oorah | ( OPEN ) Frank Castle

[ she enjoys getting his shit as much as he enjoys getting hers, probably. they're both masochists like that. ]

I am, actually.

[ some of his story she knew, some she didn't.

it should be funny, and it probably would be to anyone else, but it just makes her sad more than anything. she imagines being in his position, comforting a woman and her children through the loss of a family member while he was still battling his own demons about losing his own family. then to have to watch the happy reunion... watch someone else have the ability to walk back into the arms of their family.

she doesn't want to talk about it anymore, and maybe it's the combination of the whiskey she drank before coming here and the wine now, but she's feeling a lot less cautious and a bit friendly. she stands up with her glass still in her hand and moves to sit sideways on his lap. ]

I like you. [ she admits freely, after taking another drink. ] I shouldn't, [ god knows she has the worst luck with men. ] but I do.

[ he nods, it doesn't surprise or bother him. which is the opposite of what her heading over to him does, shock writ plainly across his face even as he pushes his chair out a bit to receive her, turning and catching a hand around her waist out of instinct more than anything. ...oh. okay. his heart goes fast, looking into her face and biting his lip. ]

You're right. [ she shouldn't at all, but he definitely can't find it in himself to complain. ] I probably - shouldn't either.

[ his voice is tellingly breathy, eyes darkening a fraction as he keeps up his stare. yeah, he could get used to this arrangement for sure. ]

You're right.

[ both hands are grasping her glass now as she stares at him, their lips daringly close. her brows lower for a second. she turns to look down where her hands are. ]

I don't... Expect anything from you. [ a commitment, any kind of official terms. ] All the people I care about have a habit of going away, so. Admittedly, I'm not really great at this. Feelings, and everything. Freaks me the hell out.

[ she lips her lips and swallows and nods, almost like she's trying to convince herself, too. it's a lot for her, doing this. talking about it. it makes her stomach churn. ] It's why I acted the way I did and... I just thought you should know. You deserve that, at least. [ she guesses? she doesn't know. ]

[ his eyes dart from her lips and back to her eyes as he licks the wine off his own, swallowing dryly and trying to focus on her words and the conversation. it's something he wants to talk about, she's just... distracting. he might have a lot of them, but that doesn't make feelings any less scary for him. he doesn't blame her for feeling skittish. frank leans a fraction of an inch into her, their foreheads brushing so that maybe he can talk without looking into those big eyes, but it just highlights her mouth for him that much more. ]

You probably shouldn't. Expect anything from me. [ he's flighty in his own way, even if situations like this are a little easier for him to navigate. ] But I do... appreciate that.

[ frank had meant to say he had feelings for her, and instead chickened out. it's not like she doesn't know, but still. she's putting herself out on a limb for him. something he knows she doesn't do. his fingers sink into the line of her waist, his chest teeming with all the unspoken things he thinks should probably stay that way even if his heart has different ideas as it nearly knocks against his ribcage. ]

I'm just glad you're here. [ that's safe to say at least, right? and he pulls back a little so she can see the real-life relief sparkling in his eyes. it had been scary, thinking he'd lost her forever. he'd been paralyzed by it, which is probably why he hadn't tried to contact her, honestly. he was so scared of this being officially over - even if he still has no idea what "this" entails. ]

It's stupid, isn't it? Hearing you confirm it, knowing it's supposed to be like this... I still feel sad, for some reason. [ but it's not as if she's lost anything. she's still right here, close to him. next to him. where she's wanted to be ever since she left his side in the first place.

she offers a pathetic laugh, sliding her glass on the table. it's surprisingly vulnerable for her, to be so vocal about her feelings. but what else has she got to lose?

the logical part of her brain is trying to tell her to be smart, get up before they get tangled up in this web more than they already are. but as she looks at him in the eyes when he pulls back and she slides a hand up against his cheek, she's knows already locked into this situation, fully willing to throw herself into this rabbit hole. ]

