[That first question throws her for a loop. She knows that she can be high strung sometimes, but she doesn't think she's ever given him a reason to think she'd be mad about this. Her eyebrows knit together in her confusion, and she manages a small laugh of disbelief.]
Why would I be mad? When you're ready, my bed'll still be there.
[Her relationship with Danny taught her so much about honesty and patience, about waiting until the right moment to do things. His death had caused her so much pain and held her back, but with Frank she finds that she can finally move on as she's promised. She's even happy, despite the fact she's not getting the immediate satisfaction that her body craves. Some things are worth the wait, and she knows Frank Castle is one of those things.
So she lets the corner of her mouth curl upward in a pleased little grin, as she thinks over flowers. Her favorite isn't even on this planet. But as far as Earth flowers go, she's got a few. She isn't sure if that makes things easier or more difficult for him. But she leans in and steals a quick kiss anyway.]
And as far as flowers go? I'm known to be fond of poppies, peonies, and calla lilies. Why? Are you gonna bring me flowers?
[Please bring her flowers. He'll be the first man that ever has taken the time to do so.]
[ he meant the text, and now he feels even sillier, feeling more tightness in his chest break up at that. she'll wait for him. it's... romantic in a fucked up way only his life can be. frank shakes his head, and if he'd known her inner commentary he would vow to get her space flowers -- anything she wanted. that's always been who he is, stopping at nothing to take care of those closest to him.
and yet he failed when it counted, to save his family. she couldn't save danny. life, unfortunately, moves on. and on and on and on.
grateful for the kiss as something to anchor himself in lest his thoughts spiral out completely, frank kisses back softly, shutting his eyes and reveling in their closeness. just a few more moments, he doesn't want to leave yet. not when there's nothing waiting for him out there. not when his whole world is now decisively in this room. her words startle him, having already forgotten he'd asked the question. a sharp inhale and a skip of his heartbeat betray how jumpy he really is. how terrified to lose this.
peonies. of course. maria's favorite. sarah's favorite. what a curse. it's a good thing she hadn't come over to his motel and seen the wilting peonies in his kitchen. frank has to look away, though he's still smiling. he just doesn't want her to see the sadness trapped in his gaze. ] I'm an old-fashioned kinda guy that way. [ a repetition, something he had said to karen. but then it was a joke. now it isn't -- not even a little. he wants to bring her flowers and cook her dinner and have the long, slow courting neither of them had ever had time for before with anyone else.
slowly his gaze shifts back up, his smile more insistent now. though it's really only the dull reflection of one in the end. ] What happened to me being too old to play the long game? [ a tease, returning to her words from earlier to lighten the mood. he knows she had been joking, they both do that. lame jokes and deflections to hide how they're really feeling. his fingers idly play with the strap of her tanktop as he watches her now. ]
[She's eternally grateful they both have the same way of covering things up. Anger and humor both work in their favor, and the way he tries using some teasing against her makes her fall for him a little more. They both have ghosts to work around in this relationship, issues they haven't really brought up to the other yet. She won't compete with ghosts, but in this case it's not like that. There's nothing wrong with two broken people working to put themselves back together again. Especially not when things are this good right from the start.]
Oh come on, you're not that much older than I am. I'm thirty-one, not twenty. Sides, I had to make you think I was into you but not as into you as I really, actually was. I have complete faith in your ability to play the long, old-fashioned game.
[Another kiss, this one intentionally teasing. It's barely more than a peck before she's pulling away, lightly tugging at his lower lip with her teeth. She really doesn't want him to leave, and considers asking him again to stay. It would be wrong to do when he's already said he can't, that he's not ready. But the words are still on the tip of her tongue. There's a very deliberate pause before she pulls a ridiculous face, and keeps the teasing going instead.]
Does that mean you're the waiting 'til marriage type? I mean, I already know your intentions thanks to that first text, but think I might have to ramp up the seduction efforts.
[Her shoulder ducks downward a little, just enough that his playing with the strap of her top causes it to slide down as if on cue with her words. It's completely ridiculous and she knows it, and she just barely manages to hold in a breath of laughter.]
