Help Make It Better

[Beau LaRoux]

Beau wasn't going to mention his handling of his crazy stalker fans. He'd had a few, mostly females, thankfully, and he'd dealt with them each in turn. Thankfully he hadn't had one lately, mostly because rumors had started about he and Liz before they even became, well, he and Liz. So he could just wave it all off.

Not so much the bit about drowning. That had Beau frowning, and he struggled for a few moments, feeling like he should say or do something, talk Devyn out of it. Instead, he figured it was best to just let it go, focus on the game, get Devyn good and distracted. Suddenly Beau almost wished he'd gone to a joint with some more females, other bone walking around and all that. Though Beau wasn't sure that would've worked, given the way Devyn was thinking and acting right now.

"Aww, c'mon, that ain't even fair," he said, gesturing toward the balls. "Right when I set it up good an' all. You were supposed to do somethin' like this," and Beau leaned over, popped the stick and sent the ball crashing into a few different ones, scattering balls across the table. None went in: even Beau wasn't that good, but he'd set up several good shots, almost all of which looked almost too easy.

Because again: even if Beau lost, he succeeded, so he didn't see any reason to play too hard. Not that he would anyway: just wasn't in his nature.

[Devyn Solway]

Beau was just going to have to deal with Devyn’s ‘dark talk’ she was still in a dark place even with the alcohol in her system. She personally found it odd that Beau seemed to either not fully understand or was underestimating just how much Devyn felt about this matter. She didn’t want to sleep around, she didn’t want to get wasted to the point that she didn’t remember everything, and she didn’t want to be told that there was no hope. She told herself that kind of thing enough all the time and had been told it over and over and she was tired of it.

Beau had the right idea to keep Devyn distracted, but it was only a temporary fix. Even if a temporary fix was all that Devyn ever did, it was only going to keep working for so long at this rate. Not that Beau had to worry about any of that. Devyn smirked and gave an innocent shrug at Beau pointing out what she did was not fair. She knew that, that was why she did it. Devyn stood back and watched as Beau hit the ball and sent the other balls rolling around on the pool table and clanking into one another. Devyn’s drunken mind started to wonder again. I wonder if I could swallow one…what if some guy had put them in his pants to impress the ladies. Heh, that be unhealthy. Devyn thought to herself until Beau was done.

“If I did what you just did, then you would win. I’m trying to win country boy.” Devyn said as she pointed her stick at Beau and then moved to hit the white ball. Smirking as the balls clanked into one another again and Devyn managed to sink in two balls. "Is your jaw dropping yet, Beau?” Devyn asked as she still wore that smirk on her face, moving to hit the ball again but only moved the balls around and even setting up a few shots for Beau. If he was as good as he said he was, well Devyn was already feeling slightly concerned about her victory.

[Beau LaRoux]

"Try away," replied Beau, gesturing toward the table. He watched the smirking guy do a pretty decent job. He wasn't keeping near as good a handle on the score as he probably should've, but he definitely figured that Devyn was winning. Beau planned on keeping it that way, though he knew he'd have to be fairly slick to make sure he wasn't giving away that he was throwing the game.

"Didja forget who you're talkin' to?" he asked, taking one more swig of his drink before sitting it down. "I've been playin' in bars since I came up to my daddy's knees," continued Beau as he bent over the table, setting up the shop. "Seen quite a few sharks. Learned to play myself at, oh, 'round twelve or so."

A sharp jerk sent the cue ball flying, hitting several balls, scattering them into harder positions. It managed to knock one into the hole, though Beau still found himself blowing out a low whistle. "Next shot's gonna be a rough one," he said, walking around and taking aim. He actually fired a pretty decent shot, hitting a ball and causing a chain reaction. The chain went about one ball too many though, losing too much force to get anything in the hole.

"Damn," said Beau, chuckling as he straightened. Maybe he wouldn't have to even try to throw.

[Devyn Solway]

"Your lack of competitive drive is disappointing my inner alpha.” Devyn said with a chuckle but it was true that she was not really feeling like remaining in the competition mood at this rate. It was one thing to feel it and keep feeling it when the other person seemed to feel it as well and passion filled the air. Yet Beau just seemed to just be playing the game and not trying to crush Devyn and show his skill level. It was fine either way, but it just meant Devyn was not going to be as satisfied when she did win. She was going to win, especially because Beau was not giving off the vibe of wanting to beat her.

