xandervolk-blog

[xandervolk-blog]

Text: Mm. But we’ve already established that I look too threatening.

Text: No. But I know it’s necessary to have that kind of leverage every once in a while. Sometimes it’s the only thing that’s going to get the job done.

Text: Did they tell you that you should join or did you grow up just knowing that you would?

Text: That’s pretty cool that it runs in your family though. I’d imagine not all of them had perfect experiences though. Is that the kind of thing you can talk about together?

xandervolk:

Text: Maybe someday I’ll learn to smile a little more.

Text: I can’t lie to you, it is. I’m the ready-made Bad Cop, always ready to go in at a moment’s notice.

Text: Hopefully none of them will. But i guess in the end, all you can really do is try to protect them from the worst of it and prepare them for what you can’t spare them from experiencing.

Text: Is there any part of you that regrets enlisting?

Text: You should smile if you have a reason to smile. Forcing it just.. sucks.

Text: And you like playing Bad Cop? 

Text: I don’t regret enlisting. My whole family has been in the army. We’ve all served, some still do. It feels good, serving your country, but if I’d known what I know now.. 

Text: I don’t think I would’ve done it. 

[xandervolk-blog]

Text: Maybe someday I’ll learn to smile a little more.

Text: I can’t lie to you, it is. I’m the ready-made Bad Cop, always ready to go in at a moment’s notice.

Text: Hopefully none of them will. But i guess in the end, all you can really do is try to protect them from the worst of it and prepare them for what you can’t spare them from experiencing.

Text: Is there any part of you that regrets enlisting?

xandervolk:

Text: I was only joking. I don’t really have much of a temper. I just have a strong resting bitch face.

Text: I feel that.

Text: Faith in what in particular? Or just the human race in general.

Text: That’s it. That’s what makes you look a little threatening.

Text: I imagine it must be useful being a cop, though. 

Text: I meant the human race in particular in this case. It gives me hope that one day those children won’t have to see the things we did. 

[xandervolk-blog]

Text: I was only joking. I don’t really have much of a temper. I just have a strong resting bitch face.

Text: I feel that.

Text Faith in what in particular? Or just the human race in general.

xandervolk:

Texts 💌 Thomander

Text: Don’t I look like someone with a wild temper?

Text: They’be always got so much energy.. and most of them talk a lot. I end up feeling so awkward around them.

Text: Do you like working with them?

@thomasdixon

Text: You do, but at the same time, you don’t. It’s weird, you have a bit of both in you.

Text: They’re just enthusiastic. I’d love to have their energy sometimes.

Text: Yeah, I do. It’s very different than what I did in service. I think I specialised in this because I wanted something completely different. Most of the kids I see have such innocence in their eyes, you know? It gives me faith. I don’t know if that makes sense.

[xandervolk-blog]

Texts 💌 Thomander

Thomas: Wild temper? I've never heard someone describe their temper as 'wild' before.

Thomas: Oh, no, I see what you mean. You don't have to apologize.

Thomas: I mean, I'm a pediatrician and I don't know if I would ever want to have kids.

——-

Text: Don’t I look like someone with a wild temper?

Text: They’be always got so much energy.. and most of them talk a lot. I end up feeling so awkward around them.

Text: Do you like working with them?

@thomasdixon

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: Being quietly disappointing definitely helps better for me. I didn't get yelled at much, but I still don't like conflict.

Thomas: How come they make you nervous?

X: I'll try to keep my wild temper under control around you then.

X: I don't know..

X: Just some of the domestic things you get called to. A lot of them involve kids. I usually don't look at a person and automatically see a statistic, but with kids it's just harder not to, somehow.

X: That took a turn. I'm sorry.

[xandervolk-blog]

"No, this is alright. I can get them later." Briefly, Xander considered escorting her to his car and driving her home, to save her the trouble of walking-slash-stumbling-and-falling over anything along the way, but with the mood she seemed to be in and judging by the slight tremble he could hear in her voice, something told him that wouldn't be the best plan. He didn't want to traumatize her after all, just make sure that she got back home safely. And maybe encourage her not to do something like this again. He wouldn't like to be forced to take her down to the station some day for public intoxication.

