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bionicstaringmachine) wrote2024-03-02 10:55 pm
bionicstaringmachine) wrote2024-03-02 10:55 pm
inbox.
overflow (tfln & other text posts) and text/audio/video in general.
overflow (tfln & other text posts) and text/audio/video in general.
You're really going to kiss me again? You didn't think I was awful? I've never kissed anyone like that before...
[ She won't even know what rusty feels like because her insecurities have never let anyone get close enough for anything this intimate. Until now.
A part of her thinks she should retreat before this goes any further, before he realizes what a monster she truly is and decide he wants nothing to do with her, before she gets hurt. But her disfigured hand is on his cheek and he hasn't drawn it away. He's smiling like he hasn't smiled before. And he's saying he wants to kiss her again, even after all that? He could be lying, of course, but... he's never lied to her. Why would he start now?
When she feels that spark of courage deep within her, she grabs it and takes the plunge. ]
... so I might need lots of practice.
[ Her fingertips travel lightly down his cheek and across his lips, the touch almost reverent despite the bravado and mischief she'd employed just a moment earlier. Oh, she recognizes just how attractive he is. But that's strangely not what she likes most about him. ]
You can kiss me anytime you want. You don't have to ask. My answer is always yes.
[ She won't even know what rusty feels like because her insecurities have never let anyone get close enough for anything this intimate. Until now.
A part of her thinks she should retreat before this goes any further, before he realizes what a monster she truly is and decide he wants nothing to do with her, before she gets hurt. But her disfigured hand is on his cheek and he hasn't drawn it away. He's smiling like he hasn't smiled before. And he's saying he wants to kiss her again, even after all that? He could be lying, of course, but... he's never lied to her. Why would he start now?
When she feels that spark of courage deep within her, she grabs it and takes the plunge. ]
... so I might need lots of practice.
[ Her fingertips travel lightly down his cheek and across his lips, the touch almost reverent despite the bravado and mischief she'd employed just a moment earlier. Oh, she recognizes just how attractive he is. But that's strangely not what she likes most about him. ]
You can kiss me anytime you want. You don't have to ask. My answer is always yes.
[ A part of him feels bad when it comes to the fact that out of everyone in the world - in the realm, he guesses - she's managed to get him when he thinks she deserves a hell of a lot better than him. It's part when it comes to his own thoughts of his self worth, but also he knows there's a damage to him that's gonna take time. It's not something that he'll snap out of overnight and he hopes that if they do end up having set backs - because he knows despite his programming being gone, he'll always have that underlying fear there's something still there of the Winter Soldier within him, not to mention the fact being who he is can bring attention not just to him but to her as well and he struggles with those things that are wrapped up into his PTSD even if it isn't every day - that she knows it has nothing to do with her and everything to do with him.
But the other part? That part, is grateful that he gets to have this with her. He'll never question how quickly they managed to connect, to find some commonality with each other and build an easy camaraderie that was flirtatious enough to realize they weren't really as platonic as they thought they were being, because despite thinking he doesn't fully deserve this kind of thing and being more of a realist than anything ( he doesn't consider himself a pessimist nor does he hope enough for optimism ), he got her text for some reason. If that doesn't tell him he's got the green light to pursue this, he doesn't know what does. ]
Didn't feel like you needed practice to me, but I'm willing to put in the work for the cause. [ There's a slight pull to his lips in a smirk, but she'll feel that more than see it because of her fingertips moving against his lips. He's trying for his own bravado now, but it stalls a little when she tells him he doesn't have to ask. He's looking down for a moment, sucking in a breath slowly as the hand that was cradling the back of her head now slips down a bit to rest on the back of her neck. Fingers are splayed there, his thumb coming up to rest in that spot just before her ear, right along her jaw. He's holding her gently with his vibranium hand, angling her face in a way that will ensure she looks at him once he brings his gaze back up. ] Yeah, about that -
[ She was so worried about what he'd feel beneath her glamour, how that would make him feel about her, knowing what was there underneath that illusion but his worry was how he'd been a literal monster at one point - being a mindless assassin is monstrous, killing in the name of those who pulled their strings like he were their marionette was monstrous - and having to explain that to her about why it was so important that he was respectful of her boundaries and her own consent as well. ]
I ask, 'cause I know what it's like when people don't ask. Or don't care. Or make you do things that you normally wouldn't wanna do. Not having control of your body, it ain't fun and it's worse when you don't have a choice. I'm always gonna give you a choice.
