His first date had been pleasant enough. He liked Priam, but perhaps not in the very ‘boyfriend material’ kind of way. Still, its not all about romance. Business was important too, even if it was a secondary thought. As he made his way to the second table he caught sight of Barnaby, the journalist he’d gone on a strange Delibird misadventure with. He recalled how annoying the blonde had been during it and made sure not to make eye contact. That is, until he realized this was his next table. “Mr. Finch.” He acknowledged trying to keep his voice level. [break][break]

Paxton, like his date, also attempted a different look for the event. Gone was the dark blue uniform and crisp, ironed lines. His hair was no longer in a ponytail either. Instead, his hair was loose and his attire comfortable but sensible. He’d bothered combing his hair ad braiding back some of the side fringe that was starting to tickle. And he’d made sure to pick out a sweater vest and a dress shirt that lacked stains. His jeans, while well worn, at least also lacked any visible mud or grass patches. “Really now?” he said not really believing him and shaking Barnaby’s hand. His grip is firm and his callouses may or may not have been a little scratchy. He sat down again, as Ollie his kitten padded to sit next to Bijou, meowing curiously at her. [break][break]

“I’m sure a man of your status would like to get to business.” He said, as he pulled out a small notepad and pen. “I won’t bore you with small talk. At this time, do you have any interest engaging with the Lillycove City Police Department in the future?” he asked as if representing his workplace. He did and he sort of didn’t. It was more, he got the feeling Barnaby was troublesome no matter the environment.


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The feeling of Paxton's hand in his was revealing, to say the least. Barnaby enjoyed their touch, the fleeting warmth that passed between them, the feel of rough callouses against his skin. He enjoyed even more so the rest of the man sitting before him.

paxton concordas looked good. Barnaby had, of course, appreciated his uniformed look. But it was refreshing and attractive to see him in more casual attire. Barnaby was about to say as much until the officer pulled out his notepad. This spurred on an amused chuckle from the journalist.

"Oh, yes, good. Be sure to write this down. I'd like it to go on record."

Leaning forward in his seat, Barnaby stated very matter-of-factly, "I am interested in engaging with Officer Concordas in the future. Maybe over brunch, or a picnic in the park, or at a local brewery."

He'd pause a moment to let his statement sink in before continuing, a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"He's a very handsome and effective policeman. A true asset to the force. I think I could learn a lot by shadowing him extensively."

paxton concordas
SPEED DATE #2
outfit check

☉

The notepad served twofold for Paxton. One, it held all his notes or stray thoughts he might want to bring up in conversation like the nervous dolt he was. Two, it gave him somewhere to look that wasn’t the shining date in front of him. He hadn’t expected Mr. VIP to be here, but he did remember the man was practically blinding. It was sort of strange. They were both blondes but Paxton’s entire being was more subdued. Paxton didn’t need to compliment someone who clearly looked good. If he did, he had a funny feeling even a polite compliment would inflate the man’s head just a little more.
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But just because he didn’t want to admit it, didn’t mean it wasn’t true. So down he kept his head, clinging to conscious thought like a life raft. He knew if he looked too long, he’d forget to speak, a bad habit he’d picked up ever since he’d arrived to Hoenn. “Tell me if I do it wrong, Mr. Journalist.” He replied despite his pen dutifully poised to begin his scribbles.
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Fuck. He’s more forward than before. Or perhaps he was emboldened by the event. Whatever the case it was already worse than the last time they’d spoken. Though, a hissing Delibird wasn’t exactly the best situation to have a chat in. His eyebrows furrowed together as he forced himself to stay relaxed, but there was no hiding the pink dusting his ears at the word ‘handsome’. Hadn’t heard that shit in a while. Hadn’t felt so underserving of it before either. He smiled, the slightest twitch of his lips. “Mr. Finch, while I am happy to hear how much you enjoyed our time with me, the department cannot guarantee I will be available for your visit.” They could. But he would make someone who actually WANTED to meet Barnaby do it.
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“As for your previous inquiry, I’m afraid I must decline as I am…averse to mixing business with pleasure.” He said this, but he had absolutely considered it at the mention of a brewery. He’d felt himself focus on the word, eyes widening for a moment with interest before he’d quickly beaten down the curiosity. No. Do not get involved with rich men.