People like us don't get happy endings. [ just passing moments, like these. take what you can get because in an instant it could all be over kind of thing. so she seizes the moment like she's supposed to and kisses his lips softly, leaning her body into him. ]

[ he's not sure what she means really, but he feels sad too. that laugh cuts right through him, his other hand gently grasping at her glass to help her set it aside. frank nods his head, agreeing with what she says while turning into her touch the same. his heart is still jackhammering loudly as he anticipates what comes next. anything else is quickly forgotten when her lips touch his and frank's hand climbs up to the small of her back, encouraging her to lean against him that much more as he steadily kisses back. there's nothing urgent about the exchange this time, something he's grateful for as it allows him time to explore her mouth and memorize the feeling of her slight chest against his. frank is happy to prolong the moment until he absolutely has no air left in his lungs, panting softly against her lips as he reluctantly pulls himself back just a fraction. ]

What about beginnings? [ he questions her, seamlessly picking up the conversation she'd abandoned by initiating the kiss in the first place. or so he assumes. ]

Edited 2019-02-15 05:23 (UTC)

[ she can still smell the soft scent of his soap as she kisses him, the taste of the wine on his lips hitting her own as her head comes to tilt somewhat, leaning more into him when she gets that pressure from his hand. there seems to be a mutual understanding between the two of them now, not rushed like before. like either one could change their mind in the middle of it all and leave. ]

Is that was this is? [ she questions, not entirely sure what he means. breathing heavy against him while pushing her forehead back against his, she clenches her eyes closed briefly. she'll say or go along with anything, though, if it means she can stay right here. ]

Edited 2019-02-15 05:46 (UTC)

...I dunno, [ frank admits. that's what he'd been trying to ask her, but he's already lost that thread. he rests his head back against hers, lips catching softly against the rise of her cheek as his other arm comes up around her to hold her a bit tighter now. he's running their conversation back over in his head, trying to pluck out relevant information, but if they both want to keep this undefined is there really anything left to talk about? he knows they're both afraid of losing something the moment it's labeled so he doesn't mind, though he is flashing back to her text from earlier: that's just dating, frank. ] Are you done with your dinner?

[ he reluctantly pulls his head back a little to glance at the mess on the table. it's virtually impossible for frank to leave it for long, but he doesn't want to let her go, like she might unwind and disappear forever if he doesn't take what she's offering now. his head dips, forehead bracing against her shoulder to try and prolong his own drive to clean up. ]

[ eating is the furthest thing from her mind right now, but she takes it as a way for him to pivot the discussion elsewhere. her glance follows his as she looks briefly over her shoulder, their moments of smile and laughter like they were just two normal people playing over in her head from the minutes earlier. she can't help but feel like she ruined the moment, as she normally does. ]

Yeah, [ her head turns back around, looking down at her lap. ] sorry. [ she's not sure if she's saying that towards not finishing his food (tho to be fair, she did eat a good portion of it) or that other part.

removing herself from his lap, she stands up and takes a few steps away from him and then turns around, already knowing his answer to her next question. ] You need some help?

[ that didn't mean he wanted her to leave. frank frowns, fingers tightening against her skin as she pulls away. god, why does he open his big, stupid mouth? he pushes himself to his feet reluctantly and glances back over their abandoned meal. all he can do is shake his head, it's a little ridiculous, isn't it? the whole thing. ]

What? [ he asks distractedly as he picks up his plate and cup to cart over to the short countertop. ] ...Sure.

[ his initial instinct of course is to do everything himself, but... it's nice that she offered. he likes doing things with her. so he's cashing in even if she was only saying it to be polite or because she'd assumed he'd say no. ]

[ her thumbs had come to rest on the back of her jean pockets and she was a little surprised to hear him... actually accept help. not like she's not up for it, but still. walking over to the table, she mimics his actions and picks up her own dirty dishes, following him into his small kitchen. it all just makes her feel... really guilty. seeing his half eaten plate and the massive amounts of leftovers on the stove top. you're such a piece of shit, jones. she wishes she just would have kept her mouth shut. ]

