AU - Val

[rockabillyboy]

He's honestly not sure if this is supposed to be a date or not. They've sort of edged around the idea, and he's got permission to stay out as late as he needs to, so he supposes he'll see how things go. He's waiting for her on a corner downtown, loosely knotted tie and a vest, his shirt-sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Idly, he plays on his phone, killing him time.

He's nervous, a little. He supposes that it's more anticipation than anything.

Comments

[rockabillyboy]

Jack's fingers stroke idly against Val's leg, tracing the shape of her knee cap. He opens his eyes and looks up at her.

"What're you thinking about?"

[scion_of_ancients]

The answer's clear, and yet, she's still got to push herself to say it, worried that actually airing her thoughts will just lead to things being shattered.

"Nothing. For the first time in a hell of a long time - nothing at all. And you know what?" she asks, not even as a proper question, but more as a statement. "It sure as hell's nice."

[rockabillyboy]

Jack grins, broad and bright, an utterly genuine smile.

"Good," he says. "I'm glad. I'm glad I could be a part of that."

[scion_of_ancients]

"Honestly, Jack, I don't know if I could have gotten this far without you. You're a very calming presence. Like a nice relaxing tea, but in a person body." Her face screws up a bit, then she starts to laugh. "I have a great way to express myself, don't I?"

[rockabillyboy]

"I don't know how flattering that is," he says, grinning. "Sort of like calling a person nice. It's sort of damning with faint praise, isn't it? Hey, Jack, you make me feel like tea does. Don't get me wrong, I really love tea, but..."

[scion_of_ancients]

She smacks him in the arm for that, gently enough to make sure it doesn't hurt. "I'm trying to compliment you here, give me a break. There's only so much sappy sentimentalism I can do in one day."