a raised brow. Not by them? what the hell did that mean. His eyes darkened, instantly thinking of her parents. Surely there was nothing wrong with them that had her tied up in knots, was there? They had always been such a happy couple from what Cal could remember of his many visits there. If they hadn't been hanging out outside somewhere, chances were they were either at his place, or hers.

Caleb pulled Ayden closer to his side as they made their way around tables, to the exit. "Oh, baby, no. The apartment, our home. We're going home," he said as soothingly as was possible. Since when did she call Seattle home again? He was pretty sure she hadn't actually called it home since they moved to New York. Hell, he hadn't been calling it home since even before then. Seattle was where his parents lived. Seattle was where he needed to go back to after he was a proper designer, to show his mother that he could do it; that he was known enough to have his designs in her store. She'd be kicking herself then, and he was counting on it. Seattle wasn't home, Ayden was. Wherever she was, Caleb knew he could be completely happy there. Outside, Caleb hailed a cab and carefully helped Ayden into the back seat before giving the driver their address and settling in himself, with his arm still snug around his girls’ shoulders. He would keep her words in mind until they got home and he could ask her about them.

_{TAG// Little Fire <3
WORDS// 1022
LOCATION// Gotham Comedy Club
CLOTHES// I Mean Daaamn...
LYRICS// Obvious//Faber Drive
NOTES// I thoughy maybe to get this show on the road xD}[/size]