Hey if you're still... [ she stops, because obviously jessica he would have went back to eating if he was in the mood for it. she sighs, annoyed at herself before opening her mouth again. ] Don't stop. Just because I ruined the moment doesn't mean... [ that they can't turn the night back around? was that even possible? she clears her throat, picking up his glass and holding it out to him after setting her own plate and cup down. ]

The wine was kind of expensive and these things don't really bottle back up well, so. [ she nudges him with her shoulder, finding it may be easier to reach him if she teases him. she's trying, okay. ]

[ he figures he'll be hungry again soon, considering, but right now he's fine. more than. ruined the moment. more like they had one he wouldn't trade for anything. frank lets her press the wine back into his hand and he smiles, leaning a hip against the counter and taking a sip for her. he holds the small cup in both his massive hands and just... looks at her, like that's all he needs. mostly because it is (god he's the worst.) ]

Trying to get me drunk, Jones?

I never try to get people to do anything they don't want. Whether or not you do it is up to you. I'm just offering it to you before I drink it all. So, you're welcome.

[ she leans over to grab her drink again, taking a sip with a playful smirk on her lips, staring right back at him. she's confident at first, but the more she stares the more her eyes bounce over his features, particularly his lips, and it makes her want to lean into him. she swallows a bit uncomfortably and moves past him.

yeah, she's actually just using one hand to clean up now while still holding her glass, because that's what this mess does. thankfully, there's not a while lot left. the bread, a few other things, and of course the bottle which she's holding between her arm and chest. ]

Do we need to wipe it down or do you just want to wait and remember in the middle of sex and stop there? [ she doesn't even look at him as she says this, obviously trying to make light of what happened while walking right past him. she begins to very carefully set the rest of it back down. ]

[ he's pretty oblivious to anything that could be going through her head now, sipping his drink intermittently while covering food and bringing it to the fridge, narrowly escaping brushing by her on his way. ]

Do you even like it? [ the wine. he'd been surprised when she brought it over, but not unpleasantly. it made it feel like a real dinner - maybe even a real date. he's glad his back is to her when she says the rest, swallowing dryly past a lump in his throat. she's so... casual. it makes him think about things he shouldn't, like how many people she's been with. how inexperienced he must come across. naive, even. ] I've got the rest.

[ it's not much and he still hasn't decided if he's going to save the dishes for later or not, the drying rack next to the sink making it obvious nothing has ever sat in there for more than 12 hours. ]

I think that movie just started if you... want to pretend to watch it. [ his attempt at retaliation as he lines up their bowls on the counter, figuring he'll probably finish both of them as he's just now noticing how much of hers is eaten. maybe he didn't do half bad after all. frank drains the rest of his glass and deposits it in the sink along with the various pots and pans from the stove. ]

[ it's alcohol, frank. what's not to like? she shrugs, not really giving it a second thought. ] I'm not too picky when it comes to booze. As long as it has an alcohol percentage on it chances are, yeah, it's good enough. [ see? she's casual about pretty much everything. ]

You're the boss. [ she leaves, but not before picking up her glass and the bottle, again. she makes her way to the couch and plops herself down onto it, topping off her glass before setting the bottle down to the side. while she's down there, she helps her feet remove her boots before also setting them aside. ]

I'm not. [ the boss. but it makes him smile as he wanders in to turn on the TV since there's no remote (yes really.) ] But I have bourbon if you wanna switch over.

[ then he's back in the kitchen to wash the dishes and wipe down all the surfaces before it can drive him crazy. he has some... compulsive tendencies, thanks military, though he's nothing like a clean freak or anything so extreme. it's mostly to do with his own self-worth and small things that keep him going. he washes his hands before making his way back out to her and slumping down next to jess on the couch.

suddenly, he feels tired, but that's not so unusual. the wine didn't help, but he figures she'll wake him up if he nods off like the old man he is, so frank leans back and crosses his arms to try and dig into what's happening on screen. they missed the first scene, but it's pretty easy to plunk into whenever - an obvious budding romance between cary grant and katharine hepburn unfolding on the screen. and as promised: there's a leopard. ]

It's fine.