But the other part? That part, is grateful that he gets to have this with her. He'll never question how quickly they managed to connect, to find some commonality with each other and build an easy camaraderie that was flirtatious enough to realize they weren't really as platonic as they thought they were being, because despite thinking he doesn't fully deserve this kind of thing and being more of a realist than anything ( he doesn't consider himself a pessimist nor does he hope enough for optimism ), he got her text for some reason. If that doesn't tell him he's got the green light to pursue this, he doesn't know what does. ]
Didn't feel like you needed practice to me, but I'm willing to put in the work for the cause. [ There's a slight pull to his lips in a smirk, but she'll feel that more than see it because of her fingertips moving against his lips. He's trying for his own bravado now, but it stalls a little when she tells him he doesn't have to ask. He's looking down for a moment, sucking in a breath slowly as the hand that was cradling the back of her head now slips down a bit to rest on the back of her neck. Fingers are splayed there, his thumb coming up to rest in that spot just before her ear, right along her jaw. He's holding her gently with his vibranium hand, angling her face in a way that will ensure she looks at him once he brings his gaze back up. ] Yeah, about that -
[ She was so worried about what he'd feel beneath her glamour, how that would make him feel about her, knowing what was there underneath that illusion but his worry was how he'd been a literal monster at one point - being a mindless assassin is monstrous, killing in the name of those who pulled their strings like he were their marionette was monstrous - and having to explain that to her about why it was so important that he was respectful of her boundaries and her own consent as well. ]
I ask, 'cause I know what it's like when people don't ask. Or don't care. Or make you do things that you normally wouldn't wanna do. Not having control of your body, it ain't fun and it's worse when you don't have a choice. I'm always gonna give you a choice.
[ She lets her hand drop when he looks down, suddenly worried that she's upset him. Had she been too forward? Was she being too much?
But he's still holding her close — keeping her close, even — and she realizes that he's trying to say something. So she waits. It's not like this is the first time this has happened, when silence comes between them as he (or she) thinks about what he wants to say, though this feels more important than the other instances because of the kiss. Still, the insecurities persist with their treacherous whispers. Don't take it seriously. He doesn't really like you like that. You know nothing about the world. Or what it's like to fight in a war. You're just a curiosity. What can you even give him?
What he says, however, only draw her closer to him. He would know what that's like, wouldn't he? How awful. Now she wants to wrap her arms around him and hold him close and keep him safe, somehow, but he was just talking about choice and consent and control, so she doesn't. ]
I'm sorry. If I ever make you feel like you don't have a choice, I'm sorry for that too. [ She just squeezes his hand again; they're still holding hands, so it's safe and not overstepping his boundaries right? But it's a blanket apology in case she missteps. This is all so new. ] And thank you. For always being so kind to me. For... sharing all this with me. [ The kiss, his feelings, his past. She's going to treasure them all. ] You didn't have to. But I'm glad you did.
[ Then she smiles, soft and shy and almost sheepish. ] Is it okay if we kiss again? Or we can just eat and I'll tell you my secrets...
But he's still holding her close — keeping her close, even — and she realizes that he's trying to say something. So she waits. It's not like this is the first time this has happened, when silence comes between them as he (or she) thinks about what he wants to say, though this feels more important than the other instances because of the kiss. Still, the insecurities persist with their treacherous whispers. Don't take it seriously. He doesn't really like you like that. You know nothing about the world. Or what it's like to fight in a war. You're just a curiosity. What can you even give him?
What he says, however, only draw her closer to him. He would know what that's like, wouldn't he? How awful. Now she wants to wrap her arms around him and hold him close and keep him safe, somehow, but he was just talking about choice and consent and control, so she doesn't. ]
I'm sorry. If I ever make you feel like you don't have a choice, I'm sorry for that too. [ She just squeezes his hand again; they're still holding hands, so it's safe and not overstepping his boundaries right? But it's a blanket apology in case she missteps. This is all so new. ] And thank you. For always being so kind to me. For... sharing all this with me. [ The kiss, his feelings, his past. She's going to treasure them all. ] You didn't have to. But I'm glad you did.
[ Then she smiles, soft and shy and almost sheepish. ] Is it okay if we kiss again? Or we can just eat and I'll tell you my secrets...
Edited 2024-06-09 15:39 (UTC)
[ from here ]
I'm not the only one out here doin' the work. But some of 'em are laying low and we're doing a lot more digging and rebuilding than world saving right now.
[ The Hydra uprising and the fall of SHIELD kind of put everyone in a weird spot, including the Avengers, when it came to the public eye and their opinion and the trust they had in people who went out there and did what he did. And a lot of his efforts have been put in finding Hel or tracking down some of the known Hydra agents like Rumlow who managed to get away. He only got involved in actual world saving activities if it happened to be something that required all or most of the Avengers to be present. ]
Yeah, it's called PTSD.
