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tdatdroleplay · 4 years ago

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Crashing Date Night

Including @RaucousRomanian @BiteOuttaCrime @HisTeenDream @RookByTheBook

Nicolae: [He and Nash had gone out to lunch. This little hole in the wall taco place that was incredible. And because he was well versed in multiple languages, he carried on conversations with the sweet elderly woman who worked there. Once he and Nash had eaten, they hit the gun range, popping off a few magazines and practicing their accuracy. They were finished after about an hour or so, hit the gym, and then were back at the station to finish up those reports that were due by the end of the day. Looking across the desk at Nash, he blew out a breath, signing the last report.] You got plans tonight?

Nash: [He was focused on the last of his reports and he could hear Nic saying something about plans when he dated the last form and closed it in the folder.] Tonight? No, why? Got something in mind? [He looked over at him as he leaned back in his chair. He threw his hands back, fingers lacing behind his head as he stretched his legs out.]

Nicolae: [He watched Nash lean back and relax a bit.] Well, I thought if you didn’t have plans that maybe we could go grab some dinner. I’ve got the /strangest/ hankering for some Creole cuisine. [He bounced his brows and chuckled.] C’mon. It’ll be fun. Normally, we get some takeout, watch some baseball, bullshit around, and fall asleep with a bottle of beer between our legs before one of us leaves the other’s house and fucking goes home to wake up and do it all over again. Let’s just go get some good food, meet Rook’s new chick, have a little fun, some laughs. Ask if she has any friends. [He chuckled.] What do you think?

Nash: [His brows lifted when Nic suggested the two of them go crash Hank’s date with his new old girl. He shook his head.] You’re too fucking much, man. [He laughed and then realized that he was being serious.] No shit? You wanna go down to where he’s at and just stroll up in there getting some crawfish? [He lifted a shoulder and thought about it for a few minutes.] Yeah, why the hell not.

Nicolae: [He clapped his hands together when Nash finally agreed.] There you go! And hell no, I ain’t gonna crash his date. I’m not going to run up on him and be like, “Hey there, girl. Drop the Rookie and get with the…” [He couldn’t even finish the sentence before laughing. When the two of them headed out, he shook his head.] Let’s just head to our places, get showered, look decent, and go grab some food. Meet outside the restaurant?

Nash: [He shook his head and chuckled as he walked out the door. He was glad that there wasn’t any big issues that came about on their shift. As much as he and Nic were junkies for the rough shit at work, it was a good day when they weren’t needed. That meant people weren’t being hurt. He nodded his head.] Alright, man. I’ll meet ya at the restaurant.

Nicolae: [He waved to Nash and then got into his SUV. Pulling out of the spot, he was booking it back to his place. He was decently quick in the shower, cleaning himself up in a hurry. He went ahead and jumped out, dried off, and grabbed some clean clothes, pulling them on. His place was a damn mess. He needed to clean it up, but...that was low on his list of priorities. He went ahead and locked up before jogging out to his SUV to head on over to Cookhouse to wait on Nash.]

Nash: [He was out of the shower and drying off with his clothes laid out. He blew out a breath. The silence was deafening which is why either he or Nic would be at the other’s house. Just got them through the day. After he got himself dressed, he felt much better about going out and doing something for a change. He locked up his place and went out to the garage, getting on his Ducati before heading toward the restaurant where he knew Nic would beat him. He wasn’t a man who was ever late. He was always early. It’s just the way he was.]

Nicolae: [He was sitting in the parking lot waiting for Nash when his mother called. And he knew better than to send her to voicemail. After that initial greeting and some idle chit chat about what he was doing, the conversation took its normal detour off into his mother speaking quickly in her native tongue to him. Talking about how she wasn’t sure this job was good for him.] Totul este bun, mamă. Știu că vă faceți griji. Dar eu sunt un om crescut. [He’d told her that everything was fine, that he was a grown man, that there was no need to worry. Another pause where she told him he was never that grown. He nodded his head though she couldn’t see.] Da. Stiu. Voi fi mereu băiatul tău. [He sighed, telling her yes, he knew. He’d always be her boy. He broke the tense conversation with a bit of humor.] C’mon, ma. Next thing you’re gonna be saying is when am I having you some grandkids? [He chuckled, but groaned when he heard her. “Asta e o intrebare buna, Nicolae.” Which translated to… “That’s a good question, Nicolae.” Well, that shit backfired. Looking out the window, he saw Nash and murmured.] Saved by the Ducati. Ma, I gotta go. Nash’s here. Yes, I’ll tell him. Love you too. Bye. [He swung the door open, shaking his head as he tucked the phone into his pocket.] The woman’s relentless.

Nash: [He lifted a brow as he heard Nic speak about a woman and he knew exactly who it was.] Momma? [He chuckled and wet his lips.] How’s my favorite lady doing? [He grinned and then looked around not seeing Hank’s truck.] Tell me we beat this man to his own date? [He chuckled and then blew out a breath.] Damn, my stomach’s growling big time. I guess I’m glad we came here.

Nicolae: [He nodded with a chuckle.] Of course it was. And she sends you her love. Told me to tell you. [He shook his head. His mother just thought the damn world of Nash. Such a sweet boy. He rolled his eyes and laughed.] Well, he never technically said what time he and his date were getting here. So…[He shrugged and then nodded.] Right? I’m fucking starved. Let’s head on in. Try to get a table. Sit at the bar, something.

Nash: You give her a big kiss from me. [He chuckled and wet his lips as the two of them started toward the restaurant.] That’s true. Bunch of fucking creepers we are, ain’t we? [He grinned as he walked up to the place and then went inside. He loved Cajun food. Spent some time in Louisiana too and it was always more about the food than anything else.]

Nicolae: Shit no. [He laughed, shaking his head.] You keep your lips away from my mom, Nash. [He chuckled and then slapped him on the shoulder.] We aren’t creepers. I mean...just a little. Hank mentioned this place and well hell, I like me some Cajun food. [He pushed open the door and they both stepped inside. It wasn’t too terribly crowded. At a quick glance, he didn’t see Hank anywhere.]

Nash: [He chuckled at Nic when he said he wasn’t gonna give her a kiss from him. He shook his head.] That’s too bad. Your momma loves me. We both know I’m her favorite. [He grinned and lifted his hand, with two fingers up so they would know what they needed. The both of them being taken to another table in the back. Didn’t seem too busy which was alright by him.] Hell, maybe they ain’t coming until later on and we’ll just be here drinking Abita’s all night.

Nicolae: [He rolled his eyes again.] Cut the shit, Nash. That’s my momma. She loves me more than anything in the world. /I’m/ her favorite. You’re just...a close second. [He shoved his shoulder and then chuckled.] Hey, I’m good with that. [He smiled up at the hostess and then took the menu from her.] Thanks, darling. [He flipped open the menu and started to look over it while they waited for their server to come to the table.] So it’s a given that Hank’s gonna be SWAT soon enough. He’s gonna pass those tests. I don’t have any doubt about that, do you? The boy can shoot. Have you ever seen him at the range? [He looked up at the waitress as she introduced herself.] Well, hello there, Amanda. [He shut his menu. He honestly didn’t even really need it.] I’m gonna have a beer, bottle, not draft please. Abita Amber’ll be fine. I’m gonna start with those Cajun Cracklins and then I’m gonna have the Blackened Louisiana Catfish. And can I have some shrimp on the side too? Pretty please? [He handed her the menu as she nodded with a smile.]

Nash: [He chuckled and shook his head as he handed the menu back. He already knew what he was getting.] I’ll have the same. Amber. [He wet his lips and then smiled.] Charbroiled oysters and the BBQ shrimp, please. [He passed the drink menu back too. Nothing too fancy for him. But this place had good seafood. When she left, he nodded.] Yeah, I don’t think there’s a question about that and I have seen him at the range. They’d be damn stupid to let that one walk away. He’s made for this kinda thing. Though like I said, I just hope he can manage it.

