Boogie Nights - Tagged

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Chloe genuinely smiles when he says Sunday will work for him, it’s been a long time since she’s been this excited about anything.

“So what kind of schedule do you usually work?” she asks curiously, gesturing towards his burnt hand. “And what kind of work is it that you do that requires you to play with fire?” She laughs at him when he mentions keeping her phone with 911 on speed dial, “I don’t get the serial killer vibe from you, arsonist maybe,” She laughs, “but I’m hoping I won’t need my phone at all.” She enjoys watching his reactions while she tells him about herself because he genuinely seems interested in what she has to say.

Chloe starts to get nervous as they head towards the dance floor, maybe this isn’t such a good idea afterall. No…she wants to dance with him and she can’t keep letting the past prevent her from enjoying herself now.

Chloe closes her eyes and tenses momentarily as she steps into his arms, expecting to feel trapped and scared with the close contact. She’s felt it so many times recently. Taking a deep breath she tries to will herself to relax and realizes that the only thing she feels is…safe and protected. She leans into him and rests her cheek on his chest not wanting to look him in the eyes and answer any questions right now, because there was no way he could have missed her reaction.

Chloe loves to dance, and hadn’t counted on the fact that she would have such a strong physical reaction to being held. Swallowing back tears and trying to breathe evenly she hates that she has allowed her conditioned response to physical contact to become pulling away. Closing her eyes and breathing in the scent of Jackson she allows herself to feel the difference in the way he holds her. She finally fully relaxes into his embrace and begins to enjoy herself on the dance floor.

When they return to their seats Chloe takes a large swallow of her drink, and attempts to avoid acknowledging her overreaction. “So..uh Jackson,” her voices starts out a little uneven, “…do you have a last name?” She still won’t look him fully in the eyes, but she’s won’t turn loose of his hand either. “Or is it just Jackson?”

[Jackson Martin]

Jackson hadn’t been on a real date in a long time, in fact it was finding that time which was usually his issue along with trusting anyone else again. Though with her it was easy to get along with her and he trusted her too. “Usually just the Monday to Friday, some Saturdays if I need to but I can be pretty flexible depending on the week.” He explained as he saw her gesture to his hand. “Oh see now It’d sound so cool to say fire fighter right now but no, I’m a weapons engineer so I get to play with some cool tech and toys but they can bite back.” He said as he held up his hand.

He left out the part about it was only when not handle correctly and he got a bit too carried away. “No I swear I’m not one of those, arsonist.... could be but feel free to forget your phone.” He said smiling glad that she was laughing though did he really give off the arsonist vibe? Maybe he needed to change that before people got the wrong idea. Dancing was well, one of those things he hadn’t really mastered the side to side swing yeah he could do that without becoming a danger to others though when he saw her close her eyes and tense he wasn’t sure what to make of it.

Obviously her ex had a lot to answer for but he wasn’t about to hurt her. He was surprised at how close she got not that he minded at all as it was nice as he placed his arms carefully around her. With her cheek on his chest he smiles though he wondered if she was alright with everything, he wanted to ask but that moment didnt exactly seem like the right time to bring it up. He wasn’t trying to be overly nosey but then he could see that there was something in her reaction more than what had been said.

Seeing Chloe enjoy herself he couldnt have been happier as they returned to their seats. He watched as she took a large swallow of her drink and he hears her voice is a little uneven. Jackson notice that she wasn’t looking him fully in the eyes though she still had a hold of his hand as she squeezed her hand lightly. “First name Jackson, second name Martin.” He explained though really the amount of people who got the two swapped around was unreal. “Is everything okay?” He asked her trying to catch her eyes with his.

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Once Chloe had allowed herself to fully relax into Jackson’s arms, she had thoroughly enjoyed dancing with him and would have continued to do so if the band hadn’t come back from their break and ruined the mood.

When Jackson asks if everything is ok, she squeezes his hand and nods without looking up “It is now, it really is…everything else doesn’t, or shouldn’t matter anymore.” Looking him in the eye because he does deserve some sort of explanation she adds, “You’re not him…, and being that close to you, being held by you…felt different, it felt really nice, it felt right” she blushes but continues. “You haven’t hurt me, and I need to learn and realize that not everyone is going to.”

