[The two of them have never really spoken much over the journals. But seeing the way she wrote that causes him to stifle a laugh, thinking that it was terribly endearing.]
meet me at the dog park at noon and bring the inspecktor with you
[He doesn't explain why he asked her to bring Toby with her.]
[And so he immediately makes his way to the dog park.
When Gina gets there, she'll find him leaning back casually on one of the benches. He's dressed a bit differently than usual, in a short-sleeved button-down that's left open and a plain shirt underneath. One can only assume it's because of the warming weather, though it could also come off as someone trying to make an effort for a date. Hard to tell without asking.
But it would seem that his attention doesn't seem to be directed at people who are approaching though. Instead, his gaze is locked on a young corgi with white and brown fur, one of its ears folding forward. In lieu of fur, purple wisteria flowers bloom and dangle from its collar, dragging around the grass and dirt as it runs around the immediate area. It turns and barks at Beat, as if trying to make sure he's watching.]
[Gina shows up in a timely manner, with Toby trotting along beside her. With the warmer weather, she's not wearing her usual jacket in vest. She still has on her green hat and tan slacks, as well as wearing her white blouse with just the top button open. If her hair looks like it's been given a bit more attention than usual, you must be seeing things. This is just a casual date.
She tries to maintain her cool as she approaches. Just one silly little date ahd and this whole confusing, embarrassing thing can be over with!]
Ya better not be. [She warns him teasingly.] Not before I get 'ere!
[Toby rushes towards the corgi to sniff at him! While Gina smiles lightly and offers a wave as she approaches.]
[Upon seeing Toby, Beat suddenly straightens up in his seat, turning to the sound of Gina's voice. In an instant, he's up on his feet, returning her wave with one of his own. There is something about her that's different besides her clothes, but he can't seem to place what it is.]
Yo. [Smooth.] It's good to see ya.
[Absolutely smooth. At least he's able to smile back at her, but why are his palms suddenly all sweaty?]
[Her mention of the dog causes him to shift his attention to the two canines. The corgi barks playfully at Toby, not at all intimidated, despite being a bit smaller than the black hound.]
Oh yeah, I figured I let him out to stretch his legs. [Getting down to a squat he lets out his hand, beckoning to the young corgi.] Yo, Chiko, c'mere.
[After one more sniff of Toby, the corgi bounds toward Beat, placing his snout on the palm of his hand expecting pats and scritches. Beat's face grows soft as he obliges his new pet.]
This here's Hachiko. He's only been with me for a coupla days.
[Toby barks right back! He follows him and continues sniffing around him. He likes his floral dog friend!
Gina grins as she watches Beat pet the dog. And she comes closer, to see if she can get a turn too.]
That's a real cute one. It's cheatin' that they can be flowers when pups are already real cute as they are. [She says softly.] Is 'e yours, or are you watchin' 'im?
Guess he and his sibs are special 'cause they from this dream world. Others got flowers on them too. But Hachiko here's mine.
[The small corgi yips once more, his full tail wagging wildly behind him at the sound of his name.
When Gina moves closer, Hachiko looks over to her. After one last pet from Beat he carefully makes his way over, ears perking up in curiosity as he begins to sniff at her hand, familiarizing himself with her scent. Then he starts licking at he fingertips.]
He did that to me too when I first saw him. [Beat chuckles lightly as he watches the two.] Think that's how he says hi to someone new.
Yeah, been walking Wolfie's dogs for a while now an' Idris stays over sometimes. But it's different havin' your own, you know?
[It may have only been a few days, but he has already grown attached to the little pup. Hachiko leans into Gina's pets, tail wagging wildly, clearly enjoying the attention he's getting.]
I ain't ever had one growin' up. My folks didn't think we'd be able to take care of 'em. [With a low whistle, he tries to get Toby's attention as well so he too could pat him. Wouldn't want him to think he's being neglected.] Have you had this guy 'round long?
[Gina's just absolutely delighted while she keeps on petting at the flowery dog, giggling a little here and there.]
I think yer parents were wrong on that one. The pair o' you go together nicely.
[He just seems so natural as a dog owner that it just makes sense!
Beat's intuition is keen, as Toby was feeling jealous of the attention being given to the other dog. The second he whistles, Toby merrily scampers towards Beat while panting excitedly. He'll settle for attention from the other human!]
It's long when ya count the time I've been 'ere. But back in the wakin' world, it's only been a few months since I found 'im in the streets. A stray like me, an' wiv a real nose for solvin' crimes.
[Is he blushing...? She can't help but grin more at him being on the receiving end! Even if her own cheeks have a little blush to them too. It's not often she feels like she's regarded as an expert at much other than pickpocketing.]
Yeah, you can say I'm a bit of an expert at this pup business now! I don't mind givin' ya some advice!