[ thirty-one though. that feels like so long ago. his kids were what? nine and seven. and he was in one undisclosed location to the next, never able to talk to them for more than precious moments at a time. he knows clara's been through a lot; he knows she isn't younger than her years, certainly. but sometimes that six years between them feels like ages, especially when she's trying to explain tinder to him. her explanation gets a tiny huff of a laugh out of him anyway, it's not like he could blame her since he's basically been trying to hold it together every time since the first day he met her.
frank lets out a soft sound at the kiss, though there's no time to return it, closing his eyes when her teeth tug his lip. oh, this girl is trouble. just another reason why he likes her though, really. marriage. he'll never get married again, at least, he can't see himself doing that again. and yet he'd been prepared to shoot that text off to matt. girls love falling for that blind dickbag. ]
Not that long. [ he manages after a beat, his suddenly heavy gaze zeroing in on the pale swath of skin she reveals to him then. how easy it would be, to fall into this here and now. it isn't so much the sex he fears (though yes, it's a factor) but that he'll have to leave right after. he can't sleep here. he should just tell her, he knows, about his nightmares. but he swallows back the words again as calloused fingers brush up over the cap of her shoulder and steadily across to her collarbone. he takes a sharp breath in, eyes crashing into hers. ]
[Her own breath hitches, chest twitching slightly with the effort it takes to stay still. That breath is slowly released, shaky and a little louder than she'd like it to be. As tempting as it is to point out that his actions aren't matching up to his words, she doesn't want to ruin things by letting her mouth run just for the sake of getting the upper hand. He needs time to explore her, to get used to this (whatever it is they're diving into here). Teeth press against her lower lip as she shifts a little, trying to ignore the warmth of arousal that she feels just from his slight touch.
Without breaking their eye contact her hands go to his shirt, casually working on shifting it upward. There's a mock-innocent look on her face as she does it, and her eyebrows arch upward as if she's challenging him to either tell her to stop or make the next move.]
You don't have to stay.
[The words are whispered, and she almost loathes how pathetic it makes her sound.]
[ she starts edging up his shirt and he wants to protest -- for so many reasons. but she wants him to stay; he knows, even before she says he doesn't have to. she wants to be wanted, and she wants frank to tell her over and over. is he ready to be that for someone again? when he lost maria he never thought he'd have it, never thought he'd want it. that he'd want her. his fingers halt and he bites into his lips too, studying her face. he used to rely on his guts to tell him when timing was right. but after everything got so fucked up, frank can't trust himself or what he feels. ]
I want to, it's just... [ he wants her to know this conflict has nothing to do with her. this is all a frank castle problem, but it's that same thing that makes him not want to burden her with it at all. every time you come back, you leave a piece of yourself there. maria, angry with him as ever; just wanting to get inside his head for a change. he had never been able to fully let her in, and it's only after that he realizes how selfish that really was. frank swallows past a dry patch in his throat and leans in to kiss clara again, two big fingers pinching her chin. it feels good, and right, but that doesn't mean it is. his tongue sweeps into her mouth to explore properly, not attempting to deter her if she intends to push his shirt up more. if she does she'll reveal a veritable map of scars, some long and shallow from the cut of a knife, some raised and mottled from the pass of a bullet. and others, undefinited, cutting his flesh up into bite-size pieces for consumption. ]
I can't sleep with you. [ it's more decisive, words plain and unshaken as he pulls away this time. for as clear as it is, he knows it still needs clarification lest she take it as another rejection. has he mentioned he's really bad at this? ] I mean, sleep. In the same bed. I have dreams.
[Without his stopping her, she ends up pushing up his shirt enough to touch at his skin. He's warmed up since arriving, but there's still an edge of a chill to the touch that makes her gasp against his lips. She can feel the scars and takes great care to map them all out slowly. Whatever it is that he does, whatever his life outside of her is, she's not afraid of it. Her fingers trace along what she assumes is a scar caused by a knife, and she ends up pushing his shirt up with the intent to remove it.
But then he goes and speaks, and pulls away just enough that she's left wanting and leaning forward in an attempt to maintain the contact. Rejection crosses over her face at first, but then he explains, and her expression softens. There's the warmth of understanding on her eyes as she processes his words, even as her heart sinks and aches for him. Is he afraid she won't be able to handle them?]
Hey - [She moves her hands away from his shirt and body to press her thumb against his chin. It's important that he doesn't look away from her when she says this.]