Glancing at her as he helped her back to the sidewalk, Xander frowned just a little as the guilt pinched at him. Man, he really hadn't meant to make her so upset. "So," he started, trying to sound a bit lighter, "What made you want to get stone-cold drunk in the middle of the day? Usually that's reserved for old men who've just been handed their pink slips."

Five O’Clock Somewhere || Valerie & Open

xandervolk:

If he felt a pang of guilt over the embarrassment clearly written across her face, none of it was visible in his expression, which remained hard and analytical. It was impossible to tell from the outside what the officer was thinking, and he stayed rigidly silent as he waited to hear her answer.

Knowing that she at least hadn’t been thinking of getting into a car, Xander allowed himself to relax a little. He wasn’t on duty officially, but no officer was ever really ‘off’. He was still driving his cruiser, he still had his gun in a concealed carry holster under his coat, and extra ammo in the locked glove compartment. Still.. there was no reason to come at her so harshly, right? It was the middle of the day, but there were no laws against keeping odd hours. Xander himself would normally be sound asleep right now in preparation for the night’s shift, but tonight he just so happened to be off.

“I was just going to pick up a few things at the pharmacy, but I don’t think you’re in a condition to walk home alone,” he said, speaking a bit more gently than he had before and still clasping her elbow in a light grip. “Let me walk you home.” Automatically Xander reached for the rest of her bags, hefting them into his own arms. “Which way?”

As he took the bags from her, Val clutched his arm and she swallowed thickly. Who was she to argue? She hoped Caleb wasn’t home to see him bring her in, drunk and embarrassed this early in the day. She was sober enough to feel the weight of her stupid decision now that someone else was there to witness it. “Are you sure?” Val asked softly. She didn’t know whether he was on duty or not and he was going to the pharmacy for something. “We can get your things..” she said.

“I didn’t mean to ruin your afternoon..” She felt like crawling in a ball and sleeping off this bad decision. “I’m not usually like this.” She couldn’t read his face which made this harder. He was quiet and rigid and the lack of emotion worried her. What was he thinking? Would this completely destroy his image of her?

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: Oh yes, because Australian and British is very much the same, don't let them hear you.

Thomas: Like I said, mean.

Thomas: You could give me a scolding, that would work. I don't like being yelled at.

Thomas: You don't like kids?

X: They sound the /same/.

X: How much did you get yelled at in the service? Was it really that effective? I always felt like it got more of a response when I skipped the yelling and was just quietly disappointed.

X: I like them alright. They just make me a little nervous.

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: You didn't know that?

Thomas: Any other way I can pay that fine? I spent like half my paycheck on books and sent the ones I had away to my brother so I had enough 'asset space' to get the new books.

Thomas: That's.. mean.

Thomas: Oh, yeah, that would be cool for a kid I guess.

X: No. I would've staked money on him being just normal British. That's so weird.

X: If you're very polite, the judge might offer you community service instead. Then I can follow you around while you pick up trash off the freeway and point out all the bits you miss.

X: If I just paid your way out of your mistakes, how would you /learn/?

X: I guess so. Kids are weird.

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: Are you going to become all Chris Hemsworth or Hugh Jackman-y now?

Thomas: I think you arrrrrr.

Thomas: Yeah... And seeing the only other person who would might bail me out is the one who arrested me, not a good idea.

Thomas: I bet that was intimidating. Did he cower in fear?

X: Chris Hemsworth's Austrialian???

X: I'm sorry, but horrible jokes carry a fine in this town. You'll need to postmark your check by the date on your ticket, or fight it in small claims court.

X: Do you think I'm made of money? I'd let you rot in that cell, curfew-breaker.

X: Yes. Except that it ended up being a single mom and her two boys, and she forgot she was wearing the shoes. The youngest kid got real excited that I might arrest them all, because "going to jail would be SO COOL."