So why not take a win if someone seemed like they were going to give it to you? Either way, she was pretty sure she was winning but with her mind constantly ending up getting distracted she was not sure. Beau's accent came back out thick and heavy that Devyn had to concentrate for a moment to fully understand what he was saying to her. At least, it sounded thick and heavy to her and those two words caused her to snicker a little to herself. Gutter mind for a moment there. "Oh, so am I going up against a pro? Seems to me you have lost your touch." Devyn said, practically trying to lure Beau competitive side out. She needed something more than this to keep her distracted and in the moment. Pool was only so entertaining after a while when balls were just rolling all over the surface.

Another immature snicker left Devyn at another thought, or more accurately a memory wiggled its way into her head involving a pool table. That had not been as fun as it had sounded and it was certainly something she didn't plan on doing again. Unless it was in the heat of the moment because pretty much anything could happen then. Beau was racking up some more points than, which did impress Devyn when he pulled off a shot that did look particularly difficult. Devyn let out a whistle when Beau shot missed, but it still had looked pretty good. "Damn, I would not have made it either so don’t feel too bad champ." Devyn said as she moved to hit the cue ball, but all of the shots were pretty difficult, nothing lining up nicely but she hit the ball anyways, but didn't land anything. Choosing not to comment but gave Beau a look as if daring him to say something.

[Beau LaRoux]

"You musta figured me to be some other Southerner," drawled Beau, looking over at Devyn and grinning. Wasn't as though Beau's utter lack of competitive drive wasn't fairly common knowledge, after all. He certainly didn't see any point in getting riled up. Though there was a small part of him that was quite amused that he was being beaten without even having to try and throw the game in the slightest.

"Alright, so my shot was hard," said Beau, pointing toward the table with his cue as he walked around, "but that was kinda easy. Lettin' the drink get to your head, Devyn?" he asked teasingly. Then Beau bent over, adjusting his shot and taking another quick jerk. The balls ricocheted, and this time one landed.

With almost too much casualness, Beau strolled over to line up another shot, taking that one. Again, a ball sank into the hole, and he was pretty sure he was getting close to tying the game, if he hadn't by then. Still, he lined up a decent shot, ready to hammer it in. It turned out to be slightly off: the ball just bouncing off the edge of the hole.

"Well, damn, there goes my hat trick,' drawled Beau, chuckling and adjusting his cue so he could lean on it. He nodded toward the table. "Looks like you're up again."

[Devyn Solway]

"Well I don't know too many but it's possible. I don't even know if I'm supposed to be hitting stripes or solids or if we are doing that in this game." Devyn said as she snickered a little bit, she had too much to drink and her drunken mind was wondering all over the places and she was not really sure of anything. She still had a few more drinks to go before she would end up wasted but she planned on not drinking any more for the rest of the night. Again she was not looking to get wasted and forget this night, nor did she want to run the risk of making a mistake. She just wanted to drink a few and feel at least good for a little while. Playing the pool game and hanging out was helping, but still part of her just wanted to be alone.

She had only saught out Beau to help her in the first place and while he was helping her, it was not in the way she had wanted. She still had that going on in the back of her mind but for now she wanted to win. At least try to win anyways. Devyn let out a growl when Beau pointed out that his shot had been hard but hers has been pretty easy. She was still not growling for a fight, but it was more of a warning growl. She was still having fun of course, but certain aspects of her personality were still around of course when she was drunk. "Hey, I had more drinks then you and I told you I'm a light weight." Devyn said, reminding Beau that she had in fact told him that she didn't hold her drinks well.

She still stood back and out of the way as it was Beau's turn. Watching as he managed to get one into the hole. She was pretty sure they were tired now or that Beau might have passed her. What was the score again? Devyn thought to herself as she scratched her head. She let out another small chuckle when Beau missed his second shot, making her way over to line up her own shot. "Going to make this one." Devyn said with confidence as she hit the cue ball and in fact made it. Tossing Beau a quick grin before she moved to hit the one Beau had gone for earlier but missed and instead ended up getting the right ball in. "...okay so where I used to play it, that meant I lost..." Devyn said after a moment of silence as she looked over to Beau unsure.

