notintehkitchen

[He shifted, trying to balance the crutch under his arm. He withdrew his hand as his eyes affixed themselves somewhere on the floor.]

I already tried that by running, remember?

[He sighed, starting to think this was a bad idea. He seemed to be full of them.]

Look. You were the one who said it was fine if we both, um. Liked it. [He cleared his throat.] But if you think it'd make ya feel better, I'll just leave.

Edited 2012-01-25 11:19 (UTC)

[Getting panicked that he would leave again if she denied him, Pyro suddenly found herself explaining parts of her life she thought should never come up again.]

No, that's not it! I've... never even been with a man before! The closest I had to a relationship was holding hands with my fiancee! That's all I've done!

[Burying her face in her arm, a sighed escaped her.]

I'm ashamed. I don't know how to please anybody, alright?!

[Sniper cringed, both her reaction and deluge of personal information a bit much for her. It did explain some things, but not others, and certainly did nothing to fix the awkward tension between them.

With his leg starting to ache, he stepped to the side, easing into a chair. It brought him closer to Pyro- he leaned forward, trying to work out in his mind what he should say, or even could say to make things right. He pushed another sigh through him, that distinct feeling he was never going to be any good with women coming back. It did give him an idea, though it was one he wasn't sure he wanted to follow. He rubbed the back of his neck.]

Look, I've only been with one other girl, and that was years ago. Over a decade. And she didn't, um. It wasn't like that with her, what happened with us the other day. That... It felt good. Really good.

[He could feel himself burning again- he cursed his mortification as he clawed at the side of his face.]

I'm aware I'm not the best at this sort of thing, myself. That's what I'm saying.

Over a decade?

[A decade ago she would of been fifteen if she ignored the current place they were in.

To think, when I was just a little one, Sniper already had a girlfriend.

When I was fifteen, Sniper was twenty-nine? I have a good four years to go before I reach that number!

Shaking her head back and forth to snap out of it, she braced herself for pulling her arm away and being brave enough to look him in the eyes.]

I... I don't mind. I mean, if that's what you are worried about. I'm just afraid that I--

[Rubbing her knuckles together, she pulled them apart slightly and began to make vague hand gestures.]

Haven't done those sorts of.... er...

[There were more hand gestures. Whatever she was doing, it was causing her face to overheat.]

But if you want me to, um...

[Pointing at her mouth, she then closed her eyes as she pointed directly at his crotch, totally unaware that's where she was directing his gaze or attempting to signal.]

I will.

[The thought had crossed Sniper's mind that he couldn't possibly be any more embarrassed than he already was, as the situation discomforted him on nearly every level: he was explaining his romantic history (or lack thereof) to the woman he fancied, who he had unintentionally told about his attraction to her only a few days before. Attachment was not merely something he'd sworn off because it got in the way of his job and clouded his mind; the thought of losing those he cared for frightened him, rattled his core. Years of shoving it all aside had left him inexperienced in nearly all matters of the heart, both emotional and physical.

He clawed at his face again as he put together what she was saying, a flame lit under his skin. The knot in his throat made it hard to breathe; he pushed it down regardless, trying to find a proper answer. It was becoming harder as the seconds ticked by, his mind and body recalling the feeling of her against him.]

Yes, well... That might be, um. Mm.

[He pressed his hand to his face, rubbing his eyes as he pushed his fingers under his glasses. He could feel the heat radiating off him as he considered her offer, feeling even more perverted for doing so. It wasn't as easy as convincing himself of her words, somehow- that there was no one there to me critical of them, and that it was okay if they both enjoyed it. The latter may have been true, but he knew better about the former; he never wanted the others to know.]

Maybe we should go somewhere more private, pumpkin. Take it a bit slow.

[Building up the courage to speak again was proving difficult. Her frame was shaking as if she was out in the snow despite being so warm throughout. It was a strange sensation that was impossible for her to rid herself of when Sniper suggested they go somewhere to be alone. If they went to a private place it was quite likely she would be receiving more than a couple kisses from the man in front of her.

As she reopened her eyes, she could do nothing but nod in agreement. Why couldn't she suggest something? Why could she not communicate about sexual ideas with anything but hand gestures? Certainly she must of seemed too childish for this.

Annoyed at herself for being such a coward when it came to her feelings, Pyro kicked at the couch before bowing her head. He had been here only two months or so and she was lusting for him like a teenager full of hormones. She didn't even know his name... he didn't know hers either. Could you have sex without saying someone's name? That's not how it went in the movies she saw...

If she was going to do this, she wanted him to know her name.]

Momo. My name is Momo.

Edited 2012-01-26 01:10 (UTC)

[He blinked in surprise, a little ashamed he'd not thought to ask for her name sooner, especially when the topic of intimacy between then came up. It was another step that brought him uncomfortably close- not just physically, but on a deeper level. Learning about the rest of his team was something he'd avoided back at Sawmill. It was easier to feel nothing for them as they were shot down all around him if he didn't think too hard about who they were or what they had in life. They were professionals with the same job- that was all that mattered. Everything else got in the way.