Nicolae: [He wet his lips and looked around the restaurant.] Well, I’m sure he can. I don’t see why he couldn’t. The kid’s been preparing for it for quite some time, you know? I mean shit...is kinda crazy though that some girl from his high school days comes back to fuck with his head. But he seems like someone who has his head on straight. He works hard. I’m sure he can find that balance that I haven’t been able to. [He shook his head with a sigh before the waitress brought their beers over.] Thank you, darling.

Nash: [He shook his head.] Have you been really trying though? That’s the question. I haven’t. Not that that’s a bad thing, just means that there’s been other shit going on and I don’t...didn’t wanna subject someone to the bullshit that’s our job. I agree that it’s possible to do it though. It’s just a lot harder for us than it is for the average person. And you’ve gotta find the woman that makes you wanna work that hard to make things happen.

Nicolae: [He brought the beer bottle to his lips, taking a drink.] Well...no. I don’t guess I have. Otherwise I might be out there looking instead of just…[He chuckled, shaking his head.] Neither one of us is really putting ourselves out there I guess. But you know…[He took another sip of beer.] But, not to sound too much like my mom, neither one of us is getting any younger. [He lifted a shoulder.] And it might be nice to have someone to go home to. To warm up your bed at night.

Nash: [He shook his head.] Yeah, but it’s not an everyday woman that can deal with what we do for a living. She has to know that any day her man might not come home. [He shook his head.] I can’t help but always look at the shit in a morbid way. You’re always better at making shit sound more positive. I leave the good shit to you, I’ll bring us back down to earth. [He chuckled as he drank a few sips of beer.]

Lux: [After spending a few more hours with her dad, she told him goodbye and then headed back to the house. She was excited to see Hank again, to get to dress up a little for him, really try to knock his socks off. She hadn’t been out on a date in such a long time, and the idea had her feeling a little nervous. After finding the right dress, she hopped in the shower to get ready for their date.]

Hank: [He went ahead and made his last rounds before trading his patrol car for his truck and then went on home. He grabbed a quick shower, let the dog out, fed him and then finished getting himself ready. With a quick text to Lux, he grabbed his keys and started for the door. He decided to leave the dog out instead of penning him tonight. He got in the truck before hitting send to her. “On my way babe.” Pulling out of the driveway, he headed toward Lux’s house.]

Lux: [She got his text as she was finishing her hair. She was probably incredibly overdressed, but then again, it was just a dress and a pair of heels. The hair and makeup is what really made it look dressy. Still, she didn’t have the time to second guess herself now. She blew out a soft breath as she looked at herself in the mirror, placing the last pin into place in her hair. She draped a coat over her shoulders, which also gave the ensemble a little more of a dressy appearance and then waited by the door.]

Hank: [He pulled up out front and got out of the truck. He was gonna make sure it was like a real date. He made his way up to the door and he had to admit to himself that he was nervous. This wasn’t something they ever did...granted, they were a little reversed, but he didn’t mind and he didn’t think she would either. He lifted his hand and rang her bell, waiting for her to answer the door.]

Lux: [Grabbing her bag, she opened the door with a smile. Glancing at the clock, she nodded her head.] Right on time. Looking as handsome as ever. [She stepped outside, shutting the door behind her.] So where are we going? [She raised a brow as she looked up at him before reaching out to take hold of his hand.]

Hank: [His brows lifted when she opened the door.] Damn...you look...absolutely gorgeous. [He shook his head. All the right things in all the right places. He slid his hand against her waist, leaning in to press a kiss to her lips before handing her the flowers.] That’s a really pretty color on you, baby. I feel like it’s gonna be me, telling all the damn men to put their eyes back in their heads. [He chuckled.] Well, I thought we’d go to Cookhouse. Get some Cajun. But if you wanna go somewhere else, just let me know.

Lux: [She laughed softly.] I’m probably /way/ too overdressed. I just got a little excited at the idea. [She took the flowers, her smile even wider now.] Hank, these are beautiful. Thank you. You didn’t have to do this. But I love them. [She brought them up to her nose to inhale the sweet fragrance before she answered him.] No, no, that place is great. I’m totally good with that. [She took his hand, carrying her bag toward the truck.] You might have to help me up into this monster. This dress doesn’t allow for a ton of moving around. [She looked up at him with a laugh.]

Hank: [He chuckled and shook his head.] You ain’t overdressed. You look perfect and that’s all there is to it. [He winked at her and then gave her a nod. He wouldn’t mind doing that for her. Grinning, he opened the passenger side door before turning to scoop her up and slide her into the seat.] How’s that? [He chuckled.]

Lux: [She made a soft surprised sound when Hank scooped her up to put her in the truck. She laughed as he placed her on the seat.] That’s just about perfect. Thank you. [She put the overnight bag in his backseat before turning to give him a kiss. Once he’d shut the door, she clicked her seatbelt into place.]

Hank: [He had a grin on his face as he made his way around to the driver’s side and climbed on in. He started up the truck and pulled out. It wasn’t until they were on the road that he reached over for her hand. He just wanted to have some type of connection to her.] Jesus…[He couldn’t help but laugh at the thoughts he was starting to have.]

Lux: [She looked over at Hank with a bit of a confused expression.] What? What’s the Jesus comment and the laugh for? [She smiled as she kept hold of Hank’s hand as he drove them toward the restaurant.] Something amusing to you? [She wet her lips and looked back over to him.] My dad’s thrilled, you know? Which is weird. Normally dads aren’t crazy about their daughters dating.

Hank: [He chuckled and shook his head.] It’s because I keep thinking about how this was all shit I thought about then, you know? Like, just ask her out. Take her out. But no, I didn’t say shit. And now fast forward years later and we’re on a date. [He shook his head.] It’s just funny how things go sometimes. [He looked over at her and nodded.] Well, yeah. That’s because he knows I care about ya. And that I have for a long time. And he also knows that I ain’t someone to just toss a woman aside. We’ve talked. A lot.

Lux: [She smiled when he talked about wanting to do these things back when they were in high school together.] Things work out the way they’re supposed to. And now here we are. On a date. Though we kinda did this totally backward, didn’t we? [She laughed, giving his hand a squeeze.] Oh really? You guys’ve talked a lot, huh? Well...that’s got me feeling pretty curious.

Hank: [He chuckled.] It’s not that bad, right? I mean, we’ve known each other for years and sometimes...that just lets us have chemistry in ways we wouldn’t have if we just met. It lets those walls already be down. [He winked at her and then pulled up at the restaurant.] Well yeah, we’ve talked. He knows what I want in life, knows where my heads at. He knows I’m not a breeze through kinda guy.

Lux: [She shook her head.] Don’t get me wrong. I’m not ashamed of anything that happened last night. It wasn’t like we’d just met or anything. We’ve known each other for years. We just caught up in a way that...most people don’t. [She laughed a little and then looked out the window when they pulled up at the restaurant.] Are you hungry? [She clicked her seatbelt and leaned over to give Hank a kiss on the cheek.] It’s good to know that you aren’t a breeze through kind of man.

Hank: [He smiled at her and then got out of the truck to go help her back out. And once he did, he reached for her hand.] Yeah, I’m decently hungry. I’m a big guy. I need to get my calories and carbs in. [He chuckled and then walked her toward the restaurant.] Do you like Cajun food? It’s something I like to change up from my normal Mexican most of the time. Or pizza. Just...pretty much live on that.

Lux: [She shook her head.] Well, I do like Cajun food. I’m pretty well into spicy food. The spicier, the better. [She raised a brow at Hank as he helped her down out of the truck and they started toward the restaurant.] Well...you know...I’d be more than happy to bring you lunch down to the station. To pack your lunch for you the night before. To make you breakfast before you head out to work. Have dinner ready for you when you came home. [She shrugged with a smile.] Just so you aren’t eating the same ol’ thing all the time.

Hank: [His brows lifted when she said what she had and he wet his lips.] So you’re willing to do all of that just so I don’t eat the same thing over and over again? [He grinned and then chuckled.] Sure it ain’t more than that? [He moved his hand to her lower back and wet his lips.] Either way, that’s something I would definitely look forward to. I mean, until you weren’t able to because of working or...auditioning and playing.