[Beau LaRoux]

"Pretty sure we're jus' workin' to get the balls in the holes," drawled Beau, nodding toward said holes as he spoke. He didn't see any particular reason to focus on a particular set of rules or anything like that. Best to just let things roll as they were; the two of them were buzzing on drinks that neither should've imbibed at he moment anyway: a fact that Devyn had been quite to point out.

"Sounds like an excuse to me," replied Beau, raising his brows and chuckling again. He was tempted to tell his friend to start actually shooting, but Devyn had already started moving. Seemed to be doing a pretty good job at it too, knocking one in on the first try. The next got another in, and Beau was nodding, so much so that he almost had to raise his brow when Devyn asked.

"Huh? Like I said: reckon we're jus' worried 'bout getting the balls in the hole," he nodded, "so I don't think you gotta worry none 'bout losin' jus' on account of that."

[Devyn Solway]

"Riiiight." Devyn said as she stretched her words as if she was trying to do her best to concentrate on even the conversation. She was having a harder time paying attention the longer this went on and the alcohol in her system had its way with her brain. She needed something that to do that was second nature for her in order to focus. Maybe Beau would be up for a quick spar or maybe they could do some push up on the pool table. That would be a creative way to use the pool table and they could add a challenge to it by trying to balance on the balls why doing pushups. Devyn was thinking all of that and then some as she moves to hit the balls.

"No, I said I was a lightweight. You challenge me to this thinking I suck I bet." Devyn said as she pointed her stick at his again in a accusing manner before going back to her whole turn. Everything was fine until she got the eight ball in but Beau said that they were not really playing by any of those rules. "Ah, alright." Devyn said with a small shrug as she moved again, lining up another shot but only to have the ball just stop short of falling in. She attempted to knock into the table but her depth perception was all kind of off so she just sort of ended up stumbling past the pool table itself. "Damn." Devyn grumbled out but it came with a chuckle as well as she stepped back to let Beau go.

"Are we planning on doing this the whole time? My attention span is soooo not in this anymore. Go play me a song. One about a great battle and then everyone dies but that be too depressing so add a bit about some magic brings someone back or something." Devyn said as she started to twirl her pool stick around a few times, hitting her head in the process and proceeding to rub at it for a little.

[Beau LaRoux]

Beau chuckled at the protest coming from Devyn, fighting the urge to shake his head. Devyn had claimed to be a lightweight and all, to be sure, but up until now, he'd been handling himself just fine. Plus, he'd sounded pretty confident and all. Now though, Beau watched the other guy stumbling around, and figured that maybe the alcohol had just taken its sweet time getting to his friend.

"You sure you're doin' alright?" asked Beau, still chuckling but managing to sound concerned. The whole situation continued to be pretty amusing, after all, though at the same time, Beau wanted to make sure that Devyn didn't get any worse. It wouldn't do them any good if Devyn blacked out. For while Beau was pretty sure he could drag the other guy back to the Academy, he also knew full well that it wouldn't go all that well for either of them, even if waking up with bumps and bruises might take Devyn's mind off things.

In fact, Beau nearly suggested more drinks, but just as he was starting to open his mouth, Devyn kept going. "Well, figured we'd at least---" Beau began, only to stop as Devyn talked about songs. that had Beau shaking his head, smiling ruefully. "You got some funny ideas 'bout what I sing. Don't reckon I know much 'bout no ballad songs, though I can get a sad one up for you. Ain't got my guitar though, so you're jus' gonna have to deal."

Then Beau coughed a few times, before reaching to take another swig of his drink. As he set it down, Beau gestured toward the bartender with another hand, indicating that he wanted to switch to his usual. He needed to be at least marginally sober, and he'd need to drink if Devyn wanted him to perform. He could start now though, and began doing so, singing clear and loud enough to be heard over the din: " Sara Beth is scared to death...To hear what the doctor will saaay...She hasn't been well, since the day that she fell... And the bruise it just won't go awaaaay...