[ His response might read as dry and while it was in part an attempt at levity, he does have a point. She's dealing with PTSD from everything she's gone through, because even he deals with it and he didn't have his mind wiped and reprogrammed who knows how many times. It's a thought that makes him want to use a little more force than necessary on Rumlow or anyone else he can find from Hydra, even if it's too late to make what was done to her right, but making sure that they pay for it is better than nothing. ]
I'm stronger than I look. You saw I was up and around and it wasn't long after you pulled me outta that river. I can handle myself.
[ He also doesn't sleep all that soundly either. He might not have episodes like she does, but he wakes to random noises, he'll see things he'd rather not - glimpses of the past, events he wishes he could do over - and is often times fitful. ]
Le'me help you.
Edited 2024-07-14 06:13 (UTC)
[ from here ]
Yeah and no, if I'm bein' honest.
[ And that's what she's asking for, he thinks: his honesty. He might have an idea she was looking for a reaction, kind of when she mentioned being topless not all that long ago, but he also knows she's not gonna push him past any boundaries he's not comfortable with.
Just like he's not gonna do something that he thinks might go past her own personal boundaries. He's gonna check first, even if it's not with the actual words of "is this okay?" because he's never gonna want to impose himself on her, not even accidentally. ]
I didn't know you could improve something like that. [ They had things that were marketed for massaging back in his time that turned out could be used in other ways and he has eyes, along with access to the internet. He just never thought of being able to fix and improve a sex toy like that, all with the knowledge she already had. ] And I think I might owe you that dinner.
Isn't harboring a fugitive against the law? Unless you've changed your mind about killing me.
[ Maybe he should just kill her and save everyone the trouble. That'll put an end to her potentially hurting other people, and him having to worry about her. In some abstract, shallow sense, she understands why he seems to be compelled to help her. He's told her about their past. She's observed others — couples — behaving in a similar fashion. She can come to terms with that, make some sense out of the situation.
It's when they're together — even just like this, talking — that she struggles. It's... different, when he's around. When he's close. She feels. She wants. ]
Was I good to you?
When we were together, before.
[ Maybe he should just kill her and save everyone the trouble. That'll put an end to her potentially hurting other people, and him having to worry about her. In some abstract, shallow sense, she understands why he seems to be compelled to help her. He's told her about their past. She's observed others — couples — behaving in a similar fashion. She can come to terms with that, make some sense out of the situation.
It's when they're together — even just like this, talking — that she struggles. It's... different, when he's around. When he's close. She feels. She wants. ]
Was I good to you?
When we were together, before.
No. [ It's a simple, one word answer with a firm shake of his head, even if the movement is slight because he's not trying to move too much to accidentally put any sort of distance between them. ] You've never made me feel like I don't have a choice. I'm not telling you this because of that, it's...so you know what you're gettin' yourself into with me.
[ It's not really a warning off, because he doesn't want her to go. Even if there's just that barest notion within him to push her away, to tell her she deserves better than him, because it's hard for him to really let people in and trust but - he's not doing that. Because while they're talking about choice here, it's her choice to have come here to him, knowing what they might talk about, what might happen.
So he's not gonna turn tail, try to send her off in some dramatic effort to keep himself safe because he doesn't think she's looking to stab him when he least expects it. And something tells him she's not gonna decide one day she's gonna up and leave, either.
Yeah, his self worth might be wrapped up in some other issues in there too, but he's not looking to unload all of 'em right now. He just wants her to understand this one important thing, so she isn't left wondering why he might be a little slow about things, because he wants to do it right by her.
There's a beat, after her question that while he made it clear that he wanted some kind of consent from her before he kissed her, the only confirmation that she has that it's okay they kiss again, is his lips on hers after her mention of secrets.
He wants to know anything about her she's willing to tell him - just like he'll tell her whatever she wants to know, even if it might take a bit to get there - but there's a boldness that wasn't there before. He's determined to make this kiss better than the first, but he's also not trying to toe the line into anything that they might not be ready for. The boldness is to show he does want her, he's not just sweet talking her because he doesn't have anything better to do, but then he's gentle, showing a regard for her that makes it clear he's working through this just as much as she is.
It's only in that space between kisses that he murmurs against her lips: ]
You've got a spell, right? The food and secrets can wait a little bit.
[ It's not really a warning off, because he doesn't want her to go. Even if there's just that barest notion within him to push her away, to tell her she deserves better than him, because it's hard for him to really let people in and trust but - he's not doing that. Because while they're talking about choice here, it's her choice to have come here to him, knowing what they might talk about, what might happen.
So he's not gonna turn tail, try to send her off in some dramatic effort to keep himself safe because he doesn't think she's looking to stab him when he least expects it. And something tells him she's not gonna decide one day she's gonna up and leave, either.