[It will definitely feed her pride! As he says that, she rises up from her petting position and nods.]
Right, let's 'ave ourselves our walk. The four of us. [She smiles down at Hachiko and Toby.]
[Having walked Eustace's dogs without a leash, Beat does the same woth Hachiko, giving him free reign to roam about. He does try to keep a close eye on him though as he explores his surroundings.
But here comes the hard part. Trying to keep things casual with Gina, trying not to get to distracted.]
Told ya we can get some food too. You jonesin' for anythin'?
[Gina's on-and-off with leashes when it comes to Toby. Right now, the boy's roaming around freely as well.]
I do feel about ready to fill me boots! [She answers affirmatively with a smile.] I think I could go for some...
[She almost says 'noodles', but that just makes her think of the gumdrop incident. Gina pauses for a moment uncertainly before going to another regular food.]
...Some fish an' chips, yeah? [A more neutral food!]
Good, get yerself all good an' 'ungry so ya can fill yer boots!
[Continuing to grin happily, she leads Beat and the doggies towards a stand that specialized in British-style treats, inspired by stuff seen in dreamscapes.]
This place'll do us good. The 'Arvest is good an' all, but I can't eat all me meals there! [Plus she doesn't want to keep thinking about the last time they had a meal there together! And it feels like it fits the casual vibe of this kinda-date, too!]
[Beat laughs at the comment as the two of them walk up to the stand. While he hasn't made the connection between the Harvest and the incident that led to this, he understood exactly where Gina was coming from.]
Tha's what I keep tellin' Loops when the two of us, hang out, yo. She gotta eat at other places too!
[He then shifts his attention over to the person manning the stand holding up to fingers at them.]
Two a' the fish an' chips, yo! [Then he turns back to Gina.] You want anythin' else?
[That's fine with Gina, the whole point is Not Thinking About It! She smirks and nods along, sharing a similar sentiment about Susato. As someone who grew up on the streets off of scraps, Gina wants to fully utilize her options in a place with so much free or affordable food!]
Right, Sooze could really stand to eat out more often. There's a 'ole city full o' different foods wot're good!
[And as he makes their order, she just shakes his head.]
No, that'll be enough. Thanks. [She stands back casually as she awaits their food!]
[The person at the stand begins preparing their food while the two of them wait.]
You know, it jus' hit me that this the first time you an' me's eating out an' it ain't at the Harvest. Guess we gotta get our more often too.
[He smiles sheepishly at that, rubbing at the side of his neck, an all too usual tic for him. They might've been ragging on their friend, but it wasn't like they weren't any better either.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
before the boat expedition
maybe just a walk and getting some food?
[Thinking that Gina wouldn't want anything big, this was probably the most low-key date he could come up with since they had last spoken.]
no subject
At long last
Gina tries to remain calm and not let any silly emotions have her way. Calm down heart.
There's a pause before she scrawls an answer.]
Yes fine
It sownds nyce
[Something nice and simple, that should be fine, unlike her writing!]
no subject
meet me at the dog park at noon
and bring the inspecktor with you
[He doesn't explain why he asked her to bring Toby with her.]
no subject
The 2 of us? I ain't shore wich yor datin!
Alrite. Weel be ther
> action
When Gina gets there, she'll find him leaning back casually on one of the benches. He's dressed a bit differently than usual, in a short-sleeved button-down that's left open and a plain shirt underneath. One can only assume it's because of the warming weather, though it could also come off as someone trying to make an effort for a date. Hard to tell without asking.
But it would seem that his attention doesn't seem to be directed at people who are approaching though. Instead, his gaze is locked on a young corgi with white and brown fur, one of its ears folding forward. In lieu of fur, purple wisteria flowers bloom and dangle from its collar, dragging around the grass and dirt as it runs around the immediate area. It turns and barks at Beat, as if trying to make sure he's watching.]
Calm down, yo! I ain't goin' nowhere.
no subject
She tries to maintain her cool as she approaches. Just one silly little date ahd and this whole confusing, embarrassing thing can be over with!]
Ya better not be. [She warns him teasingly.] Not before I get 'ere!
[Toby rushes towards the corgi to sniff at him! While Gina smiles lightly and offers a wave as she approaches.]
'Ello there.
no subject
Yo. [Smooth.] It's good to see ya.
[Absolutely smooth. At least he's able to smile back at her, but why are his palms suddenly all sweaty?]
no subject
Good to see ya too. [She looks towards the dogs frolicking around.] And yer little flowery friend too.
[The presence of the dogs does help the atmosphere to feel calming and less pressuring.]
no subject
Oh yeah, I figured I let him out to stretch his legs. [Getting down to a squat he lets out his hand, beckoning to the young corgi.] Yo, Chiko, c'mere.