Don't you dare assume that just because my pretty face has turned your head that I'm not able to handle parts of you that are dark and gritty. Cause I've got parts like that too. Some of the things I've done and seen, the choices I've had to make, some of the near death experiences...things stick with you. When I said I want to be with you, it's not just for one night or just for sex. I meant all of you, dark spots and dreams and all.
[Her hand drops away and she leans in to place the most ridiculous kiss to the tip of his nose. ]
You don't have to sleep in the same bed with me 'til you're ready. No pressure. Just know nothing you can do will scare me.
[ he lets out a low, shuddering breath at the way her fingers map him out, exploring him the way he hadn't allowed from anyone previously. with her, he doesn't feel scrutinized, only appreciated. but then as he's pulling back, his hands rest on her shoulders, not wanting to lose what they're building up to here but also unable to continue until she knows.
her reaction isn't what he expected either, but he's come to expect that from her most of all. frank holds her gaze unwaveringly, letting her get through her whole speech without so much as opening his mouth to interrupt. does she really mean that? all of him. he's not sure there is an all of him anymore, but if it's what she wants he knows he'll end up sweeping the pieces into a pile to show her anyway. and if she looks him over and finds him lacking, well. then she's probably better off anyway and he will have had another taste of happiness. what a lucky guy.
the kiss to his nose breaks him out of his thoughts completely, going briefly cross-eyed before regarding her with bemusement. and then, as ever, his brows knit together again like he's remembering. maria kissing his nose and frank laughing -- it's like he's watching people who he has no relation to. he supposes it's because he doesn't, not anymore. ] That's not--
[ he can't scare her. frank didn't think he could, honestly; and he knows he's certainly not capable of trying. the big bad punisher is really much more of a softy than anyone ever expects. it's hard to get a grip on the words, and suddenly, his hands move around her waist, easily lifting her off the counter to swing her around and set her on her feet. ]
Why don't we try making that tea again? [ he picks his coat up off the floor and places it across the back of a chair, never one to leave things untidy for too long. then, he turns back to the counter to put the kettle back on himself. he really needs coffee, but he knows all clara has is instant. if she's teaching him tea he's teaching her what real coffee is pronto. without bothering to analyze why, frank finishes cleaning up the mess from earlier and dumps out the tea water to start again, holding up the tea bags to make sure he has the right ones before depositing them into the cups for round two. and then, finally, he turns to lean against the counter to answer her at last. because sometimes he just needs... a minute, and some space, in order to say his piece. ]
I don't think you can't handle it, alright? I know you can. Just don't think you should have to. [ he's a lot to deal with, and he knows it. ]
[Oh my God, he still wants to focus on the tea? Clara looks stunned by that at first, but since she can't very well turn down good tea she sets to work getting out all the things they'll need to prepare it just how she likes. Of course, she knows that he needs the time to gather his thoughts and is just using the tea to deflect and cover up, the same way they both use humor.
She's halfway inside her pantry when he finally speaks again, and though her eyes aren't on him she hears every single word. When she peeks back out and closes the door behind her, she's got a bag of cookies in one hand, and a bag of chips held between her teeth. Once she brings them both over to sit on the counter and her mouth's free, she's able to really address what he's said. Not before nodding toward the snacks to let him know he can have some, of course.]
Yeah, but that's not your decision to make. It's not a matter of have to, not to me. I want to.
[Acting on an urgency to be in close to him again, she steps in until she's right in his personal space. They can still focus on tea even with her standing up in his business, right? That becomes a little more debatable as she first rests her hands on his hips, then slides them up to rest against his shoulders instead. ]
Think your only choice is just letting me do what I want, at this point.
[ a shallow smile crosses his lips as she rummages around for milk and snacks, more or less knowing it would go this way. maybe tea was also an excuse to stick around for a while, not that he'd admit it. he's about to argue with that, he really is. it is his decision whether or not to let her in, but... then she's close to him and pushing closer. a little shiver tracks down his spine in reaction to her hands at his middle, but then her hands push up to his arms and it's all he can do not to melt into a punisher shaped puddle right here. ]
Don't think I could stop you. [ she's a force to be reckoned with, but that's the way he's always liked his women. she has to know already that he'd do anything she ever asked of him in earnest. he can't help himself. but then he slowly comes to the realization that... maybe she doesn't know that. she didn't even know he liked her until moments ago. he reaches out to toy with the hem of her tank top this time, idly rubbing it between his fingers. ] I wanna be with you, too. Dark, gritty, and everything else.
