For Davin - Francesco's

[jamesthorn]

Unfortunately, in Davin's case, there have been some roadblocks, but on James' insistence and unwillingness to let those two assholes get away with claiming self-defense and illegal use of magic against them, the judge finally heard out the real evidence and he should have a warrant by the end of the afternoon. It's not that people didn't believe Davin, but there is an anti-magic bias throughout parts of Siren Cove's judicial sytem. Luckily, James has resources being a Thornton, and he made a few phone calls to push through the case. 

He called Davin earlier that morning, asking to meet at Francesco's, so he could give him the good news. There's a table waiting for James when he makes it to the restaurant because there's always a table waiting for the Thorntons, especially in such an upscale place. He takes a seat and waits for Davin to arrive.

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[davin]

Davin has never actually eaten at Francesco's. He's sure he could afford a meal or two there if he wanted, because he's pretty frugal in general and has a decent nest egg building, but it's just not his scene. James' invitation puzzles him a bit, and if it were for dinner he would be nervous, but there's nothing romantic about lunch, right? It's not a date; it's just lunch.

He brings a change of clothes to the shop and changes into them in his office, tucking his dark blue button down into his black slacks. That should be good enough.

When he gets to the restaurant the hostess tells him that Mr. Thornton is expecting him and leads him towards a table near the back. He thanks her and smirks a little as he takes his seat across from James. "Good afternoon, Mr. Thornton."

[jamesthorn]

James doesn't think too much about the upscale atmosphere of Francesco's. It just so happens that his family's estate is closer to this side of town, and he really needs to swing by after meeting with Davin and make an attempt to convince his father that Daniel isn't about to run off and marry a witch. He spends most of his time waiting for Davin on the phone with his father yelling in his ear. There were times like these that he wished he were an only child.

When Davin walks up, James is quite happy to tell his father that his business meeting has arrived and hangs up on him. He gives Davin a sheepish smile when he takes a seat, at the name. "Yeah, what can I say. Family," he says, then asks the waiter to bring them a few appetizers now that Davin's arrived. "I'm glad you made it. In pants this time too."

[davin]

"So I'm a business meetin' now, huh?" He laughs and smirks at James when he mentions the pants, reaching out for a glass of water. "I do what I can. I'm even wearin' a belt. Ya should be very proud."

He takes a sip and then looks around the restaurant before taking his napkin and draping it across his lap, telling himself to sit up straight and not rest his elbows on the table. "So, t'what do I owe the fancy lunch invite?"

[jamesthorn]

"Trust me. It was either a business meeting or my father was heading over here," he says, reaching for the carafe of ice water and fills Davin's glass as he takes it. He glances up at him returning his smile. "Family problems but don't worry about that---"

He reaching for his own napkin and placing it across his lap. "I have some news on the case. Good news. I thought we needed to celebrate," he says, unfolding the menu in front of him. "Davin, the judge is going to issue an arrest warrant this afternoon."

[davin]

Davin is looking down at his chilled salad fork when James speaks and he jerks his gaze up with wide eyes. He hadn't lost faith in James, but it had been awhile and he was wondering if maybe they were going to get away with what they did to Davin. But apparently not.

"Really?" Davin looks a little breathless, cheeks pink, and reaches up to put a hand on his own cheek. "James, that's awesome. Wow."

He wants to get up and hug James, but it isn't an appropriate venue. They've already ended up in The Cove once, and he really doesn't want to embarrass James, not after all he's done. Still, Davin is a little overwhelmed, and a little emotional, so he reaches over to rest his hand over James' on the table. His eyes are a little shiny and he smiles, squeezing James' hand. "Thank you."

[jamesthorn]

James sees the wave of emotion that passes through Davin, the hint of tears in his eyes. He looks relieved and touched, and James is just happy he could do something to make him look this way compared to the way he saw him after his attack---broken and battered.

He lets Davin take his hand, not thinking about what could be in The Cove or anywhere else. He had done his job, and it made him feel like he'd done good. Finally "You're welcome. I must admit I really can't wait to arrest those two," he says.