Yeah, his self worth might be wrapped up in some other issues in there too, but he's not looking to unload all of 'em right now. He just wants her to understand this one important thing, so she isn't left wondering why he might be a little slow about things, because he wants to do it right by her.
There's a beat, after her question that while he made it clear that he wanted some kind of consent from her before he kissed her, the only confirmation that she has that it's okay they kiss again, is his lips on hers after her mention of secrets.
He wants to know anything about her she's willing to tell him - just like he'll tell her whatever she wants to know, even if it might take a bit to get there - but there's a boldness that wasn't there before. He's determined to make this kiss better than the first, but he's also not trying to toe the line into anything that they might not be ready for. The boldness is to show he does want her, he's not just sweet talking her because he doesn't have anything better to do, but then he's gentle, showing a regard for her that makes it clear he's working through this just as much as she is.
It's only in that space between kisses that he murmurs against her lips: ]
You've got a spell, right? The food and secrets can wait a little bit.
Good.
[That he's being honest. And it's not really that she's looking for a reaction. Even if there is a piece of her that relishes the opportunity to get him a little flustered. Mostly, she's pretty sure that this is a way of reminding him that she is interested in him in more than just a friendly way.]
You can pretty much always improve something like that.
Oh yeah? Got a craving for something?
[Yes, that is double entendre.]
[That he's being honest. And it's not really that she's looking for a reaction. Even if there is a piece of her that relishes the opportunity to get him a little flustered. Mostly, she's pretty sure that this is a way of reminding him that she is interested in him in more than just a friendly way.]
You can pretty much always improve something like that.
Oh yeah? Got a craving for something?
[Yes, that is double entendre.]
No. I'm not killing you. And it might be against the law, but helping you ain't. There's people out there who care what I gotta say and I'm gonna make a point to say they need to give you another chance.
[ He'll go to bat for her. Even if his time as Captain America hasn't been that long ( probably only a little longer than Steve by a little while, at this point ), he was also the best friend of the previous Captain America and a war hero, even with the views people might have on SHIELD and the Avengers and their involvements in certain disputes and the destruction that sometimes follows. His word might have some sway, enough to get her an honest hearing and maybe a pardon, if they're lucky. ]
Yeah. Even when we were just writing back and forth to each other, when you weren't on the front lines with me yet.
Wasn't easy when you were dressing up as a man back then. Probably got a few of 'em wondering, even if they didn't say anything.
[ He'll go to bat for her. Even if his time as Captain America hasn't been that long ( probably only a little longer than Steve by a little while, at this point ), he was also the best friend of the previous Captain America and a war hero, even with the views people might have on SHIELD and the Avengers and their involvements in certain disputes and the destruction that sometimes follows. His word might have some sway, enough to get her an honest hearing and maybe a pardon, if they're lucky. ]
Yeah. Even when we were just writing back and forth to each other, when you weren't on the front lines with me yet.
Wasn't easy when you were dressing up as a man back then. Probably got a few of 'em wondering, even if they didn't say anything.
You'd know if it were too much. I'd probably take a bit longer to respond to you.
[ Because he'd be struggling with what to say, how to say it and right now his only issue is not knowing what's the appropriate way to be feeling. He knows she's interested in him in more than a friendly way, she knows he's interested in her in more than a friendly way. But he knows there's a holding pattern in place because it's been a while.
Even if he's had thoughts about her that go further than the place they're settled at for now. And, he has to hope that if she's making improvements to her vibrator, that she might've been thinking about him too. ]
How? You take it all apart and add something to it, to improve it?
Yeah, I'm hungrier than I thought I'd be, this time of night. And it ain't for Borscht.
[ Because he'd be struggling with what to say, how to say it and right now his only issue is not knowing what's the appropriate way to be feeling. He knows she's interested in him in more than a friendly way, she knows he's interested in her in more than a friendly way. But he knows there's a holding pattern in place because it's been a while.
Even if he's had thoughts about her that go further than the place they're settled at for now. And, he has to hope that if she's making improvements to her vibrator, that she might've been thinking about him too. ]
How? You take it all apart and add something to it, to improve it?
Yeah, I'm hungrier than I thought I'd be, this time of night. And it ain't for Borscht.
You can take as long as you want.
[To reply, or to indicate that he's ready to move them past the game of flirting. Either way, she's not going anywhere. This is sort of a novelty for her, but in a good way. Most of her relationships are better defined as "relationships." There's a certain amount of...emotional and personal honesty that's never been easy for her. But she's trying with him, because she can tell that this means something to both of them.
Even if her thoughts have also definitely strayed beyond the place they've settled at.]