[An eyebrow arches as she feels him toying with her top. Everything is happening quickly, and maybe that's a good reason to put the brakes on and make sure that they don't go too far tonight. Hearing what he wants to be with her the same way she does him makes her arms stretch upward so her hands can press against the back of his head. As she's taking in a sharp breath she guides his forehead down to hers. They just stand there like that, close and sharing each others breaths. It's oddly endearing and likely the most romantic moment she's ever initiated. Just simple acceptance of one another and wanting to be together despite all the odd shit that goes on in their lives.
It's a nice feeling, and she clings hold of it with hope that she can give him something good. He deserves happiness wherever he can find it. Her eyes slide closed and she sweetly kisses him, far more gentle and chaste than the others they've shared.]
Good. Cause there's not a single chance you're getting rid of me now.
[And right then the tea kettle decides to go off, whistling loudly and ruining the moment.]
[ how did clara know forehead touches were frank's love language huh!!!! he feels exposed. but kind of in a good way, actually, obligingly bowing his head until his face rests against hers. it feels nice to just be for a moment, shutting his eyes into the kiss when it happens. ]
This another thing I have no choice on? [ he barely gets through it before the kettle is screaming, and frank automatically disengages to pull the water off the burner. he's... oddly domestic, isn't he? ]
[There's a retort on the tip of her tongue, but it dies off as she watches him move around her kitchen. He certainly is domestic, and it does a good job of making him even more attractive to her. As he gets the kettle and pours the water over the tea bags in the mugs, she very slowly works at eating a cookie. Her eyes never leave him the entire time.
She can imagine them being mundane and domestic together in between their chaotic and dangerous lives, making meals together or her waking up in the morning to find him preparing coffee. Struck with such a strong sense of longing for that kind of life, she smiles like a total idiot as she stands at his side to start dipping the teabags so they're ready faster.]
So. What're your thoughts on dates, Mr. Old Fashioned? I'll let you have a choice on where we have our first one.
[ her impatience is, as always, adorable, but he doesn't say anything, watching her back in that quiet observatory way he has. her smile confuses him, but he doesn't ask about that either. dates. with him? clara wants to be seen in public with frank? he doesn't even like being in public most of the time, but the pressure is on to think of something good when she presses him that way. ]
Do you know how to shoot a gun? [ yes this is the first thing he thinks of. shut up. also you're welcome. what a practical first date this could be!! he's actually proud of himself here. ]
[Somehow, that question doesn't really take her by surprise. She doesn't answer right away, ducking her head to try and hide a coy little smile from him. Leaving the teabags alone for now, she turns and leans back against the counter. Should she pretend she doesn't know how and let him teach her? No, she can't pretend not to do something just for that. Clearly, men love when you are better than they are at something they love.]
I've had some experience with one, yeah. Though one of them was more a giant blaster cannon than a gun, but the point is they both had a trigger and I used them. I've got you covered if you'd like to play around with maces for an hour or so, too.
[The idea of going and shooting guns with Frank is oddly appealing. He'll be at ease and she'll get to show off. What more could she want?]
[ giant blaster cannon. maces?! frank's eyes light like it's christmas morning. this is really happening to him right now. ] Then a .45 shouldn't give you any trouble. What do you say? [ gun date gun date gun date. this is like the best day of his life clara you have no idea. ]
[Oh, he looks so excited. Like a little boy getting a puppy. She couldn't tell him no, even if she wanted to. Which she doesn't, because the idea of a gun date sounds oddly thrilling.
Grinning, she rises up on her tiptoes as she leans in to kiss his cheek.]
Only if you promise not to laugh at me doing it in a dress.
Laugh? [ does she mean pop a boner because he can't promise that a t a ll. ] Why would I laugh? [ u kno, ever. he deadpans, though the reflex to touch his cheek after she kisses him is automatic. ]
Is this leaf water ready or what? [ lay it on him ]
[Frankly, she'd be offended if he didn't pop a boner when watching her with a gun. Thankfully, that doesn't seem like it will be a problem. Unlike the tea, which isn't as dark as she wants it to be but is also as done as her patience will allow. Laughing because how dare he call it leaf water (although accurate), she sets to putting things in said tea to make it taste amazing. Idk what these things are bc Texans only drink iced sweet tea.
