[ To be honest, this is a hard call to make. Not because she doesn't want to. Boy does she. More because, well, she feels there's a lot to apologise for but it's better done in person. So whether or not this goes well without further apology remains to be seen. It's almost a relief when it goes to voicemail. ]
Hey, V. Look, ah, I know I need to say sorry. For, um, the other night. In a whole sorry but also not really sorry kind of way. I mean, it was... And you without the--
[ Because honestly, him shirtless? She still thinks about it in very positive terms. And while there was definitely an external force making her bold in ways she wouldn't have been normally, she still kinda liked the outcome. ]
Can we maybe do it again? But, like, better. More, ah... planned? I assume you saw the thing about the Samhain Ball. Anyway I was wondering if you wanted to go with me? Or if you don't, if it's not your thing--or just at least save me a dance.
I'm going to send you some videos of what it should hopefully be like. Just so you don't think I'm trying to--y'know, repeat the other night.
[ Oh god, kill her now. She quickly hangs up before she talks herself either out of it or into more awkwardness. ]
[He'll admit that he doesn't expect to hear from her after everything had happened. Her behaviour had been odd, of course, but not in the way that he wanted to prod at. After all, he still only somewhat knew Buffy, so maybe she's like that always. This message proves that's not the case. Kicking off the voice function, he gets it going to call her back.]
I would very much like the chance to do it again properly, maybe I will have to learn these dances you sent me, but we could go, so long as you buy me a drink or dinner before you try and undress me this time.
[Kidding, he's only kidding, but he thinks that this Samhain Ball will be good to have someone at his side, careful to have his distrust about him just in case.]
You also don't have to apologize. I really didn't mind it. That dancing you sent? It looks easy. We should try.
[ Buffy can't help the smile that appears and carries across in her voice. As guilty as she feels, it's nice to know she didn't completely stuff it up like she normally would. That she may have sent him running and her stupid curse had followed her here. Well, not so much a curse. Just her ability to screw things up with a guy before they even had a chance to get started. ]
Okay, good. Cool. [ Was she maybe doing a silent "yay!"? ] And I swear there won't be any undressing unless it's totally appropriate and after much courting. And no mystery drinks! But sure, I can buy you dinner. And a drink. But, you know, not just to undress you! You can stay dressed. Promise.
[ Okay, so maybe she hadn't immediately got the joke and there was the tiniest bit of panic. But then she got it, and laughed. ]
You're definitely a funny guy when you want to be, aren't you? Well, the sorry's still there if you decide to take it. Glad I didn't scare you off. I'd really like that. Trust me enough to teach you that too, or should we go to the classes so you're not alone with me?
[He shouldn't poke and prod at her, not when she's come to him to apologize and he doesn't know whether she's the type of person to appreciate a joke like this, the way that he pushes at other people. He knows he goes too far sometimes, but he can't help it, because it can be very fun.]
Maybe I will wear something very nice, make it so that you like looking at me just as much with a shirt on. It sounds like a good challenge to have, you know.
[That means he's going to have to look into fine modern clothes. Maybe some of the other helpers will help him again.]
Maybe a class. Just one, otherwise there is no hope I'll pick it up.
Isn't that what you old-fashioned guys call it? Courting?
[ She can take a joke. In fact, she can even give it back. Buffy smirked a little at her own joke. She didn't particularly consider him old-fashioned, but he was out of his time. Even she was a little out of hers. ]
Well, it's not gonna be easy. [ More joking, clearly. ] You without a shirt is a hard act to top. It also means I have to go dress shopping, so I better pick something that's going to live up to this amazing suit you'll be getting.
[ She was already planning another call to Faith. Who else was going to help? ]
Sure, I'm game. I'll even buy you a meal and drink afterwards. I could use the brush up. Last time I slow-danced was prom.
I was an outlaw, remember? Didn't have much time to do courting while I was hiding away for my life.
[It's more than he's told her about him, so far, but he feels like it would've come out at some point, so there's little to no guilt about saying it as he thinks that maybe, he can accept his past and not let it affect his future here, because somehow, he made a wish to be safe and got it.]
I get the meal and drink after I get a dancing lesson? Maybe you can also tell me what is a prom?