Lux: Well, it might be more than that. I might just wanna take care of you. Just a thought. Not anything you have to agree to. I don’t want to embarrass you or anything in front of your tough SWAT cop friends. [She smiled as he pulled the door open and she stepped inside.] That’s /if/ I get a callback. Which...I’m not sure I will. I might have to get a job doing something else in the meantime. [She inhaled deeply.] It smells delicious in here.

Hank: [He shook his head with a chuckle.] Hey, listen...if you wanna do all of that for me, we’re good. You can. I don’t even care if you cut the sandwiches into hearts. They’ll bust my balls and then I’ll kindly remind them that I get to go home to the woman who makes me those sandwiches and they get to go home to their hands. [He grinned and then walked with her back to a table for two.] Well, I’m sure you will. You always were incredibly talented and I know that hasn’t changed at all.

Nicolae: Yeah, you’re gonna have to let some of my optimism rub off on you, Nash. Jesus, man. You’ve got to get positive and happy. I mean, yeah, it’s definitely something to think about, but let’s be one hundred percent honest with each other here. We’ve never had any close calls. Not saying it couldn’t happen. It could. But...why are we not trying to have some sort of relationship just to keep that shit separate when we could have both. You and I are partners, best friends, and you know as well as I do that we could find some badass ladies to roll with us. Yeah, they’d have to be understanding, but that isn’t…[He raised a brow as he saw Hank and a tiny little blonde walking through the restaurant. He cleared his throat and gestured with his bottle of beer.] Your three o’clock. [He chuckled.]

Nash: I get what you’re saying, I do, but neither of us makes the damn time. That’s all I’m saying about it, not that it can’t happen just that…[He turned and looked over his right shoulder as he saw Hank and this tiny blonde walk in the door. His brows lifted.] He wasn’t kidding was he? Look how damn small she is compared to his brick shithouse self. Goddamn. [He shook his head with a chuckle.] Yeah, look at that grin on his face. He’s already anticipating later.

Lux: [She smiled up at Hank and then shook her head.] That’s right. At least I’m hoping you’re coming home to me from now on. [She knew that his job was dangerous. She didn’t like it, but she understood it, and she was proud of him. She walked back toward the table with him.] And I don’t mean that in a scary way. I just mean...you know...cause all this just started with us. Still, I’m hopeful. And thank you. You haven’t heard me play in years. I’m a little better than I was then. [She smiled, sitting in the chair he’d pulled out for her.] Thank you.

Hank: He pushed her chair back under before he took his seat and then looked over at her.] I’ve got no doubt that you’re still incredible. And yeah, even more so now. [He smiled.] I mean, we’ve got to figure it out. You’ve got a place, I’ve got a place. But I’d assume that one of us would be at either place at any given time. I know you’re going to need to be closer to your dad now. And I’m alright with that. Just like I’m alright with spending more time there to make sure things get done. More than just mowing every once in a while. I don’t want you worried about the heavy lifting and I damn sure don’t want him worried about it either.]

Nicolae: Well, maybe we should consider making a little damn time, Nash. I mean look at that. Don’t you wanna be the one with the goofy grin on your face escorting a gorgeous woman to a table in a restaurant. [He chuckled at what Nash said.] Shit, I’d be anticipating later too. Look at that dress. [He grinned and then looked up as their server brought their starters. He continued on after she’d left.] She’s /way/ smaller than him. You know he’s peacock strutting right now. Can’t blame him though.

Nash: [He chuckled and shook his head.] Well, yeah...but there’s gotta be time. You can’t just be like, hey...you...that’s the one I want right there. [He rolled his eyes and then wet his lips.] Better be careful and not let Hank hear you talking about her like that. Cause if I were him, you’d be missing teeth. [He grinned. That was true on so many levels. You couldn’t just talk about someone’s woman like that and expect to get a high five. Maybe to the face.]

Lux: [She nodded her head, a sigh on her lips.] Yeah, well, I’m still clinging to the hope that he’ll start responding to those treatments and he’ll get better. But I know what you’re saying. And you don’t have to worry about me trying to do any heavy lifting. [She laughed, shaking her head.] I can’t. [She glanced down at the drink menu before ordering a Hurricane when the server came over to take their drink order.] I don’t think dad can either, Hank. He’s lost a lot of strength in the past few months.

Hank: [He went ahead and ordered a beer as he listened to her talk and he shook his head.] Yeah, I know he’s probably just exhausted, but I know he’ll keep fighting. As long as he’s got something to hold onto, he’ll fight. [He wet his lips and went ahead and ordered the cajun cracklin’s. He shook his head. Again.] I just want to make sure I’m there, Lux. That’s all.

Nicolae: [He had just bit down on one of those cracklins when Nash spoke, and he found himself just staring at him.] First of all, give me some credit. I may be optimistic, but I’m not a raging dumbass, Nash. I know it takes time and work and not just oh...first one I see I’mma gonna fuckin’ take for my bride. [He chuckled, shaking his head as he spoke in a way he normally would never.] Second, I wasn’t talking about her like that. I was saying that she’s a beautiful girl wearing a very nice dress. And if I were Hank, I’d be proud too. Hell, I /am/ proud of Rook. That’s all. Wasn’t scoping her out for myself, Nash. You know me better than that.

Nash: [He couldn’t help but to laugh as he took an oyster and ate it.] Well, you never know. Might be part of your...old world tradition over there. [He laughed when Nic shot him a look.] I’m just saying. Can’t put it past momma over there. [He chuckled and nodded and drank more of his beer.]

Lux: [She ordered the Fried Boudin Balls to start and then watched as the server left to put those orders in. She looked back at the menu for a few seconds to decide on her entree.] Well, he’s been fighting pretty hard, but if they can’t stop it from metastasizing then...his prognosis gets a lot worse. I know. I know you want to be there. And that means so much to me. [She reached over, her hand on Hank’s.] I know you want to be there for dad too. It isn’t all about me, and that makes it even more genuine and sweet.

Hank: [He turned his hand over, taking hold of hers as their drinks came back. His beer and her Hurricane. He smiled.] Well, I just wanna make sure that I don’t give you a reason to leave again. [He chuckled.] Purely selfish. I admit that. [He smiled at her and watched her take a sip of her drink.] How is it? Taste good? [He did the same with his beer.]

Nicolae: You’re so funny, you know that? [He shook his head.] Though there is an eastern European tradition of kidnapping the bride. [He chuckled, wetting his lips as tasting the spice on them. It had them tingling a bit as he reached for his beer.] You know that, Nash? I’ve known you now for several years. And you’ve never, /ever/ really had a relationship. In fact, I don’t ever remember you banging it out really with anybody. Never met any of your girls. You’re probably just keeping them all for yourself, huh? [He chuckled and then finished off his cracklins. Looking over at Hank and the little blonde, he could see them holding hands.] They’re cute. Rook’s all starry eyed. And look at her. She’s looking up at him like he hangs the damn moon. [He looked at Nash and leaned forward.] Why don’t you ever look at me like that? Huh? [He laughed, downing the rest of his beer.]

Nash: [He shook his head.] I kind of believe that there’s one person...just one out there for everyone. And if you just jump the gun, you’re gonna miss what you were meant for and you’re gonna end up hurting the person you’re with. Because you won’t be able to keep yourself from that person. That doesn’t mean I haven’t spent time with anyone. Trust me, I have. But it ain’t something I’m just gonna be like, here we go...meet my best friend and the people that are important to me. I don’t...do that. [He wet his lips.] Though I’m thinking I might change that. Give someone the chance. Hell, if they can make it through you then they might just be the one. [He laughed.] Well, it’s because you never take me out to nice places. [He grinned and then finished off his oysters.]

Lux: You just keep doing what you’re doing, and I’m not going anywhere. [She smiled up at Hank as the server brought their drinks. She took a sip of hers and then ordered her entrée of gumbo and a side of fried green tomatoes. When she’d left, she looked back up at him.] I do like it. It’s fruity and sweet. Can’t even really taste much alcohol in it. I could get in trouble drinking these. [She took another sip.] So anything interesting happen at work today?