When it's all said and done, she holds a mug out for him to take.]
It's better than just leaf water. Give it a chance.
[ english people drink tea with milk okay. lots of milk because they're gross. which is why frank is wrinkling his nose, but shrugging optimistically. ]
Don't tell Micro. [ that he willingly drank tea with her. he'd never hear the end of it!!! frank takes a cautious sip... and well. it's definitely not coffee. and he would probably like it better plain. but he's stuck with it now so here they are. ]
[Oh, he doesn't want anyone to know? Clara pulls her phone out of somewhere and grins as she takes a picture of him drinking tea. She doubts he'll ever do this again, and she wants to always remember that time he suffered through leaf water just because she likes it so much. It's very sweet. Too bad she's busy teasing him.]
Oh, I won't tell him. Can't promise I won't show him though.
[ wooooowwww he manages to make a super offended look + ew gross tea look p much silmultaneously right before she snaps the picture. ] That's not right, Clara.
[All she does in response is laugh and move the phone up over her head like he might try making a grab for it. But at her 5'1", it's basically laughable because he's so much taller than she is. ]
It's the only picture I have of you. How else am I supposed to remember you during the day when I'm busy?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Why would I be mad? When you're ready, my bed'll still be there.
[Her relationship with Danny taught her so much about honesty and patience, about waiting until the right moment to do things. His death had caused her so much pain and held her back, but with Frank she finds that she can finally move on as she's promised. She's even happy, despite the fact she's not getting the immediate satisfaction that her body craves. Some things are worth the wait, and she knows Frank Castle is one of those things.
So she lets the corner of her mouth curl upward in a pleased little grin, as she thinks over flowers. Her favorite isn't even on this planet. But as far as Earth flowers go, she's got a few. She isn't sure if that makes things easier or more difficult for him. But she leans in and steals a quick kiss anyway.]
And as far as flowers go? I'm known to be fond of poppies, peonies, and calla lilies. Why? Are you gonna bring me flowers?
[Please bring her flowers. He'll be the first man that ever has taken the time to do so.]
no subject
and yet he failed when it counted, to save his family. she couldn't save danny. life, unfortunately, moves on. and on and on and on.
grateful for the kiss as something to anchor himself in lest his thoughts spiral out completely, frank kisses back softly, shutting his eyes and reveling in their closeness. just a few more moments, he doesn't want to leave yet. not when there's nothing waiting for him out there. not when his whole world is now decisively in this room. her words startle him, having already forgotten he'd asked the question. a sharp inhale and a skip of his heartbeat betray how jumpy he really is. how terrified to lose this.
peonies. of course. maria's favorite. sarah's favorite. what a curse. it's a good thing she hadn't come over to his motel and seen the wilting peonies in his kitchen. frank has to look away, though he's still smiling. he just doesn't want her to see the sadness trapped in his gaze. ] I'm an old-fashioned kinda guy that way. [ a repetition, something he had said to karen. but then it was a joke. now it isn't -- not even a little. he wants to bring her flowers and cook her dinner and have the long, slow courting neither of them had ever had time for before with anyone else.
slowly his gaze shifts back up, his smile more insistent now. though it's really only the dull reflection of one in the end. ] What happened to me being too old to play the long game? [ a tease, returning to her words from earlier to lighten the mood. he knows she had been joking, they both do that. lame jokes and deflections to hide how they're really feeling. his fingers idly play with the strap of her tanktop as he watches her now. ]
no subject
Oh come on, you're not that much older than I am. I'm thirty-one, not twenty. Sides, I had to make you think I was into you but not as into you as I really, actually was. I have complete faith in your ability to play the long, old-fashioned game.
[Another kiss, this one intentionally teasing. It's barely more than a peck before she's pulling away, lightly tugging at his lower lip with her teeth. She really doesn't want him to leave, and considers asking him again to stay. It would be wrong to do when he's already said he can't, that he's not ready. But the words are still on the tip of her tongue. There's a very deliberate pause before she pulls a ridiculous face, and keeps the teasing going instead.]
Does that mean you're the waiting 'til marriage type? I mean, I already know your intentions thanks to that first text, but think I might have to ramp up the seduction efforts.
