alnifolia | open rp post 2.0

But it's bothering you enough that you actually stuttered in front of me.

[ Her half-smile takes a bit of a teasing edge to it, but hopefully keeping things light. ]

Okay, so, say you never knew that one thing that you're questioning now. You never learned it or something. What would you do?

[ That question gives him pause, and he frowns at the floor as he thinks it over.

What the hell would he do, indeed?

It's difficult to think about, because so much of his life has been spent with the mantra, Trust no one, humming at the back of his head. Trust no one, because every connection meant a weakness, meant a liability, meant a mistake. Trust no one, not even the man with the pointy smile, who'd smack you on the shoulder and say, Good work, son. Because he was the same man who'd punch the shit out of you for one wrong move, or one wrong word. ]

That's the thing, I guess. [ Slowly, thoughtfully. ] It's been with me so long, I'm not really sure how I'd be without it.

[ Her lips draw into a thin line when he frowns, and she tilts her head, as though she's trying to catch his gaze as he looks down. Slowly, and not without hesitation she pulls a hand away from the railing and places it on one of Peter's arms in a supportive gesture--against her better judgment, certainly, considering Peter Quill probably knows, like, twenty different ways to kill someone in this kind of situation.

But, well, it wouldn't have been the first time he's tried to kill her. Though he's had plenty of chances to do so since then. ]

You're going to be alright, Quill. I don't think it's bad, whatever it is you're going through. Things change, people change. You're allowed to do that.

[ He tenses at her touch – caught off-guard, certainly, but his instincts aren't so ingrained that a kind touch would spur him to violence. It's enough to make him glance at her hand, though, enough to make him look over in surprise. He smiles softly after a second, something a little rueful. ]

I dunno. Lives we lead? Change can be dangerous.

[ She shoots him an almost challenging smirk as she pulls her hand away, now that he's looking at her and not at the floor. ]

See, that depends entirely on what kind of change you're talking about. Like, if you were thinking of going vegetarian or something that probably wouldn't be dangerous.

[ He snorts. ]

I dunno, I'm a growing boy. Pretty sure I need the protein.

[ And she, in turn, chuckles. ]

Please don't. You're already a giant, Peter.

[ She pulls away from the railing entirely so she can move and stand straight just in front of him, holding her hand up flat as though to measure her height, and then his. ]

See? Even leaning back a bit you're way too tall.

[ The gesture makes his smile widen, and he tilts his head a little to one side. ]

I'm pretty sure I'm the perfect height. Sorry to say it, Hana, but I'm pretty sure you're just on the short side.

[ She uses that same hand to gesture dismissively at him before she swings her hip to one side, her hands on her hips. ]

I'm petite, and also good things come in small packages, so whatever.

[ He breathes out a laugh, putting on a slightly dubious expression. ]

You sure that's not something that short people tell themselves to feel better?

Wow, wouldn't it just be terrible if I shoved you over the railing?

[ A small smirk. ]

Probably, considering I've got a lot further to fall than you do.

[ Flatly, ] Ha.

[ She folds her arms across her chest, tilting her head as her unimpressed expression gives way for something more playful. ]

Well, at least I got you to smile a little. At the expense of my height, but still.

[ He ducks his head a little, though the smile doesn't quite leave his face. ]

Sorry.

Would it be childish to point out you started it?

Well, yeah I did. I'm an easy target for the height talk.

[ She started it on purpose. ]

But the smile suits your face more, so I think I'd call that a win on my end.

What, you don't go in for the dark and brooding type? I thought for sure most people found that attractive.

[ She can't help but give an amused grin at that. ]

Oh, so you've been dark and brooding this whole time to attract people, huh?

[ He spreads his hands. ]

C'mon. It's kinda been working, right?

[ She hums thoughtfully, then: ]

I mean, probably? I'm sure people noticed you in there.

[ And as for herself... ]

Pretty sure I'm the wrong person to ask, though.

[ This conversation took an unexpected turn, he thinks, and her answer gives him pause once again. He wonders if maybe they've crossed another one of those uncomfortable lines – more his hang-ups than hers, he grants – and he slowly lets out a breath. ]

Right. 'Course.

[ His gaze flits off again to the other guests on the terrace with them. A dozen people with them. Two more stepping out with glasses in hand, the noise from the club lancing through the relative quiet before the doors swing shut once more. All of them paying him and Goto absolutely no mind, of course, but that doesn't stop Peter from being at least a little suspicious of each of them. Old habits.

He clears his throat. ]

I'm pretty sure I owe you a drink for playing therapist, just now.

[ Unexpected, sure; as much as Kasumi would have wanted to keep playing along, the last time she flirted with him too much didn't end too well, considering he vanished for months shortly thereafter. She steps away from to take her former place beside him by the railing, this time leaning with her back against him like he is. ]

You don't owe me anything, Quill, but if this is you trying to get away for a second, then feel free. I won't say no to a free drink.

[ He shakes his head a little. ] It’s the least I can do, honestly.

[ He gestures toward the door. ] You can come with, if you want. Probably best if you do, in fact, so I don’t end up coming back with some pink monstrosity just because the bartender said, “This is the kinda drinks ladies like.”

[ She laughs a little before she crosses her arms and quirks a brow at him. ]

You sure my tagging along won't ruin your sexy, dark and brooding vibe?

Nah. You're the only one I'm looking to impress tonight.

[ but he falters even as he says it. Was that tipping his hand too much? He grimaces, hiding it by ducking his head and pulling a hand through his hair, and tries to recover. ]

So? In or out?

[ ... Huh. Kasumi could have easily attributed what he says to just. You know, the usual mindless flirtation that doesn't mean anything. But the way he falters and folds into himself after surprises her, and... he's not really lying, is he. She's seen him lie before. She knows he's damned good at it. This is different, she knows it, and it makes her heart twist a little. Because if he really wasn't lying just now, then maybe there's something there. But he'd already cut her off once; he could do it again. ]

... In. Free drink, and I don't even have to steal it.

[ She pushes off the railing and whirls around to face him, trying for a lighthearted look because that's easier than asking him what just happened. She looks back over her shoulder at the door that leads back into the bar. ]

It's pretty packed in there. Guess we'll have to stay close, huh?

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