Hank: [He shook his head and then wet his lips.] No, not really. I mean, same as usual. I did a bit of paperwork and then went ahead and did a few rounds of patrol. I’m still kind of nervous about the skills aspect of the evals coming up. It’s not something I wanna fail. I’ve wanted this for so long, you know? [He chuckled.] Oh...I forgot. Two of the SWAT guys that work my shift, Nic and Nash...they’re partners. Anyway, I kind of told them about you and they were both really persistent in that I ask you if you’ve got any friends you or we could introduce them to.

Nicolae: [He pulled a face, nodding his head as Nash talked about there being someone for everyone, and him not wanting to miss that or end up unnecessarily hurting people.] Yeah, that makes sense. I mean I’ve told you about a few wild nights, but I’ve never really introduced you to anyone that I felt like was going to be around long term. I mean...I let you meet a few girls. [He chuckled, shaking his head as their entrees were brought and the starters were cleared off.] Well, dear...I’ll have to take you on nicer dates, now won’t I? [He rolled his eyes with a laugh.] This looks good.

Nash: [He shook his head.] Mhmm...well, I don’t know when I became the bitch in this relationship, but we’re getting outta this conversation right damn now. [He chuckled and wet his lips as he nodded his head.] Yeah it does. [He grabbed the bread and tore off a piece before he dipped it in the sauce that was coating his shrimp.] I love the seafood at this place. They make it right. Tastes just like it does in NOLA.

Lux: Oh come on, Hank. You’re great at what you do. I remember back in high school. Anything you set your mind to, you accomplished. You’re a hard worker. And you’re smart and determined and...well, you look plenty fit. I’m sure you’ve got all the skills necessary to secure a position in that department. You’re gonna get it. [She sipped at her drink and then widened her blue eyes as he spoke about two other guys in SWAT.] Nic and Nash? Do they ever catch hell for that? Sounds like Nick at Night. [She laughed and then shook her head.] Are they nice guys? I don’t want to hook any friends up with assholes, you know.

Hank: [He listened to the things she was saying.] It means a lot to me that you have so much confidence in me. I appreciate it. [He lifted her hand, kissing the back of it and then laughed.] I’ll have to call them that once. And see what happens. [He nodded his head.] Yeah, they’re good guys. Nic...he’s a little louder, but he’s funny. Quick mouthed. But he’s respectful. Speaks Romanian. [He chuckled.] Nash? He’s a little older, more quiet, but he’s funny too. He’s traveled around a bit. But the both of them are best friends and do a lot together. As long as I’ve known them...a few years, they’ve never been into using people or anything. They’re not assholes. Maybe to each other every once in a while.

Nicolae: [He ended up laughing when Nash said he was ending the conversation because he’d somehow become the bitch in it.] Mhmm...you’re the bitch in this relationship, Nashtopher. [He laughed again at the expression on his face.] Bro, I’m fucking with you. You know this. [He took a bite of the catfish and then nodded.] Yeah, it’s seriously delicious. You and your damn travel. I mean...granted...I’ve been to Romania. So...and Mexico. And Italy. And France. [He smiled.] But you’ve been all over the states. Between the two of us, we’re pretty well traveled.

Nash: [He chuckled.] Eventually I’ll make it where I need a passport...other than Canada. [He chuckled again and took a bite of his shrimp. It was damn good. He enjoyed every single bite of it. He wet his lips and tasted the sauce again.] You didn’t find anything in any of the countries you were in? No one you wanna bring home to meet momma?

Lux: [She laughed when he said he’d call them that and see what happened. She wet her lips.] Well, I’ll have to eventually meet them to see if I think any of my friends would be interested. I don’t just want to randomly chance it. Romanian? That’s...obscure. Not many people speak that language. Is he Romanian? That’s interesting though. And Nash is older? How old? Like daddy old? Like...silver fox old? What am I working with here? [She laughed.] I’ve got to have the details if I’m hooking these guys up with my friends. They’re going to want to know these things.

Hank: [He laughed and shook his head.] Uh...no. Not silver fox, but early thirties. [He nodded his head and chuckled.] Yeah, he’s Romanian. But he’s been to like...a shit ton of countries. He speaks French and Spanish and shit. He’s just...well, you could say cultured. I mean, I can introduce you when you come to the station next time. I’m sure they’d like to meet you.

Nicolae: [He shrugged.] There were plenty of beautiful women in the different countries I’ve been in. But beauty’s only one thing. You know? And I’ve never been in a place for...well, long enough to actually get to know someone properly. It’s...meeting my mom? Yeah, you’ve gotta be up there to do that shit. Let’s be honest. You’re the only person who’s met my mom. And it took awhile for that to happen. [He worked on finishing his meal for a few minutes.] I think it’s like you said, Nash. You’ve got to take the time. Devote the time, and I’ve been too much of a joker, fucking around, not taking anything but my job seriously. And I can’t blame anyone but myself for that. But...I don’t know. Maybe I’m ready to try that. Maybe…[He chuckled.]

Nash: [He shook his head.] It’s a big step and it’s a lot for us to be open about shit. Trusting people it’s not something that either of us do freely. So going ahead and giving someone the fucking keys to fuck us up is a huge thing, but…[He sighed as he finished up his food.] The thing is, that I think it’s easier to joke around. To not take shit seriously then you don’t have to feel some shit when it goes wrong, but yeah...it’d be nice to feel something go right, you know?

Lux: [She laughed.] Early thirties isn’t too old. And that’s really interesting that he speaks multiple languages. I’m sure that comes in handy on SWAT when you guys run into people who don’t speak English. [She nodded.] Yeah, that’d be nice to meet some of your friends, coworkers. [She wet her lips as the server set down his Cajun cracklins and her boudin balls. She smiled up at her.] Thank you. [She looked back at Hank.] Maybe we could have some sort of get together at your place once I figure out...you know...who’d be a good match for those two.

Hank: [He chuckled.] We could do that. I don’t think that’d be a problem at all. [He winked at her.] They’re gonna be thrilled as hell that I asked you. I’m pretty sure they’d think I wasn’t gonna, but...I said I would and I’m a man of my word. [He smiled.] They’re kind of a package deal. [He laughed.] They’re always together. Always hanging out. Best damn friends. It’s gonna be hard to make that a trio. You know...if I get it. [He grinned at the food that was set down.] Damn...this looks good, doesn’t it?

Nicolae: It’s fucking terrifying is what it is. [He chuckled and shook his head.] And if you get a woman and I don’t? I’m gonna be one sad sac just hanging out by my damn self. [He laughed and wiped his mouth with his napkin.] But yeah, I think it’d be a good thing to have someone to...at the risk of sounding like a pussy…[He laughed.] someone to love. Someone to share shit with. Sometimes we go home...and the shit we’ve dealt with? Nash, having someone to hold onto, having something good? It might make all the difference. [He looked over at Hank and his little girlfriend.] You want dessert? Or should we head on over and say hey before we leave?

Nash: [He chuckled and started to shake his head.] Nah, man. I get it. Believe me. It doesn’t sound fucked at all. It’s what I want. And why I’m not just fucking every piece of pussy that throws itself at me. There’s plenty, I just don’t want it. Ain’t nothing like a woman who just gives that shit up to everyone or...better yet...finds their soulmate in every dick they suck...just fucking no thanks. [He chuckled.] Oh...he gives me butterflies. [He laughed and shook his head before looking over at Hank and his girl. His brow lifted.] Oh hell...why not. We’ll get fucking doughnuts before we head back to...your place or mine?

Lux: [She was nodding about the food looking and smelling good, but turned toward Hank, her hands coming up to cup his face.] Hey...no ifs. You’re going to get in. Don’t doubt it for even a second. And they’re going to accept you. They’re partners. I’m sure though once you’re part of that unit, you’ll be right there with them. [She leaned in and brushed her lips against his before sitting back with a smile.] You never know, they might even want to take you under their wing and...you know...do what SWAT guys do to...make you feel welcome. [She laughed.] Just no strip clubs. [She picked up her fork to try one of those fried pork and rice balls.]

Hank: [He chuckled and shook his head after he returned her kiss.] Baby, they ain’t going to no strip clubs. At least I don’t think they are. Sounds like they just hang out at each other’s places and drink beer. [He grinned at her.] You ain’t got nothing to worry about, but if they do go to strip clubs, best way to fix that? Find them some pretty girls you call friends. [He chuckled and winked at her.]