[Her shoulder ducks downward a little, just enough that his playing with the strap of her top causes it to slide down as if on cue with her words. It's completely ridiculous and she knows it, and she just barely manages to hold in a breath of laughter.]
no subject
frank lets out a soft sound at the kiss, though there's no time to return it, closing his eyes when her teeth tug his lip. oh, this girl is trouble. just another reason why he likes her though, really. marriage. he'll never get married again, at least, he can't see himself doing that again. and yet he'd been prepared to shoot that text off to matt. girls love falling for that blind dickbag. ]
Not that long. [ he manages after a beat, his suddenly heavy gaze zeroing in on the pale swath of skin she reveals to him then. how easy it would be, to fall into this here and now. it isn't so much the sex he fears (though yes, it's a factor) but that he'll have to leave right after. he can't sleep here. he should just tell her, he knows, about his nightmares. but he swallows back the words again as calloused fingers brush up over the cap of her shoulder and steadily across to her collarbone. he takes a sharp breath in, eyes crashing into hers. ]
no subject
Without breaking their eye contact her hands go to his shirt, casually working on shifting it upward. There's a mock-innocent look on her face as she does it, and her eyebrows arch upward as if she's challenging him to either tell her to stop or make the next move.]
You don't have to stay.
[The words are whispered, and she almost loathes how pathetic it makes her sound.]
no subject
I want to, it's just... [ he wants her to know this conflict has nothing to do with her. this is all a frank castle problem, but it's that same thing that makes him not want to burden her with it at all. every time you come back, you leave a piece of yourself there. maria, angry with him as ever; just wanting to get inside his head for a change. he had never been able to fully let her in, and it's only after that he realizes how selfish that really was. frank swallows past a dry patch in his throat and leans in to kiss clara again, two big fingers pinching her chin. it feels good, and right, but that doesn't mean it is. his tongue sweeps into her mouth to explore properly, not attempting to deter her if she intends to push his shirt up more. if she does she'll reveal a veritable map of scars, some long and shallow from the cut of a knife, some raised and mottled from the pass of a bullet. and others, undefinited, cutting his flesh up into bite-size pieces for consumption. ]
I can't sleep with you. [ it's more decisive, words plain and unshaken as he pulls away this time. for as clear as it is, he knows it still needs clarification lest she take it as another rejection. has he mentioned he's really bad at this? ] I mean, sleep. In the same bed. I have dreams.
no subject
But then he goes and speaks, and pulls away just enough that she's left wanting and leaning forward in an attempt to maintain the contact. Rejection crosses over her face at first, but then he explains, and her expression softens. There's the warmth of understanding on her eyes as she processes his words, even as her heart sinks and aches for him. Is he afraid she won't be able to handle them?]
Hey - [She moves her hands away from his shirt and body to press her thumb against his chin. It's important that he doesn't look away from her when she says this.]
Don't you dare assume that just because my pretty face has turned your head that I'm not able to handle parts of you that are dark and gritty. Cause I've got parts like that too. Some of the things I've done and seen, the choices I've had to make, some of the near death experiences...things stick with you. When I said I want to be with you, it's not just for one night or just for sex. I meant all of you, dark spots and dreams and all.
[Her hand drops away and she leans in to place the most ridiculous kiss to the tip of his nose. ]
You don't have to sleep in the same bed with me 'til you're ready. No pressure. Just know nothing you can do will scare me.
no subject
her reaction isn't what he expected either, but he's come to expect that from her most of all. frank holds her gaze unwaveringly, letting her get through her whole speech without so much as opening his mouth to interrupt. does she really mean that? all of him. he's not sure there is an all of him anymore, but if it's what she wants he knows he'll end up sweeping the pieces into a pile to show her anyway. and if she looks him over and finds him lacking, well. then she's probably better off anyway and he will have had another taste of happiness. what a lucky guy.