[Devyn Solway]

"Peachy, there are just two of you, wait no...back to one. Everything is good." Devyn said as she stared at Beau for a moment before chuckling again. The drinks most certainly had taken their time with fully kicking in for her, but that was how it always happened. She was a light weight but the alcohol took its time before it would really start to affect her. That was where she ran into the problem of sometimes drinking more then she could handle because she was not patient enough for the buss of the alcohol to kick in. So long as she didn't drink any more or start running around she would more than likely be fine. She would most certainly wake up with a nice hangover and probably have to deal with one of her fives sense going out of whack for a moment or two, but she would be fine other than that.

Devyn would not have minded being dragged around if she passed out, but if she woke up in the middle of it or in a unfamiliar place she lightly kick in a whole 'attack dog mode' for a moment. That would be really bad if she ended up using her power, but she was actually a pretty heavy sleeper so there was not that much to worry about there. Devyn talked about Beau signing then, wanting to hear him sing and see how everyone reacted to his singing. She had of course heard him sing and had been to at least two of his shows now, and while it was still not her style of music she still thought it had its merits. Devyn just grinned as she looked at Beau when he pointed out that she was a bit off in regards to the kind of songs that Beau sang. "I know what kind of songs you sing, I'm just trying to get you to sing something out of your comfort zone...or what you are used to." Devyn said as she scratched at her head for a moment.

Her gaze went to the piano for a moment when Beau brought up his guitar before looking back to Beau, actually looking over him to make sure he didn't have his guitar with him. She had always thought the guitar was like the holder of his soul and that he secretly had it hidden somewhere no matter where he went. A slight wave of disappointment went over Devyn when she saw Beau motioning for another drink, figuring he was not going to preform but soon was proved wrong. Beau started to sing out loud and Devyn just sort of leaned against the pool table and listened. The song sounded familiar but she was not sure yet. Staying silent and practically locked in a trance for a moment as she listened to Beau sing.

[Beau LaRoux]

Technically, Beau sang out of his comfort zone just about every other night, and he was tempted to say as much to Deyvn. Except again, this was not a night for rubbing the other guy the wrong way or anything. Much better to simply keep going, keep trying to do what Devyn wanted.

which, in this case, meant singing a moving country ballad, one that Beau had learned some time ago. He adjusted his grip on the cue and kept going: "So she sits and she waits with her mother and dad... And flips through an old magaziiiiine..Till the nurse with the smile stands at the door And says, 'Will you please come with me'"

He took a breath, adjusting and letting the word sort of dig down a bit, almost half-whisper singing, but still managing to make them clear and audible:"Saaaaaara Beeeeeeth is scared to deeeeeeath 'Cause the doctor just told her the news: 'tween the red cells and white, somethin''s not right, But we're gonna take care of youuuu, Six chances in ten, it won't come back again With the therapy we're gonna try It's just been approved, it's the strongest there is And I think we caught it in time And Sara Beth closes her eyes...

Closed eyes, and Beau adjusted his grip on the cue, moving it like it was a mic stand. He knew he'd need the power for the next, and he practically blasted: "And she dreeeeeeams she's daaaaaaancin' Around and around without any cares, And her very first love is holding her close, And a soft wind is blowin' her hair..." Beau paused, humming for a bit, peeking an eye open to see if Devyn cared for the song at all.

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn didn't say anything, she didn't even move as Beau sang, obviously getting into it a bit by bit and adjusting himself into the song. No, Devyn thought the song had been familiar but she didn't actually know it. This song sounded a lot sadder than the country songs that she had heard here and there. Most of the songs she listened to on random were about farming, drinking, and missing how things used to be back with cowboys and what have you. This was much darker, in a sense that it made Devyn start to feel a little sad. Her mind didn't even wonder as she looked at Beau and remained rested against the table. Beau really could see, very well in fact and part of Devyn was jealous yet at the same time...inner swooning?

She was not really sure but there was certainly something else there and she could imagine Beau singing his girlfriend to sleep or singing to her just to be romantic. Each word had so much heart to it, the feeling on point and Beau was so in tune that Devyn felt like she could hear even background music fitting with the words. The words however, they were upsetting. Devyn was already figuring what the words were saying, what story they were telling and it just made her sad. The smirk on her face going away as she looked a Beau with more an expression that looked like she was going to cry.