Nicolae: [He signaled for the server to bring their check and then looked back at Nash.] Yeah, nothing gets my engines revved like a woman who’s had seventeen loves her life in the past eight months. [He snorted out a laugh and rolled his eyes.] Anyway...hopefully Miss Minny over there won’t have friends like that. [He pulled out his wallet, putting his card on the tray.] I got this one. It was my idea. You can get dinner tomorrow. Or lunch. [He handed the folder over to the server and when she brought the slip back, he signed it and took his card.] Let’s go to your place. Mine’s a fucking toilet. I’ll tell you what. If I ever /do/ get a girlfriend, I’m gonna have to clean that bitch. [He looked at Nash with a laugh.] Obviously I mean my house, not the woman. [He laughed some more as they made their way over to Hank’s table, hearing the words strip club. His brows raised as he stepped up behind them.] Hey, strip club? [He did a little shimmy and then chuckled.] What’s up, Page? Fancy seeing you here. And you? [He looked at the blonde sitting next to him.] Where on earth has he been hiding you?

Nash: [He couldn’t stop fucking laughing at the “clean that bitch” comment.] You better get some fucking bleach and a brush if that’s the path you’re going down. [He chuckled and nodded.] Alright...my place then. Lunch tomorrow. [He chuckled and stood up. He didn’t even get to say anything before Nic was already starting in. He lifted his brows as Hank looked up at them both and he grinned.] Looks like this is a real SWAT spot, huh? [He chuckled and slapped Hank’s shoulder before looking at the woman.] Pleasure getting to meet you.

Lux: This is true. I’ll have to get on that. [She turned her head as she heard someone behind them, her brows raising as she saw a man doing a little dance behind them. She laughed a little and then felt her cheeks getting hot. When the other man spoke about it being SWAT, she wet her lips.] Let me guess. Nic and Nash? [She pointed to the dancing one.] Nic, right? [She then looked to the other.] And you must be Nash. He isn’t hiding me. He just didn’t know I was living here again. I’m Lux. It’s nice to meet you both. I hear from Hank that I’ve been tasked with finding two lovely ladies for you two. [She shook both their hands with a smile.]

Hank: [He was about to say something to her when he heard the unmistakable sound of Nic’s voice.] Are you absolutely shitting me…[He looked over and sure enough. There was Nic, dancing around and then Nash coming up second. He rolled his eyes and dragged a hand down the front of his face.] Well…[He chuckled and lifted his hand.] You had it right. Nic. And Nash. Or...Nic at Night. [He shook his head and wet his lips.] I’m sure y’all had absolutely no idea I was bringing Lux here tonight...oh wait...I told y’all before I left. Hmm…

Nicolae: Oh shit, Nash…[He laughed.] She knows us by name. Good man, Hank. Good man. [He patted Hank’s shoulder with a grin.] Nic at Night? [He laughed and shook his head.] Alright. Alright. You got us. We knew. You told us where you were going and Nash and I were just...it’d been a hot minute since we’d had some good Cajun food. Just gave us a hankering. You know? [He grinned and nodded.] That would be ideal. Two lovely ladies. [He looked over at Hank.] Nash and I aren’t here to crash your date, man. Just finished our dinner. Thought we’d swing by, meet your beautiful lady here, and remind her about the friend thing…[He laughed.]

Nash: [He chuckled and shook his head.] Exactly. We just wanted to introduce ourselves. You know, we’re gonna be on the same team soon enough and she’s gonna have to get used to our mugs. We’ll be around a lot. [He grinned and nodded.] That’s right. Lovely ladies. Might wanna prepare them about the job though. [He grinned once more.] We’ll all have to go out and celebrate when Rook becomes SWAT officially.

Lux: [She laughed when Hank outed Nic and Nash, saying he’d told them where he was bringing her this evening. She nodded when Nash mentioned them all going out to celebrate once Hank was officially SWAT.] That sounds wonderful. And I’ll have to invite some of my friends along. Just...no strip clubs. [She laughed.] It was nice meeting you both. I’ve already heard about you. And I’m glad that Hank’s around such...entertaining people.

Hank: [He shook his head.] Entertaining…[He laughed.] Well, at least they know when to be serious, huh boys? [He grinned as Lux brought up bringing some of her friends along and he nodded his head.] See? Told y’all I’d talk to her about it. And she’s agreed to put her feelers out. [He laughed.] Shit, Nic...don’t quit your day job either. Ain’t no one paying you for those moves. [He chuckled and then nodded to Nash.] Well, now y’all met her. And yeah...she’s beautiful. [He reached over and squeezed her hand.]

Nicolae: Jesus, Debbie Downer. [He looked at Nash.] You never know. They might think the job’s a pro. Not a con. Sexy. Dangerous. All that shit. [He nodded.] Yes, Page, you did. And I’m thankful. [He scoffed.] Don’t even go there, man. I just didn’t want your girl to leave you. I mean if I’d really broke out the moves....[He laughed and shook his head.] Alright, Nash...let’s leave the lovebirds to their date. You and I...well, we’re heading back to Nash’s place. [He laughed at the innuendo.] Where we’ll drink a six pack and fall asleep on the couch. I know. Thrilling. [He grinned at Hank.] I’m sure a better night’s in store for you, Page. [He gave him a salute.] And hurry up and take those tests, Rook. The quicker you pass, the quicker you’re on the team, and we’re all celebrating.

Nash: [He rolled his eyes at Nic and then lifted his hand to wave at Lux.] It was a pleasure meeting you. And I look forward to having that celebration. [He patted Hank’s shoulder and then looked back at Nic.] Alright, asshole. Let’s go. No sense in wearing the floor out behind our boy’s chair here. Y’all have a good night. [He pointed to the door.] Let’s go. I’ve gotta stop and get more beer.

Lux: [She shook her head with a soft laugh.] Oh, he’s definitely in for a good night. [She waved to both Nic and Nash.] Nice meeting you, boys. Have a good evening. [She shook her head and looked back at her food once they’d walked away.] They’re definitely something. [She looked at Hank.] A decent balance of serious and crazy. They help even each other out, I’m assuming? [She kept one hand in Hank’s as she ate with the other. The food was delicious. And she offered him a bite of hers.]

Hank: [The both of them exchanged bites back and forth until the food was gone and he nodded.] Mhmm. That they do. But I have a feeling that both can flip those roles any time they want to. Just a matter of the occasion. [His brows lifted and he chuckled. He was most definitely happy with the fact that he was in for a good night.]

Nicolae: [He bounced his brows at Hank and Nash when Lux said he was definitely in for a good night. Chuckling as he and Nash headed for the exit, he shook his head.] Never thought I’d be jealous of Rook. [He laughed, pushing the door open and heading out to the parking lot.] But...I’m happy for him. And you know...I’m sure he appreciates the encouragement about our confidence that he’s gonna be part of the team. Hopefully it puts him at ease about taking those last few tests. [He headed for the SUV.] You wanna stop at the station around the corner?

Nash: [He chuckled and nodded.] Yeah, it’s true. I’m sure he’ll go in there with even more confidence than he already has and that’s a good thing. He just needs to trust his gut. [His brows lifted.] Need something in there? [He reached into his pocket getting out his keys waiting on Nic’s answer.]

Lux: I’m sure they can. Well, Nic would have to have a serious side to do the job he does. And Nash would have to have a silly side to put up with Nic. [She laughed and pushed the plates away. With the starters finished, their entrees arrived in a few minutes, and looked equally as delicious as the starters had. She loved gumbo and fried green tomatoes, especially with the little dipping sauce they had it paired with.] Thank you for taking me out on a real date. I know you’re a busy man with a lot on your mind. But this is nice. [She looked over at him as they ate.] Do you want to get an order of beignets to go? To take home with us?

Hank: [He chuckled as the entrees arrived and he nodded his head.] I’m busy, but never too busy for you. Or for us, remember that. There’s a balance that I have to be in for work, but I don’t want that to get in the way of us. You’re important to me. And you’re always going to be important to me. [He grinned and nodded his head.] I think we can certainly take those home with us, darling. Get all that powdered sugar all over the place. Ain’t nothing wrong with that, huh? [He bounced his brows.]