More or less. It has different pulse patterns now.
Those late night cravings can be killer. But it's never a bad time to get some Russian.
[She's not even sorry.]
[To reply, or to indicate that he's ready to move them past the game of flirting. Either way, she's not going anywhere. This is sort of a novelty for her, but in a good way. Most of her relationships are better defined as "relationships." There's a certain amount of...emotional and personal honesty that's never been easy for her. But she's trying with him, because she can tell that this means something to both of them.
Even if her thoughts have also definitely strayed beyond the place they've settled at.]
More or less. It has different pulse patterns now.
Those late night cravings can be killer. But it's never a bad time to get some Russian.
[She's not even sorry.]
you're welcome, i'll be here all week! and ty google for coming in clutch on russian dishes
bionicstaringmachine
2024-07-23 06:43 am (UTC)(link)
I dunno, I was always told it was bad manners to keep someone waiting like that.
[ If he means for a response or to go further with things, it's not easy to tell but the statement counts for both, when it comes down to it. His situation might be different from how it would've been doing this dance before, but even he knows when there's a point where he's gotta make a move and see where things go, rather than take too much time. ]
And I'm guessing they're not close to the ones that were already part of it.
They can. And I don't have anywhere near me to get some, unless you know a place. Doesn't have to be delivery.
[ They might both know the place he can get some Russian but his response is his way of saying she doesn't have to be sorry, they both know what they're doing here. ]
[ If he means for a response or to go further with things, it's not easy to tell but the statement counts for both, when it comes down to it. His situation might be different from how it would've been doing this dance before, but even he knows when there's a point where he's gotta make a move and see where things go, rather than take too much time. ]
And I'm guessing they're not close to the ones that were already part of it.
They can. And I don't have anywhere near me to get some, unless you know a place. Doesn't have to be delivery.
[ They might both know the place he can get some Russian but his response is his way of saying she doesn't have to be sorry, they both know what they're doing here. ]
I could see that. But in this instance, the person waiting has already expressed that there's no time frame. So you're in the clear.
We do live in a very "instant" society now, but I'm old enough to remember early wireless communication. I'm comfortable with different paces.
[The dance they're in now is definitely in a bit of a holding pattern, but she doesn't mind it. It feels more...anticipatory than impatient. There's a part of her that's almost savoring it, this space where they're just slowly being drawn closer and closer together.]
It only had two "on" settings before, so five is definitely an improvement.
[The way he phrases that is so well worded that she finds herself smiling again as her eyes skim along the screen.]
Look at you. That was smooth as hell.
I'll make sure we both get our fill when you get your Russian.
[Okay, Natasha, that might be a little more akin to setting a brush fire than lighting a match. So to soften it a bit.]
There is an actual Russian restaurant here I love though. They're not open late night, but I'll send you the pin for it so you can drop by one day. Tell them you know me. They'll give you extra pelmeni.
We do live in a very "instant" society now, but I'm old enough to remember early wireless communication. I'm comfortable with different paces.
[The dance they're in now is definitely in a bit of a holding pattern, but she doesn't mind it. It feels more...anticipatory than impatient. There's a part of her that's almost savoring it, this space where they're just slowly being drawn closer and closer together.]
It only had two "on" settings before, so five is definitely an improvement.
[The way he phrases that is so well worded that she finds herself smiling again as her eyes skim along the screen.]
Look at you. That was smooth as hell.
I'll make sure we both get our fill when you get your Russian.
[Okay, Natasha, that might be a little more akin to setting a brush fire than lighting a match. So to soften it a bit.]
There is an actual Russian restaurant here I love though. They're not open late night, but I'll send you the pin for it so you can drop by one day. Tell them you know me. They'll give you extra pelmeni.
it really does. without it i would've been like rly what is something russian that's not vodka??
bionicstaringmachine
2024-07-28 08:14 am (UTC)(link)
Still doesn't mean I like keeping you waiting for too long.
At least you're not waiting on letters that could take a few weeks or more to arrive. That's gotta be worse.
[ He's never looked at any of this as impatience but...he also knows if he's been thinking about the moves ( even just kissing her, something he's thought of, he can push through the holding pattern to do ) it's bringing it to a point where those thoughts become action and is hopefully worth it in the end. Eventually he won't be stuck in his thoughts and he'll just act, but he wonders when that day will be. ]
Sounds a helluva lot more than just some slight improvements.
[ While he always knew she was capable and could do a lot more than fight her way out of a tough spot, knowing that kind of improvement was made impresses him. Just like how her response to his statement about where to get Russian only serves to turn him on more and while it's just him and Alpine in his apartment, he's wetting his lips and looking around for a moment, while focusing on the idea of how they'll get their fill. ]
Even if it takes all night? You know I've got an appetite.
