[ They fall into step together easily once they're outside, Sam leading the way. It's a good day for a walk. The air's pleasantly brisk this time of year, the leaves already turning those beautiful, warm colors that Sam loves. He may not drink as much coffee as TJ apparently does, but with the cooler weather, Sam's all for hot drinks.
He laughs, shaking his head, though his eyes gleam with amusement. ]
Hey now, I just said a drink, didn't I? I guess I could be convinced to make it a couple instead of just one, but only if you buy me one of the cookies there.
[ TJ’s sporting his leather coat so the autumn chill in the air isn’t much of a bother. Another couple of weeks and he’d need a scarf to go with it, but for now, it’s just pleasantly brisk. He slides his hands in his pockets as they walk, chuckling at Sam. ]
Don’t worry. I drink regular coffee, not those fancy coffee drinks. Hopefully this place of yours does free refills. But, I think I can swing a cookie or two if that’s what it takes to keep you around a bit.
[ TJ's smile looks even better up close and personal, and Sam's just plain charmed by now. Truthfully, he'd stay even without the bribe of a cookie, but he's not about to turn it down now that it's actually on the table. ]
Sounds like a good trade off to me.
[ He half expects for half a dozen secret agents to start tailing them any moment now, but he's starting to relax a bit more in TJ's company, sharing an easy smile with him. As promised, the cafe's just a couple of minutes away, and Sam holds the door open to let TJ in first. ]
[ No worries, Sam. That's a perk TJ's long since outgrown. Which isn't to say his mother doesn't employ private sector people to look after him, but... if she does TJ doesn't know about them. Which is probably for the best. He already suffers from knowing his parents think him incapable of taking care of himself.
The scent of coffee and baked goods pours out when Sam opens the door and TJ already feels more at ease. It's nice to be able to go from the underlying tension of a meeting to something as casual as coffee with a new pal. TJ dips his head in thanks as he walks in, pausing to wait for SAm before selecting a seat for them near a window. ]
[ It seems they're both feeling a little more at ease now that they're inside, or at least, Sam is. He rolls his shoulders a little, enjoying the warmth that seeps into his limbs, chasing away the slight chill from their walk.
He follows TJ to the table, seating himself after shrugging his jacket off to drape it over the back of his chair. ]
I like mine sweet and milky, but I can stand it black and lethal in a pinch.
[ Like those moments where he can't indulge himself and has to wake up ASAP. Luckily, those kinds of days have been far and few lately. ]
It's a skill I picked up while in the air force.
[ He nodded to the counter. ] Let me go grab us a couple of mugs and see if I can't wrangle us a free refill or two, okay?
[ Before Sam can wander off, TJ shifts in his seat to get his card from his wallet and offers it up with a grin and a wink. ]
Don’t forget your cookie.
[ He won’t argue if Sam protests, but they don’t usually make anyone sign for a purchase that’s only a couple of dollars. If there’s a problem, he’s got cash, too. Not much, but enough for a sweet treat or two. While Sam gets their coffee, TJ shucks off his jacket and takes a look around. A quick text goes out to his brother, a sort of ritual check-in to let him (and thus their mother) know he’s okay and having coffee with someone he met in group. It’s not the exact truth, but it’s far from a lie. And it’s less worrisome than admitting he’s out with a handsome stranger. ]
How long did you serve?
[ It’s probably a common question, but he’s a little curious and it makes for good conversation beyond the basic small talk. ]
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no subject
He laughs, shaking his head, though his eyes gleam with amusement. ]
Hey now, I just said a drink, didn't I? I guess I could be convinced to make it a couple instead of just one, but only if you buy me one of the cookies there.
no subject
Don’t worry. I drink regular coffee, not those fancy coffee drinks. Hopefully this place of yours does free refills. But, I think I can swing a cookie or two if that’s what it takes to keep you around a bit.
no subject
Sounds like a good trade off to me.
[ He half expects for half a dozen secret agents to start tailing them any moment now, but he's starting to relax a bit more in TJ's company, sharing an easy smile with him. As promised, the cafe's just a couple of minutes away, and Sam holds the door open to let TJ in first. ]
So how do you take your coffee?
no subject
The scent of coffee and baked goods pours out when Sam opens the door and TJ already feels more at ease. It's nice to be able to go from the underlying tension of a meeting to something as casual as coffee with a new pal. TJ dips his head in thanks as he walks in, pausing to wait for SAm before selecting a seat for them near a window. ]
Strong with unreasonable amounts of sugar. You?
no subject
He follows TJ to the table, seating himself after shrugging his jacket off to drape it over the back of his chair. ]
I like mine sweet and milky, but I can stand it black and lethal in a pinch.
[ Like those moments where he can't indulge himself and has to wake up ASAP. Luckily, those kinds of days have been far and few lately. ]
It's a skill I picked up while in the air force.
[ He nodded to the counter. ] Let me go grab us a couple of mugs and see if I can't wrangle us a free refill or two, okay?
no subject
Don’t forget your cookie.
[ He won’t argue if Sam protests, but they don’t usually make anyone sign for a purchase that’s only a couple of dollars. If there’s a problem, he’s got cash, too. Not much, but enough for a sweet treat or two. While Sam gets their coffee, TJ shucks off his jacket and takes a look around. A quick text goes out to his brother, a sort of ritual check-in to let him (and thus their mother) know he’s okay and having coffee with someone he met in group. It’s not the exact truth, but it’s far from a lie. And it’s less worrisome than admitting he’s out with a handsome stranger. ]
How long did you serve?
[ It’s probably a common question, but he’s a little curious and it makes for good conversation beyond the basic small talk. ]