[[ downtown lexington, kentucky ]]

[itwasjustified]

[ "it's not like a change of scenery would hurt." ]

"And that's the only skyscraper -- and I use that term loosely -- you'll see while you're here," Raylan says, pointing out Fifth Third Bank, its black glass and blue detail standing out like a nun in a strip club against the empty skyline.

The city built out, not up; Lexington sprawls to every border of Fayette County, and Fayette County is Lexington.

"It's really just a big town that thinks it's a city," he adds, and points toward the corner of Limestone and Barr, where his office is, before they hang a left off Main to double back toward Ramsey's Diner.

Comments

[itwasjustified]

"If I have to remember every place I've lent a hand to over the years, it'll be a while before I can answer that."

He lifts his nearly empty glass, ice cubes clinking against its sides.

"You're sayin' you didn't leave room for pie."

Tsk, tsk, Reese.

[notenlightened]

Oh, now you're winding up on another Look, Raylan.

"Maybe half a piece," she concedes.

"If I get some help with the other half."

It'd be a shame to waste good pie, especially if it's as good as he's claiming.

(She can't help but wonder if it's fruit - and then wonders what Crews would have to say about fruit pies.)

[itwasjustified]

"Half'll do me just fine."

With a quick grin, he plucks the pie menu from its roost between the ketchup and silverware mug.

"You pick -- there's not one on there I don't like."

[notenlightened]

"At least you're not a picky eater."

She only need to read over it once to make her voice.

"The cherry-almond."

[itwasjustified]

He shoots her a lazy grin -- that's one of his favorites, after all.

When he places the request with their server and she asks if they'd like it à la mode, he looks to Reese in deference.

(That look is reminiscent of a hopeful puppy.)

[notenlightened]

Never let it be said that Reese can resist the puppy expression.

(It's cats she doesn't like.)

"Oh, go ahead," she mutters, half to him while the smile she gives the server is friendly enough.

"You're going to be bad for my health," Reese adds, after the girl leaves.

[itwasjustified]

He allows himself a tiny smile; ice cream is one of his favorite indulgences.

"You're on vacation."

A beat.

"But I guess I could drive you over to Whole Foods -- you can buy organic granola with the rest of the hippies."

[notenlightened]

"Oh," Reese mutters, and then, a little louder: "Oh."

Pause.

"You did not just call me a hippie."

[itwasjustified]

"I may've implied it, but I didn't mean to."

[notenlightened]

"Well, implying is the same as calling," Reese counters, eyeing him over the table.

"Though it might be worth it, just to see you stick out in Whole Foods."

[itwasjustified]

Raylan lifts a hand to scratch at a spot behind his ear.

"I, uh, go there sometimes to buy the good chocolate bars."

[notenlightened]

She leans back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest.

"You're something else, Marshal."

[itwasjustified]

"Am I, now?"

[notenlightened]

The pie arrives, and as the server sets it down between them, Reese's line of sight is momentarily interrupted.

She awkwardly clears her throat.

"Yep."

[itwasjustified]

Suppressing a smirk, he offers one of the two spoons accompanying the dish.

"So're you, Dani Reese."

[notenlightened]

She reaches out to take the spoon from him,

"I hope so; after all, I held out for the pie."

[itwasjustified]

"I'm beginnin' to think that's the only reason you're here," he teases, his fingers brushing hers as she takes the spoon.

He picks up his own and points it at her.

"But, as reasons go, that's a pretty damn good one."

[notenlightened]

Her fingers twist around the spoon, turning it to hold it correctly, but her hand hovers over the pie.

"It might be one of them," she adds, shrugging casually.

[itwasjustified]

"Oh, that's right -- I forgot about the hat."

[notenlightened]

"So fixated on the hat. Ever think that maybe it's just an added bonus?"

She's the first to dive in, scooping both pie and ice cream into the spoon for one good bite.

[itwasjustified]

"Correct me if I'm wrong," he says, tucking into the pie once Reese snags a spoonful, "but I think you just equated my hat to a cherry."

[notenlightened]

She tilts her head in thought.

"It does normally sit at the perfect place for it."

[itwasjustified]

He grins around a mouthful of pie and vanilla ice cream, then swallows.

"You do realize you're pokin' fun at the man who's supposed to explain box trifectas to you tomorrow, don't you?"

[notenlightened]

She scoops up another spoonful of pie, wielding it at him.

"I think I'll take that chance."

[itwasjustified]

"Stubborn and courageous."

Dani gets a conceding nod.

"I like you more already."