[ He's not some schmuck coming in off the street, trying to give her a line so whether or not it's smooth, it doesn't matter. He means it, every word of it, even if he's grateful for the way she tries to soften the blaze that's trying to take hold between them. ]
I'm not gonna turn down a suggestion for a place to get actual food, even if it's not open late at night. I can get there during business hours and see what you like about the place.
At least you're not waiting on letters that could take a few weeks or more to arrive. That's gotta be worse.
[ He's never looked at any of this as impatience but...he also knows if he's been thinking about the moves ( even just kissing her, something he's thought of, he can push through the holding pattern to do ) it's bringing it to a point where those thoughts become action and is hopefully worth it in the end. Eventually he won't be stuck in his thoughts and he'll just act, but he wonders when that day will be. ]
Sounds a helluva lot more than just some slight improvements.
[ While he always knew she was capable and could do a lot more than fight her way out of a tough spot, knowing that kind of improvement was made impresses him. Just like how her response to his statement about where to get Russian only serves to turn him on more and while it's just him and Alpine in his apartment, he's wetting his lips and looking around for a moment, while focusing on the idea of how they'll get their fill. ]
Even if it takes all night? You know I've got an appetite.
[ He's not some schmuck coming in off the street, trying to give her a line so whether or not it's smooth, it doesn't matter. He means it, every word of it, even if he's grateful for the way she tries to soften the blaze that's trying to take hold between them. ]
I'm not gonna turn down a suggestion for a place to get actual food, even if it's not open late at night. I can get there during business hours and see what you like about the place.
Waiting that long for letters must have been a real test of patience.
But maybe try thinking of it this way. It's less that you're keeping me waiting and more that we're waiting until the right moment.
[Which is to say - he's definitely not the only one thinking about the moves. And text messages like these are partially a way to dip their toes in the water. To let him know that her interest is holding steady, and so he can feel confident when it's time to take the next step.]
I'm only being a little bit modest.
[Natasha isn't one to downplay her skills - or to overestimate them, really. She knows that she's capable and she appreciates that he recognizes it.
And then his next question as her letting out a low chuckle, delighted by the way it clearly illustrates that he's very much tuned in to this moment. And make no mistake - he's not the only one feeling the potential that's sizzling under the surface.]
Especially if it takes all night.
[Okay, maybe just a few more matches onto the fire. She's no super soldier but she does relish the possibilities inherent in him being one.]
You'll be able to clock it right away. I'll look forward to your review.
But maybe try thinking of it this way. It's less that you're keeping me waiting and more that we're waiting until the right moment.
[Which is to say - he's definitely not the only one thinking about the moves. And text messages like these are partially a way to dip their toes in the water. To let him know that her interest is holding steady, and so he can feel confident when it's time to take the next step.]
I'm only being a little bit modest.
[Natasha isn't one to downplay her skills - or to overestimate them, really. She knows that she's capable and she appreciates that he recognizes it.
And then his next question as her letting out a low chuckle, delighted by the way it clearly illustrates that he's very much tuned in to this moment. And make no mistake - he's not the only one feeling the potential that's sizzling under the surface.]
Especially if it takes all night.
[Okay, maybe just a few more matches onto the fire. She's no super soldier but she does relish the possibilities inherent in him being one.]
You'll be able to clock it right away. I'll look forward to your review.
That's a thing the modern era's good for, being able to communicate whenever we want.
Waiting for the right moment, yeah. I like that. And it's not gonna take forever to get there.
[ He thinks it's worth pointing that out since while he's not rushing over there to turn this from just talking about wanting to go further in all this, it doesn't mean he's never going to act and make a move. Or let her make a move, whichever comes first. ]
You don't have to be with me. You know I appreciate you showing off what you can do.
[ He'll recognize her capability without fail any moment he's witness to it and maybe he might not understand some of the things she can do - like this, being able to make a technical improvement to her vibrator - but it doesn't make it any less impressive or interesting. ]
Good, because I'm planning on it taking all night.
[ It's a promise without saying the word and even if he hasn't been with anyone in a long damn time, he knows it takes a lot to tire him out. He's old, he can feel every bit of his age sometimes, but he knows he's not doing this with half measures. ]
I'll make sure it's more than just 'the food was good', with it being a place you love.
Waiting for the right moment, yeah. I like that. And it's not gonna take forever to get there.
[ He thinks it's worth pointing that out since while he's not rushing over there to turn this from just talking about wanting to go further in all this, it doesn't mean he's never going to act and make a move. Or let her make a move, whichever comes first. ]
You don't have to be with me. You know I appreciate you showing off what you can do.