the kiss to his nose breaks him out of his thoughts completely, going briefly cross-eyed before regarding her with bemusement. and then, as ever, his brows knit together again like he's remembering. maria kissing his nose and frank laughing -- it's like he's watching people who he has no relation to. he supposes it's because he doesn't, not anymore. ] That's not--
[ he can't scare her. frank didn't think he could, honestly; and he knows he's certainly not capable of trying. the big bad punisher is really much more of a softy than anyone ever expects. it's hard to get a grip on the words, and suddenly, his hands move around her waist, easily lifting her off the counter to swing her around and set her on her feet. ]
Why don't we try making that tea again? [ he picks his coat up off the floor and places it across the back of a chair, never one to leave things untidy for too long. then, he turns back to the counter to put the kettle back on himself. he really needs coffee, but he knows all clara has is instant. if she's teaching him tea he's teaching her what real coffee is pronto. without bothering to analyze why, frank finishes cleaning up the mess from earlier and dumps out the tea water to start again, holding up the tea bags to make sure he has the right ones before depositing them into the cups for round two. and then, finally, he turns to lean against the counter to answer her at last. because sometimes he just needs... a minute, and some space, in order to say his piece. ]
I don't think you can't handle it, alright? I know you can. Just don't think you should have to. [ he's a lot to deal with, and he knows it. ]
no subject
She's halfway inside her pantry when he finally speaks again, and though her eyes aren't on him she hears every single word. When she peeks back out and closes the door behind her, she's got a bag of cookies in one hand, and a bag of chips held between her teeth. Once she brings them both over to sit on the counter and her mouth's free, she's able to really address what he's said. Not before nodding toward the snacks to let him know he can have some, of course.]
Yeah, but that's not your decision to make. It's not a matter of have to, not to me. I want to.
[Acting on an urgency to be in close to him again, she steps in until she's right in his personal space. They can still focus on tea even with her standing up in his business, right? That becomes a little more debatable as she first rests her hands on his hips, then slides them up to rest against his shoulders instead. ]
Think your only choice is just letting me do what I want, at this point.
[She's teasing. Mostly.]
no subject
Don't think I could stop you. [ she's a force to be reckoned with, but that's the way he's always liked his women. she has to know already that he'd do anything she ever asked of him in earnest. he can't help himself. but then he slowly comes to the realization that... maybe she doesn't know that. she didn't even know he liked her until moments ago. he reaches out to toy with the hem of her tank top this time, idly rubbing it between his fingers. ] I wanna be with you, too. Dark, gritty, and everything else.
no subject
It's a nice feeling, and she clings hold of it with hope that she can give him something good. He deserves happiness wherever he can find it. Her eyes slide closed and she sweetly kisses him, far more gentle and chaste than the others they've shared.]
Good. Cause there's not a single chance you're getting rid of me now.
[And right then the tea kettle decides to go off, whistling loudly and ruining the moment.]
no subject
This another thing I have no choice on? [ he barely gets through it before the kettle is screaming, and frank automatically disengages to pull the water off the burner. he's... oddly domestic, isn't he? ]
no subject
She can imagine them being mundane and domestic together in between their chaotic and dangerous lives, making meals together or her waking up in the morning to find him preparing coffee. Struck with such a strong sense of longing for that kind of life, she smiles like a total idiot as she stands at his side to start dipping the teabags so they're ready faster.]
So. What're your thoughts on dates, Mr. Old Fashioned? I'll let you have a choice on where we have our first one.
no subject
Do you know how to shoot a gun? [ yes this is the first thing he thinks of. shut up. also you're welcome. what a practical first date this could be!! he's actually proud of himself here. ]
no subject
I've had some experience with one, yeah. Though one of them was more a giant blaster cannon than a gun, but the point is they both had a trigger and I used them. I've got you covered if you'd like to play around with maces for an hour or so, too.
[The idea of going and shooting guns with Frank is oddly appealing. He'll be at ease and she'll get to show off. What more could she want?]
no subject
no subject
Grinning, she rises up on her tiptoes as she leans in to kiss his cheek.]
Only if you promise not to laugh at me doing it in a dress.
no subject
Is this leaf water ready or what? [ lay it on him ]
no subject
Idk what these things are bc Texans only drink iced sweet tea.When it's all said and done, she holds a mug out for him to take.]
It's better than just leaf water. Give it a chance.
no subject
Don't tell Micro. [ that he willingly drank tea with her. he'd never hear the end of it!!! frank takes a cautious sip... and well. it's definitely not coffee. and he would probably like it better plain. but he's stuck with it now so here they are. ]
no subject
Oh, I won't tell him. Can't promise I won't show him though.
no subject
no subject
It's the only picture I have of you. How else am I supposed to remember you during the day when I'm busy?