bakerstreet | Flirt

I'm not... Doing that.

[Huff, puff, grump.]

And I'm pretty sure we did the date thing at least once already.

It kind of feels like you are.

[It's not an accusation or anything. It just really does feel like she can never get any kind of straight response out of him.]

Most couples don't go on one date and call it done. Not that we're a couple or anything, but... it'd be nice if we can spend more time together like that. Emphasis on the together part.

Well feelings are dumb.

[Yes, he did just say that. Yes, he is that emotionally stupid.]

Yes, well... Hrmph.

I know. Sometimes I'd rather not have any, but we don't always get what we want.

See, that? That's what I'm talking about. Whether you do or don't want to spend more time with me, you should be able to at least tell me.

I would think the fact that I'm spending time with you would be proof enough. If I didn't like you I wouldn't go near you.

I know that. But it doesn't hurt to say it once in a while. Preferably without words like "hmph" or "whatever."

I'm not asking for poetry, Donnie. Just the occasional sign that I'm still wanted around.

I don't see why you need me to say it, isn't the whole thing "actions speak louder" or something like that.

... what action?

[Ack, that dry question comes out before she can help herself, and she rubs at the back of her neck as she awkwardly looks away.]

It's just... if you count that movie marathon as a date, we weren't even really sitting together or anything.

Really?

[He's trying to not sound offended, but it slips through.]

And I thought that you weren't supposed to be too handsy with first dates.

I didn't know whether or not we were calling that a date. But since we are, I appreciate you respecting my boundaries.

[She's not trying to offend him. This is new for her, but it's likely way newer for Donnie, so it's not as though he should have any idea what counts for social norms. She's giving him a lot more grace than she would most other guys.]

By calling it a first date, does that mean we're in the clear for a second date? Because if we are, talking about boundaries might not be a terrible idea.

Hm.

[Honestly it was more his own boundries, since he is very... picky about the people he gets that kind of close to.]

I mean, yeah if you want to? And yeah, it's not a terrible idea at all.

[She is 100% aware that this is 1000% about his own boundaries more than hers, but again, she's giving him a considerable amount of grace.]

I want to. Just tell me what you're comfortable with. If sitting right next to me really is too much for you, I can respect that. As far as I'm concerned, though.... [A shrug.] I don't like it when most people touch me. But you're not most people. So I won't freak out if you brush against my hand or leg or something... accidentally or otherwise.

Well. Usually it's just, how much is too much? Varies.

[It's all very mood dependant really. Which is something he kind of hates. As to her saying that she wouldn't mind it, whelp.]

... Okay, that's good to know. But you don't have to worry about it, uh, going too far.

You won't know what's "too much" until you try. Not that I'm suggesting you go outside your comfort zone or anything, but if realize that you have and need to scale back, I'm not holding it against you. I want you do feel comfortable, not tip-toe around things because you're afraid of how I'll react or whatever.

... Okay well. I'd like to try something then?

[He's going to reach out to take one of her hands now.]

[... oh. She hadn't really expected him to take her up on anything, especially not right now. But she knows if she hesitates even a little bit, he'll take that as a sign to scale all the way back, so after that brief initial flicker of surprise, she yields to his touch and gives his hand a small squeeze, smiling gently.]

Is this okay?

Yeah just... One more thing.

[After the hand squeeze, his going to do something that is probably weird but like... He knows of it as being romantic? He's going to lift her hand up and kiss the back of it.]

[... oh. Well, if the hand-holding had caught her by surprise, this chivalrous gesture outright shocks her. Her face actually goes a little warm, but she ignores it in the hopes of minimizing any potential schmaltz. It is weird, but it's also... nice.]

Wow. That was actually sweet. Thank you.

[His own face is going a little blushy now at her words.]

Yeah well... Baby steps?

Baby steps.

[She tilts her head a little, giving him a considering look. She hasn't let go of his hand, and she doesn't really intend to until he shows signs of wanting to pull away.]

Can I hug you, or would that be a bit much? It's okay if it is.

[No signs of being bothered by it, except maybe the blush. As to what she's asking, he nods.]

Yeah, it's fine... I mean it's fine if you want a hug.

[She looks at him a little longer, as though just to make sure he's sincere about it. Then she cautiously takes a step towards him, slipping her free arm around his shoulders and lightly resting her head against his. The height difference makes it just a little awkward, but it still feels nice. At least, it does on her end.]

Still fine?

[Whelp, that's a hug. He wasn't expecting the head part either. So his face is very warm right now, as he'll bring his own free arm to wrap around her in a very proper way.]

Y-yeah, still fine.

If it's not, I'll let go.

[She says it quickly, picking up on that stammer and not wanting to send this progress derailing so soon.]

But if it is... I don't mind staying like this a little longer. But only if you're really fine.

I'm fine, honest!

[Just not used to having a girl he doesn't see as family this close. So just a wee bit awkward on his end.]

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