[xandervolk-blog]

That's because you're a bully.. Your kind never loses interest as long as us little guys try to fight back. Oh, I never go into he locker room at work. It's too much for my constitution. The guys in there talk about bad things and I'm afraid I'll faint. Sometimes they even get naked.

Oh well, that's okay. Just make sure you let her know how much I'm lusting after her. And tell her I've never been to Albuquerque - she'll know what it means.

I guess I can still stop by for a little while though.

xandervolk:

Ouch ouch ouch. The punches just keep on coming. My ego’s going to be black and blue by the time you lose interest and move on to beating up somebody else. Oh, so I should lie? If you say so.. Now let me tell you the story of how I won three Purple Hearts..

I’d point out how bitter that sounds, but my ego’s already so fragile and it couldn’t survive the retaliation. So I’ll just saw ‘aw.’

Molly actually sounds familiar, I’m pretty sure that was her name. Oh good, I love saving a little time. I don’t know, I haven’t made up my mind yet. Will Mol be there?

Your ego wasn’t much to contend with to start with if you already think I’m going to lose interest; give yourself some credit, I’m plenty interested. You’d think a three-time Purple Heart recipient would be able to withstand a little harmless banter. I’m sure I’m nothing compared to the locker room talk at the station.

Just me tonight, sorry - we don’t normally double-up until Thursdays. I can let her know the rookie was asking for her though, she’ll lose her shit.

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: Hmm, maybe if you pretend you're from Australia you can use that excuse.

Thomas: I'm sorry, I think a pediatrician breaking the law isn't going to work wonders for my reputation and it seems like this town is so small that it won't stay a secret for long.

Thomas: Yeah it is. So, tell me about the bowling shoe thief. Did he come quietly or did you have to go all tough-guy on him?

X: Done. G'day matey.

X: I think I'm confusing Australians and pirates actually.

X: True. Especially if you have to call one of your office's nurses to bail you out or something. I guess I won't beg you to come out and visit me then.

X: I flashed my 33-cal and said if he didn't return the shoes immediately I'd pump him full of lead.

X: You've got to be assertive with hardened criminals.

[xandervolk-blog]

If he felt a pang of guilt over the embarrassment clearly written across her face, none of it was visible in his expression, which remained hard and analytical. It was impossible to tell from the outside what the officer was thinking, and he stayed rigidly silent as he waited to hear her answer.

Knowing that she at least hadn't been thinking of getting into a car, Xander allowed himself to relax a little. He wasn't on duty officially, but no officer was ever really 'off'. He was still driving his cruiser, he still had his gun in a concealed carry holster under his coat, and extra ammo in the locked glove compartment. Still.. there was no reason to come at her so harshly, right? It was the middle of the day, but there were no laws against keeping odd hours. Xander himself would normally be sound asleep right now in preparation for the night's shift, but tonight he just so happened to be off.

"I was just going to pick up a few things at the pharmacy, but I don't think you're in a condition to walk home alone," he said, speaking a bit more gently than he had before and still clasping her elbow in a light grip. "Let me walk you home." Automatically Xander reached for the rest of her bags, hefting them into his own arms. "Which way?"

Five O’Clock Somewhere || Valerie & Open

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: Oh, you're a morning person then?

Thomas: I'm sorry. I would come and get a speeding ticket but I don't own a car right now and there's the whole curfew thing.

Thomas: I can't sleep, so I figured I'd take you up on that texting offer.

X: As long as morning starts after 5pm, then yes.

X: Bummer. Well, I won't ask you to break curfew just for me, although throwing you in a squad car and taking you downtown would blow the rest of my night out of the water. I got called to the bowling alley a few hours ago, because someone walked out without returning their rental shoes.

X: I'm glad you did. It's nice to have someone to talk to when everyone else is sleeping.

[xandervolk-blog]

Good idea - although I'd suggest locking it inside the personal safe whenever you're not in the room, if you don't already. Have you met anyone interesting up there so far? I haven't been inside the Osprey yet, but I've driven by a few times. It looks gigantic. Thank you for saying that. Fortunately for me, there are plenty of other officers here who cut a much more impressive figure than I do.