“I promise you I’ll explain everything…the very best that I can on Sunday over dinner, I’ll answer any question you ask me…and I’ll do it honestly, but I want to do it when it’s just you and me. There’s way too many people in here for that kind of conversation.” She smiles sadly. Offering him a way out she adds, “Of course that’s only if you still want to…I’d never hold it against you if you have changed your mind.”

[Jackson Martin]

Call it intuition or whatever it was Jackson had an idea there was a lot more to her reaction than met the eye. She was right that anything else shouldn’t matter though he guessed it was big enough for it to matter to her. He was glad when she finally looked him in the eye as nodded to her. “I won’t hurt you Chloe, that’s a promise. It’s not easy to come back from anything but not every guy is wired the same way, some of us are actually alright if we get a chance.” He said with a smile, in his experience it was the woman who were the ones to watch though there were stories on both sides.

He could understand her not wanting to talk in the middle of a bar, it wasn’t exactly the right place for it as he nodded to her. “I wont ask anything, you just tell me what you want to and we go from there.” He said not wanting to push her into anything she wasn’t comfortable with. A short while ago he was still a stranger to her so pushing to find out what his mind had already jumped to was a bad idea.

Jackson shook his head at the way out, “I’d love to and this doesn’t change that besides I said I’d cook you a home cooked meal and by the sounds of it you deserve it.” He said sure that he wanted to see her again and he wasn’t about to let anything get in the way of that at all.

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Chloe is genuinely glad that Jackson still wants to see her again, even if she can't figure out why. She likes him, well she likes him so far. Granted she doesn't really know much about him, but what she has seen points to him being a decent guy.

Feeling more at ease and finally in control of herself and her emotions again; Chloe takes another drink of her drink setting the empty glass on the bar in front of her and smiles up at Jackson, "Thanks..for everything, it probably doesn't seem like it but I am having a really good time tonight, and I'm pretty sure that's because of you. So Thank you for just being here, and not freaking out... or asking twenty questions, even though you must have at least that many...I'm really looking forward to getting to know you better."

[Jackson Martin]

Jackson smiled toward her and nodded, he was having a great time too. He wasn’t usually the sort to go and seek out a bar but then the day had asked for it and now he seemed like the best idea he ever had. He knew that everyone had a past and Chloe was just dealing with hers which wasn’t a reason not to still date her.

“Freaking out, what’s there to freak out over? It’s been fun and besides I’ve got to meet you so no freaking out needed.” He said with a grin, “You can ask as many questions as you like and i’ll tell you the truth. I’ve a few but like you said better left for another time. I’m looking forward to it too.” He said as he remembered he hadn’t told her anything about him yet though she had laid her life out for him. “So, Jackson is me and I was adopted by the Martin family. I’ve no idea who my biological family is but I couldnt have asked for a better adopted one.” He said smiling, there was never a dull moment and nothing that he would swap for anything.

“I’ve always been a kind of hands on guy and a little ocd at times too. Had to have my school bag packed a certain way, lunch box made up in order.. .weird I know.” He said as he laughed about it though he was still that way now even down to how he made his toast in a morning. It was just him.

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Chloe feels and looks relieved when Jackson says that there is nothing to freak out about, and she even manages a giggle when he mentions that meeting her was reason enough to not freak out. She leans in and kisses him on the cheek for the second time tonight and says “You are so sweet, that I’m just sitting here trying to figure out what earth that I did right enough to deserve to end up in here with the chance to meet you and talk to you tonight. Because I really needed this.”

She listens intently as he tells her about being adopted, and having a great family. “You know mom was adopted, she’s always played around with whether or not she wants to meet her birth parents. My Grandma did some digging before she passed away and wrote down their information for her, but as of yet she hasn’t decided to go meet them. She always said that she already had a great family and her going and meet her birth parents wasn’t going to change anything so she just left good enough alone. Sounds like you have a family you love, and that loves you…who could truly ask for anything else?” she asks squeezing his hand gently.