[Between the time jump and the language barrier, this happens to him a lot, making Vasquez feel slow and stupid, frustrated that he doesn't know this any better.]
Yeah, I remember. Big bad bandito. I definitely remember the scars. Well, this place seems to be good at providing you with opportunities to do the things you missed out on. I'm sorry you had to hide away. I've had to do that sometimes.
[ And she's not taking it for granted, that's for sure. She's also not planning on playing twenty questions since she still gets the feeling he's going to get around to telling her more in his own time. Just like the way he'd hung onto his name at the bar when they'd first met. There's still plenty she hasn't told him. She doesn't even know where to start. ]
Unless you really want it before. I just figure this way it's incentive. If you don't like the lesson we don't have to stay. Oh, prom is this big dance all the schools have. I guess it's like a celebration for the students? Also a time when they give out class awards. It's... it's fun. They gave me an umbrella.
[ She's trying her best not to make him feel worse, but she can't help it. And honestly? She'll explain everything he wants her to as often as she needs to. It's also making her want to learn Spanish properly. ]
[He doesn't want to bring up the other things that make the hiding not so good, but at some point, he'll tell her. If not willfully, then he will drink too much and it will slip out, he suspects, because he is sometimes not so good about that.]
You do the hiding with corpses, too? Or is that maybe just my specialty.
[He shakes his head and scoffs when he thinks of this strange dance with umbrellas and celebrations and the idea of having enough students to fill a room like this, given that school where he's from is a tiny room for all ages that you leave when you're strong enough to work.]
Never had a prom. Never been dancing, even, but I think you already know that after what happened.
[ And at least she is still his favourite bar tender, so even if he does let slip after drinking too much he won't have to go far to tell her.
She sucked in a breath, not because the idea of it was too much. More because if she answered with "more like ran from them" then it was going to open up that whole part of her life he wasn't ready for. ]
No, not just yours. But certainly effective.
Hey, to be fair I really was pushing you into it. So I'm fine with not judging just on that. Same as I kinda hope you're not completely judging me on it either. It'll be better than that. This way you'll hopefully enjoy it.
You're a beautiful woman who could have anything she wants. You should be careful because a man like me wouldn't always be so kind.
[If he hadn't known her a little already and known that she hadn't been like that always, Vasquez suspects that he might not have taken things so slow. He's touch-starved like crazy, the thought of a warm body against his, any warm body, making him shiver deliriously. It's not good.]
I'm not very good at gentleman things, though. Are you going to be okay with this?
You really are sweet to worry, but trust me, I can take care of myself. I'll just choose to be grateful that I seemed to get you on a good day.
[ There was nothing wrong with seeking physical intimacy, the city seemed to encourage it. But Buffy was also okay just taking his lead. She didn't really want this to be a one and done scenario. ]
I've been okay with it so far, haven't I? I want you however you are. Don't try and be anyone you're not on my account. So if you're really not golden with this idea say now. I won't be offended.
It's not a good day. It's that we had met before and I already knew the type of woman you are. Mostly, I also feared for myself. You said you could teach me swords, if I made you upset, it would be my neck, no?
[He's a little surprised, but not displeased, to hear that someone actually wants him in such a way. He's so used to frantic fucks and touched on the road and in small towns to keep himself sane, he hadn't ever thought about more.]
Haven't you already seen how much I like food? You had me as soon as you brought up dinner and drinks. I will suffer the dancing, but only for you.
I try not to hurt people unless they really deserve it. I might have punched you first. I'm still... just thank you, okay? I'm glad we have a chance to do it properly.
[ To be honest, she's also just relieved there's no curse at play here and she might have a chance to date "normally". Even Riley hadn't really been that normal. This city was starting to become her favourite. ]
I have, yes. And it's nice to know that's all I need to get to your heart. I really appreciate your willingness to suffer.
My heart? [No, he meant that there are other things that he's willing to do when food is on the line, but if she thinks that he's talking about his heart, then why not. Sure, of course, he can roll with that.]
Don't get too ahead of things. What if I'm a terrible dancer and step on your feet all night? You might punch me then.