[After one more sniff of Toby, the corgi bounds toward Beat, placing his snout on the palm of his hand expecting pats and scritches. Beat's face grows soft as he obliges his new pet.]
This here's Hachiko. He's only been with me for a coupla days.
no subject
Gina grins as she watches Beat pet the dog. And she comes closer, to see if she can get a turn too.]
That's a real cute one. It's cheatin' that they can be flowers when pups are already real cute as they are. [She says softly.] Is 'e yours, or are you watchin' 'im?
no subject
[The small corgi yips once more, his full tail wagging wildly behind him at the sound of his name.
When Gina moves closer, Hachiko looks over to her. After one last pet from Beat he carefully makes his way over, ears perking up in curiosity as he begins to sniff at her hand, familiarizing himself with her scent. Then he starts licking at he fingertips.]
He did that to me too when I first saw him. [Beat chuckles lightly as he watches the two.] Think that's how he says hi to someone new.
no subject
[He is more responsible than he might look. Gina's grin widens as Hachiko comes up, holding out her hand for the old sniff and lick.]
Pups do like sayin' 'ello like that. [Now she pets at the flowery dog.] I say 'ello right back! Pleased to meet ya, 'Achi!
no subject
[It may have only been a few days, but he has already grown attached to the little pup. Hachiko leans into Gina's pets, tail wagging wildly, clearly enjoying the attention he's getting.]
I ain't ever had one growin' up. My folks didn't think we'd be able to take care of 'em. [With a low whistle, he tries to get Toby's attention as well so he too could pat him. Wouldn't want him to think he's being neglected.] Have you had this guy 'round long?
no subject
I think yer parents were wrong on that one. The pair o' you go together nicely.
[He just seems so natural as a dog owner that it just makes sense!
Beat's intuition is keen, as Toby was feeling jealous of the attention being given to the other dog. The second he whistles, Toby merrily scampers towards Beat while panting excitedly. He'll settle for attention from the other human!]
It's long when ya count the time I've been 'ere. But back in the wakin' world, it's only been a few months since I found 'im in the streets. A stray like me, an' wiv a real nose for solvin' crimes.
no subject
Guess all the dog walkin' is finally comin' in handy.
[He gives Toby a good amount of attention as well, scratching behind his ears in between pets.]
Sounds like the two a' you's made each other, yeah? Now I know who to go to if I need any tips for takin' care a' Chiko.
[His tone is genuine, but he can't help but grin at her cockily, almost teasing her despite it. After a moment longer, he gets back on his feet.]
Speakin' a' walkin' you wanna get movin'? [That is why there were here for after all.]
no subject
Yeah, you can say I'm a bit of an expert at this pup business now! I don't mind givin' ya some advice!
[It will definitely feed her pride! As he says that, she rises up from her petting position and nods.]
Right, let's 'ave ourselves our walk. The four of us. [She smiles down at Hachiko and Toby.]
no subject
But here comes the hard part. Trying to keep things casual with Gina, trying not to get to distracted.]
Told ya we can get some food too. You jonesin' for anythin'?
[That's a good start, right?]
no subject
I do feel about ready to fill me boots! [She answers affirmatively with a smile.] I think I could go for some...
[She almost says 'noodles', but that just makes her think of the gumdrop incident. Gina pauses for a moment uncertainly before going to another regular food.]
...Some fish an' chips, yeah? [A more neutral food!]
hello do you mind a crusty old tag?
[Because clearly she means potato chips and not fries, right?]
puts it directly into my mouth
[Mostly by certain detectives.]
Come along now, you'll like it!
o-oh...
[Mmm, yeah he can feel his mouth salivating already.]
Lead the way.
Yum!!
[Continuing to grin happily, she leads Beat and the doggies towards a stand that specialized in British-style treats, inspired by stuff seen in dreamscapes.]
This place'll do us good. The 'Arvest is good an' all, but I can't eat all me meals there! [Plus she doesn't want to keep thinking about the last time they had a meal there together! And it feels like it fits the casual vibe of this kinda-date, too!]
no subject
Tha's what I keep tellin' Loops when the two of us, hang out, yo. She gotta eat at other places too!
[He then shifts his attention over to the person manning the stand holding up to fingers at them.]
Two a' the fish an' chips, yo! [Then he turns back to Gina.] You want anythin' else?
no subject
Right, Sooze could really stand to eat out more often. There's a 'ole city full o' different foods wot're good!
[And as he makes their order, she just shakes his head.]
No, that'll be enough. Thanks. [She stands back casually as she awaits their food!]
no subject
You know, it jus' hit me that this the first time you an' me's eating out an' it ain't at the Harvest. Guess we gotta get our more often too.
[He smiles sheepishly at that, rubbing at the side of his neck, an all too usual tic for him. They might've been ragging on their friend, but it wasn't like they weren't any better either.]