Nicolae: Jesus, Nash, are you serious? [He stood there just staring at him with a raised brow.] Are you getting that old? You said you needed to stop and get beer. So I figured we could stop there. You alright? You seem like you’ve had some shit on your mind lately. And I haven’t said anything cause if you wanted to talk to me, you would, but...is there something going on?

Nash: What? Well shit… you said station, man. I thought you fucking ment the goddamn station house. [He chuckled and ran his fingers back through his hair before he rolled his shoulders forward.] Just the full moon coming. Always gets me a little rowdy. But hey...things’ll be alright, ya know? [He lifted his brows and cleared his throat.] I mean...we should probably get more than beer. [He sighed and then moved his leg over his bike and looked at Nic.]

Lux: I know what you do takes a lot of your time, and I’m prepared for that. For the broken and postponed dates. For the sleeping alone. For the...missing you. I’m not going to love it. But you’re important to me too. And when someone’s important to you, you...hang on. I should’ve stayed in touch with you for the past four years. I didn’t. And that was my mistake. I’m not gonna make another one. I just want you to be safe and as careful as possible. And to come home to me when you can. Your job is important. You’re keeping people safe. You’re running into dangerous situations instead of running /from/ them. And that’s admirable. [She smiled and pressed a kiss to Hank’s cheek before she offered him a bite of what she had.] And yes to all that powdered sugar. And yes to getting it wherever we please.

Hank: [He smiled and nodded his head.] But you’re important to me too. And I want to make sure I’m not breaking my promises to you. I’ll do my best to make all those deadlines. [He leaned over, tipping her chin up and pressing a kiss to her full lips.] I will be as safe as I possibly can. And I know those boys will have my back as much as I have theirs. [He leaned back in his seat, ordering the dessert to go.] We’ll have to go ahead and see just how messy we can make it.

Nicolae: No, man, I meant the gas station around the corner. [He wet his lips, leaning against his SUV.] Are you sure? I mean the full moon’s the full moon, but how’s that…[He shook his head with a sigh, knowing /exactly/ what Nash was talking about.] What? You mean like liquor or some shit? There’s a liquor store a couple blocks over. Hangover’s gonna be a bitch though if we overdo it.

Nash: I’ll stop for beer, you stop for bourbon. [He nodded his head. He knew that Nic had gotten what he meant about the full moon and how it affected him. He guessed sometimes it was easy for Nic to forget that his best friend and partner was a wolf.] Don’t worry...I’ll babysit so you don’t get a hangover.

Lux: [She smiled at him.] I’m glad to hear that I’m important to you. And that you’ll try to keep the balance. [She let her lips purse against his.] I know that you guys depend on each other. You put your lives in each other’s hands. [She put her hand against Hank’s thigh as they sat, their dinner finished, just waiting on the check and dessert.]

Hank: [He went ahead and paid for the meal before taking the bag of dessert with the container inside. He could smell the damn fried sugary dough. He stood up when she did and helped her back into her coat before he took her hand and walked her toward the door. Once they got there, he went ahead and moved his hand to her lower back.] I had a really good time tonight, baby.

Nicolae: [He lifted a brow at Nash and nodded.] Alright. I’ll get the damn bourbon. [He blew out a breath as he pulled open the door to his SUV. He remembered back when he first learned about Nash being a wolf. He hadn’t believed it until Nash literally had to show him by shifting in front of him. He shook his head, climbing up into the driver’s seat.] No need to babysit. [He chuckled.] I’ll see you back at your place.

Nash: Yeah...See ya then. [He wet his lips, he didn’t bother with a helmet. He shook his head.] On second thought...Nic...get the beer, I’ll get the bourbon. [He tapped the back of seat which was the only spot on the bike he could fit a bottle. No beer was fitting in there.] See you back at my place. [He lifted a hand before he used his keys to start the ignition. Steadying it, he started to head out of the parking lot.]

Lux: [She stood up and headed outside with Hank, feeling his hand against her lower back. She looked up at him with a smile once they were outside.] I had a great time too. The food was great, but your company was even better. And I’m gonna go ahead and admit that I’m pretty excited to see your place. [She walked over to his truck, and she was pretty sure Nic and Nash were just leaving the parking lot as she climbed up into his truck.]

Hank: [He smiled as they both walked out and got into the truck. When he started it up and headed out of the parking lot, his brows lifted as he saw the bike and SUV head out too. He shook his head.] Oh, it’s not much at all. Just a simple house. Not much in there. [He chuckled.] Mostly because I don’t usually spend that much time there. [He chuckled and looked over at her.]

Lux: It isn’t that I’m expecting some huge house, Hank. I just want to see where you live. Where you spend some of your time. And hey…[She gestured to the bag in the back.] You bet that ass I brought a toothbrush. And I’m leaving it. So all the possible girls who might try anything...they’ll see that toothbrush and know. Oh...he belongs to someone else. [She laughed.]

Hank: [He shook his head.] Baby...ain’t a damn women getting close enough to see there’s a toothbrush in my house. That’s disrespect on a whole other level to bring her into my house, were you sleep and let her see your toothbrush. No, ma’am. I won’t be doing any of that. [He chuckled.]

Lux: [She smiled at Hank, holding onto his hand.] I know you wouldn’t do that to me. You’ve never been that guy. You’re no Cameran. You’ve never disrespected me. You’ve picked at me, sure, but never in a disrespectful way. But it’s always nice to hear that from you. That you won’t bring anyone else over. That it’ll just be me. [She sighed as she turned toward him.] I know this is all happening really fast. But you were right when you said we’ve known each other for a long time. Sure, we’ve changed in that time. And not just physically. But...maybe it was because you were shy, because you never voiced any sort of attraction to me, but I didn’t feel that insane chemistry with you back in high school. Maybe I just couldn’t recognize it. I was just a kid.

Hank: [He shook his head.] It’s alright that you didn’t feel anything for me then, Lux. I couldn’t help it. I already felt it for you. But...for you? It’s hard to think about something in a certain way when it’s not even an option. And I wasn’t the most attractive guy back in high school. I mean, sure I wasn’t a dog or anything, but I didn’t stand out. I was average. There wasn’t a reason you should’ve felt...chemistry I guess. [He lifted his shoulder in a bit of a shrug.] But we’re not kids. So there’s no point in wondering why you didn’t feel anything then, but have interest now.

Lux: Hey, no, no, no, wait just a second there. I never said I didn’t feel anything for you then, Hank. That’s not true at all. You were one of my closest friends. I loved spending time with you. You always made me laugh and smile, even when I felt like shit. You were sweet and absolutely the most mature guy in our class. You’re right though. I didn’t know it was an option. That’s not to say I never thought about you like that. Do you remember junior prom? We went with other people, but there was a point during the dance where...I have no clue where our dates were, but you and I were standing there. And a slow song came on. It was Adele’s...Someone Like You. And you asked me to dance. And while we’re dancing...I realized that...I had this weird feeling inside. One I’d never had around you before. It was just the way you held onto me. It was different. It wasn’t just grabby or copping a feel. It was just...intimate. And that whole song I thought...I don’t want to go back to my date. [She smiled, shaking her head.] And I thought you might kiss me. But you didn’t. And when the song was over...well, that was it. But...I remember that so vividly. And there was no way I’d ever bring it up to you because I thought I was just being stupid. And I didn’t want to mess up our friendship by imagining that you might’ve wanted more than a friendship with me. So...don’t think I didn’t feel a thing. I did. I just never knew you did.

Hank: [He listened to her talking about how it was for her when they were younger, about that night at their junior prom. He shook his head.] I wanted to. I wanted to kiss you, but I was so worried that you’d be so put off that it would just ruin everything and we wouldn’t be able to go back, or things wouldn’t be the same. I really thought at that time we were going to be in each others’ lives and that night I struggled because I thought...eventually I’m going to have to watch you with your boyfriend, which would turn into something more serious with someone eventually. And then I thought...she’s gonna grow up. Get married, start a family, be a world famous cello player and here I am..sitting in my borrowed suit...with my borrowed shoes. And no way to be the person you said you wanted. [He nodded his head.] I wasn’t sure if I felt that because I wanted to and I was just...getting a bit of wishful thinking from you. I really should’ve kissed you. We would’ve worked while you went to college. I know we would have. I would’ve come to see you, spent weekends. Brought you back down on your breaks. Go to Mexico for spring break, we would’ve done it. But now...we just have to figure it out from here and let go of what we didn’t do in our past. What we do from this moment on is what’s important.