[ He'll recognize her capability without fail any moment he's witness to it and maybe he might not understand some of the things she can do - like this, being able to make a technical improvement to her vibrator - but it doesn't make it any less impressive or interesting. ]
Good, because I'm planning on it taking all night.
[ It's a promise without saying the word and even if he hasn't been with anyone in a long damn time, he knows it takes a lot to tire him out. He's old, he can feel every bit of his age sometimes, but he knows he's not doing this with half measures. ]
I'll make sure it's more than just 'the food was good', with it being a place you love.
Is this the first time you admitted something the modern era's good for?
I know. We'll find the right moment.
[Or engineer it. She's pretty confident neither of them will be able to withstand many more late night teasing texts.
She wonders if he knows how rare it is for someone to openly appreciate her skills. Historically, people - especially men that have been interested in her - are more likely to describe her as intimidating. Which she by and large has always considered their problem. It's unaccountably nice to not have to think about it with him.]
Guess I'll have to show off more often, then.
Like by telling you I'll give you a run for your money when you're following through on those plans.
[It's a little bit of a deflection, but she knows she'll find the right time to express that more in depth thought about appreciation to him. And besides, it gave her an opportunity to keep escalating that flirtatious back and forth.]
Maybe you could start moonlighting as a food critic.
I know. We'll find the right moment.
[Or engineer it. She's pretty confident neither of them will be able to withstand many more late night teasing texts.
She wonders if he knows how rare it is for someone to openly appreciate her skills. Historically, people - especially men that have been interested in her - are more likely to describe her as intimidating. Which she by and large has always considered their problem. It's unaccountably nice to not have to think about it with him.]
Guess I'll have to show off more often, then.
Like by telling you I'll give you a run for your money when you're following through on those plans.
[It's a little bit of a deflection, but she knows she'll find the right time to express that more in depth thought about appreciation to him. And besides, it gave her an opportunity to keep escalating that flirtatious back and forth.]
Maybe you could start moonlighting as a food critic.
[ from here ]
You know if I'm gonna spoil her, I'll end up doing the same to Liho right?
I can take longer if you need it. I'm old, I gotta move slow to get there.
[ It's bullshit, because while he might move slow on occasion, he doesn't always feel every bit of his age in the years since his birth, as opposed to the years he's actually lived. But it's to say that he's not rushing her. His suggestion of thirty minutes was to prove he wasn't going to drag it out, make her wait and instead make this move while it was there. He's been making her wait a lot, he's gonna try to put an end to that. ]
You think I can't move in what I usually wear?
I don't have any ground to stand on to counter that, considering I went from "I'll feed you but you can't come inside" to letting her live here full time.
Take your time, old man. I'll be ready.
[Meaning - she understands what's between the lines there and is maintaining her stance. But also that she'll be fine if it takes him a little bit longer than thirty minutes to get to her place this evening.]
Of course you can.
Just figured you wouldn't want to get your nice clothes dirty when I knock you on your ass.
Take your time, old man. I'll be ready.
[Meaning - she understands what's between the lines there and is maintaining her stance. But also that she'll be fine if it takes him a little bit longer than thirty minutes to get to her place this evening.]
Of course you can.
Just figured you wouldn't want to get your nice clothes dirty when I knock you on your ass.
what if i came back to this ten days later, WHAT THEN?
bionicstaringmachine
2024-08-22 06:50 pm (UTC)(link)
If Alpine hadn't shown up here mysteriously [ There's something pointed in that text, his way of saying even if she decided to plead the fifth then, that he knew it was her doing, even before the Chewy shipment. ] I would've been feeding her or another cat and ended up with one the same way. It's how I knew it was bullshit that Liho didn't hang around more than you said she did.
I only take my time when it counts. If I'm a second after thirty minutes, something happened.
[ Even if that something might be something like debating a while on what kind of flowers to grab. He might get lucky and the person selling them will be able to lead him in the right direction there. ]
Alright, but might surprise you when I'm the one knocking you on yours. I'm not holding back on account of it being a date.
I only take my time when it counts. If I'm a second after thirty minutes, something happened.
[ Even if that something might be something like debating a while on what kind of flowers to grab. He might get lucky and the person selling them will be able to lead him in the right direction there. ]
Alright, but might surprise you when I'm the one knocking you on yours. I'm not holding back on account of it being a date.
I STILL LOVE THEM YOUR HONOR, EVEN TWENTY DAYS AFTER THE FACT
bionicstaringmachine
2024-08-22 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Maybe it's the first time it's managed to prove it's good for something without making it more complicated than it's worth.
Probably sooner than we think it's gonna be.