I understand. No, I'm afraid I don't. I've never been married, or engaged, and my family lives almost on the complete opposite side of the state. I'm also brand new here, so that brings a little of its own loneliness as well.

xandervolk:

Sounds like you’ve got quite a busy lifestyle. I’m exhausted just thinking about it. I’m not sure I’d like being the most important person in any room.. but it sounds as though you picked the right line of work.

Oh, I’m sorry. That’s probably.. pretty lonely for you, not having him here. Wow.. I would’ve found some time to go with my fiancé to a resort, even if work made it difficult. The hell is this guy’s deal?

Incredibly rewarding, but yes - busy. It feels nice to be here with no real schedule, leave my business phone in my room, go out to explore the hotel and meet new people. It’s probably not my place to say, Sir, but I would think a classically-handsome police officer would rank pretty high in just about any room in Hunter’s Ridge, at least from what I’ve seen.

There’s nothing to be sorry about. It can be - mostly when I go to sleep - but like I said, the time to myself is a nice change of pace, at least for now. Do you have a special someone who came to town with you?

[xandervolk-blog]

Ouch ouch ouch. The punches just keep on coming. My ego's going to be black and blue by the time you lose interest and move on to beating up somebody else. Oh, so I should lie? If you say so.. Now let me tell you the story of how I won three Purple Hearts..

I'd point out how bitter that sounds, but my ego's already so fragile and it couldn't survive the retaliation. So I'll just saw 'aw.'

Molly actually sounds familiar, I'm pretty sure that was her name. Oh good, I love saving a little time. I don't know, I haven't made up my mind yet. Will Mol be there?

xandervolk:

Thanks. I feel a few centuries older than dirt now. A few parts of it were scary, but overall it was just a lifestyle I lived for a while. It’s not as though it was harrowing adventure 24/7. Plenty of days were dull as hell.

Sorry to say it, but he’s probably right. Prince Charming is probably riding the subway in a big urban center right now, statistically speaking.

Mhm, that sounds like her. They’re pretty convincing fakes, then. We talked about how long she’s worked there and what the usual clientele tend to be like. It was a very illuminating conversation.

You look good, I would’ve guessed dirt had at least a few decades on you. Oh, but for future reference - you should definitely be telling girls it was harrowing adventure 24/7. You’ll be like a real-life action hero, that’s huge right now.

Prince Charming’s not doing anything right now because he doesn’t exist, Volkmann.

If they were real, then you met Molly. Trust me, you’d know Bridgette’s were fake. This is actually really convenient; I’ve hung out with enough cops to know what your day-to-day is like, and Mol filled you in on what a typical Snow Bunnies shift is - we can skip that part of the getting-to-know-you smalltalk tonight. Were you still planning on coming by?

[xandervolk-blog]

3:28 AM || Xander + Thomas

Thomas: How's work going?

Thomas: You are working, right? If you're not, I'm sorry for waking you up.

X: I've been up since the gloriously early hour of 8pm.

X: Work is quiet. Do you know how many people speed through this town at 3:30am?

X: zero.

X: How are you?

[xandervolk-blog]

He was unspeakably glad to hear the lightness in the other man's voice; it filled him with more confidence, enough that he felt comfortable making a joke at his own expense. Xander scrunched his nose and tossed a look of teasing disapproval in Thomas' direction. "That's fine, rub it in how out of shape I am. I'll crawl home and cry into my pillow after I drop you off."

The slower pace gave him more time to take in their surroundings, and Xander was able to appreciate more thoroughly than he had before just how nice a trail it was. Surprisingly private, given how close to town they still were. He glanced at the other man, deliberately not taking anything deep or ominous out of what he'd just said. "Yeah? Good. I'll take you up on that- probably way too often, you're going to regret giving me the go-ahead. Ah-" He pretended to clutch at his own heart, "Don't toy with my emotions like that, Dixon. That chili-mac was the backbone of my existence for like.. five straight years. I've ordered it in probably eighty restaurants, and it's never even been close to the right taste. I think the real secret to the MREs is that they're made from rehydrated cardboard."

Keep Up || Xander + Thomas