Lux: I just didn’t want you to think it was all one sided, that I never had a single thought about you maybe being more than just my friend. I did. But I didn’t think you were thinking the same thing. And I didn’t want to mess up what we had. But that’s probably why...well, do you remember Georgia Robins? [She pressed her full lips together and then smiled at Hank.] She had the biggest crush on you, and she asked me to talk to you about dating her. And I...didn’t. I told her I did. But I never did. Because I didn’t want you to be hanging out with her all the time and not me. That was selfish. I know. But it wasn’t just you thinking about well, she’s going to date other people. Because I was /not/ looking forward to you getting a girlfriend. Because I know for a fact that she wouldn’t be OK with us hanging out as much as we did, as close as we were. I talked to you about everything. [She leaned her head over onto his shoulder.] But I’m ready to take this from here. I’m ready to...finally be your girl.

Hank: [His brows lifted as she spoke and couldn’t help but to chuckle.] Georgia Robins had a crush on me? [He shook his head.] I didn’t even realize...look at you...cockblocked me. [He chuckled.] That’s alright though...I wouldn’t have been interested and I just would’ve had to hurt her feelings so you just saved that girl's feelings instead. [He grinned over at her, kissing the top of her head before they pulled onto the road to his place.]

Lux: Yeah, that was mean of me, I know. I should’ve told you. And I shouldn’t have stood in the way. You two really could’ve liked each other. But I just...couldn’t bring myself to do it. Cause I didn’t want to lose my friend. [She lifted her head off his shoulder and smiled.] I’m sorry for cockblocking you. Actually I’m not. I don’t want this anywhere near Georgia Robins. [She slid her hand up the inside of his thigh until it was resting against the crotch of his jeans, her lips pressing against his jaw.]

Hank: [He was about to interrupt her when she was apologizing for it, but then said she wasn’t. And he was glad she wasn’t sorry, but then he heard what she had said and felt her hand and his brow lifted as he looked down at her, his hand moving on top of hers.] That ain’t going anywhere near Georgia Robins, baby. Trust and believe in that. That’s all yours, slick. [He grinned at her and let the truck idle in the driveway as he pressed his lips to hers.]

Lux: [She smiled against his lips when he kissed her. Pulling back, she looked up at him.] Good. Better not. I’d hate to kill poor Georgia Robins. [She laughed, pressing another kiss to his lips.] Come on. Let’s go inside. You can show me your place. [She pulled off the seatbelt and reached for the door handle.] And then you can take your pants off. [She turned back and winked at him before opening the door to get down out of the truck.]

#TDATD RolePlay Writing Nicolae Nash Hank Lux

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fondazioneterradotranto · 5 years ago

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I coniugi Peruzzi, benefattori dello Spedale degli Innocenti a Firenze e fondatori del convento dei Minimi in Lecce

Lecce, chiesa di S. Maria degli Angeli

di Giovanna Falco

Si aprono nuove prospettive di ricerca sulla storia della chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli e del convento di San Michele Arcangelo dei Minimi di San Francesco di Paola, ubicato in piazza dei Peruzzi a Lecce: i fondatori Giovannella e Bindaccio di Bernardo di Bindaccio Peruzzi[1] furono anche benefattori dello Spedale degli Innocenti di Firenze, dove i loro ritratti sono conservati insieme con quelli di altre personalità dell’Istituto fiorentino.

Tutte le fonti che trattano della fondazione del complesso conventuale dei Minimi in Lecce[2], seppur contraddittorie sulle date, concordano nell’attribuirla a Giovannella Maremonte, vedova di Bindaccio Peruzzi, morto il 14 luglio 1502[3].

La vedova Peruzzi su disposizione testamentaria del marito, volle far realizzare in un giardino fuori porta San Giusto un oratorio e chiesa. Il 14 maggio 1524 il notaio Sebastiano de Carolis di Firenze rogò l’atto di fondazione del convento dei Minimi di San Francesco di Paola, alla presenza del provinciale genovese dell’Ordine e di Giovannella[4].

Con testamento del 13 marzo del 1527, rogato a Firenze dal notaio Paolo Antonio de Rovariis[5], la Peruzzi donò altri beni per l’erigendo convento.

Purtroppo i documenti originari sono stati dispersi, così come i riassunti degli atti del 1524 e del 1527, eseguiti nel 1766 dal notaio Lorenzo Carlino[6].

Lecce, chiesa di S. Maria degli Angeli, portale di ingresso

Il giardino dov’è sorto il complesso conventuale dei Minimi, era conosciuto dai leccesi come Panduccio, distorsione dialettale del nome del proprietario, la cui presenza a Lecce è attestata negli anni Settanta del Quattrocento[7]. Ritornato a Firenze, Bindaccio Peruzzi ricoprì ruoli rappresentativi per l’Arte dei Mercanti[8], di cui nell’aprile del 1502 era ancora membro del consiglio, seppur assente[9]. Tre mesi dopo donò parte dei suoi beni allo Spedale degli Innocenti di Firenze, così com’è riportato nella targa del ritratto che lo commemora (www.catalogo.beniculturali.it › sigecSSU_FE › schedaCompleta.action): «Bindaccio Peruzzi priore del comune nel MCCCCXCV largi’ con testamento de’ X luglio MDII parte de’ suoi averi a questo brefotrofio e l’esempio del misericordioso consorte fu seguitato dalla moglie»[10] .

Stemma dei Peruzzi

Grazie alla consultazione delle carte d’archivio dell’Ospedale degli Innocenti, Luigi Passerini e Alessandra Mazzanti e Vincenzo Rizzo, individuano la vedova di Bindaccio in Giovannella Peruzzi, il cui ritratto nel Settecento era esposto nel guardaroba dell’Istituto[11]. La vedova Peruzzi figlia «di Niccolò De Noe»[12], proveniente dalla «Basilicata nel Regno di Napoli»[13], morta nel 1527[14].

Le date coincidono, ma Giovannella Peruzzi, nei documenti dell’archivio dell’Istituto fiorentino risulta essere un’esponente di casa de Noha, e non di casa Maremonte.

Stemma dei Maramonte

La diversa interpretazione del cognome della fondatrice nei documenti conservati presso il convento leccese è indirettamente chiarita da Michele Paone, quando scrive che nel 1524: «in Firenze la vedova di Bindaccio Bernardo Peruzzi, Giovannella, orfana di Nicola Gionata e Margherita Maremonte, donò ai minimi di S. Francesco di Paola la chiesa di S. Maria degli Angeli»[15]. La provenienza dalla Basilicata del padre di Giovannella, Nicola de Noha, è attestata (salvo che non si tratti di un caso di omonimia) da Giustiniani: nel 1457 re Alfonso diede Latronico «per ducati 600 a Cola de Ionata de Noha»[16]. Conferma la distorta lettura dell’atto del 1524, il nome del notaio fiorentino tramandato in maniera errata: si è individuato, infatti, Sebastiano de Carolis, in Bastiano di Carlo da Fiorenzuola, i cui atti, anche quelli del 1524, sono conservati presso l’Archivio di Stato di Firenze, dove non è reperibile l’annata 1527 di Paolo Antonio Rovai, il notaio che ha redatto il testamento della vedova Peruzzi[17].

Lecce, chiesa di S. Maria degli Angeli, particolare dell’ingresso

Alla luce di questa identificazione, sono tanti gli elementi da riprendere in considerazione, per aggiungere nuovi capitoli alle vicende del complesso monastico. Riguardo al campo prettamente artistico, non è da escludere la provenienza diretta dei disegni per realizzare la chiesa commissionata dalla Peruzzi, dalla Firenze dei grandi artisti rinascimentali, poiché i lasciti per entrambe le istituzioni denotano l’appartenenza della coppia all’elite fiorentina. Seppur di fattura locale e successiva, è evidente, ad esempio, il richiamo iconografico della lunetta della chiesa leccese alle opere di Andrea Della Robbia.