[ He might have been out of practice for several decades, but he's still a man underneath all the other bullshit. A man with a very real attraction to a smart, beautiful woman that he's had a fair amount of dirty thoughts about while also realizing he gives a damn about her more than just a friend and occasional..co-worker? co-conspirator at times? so he doesn't plan on letting this take so long that he realizes he's missed an opportunity. ]
I can appreciate it, you showing off.
Guess that means you're not gonna take it easy on me.
[ And he likes that. Not just the flirtatious back and forth, but the fact she plans on challenging him and making the wait that it takes to get there worth it. ]
Only if they take reviews from grumpy old food critics.
Probably sooner than we think it's gonna be.
[ He might have been out of practice for several decades, but he's still a man underneath all the other bullshit. A man with a very real attraction to a smart, beautiful woman that he's had a fair amount of dirty thoughts about while also realizing he gives a damn about her more than just a friend and occasional..co-worker? co-conspirator at times? so he doesn't plan on letting this take so long that he realizes he's missed an opportunity. ]
I can appreciate it, you showing off.
Guess that means you're not gonna take it easy on me.
[ And he likes that. Not just the flirtatious back and forth, but the fact she plans on challenging him and making the wait that it takes to get there worth it. ]
Only if they take reviews from grumpy old food critics.
It was extremely mysterious. Maybe she knows how to pick locks.
Good thing she chose your place to break into.
Liho does make a good roommate. Can't stay mad at her even when she talks back to me.
I'll give you a window of fifteen minutes before I raise any alarms.
[You know, just in case something weird happens on his way to her place. Because that would be on par with the kind of luck they both seem to have at times.]
You better not. I'd be disappointed if you weren't trying to knock me on my ass too.
Good thing she chose your place to break into.
Liho does make a good roommate. Can't stay mad at her even when she talks back to me.
I'll give you a window of fifteen minutes before I raise any alarms.
[You know, just in case something weird happens on his way to her place. Because that would be on par with the kind of luck they both seem to have at times.]
You better not. I'd be disappointed if you weren't trying to knock me on my ass too.
Guess these modern times were bound to get something right sooner or later.
You might be right about that one.
[No, she's positive that he's right about that one. She's just going to haul off and plant one on him one day and it's only going to escalate from there.]
Good to know.
Because I'm never going to take it easy on you.
[Oh, there is absolutely a sense of promise behind the flirtatious back and forth.]
The only two requirements to become a food critic are that you're grumpy and old.
You might be right about that one.
[No, she's positive that he's right about that one. She's just going to haul off and plant one on him one day and it's only going to escalate from there.]
Good to know.
Because I'm never going to take it easy on you.
[Oh, there is absolutely a sense of promise behind the flirtatious back and forth.]
The only two requirements to become a food critic are that you're grumpy and old.
ALL THE CHEERING because look, they will FINALLY hit their breaking point soon lmao
bionicstaringmachine
2024-08-30 07:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Guess I'm lucky I don't have a lot of doors for her to unlock, I'd never see the end of it.
And she was able to bypass my alarm.
She must do that a lot when I'm not around, 'cause that doesn't sound like the Liho I know.
Alright, forty-five minutes, a second later and you're gonna have to track me down.
[ They do have some shitty luck - he thinks him more than her, but they might be able to have a debate on it - but he hopes it doesn't take him forty-five minutes to get himself together and pick out flowers before he heads to her to take her to this restaurant. Then sparring after. ]
And I don't plan on holding back. Not much at least.
And she was able to bypass my alarm.
She must do that a lot when I'm not around, 'cause that doesn't sound like the Liho I know.
Alright, forty-five minutes, a second later and you're gonna have to track me down.
[ They do have some shitty luck - he thinks him more than her, but they might be able to have a debate on it - but he hopes it doesn't take him forty-five minutes to get himself together and pick out flowers before he heads to her to take her to this restaurant. Then sparring after. ]
And I don't plan on holding back. Not much at least.
Maybe she's been using an AI too.
[That is, after all, one of Natasha's secrets to disabling alarm systems. The other one is just good old fashioned ingenuity.]
She's on her best behavior when you're around.
Deal.
I've got some ideas for how you can feel more comfortable not having to hold back at all.
[That's probably not comforting in abstract. But she figures he might be more confident if she comes in armed, so she's concocted a plan that involves wooden staffs.
And fridge magnets.]
[That is, after all, one of Natasha's secrets to disabling alarm systems. The other one is just good old fashioned ingenuity.]
She's on her best behavior when you're around.
Deal.
I've got some ideas for how you can feel more comfortable not having to hold back at all.
[That's probably not comforting in abstract. But she figures he might be more confident if she comes in armed, so she's concocted a plan that involves wooden staffs.
And fridge magnets.]
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