[IC] Stranger Beetles

[Metronome]

"Lyds! How do I look?" Beetlejuice certainly looked nervous, for one. He had actually showered, and cleaned his suit. Instead of smelling like dirt and death, he smelled of body wash, dirt, and only a little bit of death.

[Beetlejuice96]

"For the last time, Beej, you look fine. Don't tell me you're getting cold feet over your first date in centuries." She teased.

[Metronome]

"My feet are always cold, kid." He smiled. "Well, I guess I better go, huh?" He waved her goodbye and disappeared.

He reappeared at the subway station. The gang was mulling around. Iggy did a double take when she saw him and gave a wolf whistle. "Lookin' good BJ!" She called.

Beetlejuice's cheeks turned darker.

[Beetlejuice96]

"Holy shit you smell clean. Wait, is that cologne?" Toph commented, grinning at him.

"Who knew demons could clean up for dates." Malcolm teased with a chuckle.

"Beetlejuice?" Ash's voice inquired as they left their room in a nice tuxedo that suited their androgynous self well.

[Metronome]

Beetlejuice shrank a little as the others picked at him. Had he done too much? Did he look like he was trying too hard? Was he trying too hard? He looked up when Ash came out, and was glad to see that his efforts matched their's.

"Hey Ash," he said sheepishly. "Uh...where to?"

[Beetlejuice96]

"It's a surprise." They replied as they walked over. "Ignore them, darling. You look fine." They said before teleporting them away.

[Metronome]

Beetlejuice smiled when Ash reassured him. He took their hand and let them take them wherever.

[Beetlejuice96]

It was a nice restaurant in the Netherworld which an unique menu. Thanks to Ash scheduling for their date, they didn't have to wait long for their table. "Isn't this lovely? Dinner by candlelight."

[Metronome]

Beetlejuice leaned his elbows on the table as he looked around. "It is, Ashy. Oooh! They have snails in the menu!" He took the menu up and looked over their insect dishes. When the waiter came around and took their orders, he got them a sampler and a couple drinks to start.

"On me, don't worry about. Mom left a shit ton of money in the Netherbank," he grinned. Beetlejuice cleared his throat softly. "Er, thanks, by the way. For helping out with that whole situation."

[Beetlejuice96]

"You're welcome, darling. I couldn't let her control you anymore. While I do like you a little well groomed, she took it too far." Ash smiled before gently placing a hand on his. "It's over now, we don't have to worry about her anymore."

[Metronome]

"Yeah..." he said, a bit wistfully. His whole life had been spent in that woman's shadow. He was free now. "Well, maybe once Lyds goes off to college I'll get into politics, huh? Beetlejuice: Ruler of the Netherworld! That's got a ring to it!" He laughed.

[Beetlejuice96]

"Don't let it go to your head, darling." Ash chuckled as their appetizers and drinks arrived. "Ooh, these look exquisite." They mused.

[Metronome]

Beetlejuice let out a chuckle. Yeah right, like he'd ever want that much responsibility. He straightened up when the food arrive, and helped himself to one of the snails he'd ordered. The slurping sound it made when he sucked it out of the shell got them a few glares from the other diners.

"You know some humans eat this stuff, too?" He asked, completely unaware.

[Beetlejuice96]

"Really now? At least they have some taste." Ash mused before slurping one out for themselves. "Mmm. Tangy yet robust. Delicious." They hummed.

[Metronome]

He chuckled and took the wine glass that he'd ordered and downed the whole thing. Classy he certainly was not. "You think they do free refills here?" He asked.

After a couple hours of eating fancy bugs and drinking overpriced boozed, Beetlejuice was pleasantly full and buzzed. When they got the check, he snatched it up and offered to pay.

"I got it, Ash," he said with a grin, "Mom's treat."

On their way out, Beetlejuice just happened to remember something. "You know, my mom always hated it when we hung out. I think it irked her that someone genuinely liked me."

[Beetlejuice96]

"I didn't want to tell you but...she tried paying me to dump you when we were dating before. I obviously refused her offer no matter how many times she upped the price. She wanted you to suffer so much she tried bribing me." They admitted.

[Metronome]

He frowned. "I used to wonder if I dated you just because it pissed my mom off," he said truthfully. "But, the weeks I spent with you and your human friends were really nice. I think I'd like to try us being together again. With no ulterior motives this time."

[Beetlejuice96]

"I had none in mind, dearie." Ash grinned, kissing his cheek happily before gently tangling their fingers with his. "I missed this, us talking truthfully like old times."

[Metronome]

He raised a hand to his cheek and smiled. "Yeah. It's nice, huh?" He kicked at a peddle, wondering if this whole date thing was over now. He didn't really want it to be. Hanging out with Ash again, one on one, was nice.

[Beetlejuice96]

"How about we go scare a few Breathers? It's been ages since I've scared someone." Ash grinned, not really wanting the date to end. "Besides, I believe I still hold the title of Scare Master."