Andrea della Robbia, Madonna con Bambino e Angeli (1504-1505), cattedrale di San Zeno, Pistoia (dal sito Tuscany sweet Life)

Andrea della Robbia Madonna con Bambino e angeli (1508 ca. – 1509 ca.), Museo Civico di Viterbo, prima chiesa di San Giovanni dei Fiorentini Viterbo (dal sito della Fondazione Federico Zeri, Università di Bologna)

Un’attenta analisi delle fonti minime, contestualizzata con le vicende storiche di Puglia e Firenze, inoltre, potrebbe determinare il perché la scelta dei fondatori ricadde su quest’Ordine. Lo studio delle vicissitudini delle famiglie dei fondatori e delle fasi costruttive del complesso monastico, potrebbero individuare l’epoca e il perché la famiglia Maremonte passò alla storia come fondatrice della chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli, il cui stemma è presente in facciata assieme a quello di Bindaccio Peruzzi.

Note

[1] Cfr. F. Bruni, Storia dell’ I. e R. Ospedale di S. Maria degl’Innocenti di Firenze e di molti altri pii stabilimenti, Volume I, Firenze 1819 p. LXXXII.

[2] Cfr. L. Montoya, Coronica general de la Orden de los Minimos de S. Francisco de Paula su fundador, lib. I, Madrid 1619, p. 87; G. C. Infantino, Lecce sacra, Lecce 1634 (ed. anast. A cura e con introduzione di P. De Leo, Bologna 1979), pp. 93-94; F. Lavnovius, Chronicon generale ordinis Minorum, 1635, p. 193; R. Quaranta, Storia della provincia pugliese dei Minimi nel manoscritto Historialia monumenta chronotopographica provinciae Apuliae del p. Antonio Serio: (metà sec. XVIII), Roma 2005, pp. 35-40; F.A. Piccinni, Principiano le notizie di Lecce, in A. Laporta (a cura di) Cronache di Lecce, Lecce 1991, pp. 15, 224-226; A. Foscarini, Guida storico-artistica di Lecce, Lecce 1929, pp. 126-130; G. Paladini, Note storico-artistiche, in L’Ordine: corriere salentino, 6 luglio 1934 , a 29, fasc. 27 (www.internetculturale.it); G. Paladini, Guida storica ed artistica della città di Lecce. Curiosità e documenti di toponomastica locale, Lecce 1952, pp. 212-224; L. G. De Simone, Lecce e i suoi monumenti. La città, Lecce 1874, nuova edizione postillata a cura di N. Vacca, Lecce 1964, p. 114-118; O. Colangeli. S. Maria degli Angeli. S. Francesco di Paola, L’ex convento dei Minimi francescani, Galatina 1977; M. Paone, Chiese di Lecce, vol. I, Galatina 1981, pp. 317-319.

[3] Cfr. A. Foscarini, Op. cit., p. 126; O. Colangeli. Op. cit., p. 5.

[4] Il Provinciale genovese, sostituiva padre il generale dell’Ordine, Marziale de Vicinis, assente. Padre Antonio Serio lo individua in Michele de Comte, Francesco Antonio Piccini, invece, in Antonello de Vicinis. Il Chronicon conferma quanto asserito da Serio (cfr. F. Lavnovius, op. cit., pp. 190-191). Da Piccinni in poi la data riportata è il 10 maggio 1524 (cfr. G. Paladini, Guida storica ed artistica della città di Lecce, cit; L. G. De Simone, op. cit; O. Colangeli. Op. cit).

[5] Cfr. R. Quaranta, Storia della provincia pugliese dei Minimi, cit, p. 36. De Simone e Paone datano l’atto al 1524, attribuendolo al notaio Antonio de Boccariis.

[6] Cfr. F.A. Piccinni, op. cit.

[7] Cfr. C. Massaro, Territorio, società e potere, in B. Vetere (a cura di), Storia di Lecce. Dai Bizantini agli Aragonesi, Bari 1993, pp. 315-316; Ministero dell’Interno. Pubblicazioni degli Archivi di Stato, XVIII, Archivio di Stato di Firenze. Archivio Mediceo avanti il Principato. Inventario, volume secondo, pp. 35, 212, 361; F. Carabellese, Bilancio di un’accomandita di casa Medici in Puglia del 1477 e relazioni commerciali fra la Puglia e Firenze, in Archivio storico pugliese 1896 a. 3, fasci 1-2, vol. 2, pp. 77-104.

[8] Nel 1496 è mastro di zecca per l’oro (Cfr. P. Argelatus, De Monetis Italiae vario rum illustrium virorum Dissertationes. Parte Quarta, Milano 1752; I. Orsini, Storia delle monete della Repubblica Fiorentina, Firenze 1760, pp. 191 e 272).

[9] Cfr. G. Milanesi, Delle statue fatte da Andrea Sansovino e da Gio. Francesco Rustici sopra le porte di S. Giovanni di Firenze (1) 1502-1524, in G. Milanesi, Sulla storia dell’arte toscana scritti varj di Gaetano Milanesi, Siena 1873, pp. 247-261, p. 247, pp. 250-52. La targa è stata trascritta anche in G.B. Niccolini, Iscrizioni per i ritratti de’ benefattori del R. Spedale degli Innocenti di Firenze, in C. Gargiolli (a cura di), Opere edite e inedite di G.B. Niccolini, Tomo VII, Milano 1870, p. 728.

[10] Fu priore del quartiere San Giovanni nel bimestre Settembre – Ottobre 1495 (Cfr. I. di San Luigi, Istorie di Giovanni Cambi cttadino fiorentino pubblicate, e di annotazioni, e di antichi munimenti accresciute, ed illustrate da Fr. Ildefonso di San Luigi carmelitano scalzo della provincia di Toscana Accademico Fiorentino, volume secondo, Firenze 1785; F. Bruni, Storia dell’ I. e R. Ospedale di S. Maria degl’Innocenti di Firenze e di molti altri pii stabilimenti, Volume I, Firenze 1819, p. LXXXII). Nel 1759 il ritratto di Bindaccio era esposto nell’Istituto: «Dalla Chiesa per la Porta a manritta si passa nel primo Cortile, intorno intorno ornato di Colonne Corintie di pietra serena, co i Ritratti de i più insigni Benefattori alle Lunette» (G. Richa, Notizie istoriche delle chiese fiorentine. Divise nei suoi quattro Quartieri, Tomo ottavo, Firenze 1759, p. 129). Nel 1845 i ritratti di Bindaccio e Giovannella, dispersi o deteriorati, furono ridipinti gratuitamente rispettivamente da Giuseppe Marini e Carlo Falcini, per volontà del commissario dell’epoca cavalier Michelagnoli (Cfr. O. Andreucci, Il fiorentino istruito della chiesa della Nunziata di Firenze, Firenze 1857, pp. 175 e 275). Attualmente sono conservati presso il deposito dell’Istituto.

[11] Cfr. G. Richa, op. cit., p. 396. La scheda del ritratto è consultabile a questo link: https://www.beni-culturali.eu › opere_d_arte › scheda ›

[12] L. Passerini, Storia degli stabilimenti di beneficenza e d’istruzione elementare gratuita della città di Firenze, Firenze 1858, p. 946.

[13] A. Mazzanti, V. Rizzo, Memorie dell’organo di Santo Stefano a Campi: un priore, tre famiglie di artisti e di artigiani, Opus libri, 1992, p. 31.

[14] Cfr. U. Cherici, Guida storico artistica del R. Spedale di S. Maria degli Innocenti di Firenze, Firenze 1926, p. 52.

[15] M. Paone, Chiese di Lecce, vol. I, Galatina 1981, p. 317.

[16] L. Giustiniani, Dizionario Geografico – Ragionato del Regno di Napoli, Tomo V, Napoli 1802, p. 223.

[17] Cfr. Archivio di Stato di Firenze. Notarile antecosimiano. Inventario sommario. Trascrizione su database informatico degli inventari N/272-275 a cura di Eva Masini (2015).

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