She smiles when he starts talking about being OCD about some things, and when he finishes she blurts out, “Totally not the same thing, but a fun fact all the same, I have to eat all the same color Skittles and M&M’s together. I absolutely can’t just grab a handful and eat it…I separate them out into separate little piles and eat them in order of which I like the least to the best.” Giggling at herself, “and we all know M&M’s taste the same so I go from my least favorite color to my favorite.”

“On a more serious note though, most of my past work partners would call me OCD or worse because I’m the same way in the back of an ambulance, everything has a place and it needs to be where it belongs so that I don’t spend valuable time looking for it when I need it. I go in to work at least a good forty-five minutes early every day just to make sure my truck is the way I want it. My driver would hate me if I didn’t just do it myself, so in the best interest of developing a good working partnership I tend to save them the trouble and take care of it on my own.”

[Jackson Martin]

Jackson grinned feeling her kiss him on the cheek for the second time that night. “Well you walked into the right bar for a start, I mean two doors down and it’s anyone’s guess but I’m glad you are okay. Needing it or not you are so worth talking to.” He stated knowing that he was the lucky one to have even gotten the chance to speak to her as she seemed like a great person. One of those one in a life time kind or at least to him she was. The sort of person that he found interesting and beautiful without having any motive but to talk and have a good time.

He listened to her talk about her mum being adopted, it was ironic that even if he wanted to meet his birth parents he had no idea. Neither did his family for that matter though maybe one day it might be different but then she was right about not wanting anything more. “No i’m very lucky, I know that it could have been different and I’m incredibly grateful to my family for taking me in because they didnt have to.” He said nodded, he maybe didnt say it often enough to Martin and Kristina but he was thankful.

“I dont even know if I would go looking, like you say what I have is more than I could have wanted.” He said though when the conversation turned to OCD he grinned glad that he wasn’t on his own with that. “Wow, M&Ms I can understand that and it’s like a dinner. I always start with veg first because then you can get to the stuff that is really good.” It was that or he started with desert first just to make sure that he had room for it, it was odd but then he enjoyed his food whichever order it came in.

“Yeah, see my desk has to be just right and my work station because if I know where stuff is it saves time. I cant blame you for that and if it was me i’d do the same and I sometimes do anyway.” Jackson said grinning, “It’s not like other people get it, chaos isn’t my friend and if it means an extra hour then so be it because things need to have an order to them for the world to work. It’s like putting petrol in a car before it’s built, an impossible way to work.” So that was a little out there but then starting in chaos wasn’t his favourite thing to do and he found it far more stressful with chaos than order.

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Chloe smiles and giggles, “Maybe I tried the bar two doors down, and couldn’t find an interesting, sweet, good looking guy to buy me drinks and dance with me.” Looking him in the eye she adds, “Seriously though I’m absolutely positive that even if I had gone in any other bar in the whole city of Chicago…I wouldn’t have found anyone else that I would have enjoyed spending my evening with more than I have enjoyed my time with you.”

Leaning in closer to Jackson listening intently as he talks about his family she enjoys the feeling of her shoulder pressed against his and the warmth she can feel coming from him. She closes her eyes and inhales his scent. How can she feel so comfortable with someone she has known for such a short amount of time, she has literally shared more with him over the past few hours than she has with anyone else in a very long time.

“So, what time were you thinking about picking me up on Sunday?” She asks curiously. “If you came early enough I could help you cook…which might be fun. Plus I’m really pretty desperate to get out of my hotel room, I feel like the walls are closing in on me.”

This time when the slower music starts up and she asks him to dance again, she knows that if he accepts…this time there will be no hesitation on her part whatsoever. She trusts him not to hurt her.

[Jackson Martin]

Jackson laughed and nodded to her, “So you’re bar hopping in this city already. But at least it seems like you found the right bar to be in.” He said grinning looking right back into her eyes. “You know something me either, you really are a good person, interesting, beautiful but that goes without saying and besides why would I want to be anywhere else but here in a bar with you.” Jackson was serious about that, it had been a long time since he had actually been able to relax and enjoy being out in the world. Chloe just made that a little easier for him.