[davin]

It means so much to Davin that James didn't give up, but after awhile he realizes that he's just kind of holding James' hand in the middle of the restaurant. He blushes and clears his throat as he takes his hand back, looking a little embarrassed as he sits up a little straighter.

James is his friend, and he's doing his job. He doesn't need Davin sitting across from him looking all besotted, so he takes a sip of his water and pulls the menu towards him. Davin has come to the conclusion that liking someone is kind of pointless anyway. They never like him back. "Uh, sorry 'bout that thing in The Cove. That was probably embarrassin' for ya."

He gives him a wry, self-conscious smile and opens the menu, but then his smile gets a little brighter. "Ya get t'do the honors yourself, huh? I gotta admit, that'd be somethin' I'd like t'see."

[jamesthorn]

James takes his hand back when Davin lets it go and smiles when Davin sits back in his chair, watching him for a moment, before he looks back down at his menu. He's glad that Davin has given him a second chance because he was so awkward and rude when they first met and that somehow he's managed to find a way for Davin not to think he's a jerk. James is grumpy, but he doesn't enjoy hurting people's feelings for no reason.

He is reading through the pasta dishes when Davin speaks up. "What?" he asks, looking up, and he immediately thinks Davin is referring to Daniel's tryst in The Cove with Amelie. "Not embarrassing. Unfortunate." He closes his menu, placing it down, and shakes his head. "But my brother thinks he's in love. Daniel is...Daniel. That was my father on the phone. It's now a major family crisis."

He nods at him. "I think I might be able to get that arranged."

[davin]

Davin's expression dims at James' wording. Unfortunate. That's, well, unfortunate. But then James keeps going and it's Davin's turn to be confused. After a minute he realizes that James is actually talking about his brother's article. Davin feels a bit of relief at that and then pushes it aside, tilting his head a bit and listening to James speak.

He's never really paid much attention to the supposed Thornton and Coombs rivalry, but then again he's never really known one of them either. There must be some truth to all the gossip, going by what James says.

"I was referrin' t'the one about us," Davin says with a slight blush. Maybe that didn't even warrant James' attention and he's been worried for no reason. It's another interesting choice of words, the way he says that Daniel thinks that he's in love. That seems like the sort of thing someone would just know, but what does Davin know. He's never been in love. "A real Romeo an' Juliet thing goin' on, aye? With a happier endin', I'm sure. I hope it all works out."

It takes him a moment to realize what James means and he looks up from the menu with an almost gleeful expression. Davin isn't a vindictive person, but he would love to see the looks on their faces. "Are ya serious?"

[jamesthorn]

It is James' turn to be confused now. "Us?" he repeats with a raised brow, but he sees the flush of color on Davin's cheeks and he can only imagine what The Cove could've written. He's used to this gossip stuff, but it's always annoying to see his name in there. He gives Davin a sheepish look.

"I'll be honest. I didn't have time to read the entire thing. I barely read to the end of that article on my brother, and my father was blowing up my phone with text messages." He pauses a little awkwardly, but there is something in him that's curious would it could've said. "What did it say?"

It was a horrible breach of police protocol, but there was probably something he could do to let Davin watch. He deserved that much after what those assholes had done. "I can't promise for certain, but I'll try."

[davin]

Oh, so Davin could have not said anything at all and been totally fine. He blushes red and hides his face in his menu for a moment, laughing a little and peeking over the top of it before setting it down. "It was about us dancin' at Mira's party."

He's unable to hide his smile at the memory. It definitely was a highlight. "Somethin' about there bein' sparks between us."

The smile on his face is shy and he's obviously a little embarrassed, because he's sure the memory means more to Davin than it does to James. "But I'm glad ya didn't catch any grief for it."

Davin gives him a pleased smile and nods. "That's nice of ya. As long as ya don't get in trouble or anythin', I'd like that."

[jamesthorn]

"Oh." James settles back in his chair. He isn't sure what he expected Davin to say but perhaps not that. "Well, that story's not so bad," he says, shrugging and smiling too because he sees the embarrassed look on Davin's face. He doesn't know how The Cove manages to track down all this information, but he's definitely had worse printed about himself and his family.