[ she brings a knee up to her chest and stares at the screen and pretends to be interested in it, just like he said. it's not that she's not a movie person, but she's more interested in him, than anything. besides, she can't remember the last time she really sat down and allowed herself to enjoy anything that wasn't alcohol. that's pretty much where all her free time goes. speaking of, she takes another sip, feeling a little awkward. this kind of shit is exactly why she didn't date, but even with that logic, they weren't actually dating, so... why was she even staying? ]

Now that you've actually got me sitting down and watching this movie, can I ask what the next one will be that you'll use as an excuse to invite me over?

[ she's still looking and the screen, holding her leg close and her alcohol closer. ]

My cooking wasn't reason enough?

[ he challenges gently, shifting one leg onto the sofa too and resting his head on his hand, elbow propped on the back of his seat so he can watch her unsubtly. ]

Between the Hepburns and Molly, we've got a lot of hours to put in.

[ he makes a little hmmm like he's really thinking about it, but all he's actually doing is tracing her features with his gaze. ]

Unless you're secretly a hockey fan.

It is, but see, now you have a problem. I'm like a stray cat. Feed me once, and now just I'll keep coming back for more.

[ it's at this point she finally turns her head to look at him, completely oblivious to his staring before hand. there might be a little hidden insinuation there beyond the food, but like most all her cheeky flirting she drops in his lap, he probably won't catch on. ]

Is that the one with the football or the baseball?

I've always been more of a dog person.

[ he can... occasionally... be smooth. ish. or give shit back - whichever thing they're doing right now. her follow-up gets a snort, frank leaning towards her just a fraction of an inch mostly without noticing himself that he's doing it. ]

They have this thing called a puck actually. And no actual rules to speak of. Just blood and lots of it. [ so that's why... it's his favorite... ]

Frank Castle. Did you just wound me? [ she moves a hand to her chest dramatically, secretly really proud of him. ] I guess it's a good thing we've already established what we are--or aren't. But I think you're stuck with me, regardless. At least until someone else comes along and feeds me.

[ she leans in slightly while saying that so matter of fact, catching her glass with her fingertips. sorry, dude. if you come back at her sass with more sass, she goes in harder. ]

I can see why you'd be interested in something like that, then.

I didn't realize anything I say could hurt you.

[ he deadpans this, enjoying the easy banter between them even as he finds himself staring at her lips again. her words have his eyes widening perceptibly before he remembers - hockey. calm down, frank, they were just talking about sports. ]

How does 'this' usually work for you? [ he asks suddenly, not sure why he's bringing it up again. probably masochism, honestly. ] You sleep with people you don't like so you're not tempted to see 'em again?

[ it's soft, almost devoid of judgment. he's just trying to understand, more than anything else. ]

Edited 2019-02-15 20:54 (UTC)

Uh, yep. That's usually about how it works.

[ she doesn't even notice or really care if there's a judgment in his question while taking another drink. ]

People care about you, right? [ she gives him a look like, well, yeah. obviously her. but besides that. ] I bet life would be a lot easier for you if they didn't. [ she tilts her head kind of as she says this, leaning in closer again. ]

[ he nods like she's really teaching him something here. he never would have considered doing things that way...? it still doesn't sound appealing to him, actually, but it's interesting anyway. another piece of jessica he didn't know about. her comment makes him laugh though, it's so much like what curtis said to him not so long ago. ]

Yeah, it would. [ he doesn't sound upset about being called out this time around. ] Their lives would be even easier.

[ and yet they insist on sticking by him. it's out of his hands, okay!!! ]

You're right, [ she doesn't even skip a beat at his last sentence. ] It would.

[ she takes a moment to stare at him after that, like she's looking for another reason to leave despite having already laid out all the reasons why she should in front of her. ]

Not so crazy when you think about it like that, is it? [ she takes her final drink, leaning back into her original position but not before giving him another little comment. ] So you can take your judgmental ass tone back now.

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