To say he didnt say much about his life was an understatement, Jackson wasn’t the kind to go talking to just anyone and yet he had pretty much told Chloe his life story. Adopted into a great family, became a marine, married you, wife had an affair and now he was divorced and back in the same city he had been adopted from all those years ago. Not exactly the clean cut fairy tale but then it was his tale and he didnt often tell it to people.

“Thinking about five or six then if you’re going to help me cook?” He offered liking the sound of that, beyond his family he hadn’t really cooked with anyone else since his ex wife. “Okay well I can break you out of your hotel room, could even do something in the afternoon if you wanted? Take a walk somewhere?” He offered deciding that it was better than her in same four walls of a hotel room.

Jackson nodded when she asked him to dance a second time. He held his hand out for her again as he moved to the dance floor, he couldnt have been happier to be asked a second time and it wasn’t like he was going to turn her down. Dancing with her was special and he enjoyed it a lot.

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It seems that Chloe can’t quit smiling tonight, she honestly can’t remember the last time that she’s ever smiled this much. She gets the feeling that Jackson doesn’t usually open up about himself very often, and she’s honored that he’s decided to talk to her. “No, yeah I would love to help you cook it sounds really fun actually… so either way would be great. I’m up for a walk, but only if you promise to hold my hand while you’re showing me around this beautiful city.”

Taking his hand and following Jackson onto the dance floor for the second time tonight, felt even better than it had the first. She went into his arms willingly and with absolutely no hesitation this time, she felt comfortable. She lays her head on his chest again, but this time she’s smiling while she does it. She wishes she could dance with Jackson all night long, but she can feel the effects of the long day start to make their presence known as she tries to cover a yawn. Between the warmth of being in his arms, the gentle swaying motion of their dancing, and the couple of drinks she has had tonight she suddenly feels very sleepy.

Lifting her head from his chest and looking up at him sleepily she quietly asks, “Does that offer of a walk back to my hotel room still stand? I really hate for tonight to end, but unless you want me to fall asleep right here in your arms…I probably better head back to my room.”

[Jackson Martin]

It was easy to let someone else talk, he had always been that way it was the big difference between his sibling even though he was adopted. Jackson preferred to be the wall flower at a party not the centre of attention. “I think I can managed to hold your hand while I show you around.” He said grinning, “Only if you’re okay with holding mine?” He offered not wanting her to feel uncomfortable about anything. From what he knew so far about her ex he had done a number on Chloe and he didnt want to push her to do something she wasn’t happy with.

When she laid her head against his chest he noticed the lack of hesitation this time around. He was glad knowing she felt so comfortable to do that too. Dancing with her was wonderful, he could have spent the entire evening doing it and not have been bothered by anything else in the world that was happening. He was happy and relaxed and he had a beautiful woman in his arms, something he hadn’t thought would have happened three hours earlier. Some nights were just memorable for all the right reasons.

Jackson smiled and nodded when she mentioned his offer from earlier. “Yes it does, wouldnt want you getting lost or finding trouble in the city when you’re just new here.” He said as he knew how easy trouble was to find especially when you weren’t looking for it. “Well I can honestly say I wouldnt mind it but I agree probably better to get you home and let you have a good nights rest.” He said with a smile as he offer his arm to her again to go and get her things. It was a shame to end the night but then he understood that if she was tired it was better to get her back home safe.

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“Only if you’re okay with holding mine?” She heard him say, “I wouldn’t have insisted if I wasn’t ok with it.” She says smiling.

Taking his arm she slowly walks towards the bar to collect her things. Chloe is reluctant to end the evening as she really can’t remember when she had this much fun, with someone she just met. Heck it’s been forever since she’s had this much fun, period. Most of her time with Brian had been spent scared of saying the wrong thing, or using the wrong tone when speaking. It was really refreshing to be with someone who seemed to like her for who she was, and not what he could mold her into.

Standing by the bar, picking up her drink and taking the last swallow she looks at Jackson and smiles sadly…”I really hate that I’m this tired, because I don’t want this to be over…I just wish that the citizens of Chicago had cooperated last night and let me get some sleep, because if that was the case we’d still be on the dance floor. I was really enjoying myself.” She sighs.