He assures Davin with a nod. "No grief, nothing like that. I'm glad I went. I had fun." Their waiter returns then to take their food orders, and James orders first then looks to Davin to see what he wants. He didn't ask if Davin has even been to Francesco's before, otherwise he could've made some suggestions. He had been a little distracted with the news of the arrests.

"It might be later. I'm still waiting to hear from the judge, and I unfortunately need to go see my father before I head back to the station," he says, once the waiter has left.

[davin]

"Well, I'm glad ya had fun," Davin says with a soft smile. He swallows and looks down at the menu, trying to calm himself and let the heat from his cheeks dissipate. James is so calm and collected and Davin is usually similar, but something about James makes him flustered. "If ya ever want t'dance again, ya know where t'find me."

The waiter arrives and Davin orders an agnolotti with confidence, smiling as he hands the menu back to the waiter. He's never actually been to Francesco's before, but he's watched a lot of Food Network. He's not the best chef, but his thirst for knowledge and curiosity led him to attempting a few different types of cuisine.

"That's okay. You have my number," Davin assures him. "I hope everythin' with your dad goes okay. He sounds intense."

[jamesthorn]

"I'll be sure to let you know," James says, chuckling a little at Davin's request for the next dance. There wasn't even any music, and that sounds about right with him considering that waltz had happened in the middle of a nightclub. James really did have fun that night and he files away that nugget of info for the future.

He watches Davin order with confidence, and he's not entirely surprised but it pleases him nevertheless. He doesn't go around tossing around his family's name and his money to impress people, but he does have a place in the world, in society. He may get annoyed with it but it's his reality. So if Davin's willing to go along with it, that's a good thing in the end.

James just snorts at Davin's comment. "You have no idea," he says, waving him off. "It'll be fine. He's mad at Daniel not me."

[davin]

"Good," Davin says softly, smiling a little and reaching for his water. He doesn't really think James is going to randomly come ask him to dance, but still, it's a nice thought. His brows furrow in slight concern and he can't help the curiosity that wells up in him. "Why is it so bad, if they're happy?"

But then he remembers that some people, a lot of them, don't really care about that. Like his parents don't give a shit if he's happy with some guy. He's still a guy. Maybe it's something like that, blinded by prejudice. "That was probably a dumb question. Some things just never can be easy."

[jamesthorn]

It's hard to explain to outsiders the pressure and the history and the way his father always talked about the Coombs and witches and magic when other families just ate dinner together or went to the movies. It's hard to explain, but he knows Davin doesn't mean anything by the question. And the fact that Davin is a witch too hasn't come up so far, but James ordinarily is...much more iffy on that front.

Still, after what he went through with Alex and discovering she was a siren, he isn't as quick to pass judgement. Besides, he likes Davin so he's just ignoring the witch thing.

"I'd like to tell you it's not bad, but it my father's eyes----" He shrugs, but he doesn't hold back because he may be willing to give a pass on the witch thing but James isn't a huge fan of the Coombs either. "That family is the reason his wife is dead. He has his reasons."

[davin]

"Oh, wow." Davin's mouth falls open and he leans in to rest his hand over James' again. "I'm sorry, I had no idea. I didn't mean t'pry."

It's sort of a big thing to learn and Davin frowns a bit, squeezing James' hand before pulling back and giving him a soft smile. "We can talk about somethin' else, if ya want."

[jamesthorn]

When Davin takes his hand, James makes an apologetic face. His family's horrible history and his mother's murder, really isn't conversation for the lunch table, or public. Besides, this was supposed to be a happy celebratory meal. For Davin. "You're right. We should skip the family conversations. I assure you it's all downhill from there anyway," he says, picking up his water and taking a sip. He clears his throat after a moment.

"Aside from the obvious, how are things at the shop? Have you found replacement help? I assume that might be difficult during the holidays."

[davin]

"Hey, I didn't mean it like that," Davin says softly, tilting his head and giving him a concerned frown. "If ya ever want t'talk about any of it, I'm here for ya. I just didn't know if you'd want to."