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Half-lidded eyes missed nothing as Paxton spoke; his flushed skin, his widening eyes. Despite the strong facade the officer put forward, Barnaby could see the crumbling foundation beneath.

But he played along for a little while. Cobalt eyes connected with Paxton's own electric blue. He nodded solemnly as the officer broke the unfortunate news, foreshadowing their dwindling time together.

However, instead of accepting the rejection, Barnaby just couldn't let such an enticing man slip through his fingers. It wasn't in his nature to give up so easily.

"I'll cut the bullshit then, Concordas. That Delibird article has long been published. Our business is concluded."

His teasing smirk returned.

"Let's focus on the pleasure." Barnaby's favorite part.

"Come have a drink with me. I'd like to get to know you off the clock."

paxton concordas
SPEED DATE #2
outfit check

☉

A little voice inside his head was screaming GET IT TOGETHER. He felt awkward more so than usual. He was used to staring, but typically that was in uniform. The job attracted more attention than his face. Now he just had his day clothes, and a someone with dogged persistence. Then again, he’d said his profession was journalism. One had to be determined to go through that kind of career, he imagined.
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The change in attitude was met with visible surprise. “So, you agree-” he started before shutting the fuck up. No more euphemisms, no more dancing around work. Nowhere to hide. It suddenly dawned on him that this was karma. Karma for every little tease and smirk he’d given that fucking ginger in Mauville. It had to be. He in an almost identical position as @nine , except Paxton hadn’t had the balls to go through with asking them out.
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Still, this avenue garnered more of a reaction from the officer. He leaned in, resting his elbows on the table. Blue eyes stared back refusing to blink. He regarded him, wondering how far this bravado went. “Just a drink?” he asked slowly. It was more of a challenge than anything, something about Barnaby’s confidence rubbing him the wrong way again. “An’ I get to pick the venue?” He already knew where he wanted to go. He paused once more before snorting. “I think I’m pretty easy to get to know. Question is, will you let me do the same?” he asked. Barnaby had the air of what Paxton could only describe as a used car salesman. Charming, handsome, a flatterer, and an innate greasiness to his words he just didn’t like. Like, some people just weren’t supposed to be that slick


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"Just a drink." Barnaby repeated, smiling.

Honestly, this was a surprising but pleasant capitulation. He'd thought Paxton would take a little more coaxing before agreeing to meet, but, perhaps there was more interest on his part than he was willing to outwardly admit.

"Wherever you want, chéri."

Barnaby's eyebrows rose a millimeter or two at Paxton's next question. "I wouldn't ask you out if I didn't want the interaction to be mutual. We'll get to know each other, hm?"

A warning bell chimed overhead, signaling the end to their little reunion. With a sigh Barnaby rose from his seat. Before departing, however, he reached into his coat and extracted one of his business cards, setting it down on the table beside Paxton.

"Reach out when you want to grab that drink. I'm looking forward to it."

He gave the officer one final smile before heading off to find his next partner.

paxton concordas
SPEED DATE #2
outfit check

☉

If it would prevent him from coming back to the station, he didn't mind the free alcohol. Besides, with the place he had in mind, the guy would probably stop all this nonsense after a couple of drinks. Dramatic, sure, but you couldn't always talk your way out of a fight. He smiled, another struggle before dropping it once more. "I'll do my best. I'm not the best conversationalist." he offered, relieved the buzzer went off. [break][break]

He didn't blow off the gesture though, picking up and pocketing the card in his wallet for later. He'd have to call later. He'd sort of agreed to it already. "See you later then, Mr. Finch." he offered letting the other man waltz away before he scooped up Ollie and headed quickly for his 3rd round. Hopefully it'd be less eventful.

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