“But…I need to be awake and functioning tomorrow, because I absolutely have to find somewhere to live. I can’t do the hotel thing anymore.” She says smiling at him. Satisfied that she’s gathered all of her belongings she takes his arm again and leans into him as they start walking towards the door.

“Jackson I really hope you know how excited I am about Sunday, I don’t know which part I’m more excited about…the walk, or cooking with you. I’ve never cooked with anyone before, and I hope you can handle it.” She giggles “I tend to make a bit of a mess when I cook, but I promise…it’s worth it, the food is good and I clean up after myself.”

As they step out into the cold Chloe shivers and leans closer to him, “Geez I used to think it was cold back home but Chicago brings cold to a whole new level.”

[Jackson Martin]

“Course I’m okay with holding yours.” He said with a smile as he nodded, she had a point with that though he guessed from what he knew already that she had been uncomfortable though it was only when they first danced. Still he just wanted to make sure she was alright about it before he went and did anything that might scare her.

Its a shame that evening had come to an end but then there wasn’t any point in dragging it out until she was too tired to work in the morning. It was the most fun he had in a while and he was enjoying himself too which made change from his usual sitting in bar having a few drinks then going home without having fun. He couldnt imagine being with anyone like her ex or worse being like her ex at all, it was a far cry from what he was though he knew how much damage that could do to someone.

Jackson smiled and nodded, he felt the same way though he could only hope that the citizens of Chicago cooperated as he wanted to see more of her without a doubt. “Fingers crossed they manage for themselves because I’m looking forward to seeing you again. I’m sure there might be another night when we can go dance again because it’s nice to see you enjoying yourself.” He said with a smile glad that she had done.

He smiled again when she took his arm and started walked toward the door, “Yeah from a guy that spent enough time in military bunks, a hotel can be just as bad.” He said though a hotel much like home most nights he would sleep on the floor until he got used to having his own softer bed. “Seriously, you’ve never cooked with anyone before? Well I swear it will be fun and I’m sure I can.” He said grinning listening as she spoke about making a mess. “If its worth it then I can deal with it and no, you’re at my place I do the clearing up.” He said not wanting to tell her what to do but he didnt invite her over to clear up dishes.

Stepping out into the cold he glanced at his jacket as he nods. “Chicago cold bites I swear it does.” He said as he held out his jacket for her. “Here take this, might make it a little easier.” He offered, he wasn’t exactly warm but then he would live and he didnt want her coming down with a cold because of the weather either. His dad would have said something to him if he didnt make sure the girl he was with was happy and warm.

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When he mentions going dancing again another night Chloe giggles, “Jackson are you asking me on a second date before we’ve even technically had our first?” She smiles at him though, because she really likes the idea of spending more time with him. “Not that I’d mind if you were, and I would accept…I love to dance, and dancing with you has been really nice…something I definitely wouldn’t mind doing more of.”

Thinking about it, she realizes that she has never actually prepared a meal with someone. She’s always cooked for someone that never had any interest in helping or the fun that could be had in the kitchen. “Nope I’ve never cooked with anyone before…I’ve always cooked for other people, not with them.” She answers his question. Laughing she replies, “Oh please, If I’m helping make the mess I should at least be able to help clean it up. I mean if you don’t let me help you how am I going to be able to accidently squirt you with the water?” She can’t seem to stop smiling when she thinks about the date, “The fine citizens of Chicago can fend for themselves every once in awhile, they seemed to do just fine before I got here, and I’m sure they’ll manage just fine long enough for me to have a life outside of work.”

Chloe’s never had a guy offer her his jacket before either, she almost has to pinch herself to make sure that this is real. Smiling she whispers to herself, “Are you for real? I thought stuff like this only happened in the movies.” She takes the offered jacket; snuggling into it’s warmth, inhaling his scent, and leaning closer to him. “I can’t help but feel bad stealing your jacket…I mean first I steal your beer and now your jacket. I promise I’m not normally this much of a thief… Seriously though, I should know better than to leave the room without my jacket, but I figured it was just across the street I could manage…Thank you though.” She says sincerely “I really appreciate it.”