Well, your whatever. [ She was only blushing a little bit because she hadn't really meant heart as in heart. Probably. It was just a poorly timed use of an expression. ]
I think there's allowed to be some feet stepping since it's your first time and all. Worse comes to worse I'll just stand on your feet all night long. I don't weigh much.
If you do, maybe I will glare at you, then you can see that I'm not always so easy-going.
[Not that he wants her to see such things, because he doesn't want a reputation for that, but at the same time, it's also good that people know he is a dangerous man. He might have learned something about responsibility and helping others, but people can take advantage of this.]
Dinner, dancing, and then, whatever drinks you like. Is that order acceptable?
Oh, so it's going to be like that, is it? Give it your best shot, big bad wolf.
[ And not that she really wants him to either, but he definitely hasn't seen her worst side either. He'd find out when they started the sword lessons. ]
Very acceptable. I really am looking forward to it, V.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
winterfish
voice; vague handwavey timeframe (1/2)
Date: 2017-10-07 04:10 am (UTC)Hey, V. Look, ah, I know I need to say sorry. For, um, the other night. In a whole sorry but also not really sorry kind of way. I mean, it was... And you without the--
[ Because honestly, him shirtless? She still thinks about it in very positive terms. And while there was definitely an external force making her bold in ways she wouldn't have been normally, she still kinda liked the outcome. ]
Can we maybe do it again? But, like, better. More, ah... planned? I assume you saw the thing about the Samhain Ball. Anyway I was wondering if you wanted to go with me? Or if you don't, if it's not your thing--or just at least save me a dance.
I'm going to send you some videos of what it should hopefully be like. Just so you don't think I'm trying to--y'know, repeat the other night.
[ Oh god, kill her now. She quickly hangs up before she talks herself either out of it or into more awkwardness. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-08 03:35 am (UTC)I would very much like the chance to do it again properly, maybe I will have to learn these dances you sent me, but we could go, so long as you buy me a drink or dinner before you try and undress me this time.
[Kidding, he's only kidding, but he thinks that this Samhain Ball will be good to have someone at his side, careful to have his distrust about him just in case.]
You also don't have to apologize. I really didn't mind it. That dancing you sent? It looks easy. We should try.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-08 04:08 am (UTC)Okay, good. Cool. [ Was she maybe doing a silent "yay!"? ] And I swear there won't be any undressing unless it's totally appropriate and after much courting. And no mystery drinks! But sure, I can buy you dinner. And a drink. But, you know, not just to undress you! You can stay dressed. Promise.
[ Okay, so maybe she hadn't immediately got the joke and there was the tiniest bit of panic. But then she got it, and laughed. ]
You're definitely a funny guy when you want to be, aren't you? Well, the sorry's still there if you decide to take it. Glad I didn't scare you off. I'd really like that. Trust me enough to teach you that too, or should we go to the classes so you're not alone with me?
no subject
Date: 2017-10-09 02:51 am (UTC)[He shouldn't poke and prod at her, not when she's come to him to apologize and he doesn't know whether she's the type of person to appreciate a joke like this, the way that he pushes at other people. He knows he goes too far sometimes, but he can't help it, because it can be very fun.]
Maybe I will wear something very nice, make it so that you like looking at me just as much with a shirt on. It sounds like a good challenge to have, you know.
[That means he's going to have to look into fine modern clothes. Maybe some of the other helpers will help him again.]
Maybe a class. Just one, otherwise there is no hope I'll pick it up.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-09 03:34 am (UTC)[ She can take a joke. In fact, she can even give it back. Buffy smirked a little at her own joke. She didn't particularly consider him old-fashioned, but he was out of his time. Even she was a little out of hers. ]
Well, it's not gonna be easy. [ More joking, clearly. ] You without a shirt is a hard act to top. It also means I have to go dress shopping, so I better pick something that's going to live up to this amazing suit you'll be getting.
[ She was already planning another call to Faith. Who else was going to help? ]
Sure, I'm game. I'll even buy you a meal and drink afterwards. I could use the brush up. Last time I slow-danced was prom.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-10 03:13 am (UTC)[It's more than he's told her about him, so far, but he feels like it would've come out at some point, so there's little to no guilt about saying it as he thinks that maybe, he can accept his past and not let it affect his future here, because somehow, he made a wish to be safe and got it.]