She still didn't say anything, letting Beau sing it out still with all that he had. Yet when he did stop singing she was already rubbing at her eyes and turning around. "That song is too sad. I don't like it." Devyn muttered out as she rubbed at her eyes some more. She be damned if she cried and was so not going to show it. She certainly did have a few tears almost slip up but was quick to wipe them away. "I need more to drink." Devyn said after a moment, letting out a heavy sigh.

[Beau LaRoux]

Beau remained silent, noticing the tears in Devyn's eyes. He hadn't quite expected that severe of a reaction to the whole song thing; it was a sad song, sure, but it wasn't like he was singing anything that was too close to home. He smiled and nodded at Devyn's request though.

"Well, if it make any difference," said Beau, nodding, 'the song ends well," he was tempted to sing the last few lines, but he didn't want to hammer it home for the poor guy.

"Can do," said Beau, nodding again. He strolled over to the bar. His soda had already appeared, but Beau gestured over his shoulder to Devyn, nodding. Soon enough, a drink with more kick appeared, sliding over to be near Devyn this time. "There ya go," said Beau, nodding. "Though I reckon we ain't gonna be able to stay 'round here much longer," Beau raised a wrist, trying to look at his watch, and was glad to see that he'd at least remembered to grab it. Sure enough, it had already gotten late, and they'd still have to get back and put the vehicle in the right spot and all.

[Devyn Solway]

The song was not really hitting close to home on any level that Devyn could relate to personally, it was just sad. Plus she was super sensitive at the moment, not helped by the fact that she had too much to drink. Her eyes were slightly red from rubbing at them so much but she was confident that at least Beau didn't see her cry. She actually didn't like crying at all and didn't really do it, so it was an odd sensation. She probably should have cried more, people said that it was good way to get rid of stress but she just felt so pathetic whenever she cried. Even if she was alone, she still didn't like to cry because she sometimes thought of what if her dad was watching her from the afterlife. If there even was an afterlife. Part of her hoped that there was so she could see her father again someday, or soon.

"So she does not die from cancer then? That song totally sounds like she got cancer and is now dying but is trying to think on the positive side. I wish I had a mind like her. Just close my eyes and think happy thoughts." Devyn said as she cleared her throat a little bit, not wanting any sad emotions coming out in her voice. She hoped the song ended on a happy note, she didn't actually like stories or songs that ended sad. It didn't make her feel good about her life or her chances at happiness ever. Her mother always told her she was going to die cold and alone, but Devyn still liked to think that someday she would be able to get things right and be happy. To have that warmth, that love, and to not die alone. She would hold onto that hope for as long as she could because without it, was really was the point of going on?

Beau strolled away, returning with a drink that Devyn took with a small nod of thanks before drinking it. It was certainly stronger but she didn't really mind by this point and just was happy to have something more to drink. She set her pool stick against the pool table when Beau pointed out that they would probably not be here that much longer because of the time. That was fine with Devyn, she knew she was going to likely get bored soon and start doing something of the naughty nature. "Alright, lead and I shall follow because I doubt I'll find that junk of a van. It probably is a pile pf pieces by now." Devyn said with a slight chuckle as she took another swig of her drink.

[Beau LaRoux]

"Well, she's thinkin' happy thoughts an' all, an' the song ends with her boy takin' her to prom an' all. Supposed to be all emotional an' stuff," replied Beau, shrugging. He wondered why Devyn had such a strong reaction to it, especially before he'd even finished. Must be the alcohol or something. Still, hadn't Devyn pretty well asked for a sad song or something? Maybe Beau had misread the situation: wouldn't be the first time that he hadn't gotten a handle on what an audience was actually looking for.

The stick went down, which surprised Beau. He chuckled and shook his head. "I weren't sayin' we needed to head out right this moment," he nodded to the drink. "You jus' got that, an' we still ain't finished here."

He looked back at the table, looking at the balls. The way he saw it, they were probably halfway through, maybe two thirds, depending on how poorly they played. "Still gotta beat you an' all," he drawled, nodding to the table and walking back around. Beau studied the table for a few seconds, then realized something:

"Ya know, I ain't so sure who's supposed to be goin' 'bout now... lost track there for a bit," he couldn't imagine why, what with everything they'd been talking about and the alcohol and all.