He gives James a reassuring smile and sits up a little, but he's unable to hide his pained expression when he's asked about the shop. "Nah, not yet. An' one o' the other guys quit after all the drama. So it's just me, Jason, an' Henry, who does good work but he keeps to himself. I haven't found anyone new yet an' Jason's only part time so I'm kinda workin' 'round the clock. Lots o' people comin' for tune ups before Christmas road trips. It's been crazy busy, but I can't complain. I'm happy t'have the work."

[jamesthorn]

People don't often ask him about his family. It's probably the united front of 'no questions please' all of them put out in public. Though he also thinks most of the sordid details are in the town history books up at the library and all the new stuff is splashed in the tabloids. What is even left to tell.

He does appreciate the gesture from Davin and he smiles at him for a second. "Thanks. It's okay. I don't mind," he says, but he definitely doesn't want to ruin lunch. Besides his been fielding phone calls all morning from his father, a nice lunch with his friend is so much better. "It's good you have the business. That's really great. I'll keep an eye out for anyone looking for a job."

[davin]

"Well, ya know where t'find me," Davin tells him, smiling warmly and then laughing a little. "Oh god, please do. I feel like I haven't slept in days."

And he hasn't, not really. But that's for a whole slew of reasons. The food gets delivered and Davin straightens up a bit, spreading the napkin out in his lap and smiling politely up at the server. "Thank you. It looks delicious."

He turns to James with an eager grin and picks up his fork, twirling it around his fingers with his magic once the server walks away. "God, this smells so good. I can't remember the last time that didn't come out of the microwave or styrofoam. Or both."

[jamesthorn]

James follows Davin's cue when the food arrives and places his napkin over his lap and picking up his fork. Sometimes it's nice to have a good meal. He takes a bite from his plate and peers up at Davin, eyebrow raised.

"You mean you don't have a personal chef?" he asks.

[davin]

"Did ya just make a joke? I'm so proud." He wipes away a fake tear and then rolls his eyes fondly, shaking his head as he stabs his fork into the pasta. "No, cute little rich boy, I don't have anyone t'cook for me."

[jamesthorn]

James takes another bite of his pasta, pleased with himself, at his own joke. "Really? That's too bad. All, us, rich kids have somebody," he jokes, not missing the fact that apparently Davin thinks he's cute. "You're not going to judge me if I say we have staff, right? Well, I don't have staff. My father has staff."

He looks up taking a sip of water because he always feels strange talking about how his life has been so privileged especially around others who haven't led the same lifestyle. It can feel like bragging. "I have a really nice kitchen that I don't use though. It's mostly take out for me too."

[davin]

"I don't judge people for havin' staff. I judge people for braggin' about havin' staff." He gives James a flirty wink and takes another bite of his pasta, turning the fork over in his mouth and sucking the tines clean before pulling it away. "Ya saw my kitchen. It's a very tiny travesty. Maybe if I had a big kitchen like yours, I'd try t'cook more. Can't be that hard, right?"

[jamesthorn]

"It isn't hard," James agrees picking back up his fork to have a bite of pasta. He looks at Davin offering a smile. "I'm not saying I can't cook. I just work a lot," he says. He works all the time actually, but he can cook very well given the opportunity. That's why his house has as nice of a kitchen as it does. He had fancied the time and energy to use it when he built the place. Things just hadn't worked out that way.

[davin]

"Well then, you'll have t'take a night off an' show me what ya can do," Davin says with a smile, and then he realizes how it sounded. His eyes widen slightly and he takes a long drink of his water. "Wow, this pasta's great, huh?"

[jamesthorn]

James just smiles, not reading much into the suggestion, because it would be nice to have a reason to need a night off from the station. His busy schedule is partly his own doing, but there's not exactly anyone hounding him home either. It's a vicious cycle.

"That'd be nice," he says, agreeing.

[davin]

Davin's heart soars for a moment, beating wildly in his chest, before he realizes that he's being stupid. It doesn't mean anything. He swallows hard and nods, smiling a little as he gathers some more pasta on his fork. "Yeah, it would be."