I get the meal and drink after I get a dancing lesson? Maybe you can also tell me what is a prom?
[Between the time jump and the language barrier, this happens to him a lot, making Vasquez feel slow and stupid, frustrated that he doesn't know this any better.]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-10 04:24 am (UTC)[ And she's not taking it for granted, that's for sure. She's also not planning on playing twenty questions since she still gets the feeling he's going to get around to telling her more in his own time. Just like the way he'd hung onto his name at the bar when they'd first met. There's still plenty she hasn't told him. She doesn't even know where to start. ]
Unless you really want it before. I just figure this way it's incentive. If you don't like the lesson we don't have to stay. Oh, prom is this big dance all the schools have. I guess it's like a celebration for the students? Also a time when they give out class awards. It's... it's fun. They gave me an umbrella.
[ She's trying her best not to make him feel worse, but she can't help it. And honestly? She'll explain everything he wants her to as often as she needs to. It's also making her want to learn Spanish properly. ]
no subject
Date: 2017-10-10 11:17 pm (UTC)You do the hiding with corpses, too? Or is that maybe just my specialty.
[He shakes his head and scoffs when he thinks of this strange dance with umbrellas and celebrations and the idea of having enough students to fill a room like this, given that school where he's from is a tiny room for all ages that you leave when you're strong enough to work.]
Never had a prom. Never been dancing, even, but I think you already know that after what happened.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-11 02:44 am (UTC)She sucked in a breath, not because the idea of it was too much. More because if she answered with "more like ran from them" then it was going to open up that whole part of her life he wasn't ready for. ]
No, not just yours. But certainly effective.
Hey, to be fair I really was pushing you into it. So I'm fine with not judging just on that. Same as I kinda hope you're not completely judging me on it either. It'll be better than that. This way you'll hopefully enjoy it.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-12 01:54 am (UTC)[If he hadn't known her a little already and known that she hadn't been like that always, Vasquez suspects that he might not have taken things so slow. He's touch-starved like crazy, the thought of a warm body against his, any warm body, making him shiver deliriously. It's not good.]
I'm not very good at gentleman things, though. Are you going to be okay with this?
no subject
Date: 2017-10-12 09:53 pm (UTC)[ There was nothing wrong with seeking physical intimacy, the city seemed to encourage it. But Buffy was also okay just taking his lead. She didn't really want this to be a one and done scenario. ]
I've been okay with it so far, haven't I? I want you however you are. Don't try and be anyone you're not on my account. So if you're really not golden with this idea say now. I won't be offended.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-13 03:35 pm (UTC)[He's a little surprised, but not displeased, to hear that someone actually wants him in such a way. He's so used to frantic fucks and touched on the road and in small towns to keep himself sane, he hadn't ever thought about more.]
Haven't you already seen how much I like food? You had me as soon as you brought up dinner and drinks. I will suffer the dancing, but only for you.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-14 07:28 am (UTC)[ To be honest, she's also just relieved there's no curse at play here and she might have a chance to date "normally". Even Riley hadn't really been that normal. This city was starting to become her favourite. ]
I have, yes. And it's nice to know that's all I need to get to your heart. I really appreciate your willingness to suffer.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-15 02:44 am (UTC)Don't get too ahead of things. What if I'm a terrible dancer and step on your feet all night? You might punch me then.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-15 04:31 am (UTC)I think there's allowed to be some feet stepping since it's your first time and all. Worse comes to worse I'll just stand on your feet all night long. I don't weigh much.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-15 06:45 pm (UTC)[Not that he wants her to see such things, because he doesn't want a reputation for that, but at the same time, it's also good that people know he is a dangerous man. He might have learned something about responsibility and helping others, but people can take advantage of this.]
Dinner, dancing, and then, whatever drinks you like. Is that order acceptable?
no subject
Date: 2017-10-15 08:31 pm (UTC)[ And not that she really wants him to either, but he definitely hasn't seen her worst side either. He'd find out when they started the sword lessons. ]
Very acceptable. I really am looking forward to it, V.
text; un: buffy (2/2) - just pretend they're video links
Date: 2017-10-07 04:15 am (UTC)- B.
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