They weren't at the base anymore, the trees and muddy hills a far cry from Paradise's paved roads and futuristic buildings. Similarly gone was their occupation, and with it a large aspect of stability in his life. He wasn't much of a man for change; all he'd faced upon his arrival in Paradise— the loss of his job, parents, and nearly everything he'd thrived on for the past several years— had nearly broken him. He'd snapped, which brought even worse consequences to his plate.

While Pyro herself was the same teammate he'd worked with at Sawmill, even she was a changed individual from the one he knew: gone was her suit, her true identity known. He hadn't batted an eye as she was slain before; watching her be maimed on a daily basis was just a part of the job. She was a faceless figure, one without a true voice, one for whom he couldn't care less.

A little over two months in the city, and his opinion had changed to the point of nonrecognition. She'd visited him daily in the hospital; somewhere along the way, he'd become somewhat comfortable with her being there, with talking to her beyond a gruff greeting and a few belligerent words. He still claimed not to care, but there was a level of concern for her that had welled itself in his chest without his knowing. He wouldn't have returned to the house if it didn't exist, would have been able to talk himself out of it as he always had.

He could see the change in himself; it was one that went against his personal code, but he wasn't sure what he could do to stifle it... or if he even wanted to. She brought back some sense of stability to his life- she was there every day, whether he wanted her to be or not. She had become that unchanging element he craved, and he'd never even realized it.

He had a private smile to himself, feeling calmer somehow.]

I'm Alan.

[Once you introduced yourself she realized in Western cultures you were supposed to shake hands and not bow or else it would seem both rude and strange. Doing just so, she offered out her hand with a bright smile that was thoroughly sincere. The sound of her voice made it seem like she was meeting him all over again for the 3rd time.]

Nice to meet you, Alan.

Nice to meet you, Momo.

[The smile remained on his face as he took her offered hand. It seemed so strange: he'd known Barbara for years before they ever got involved, and it had never felt quite so... comfortable as it did with the woman sitting before him, an individual he'd worked with and had never known her identity until recently. He related to Pyro in some way he couldn't with her, some way she was incapable of seeing and he was still trying to discover for himself.

He was already feeling it as he sat there, that innate fear of loss that came coupled with attachment. Was he setting himself up for another injury by pursuing this? It felt backwards, to be introducing themselves after all that had already happened, but he couldn't find it in himself to regret it at that point. He was selfish, and wanted her more than he could fully express.

His hand lingered around hers another moment, taking in the texture of her skin. He licked his lips, his mouth feeling dry as tension hit him.]

Right. I think it's a bit warm in here. Maybe we oughtta get some fresh air.

[When his hand was placed into hers, Momo looked down at it and widened her eyes a bit. In pure fascination at how big his hands were compared to hers she began to place her other one over his.]

Your hands are huge.

[At his suggestion, she remembered how freezing it was out there. It was not going to be fun. Pyro disliked cold weather as much as she hated swimming.]

Ah, yes. Fresh air...

[Fresh cold air.

Removing her hands, she placed them at her sides and felt the bulky fabric of her uniform still being worn. Squeaking at the realization, she began to unzip her flame retardant suit until it dropped to the ground. When she stepped out she was wearing that dress that Sniper had called nice along with a pair of stockings and garters that were odd going with her black boots that had flaps.]

Edited 2012-01-26 10:49 (UTC)

[Sniper's suggestion had ulterior motives: while he'd thought that the cold air might clear his head and help quell the burning of his face, he'd thought the chill might push her to him- having shared a bed with her for a few weeks, her general dislike of the cold was apparent. He smirked, rather proud of his cleverness.

The look dissolved as she unzipped her uniform, dropping it and revealing the nice dress, now with accompanying stockings. His eyes never even made it to the thick boots that were a comical addition to the ensemble- they stopped momentarily on her thighs, his attention grabbed by garters before he tore them away, shame coloring him yet again. So much for all that self-control; not thinking about her in such a way was nearly impossible in that particular dress. He fumbled with his hood.]

Wait, back up. You were stickin' yourself in your suit permanently wearing that?

I didn't have much of a choice. All my clothes were dirty except for my men's undergarments. This was my only option it seemed. IS there a problem?

[Turning about in circles she attempted to look at her backside with confusion.]

Is something to stuck to my butt? My back? Where?

[Placing her hands behind her back before he could even answer, she began to search as if that was the reason he was acting peculiar.]

Sometimes I get soot in the inside of my uniform when I take it off. Is that what's weird?

[Stopping, she extended out her right led and hiked up her dress in order to get a good look at her skin.]

No, just scars. Everything looks fine.

[He averted his eyes as much as possible, his chest tight as he felt a lustful ache run through him. He shut it down in an instant- why of all the things she could be wearing did it have to be that dress? And from what he could tell, the chances were high she didn't know the exact reason that particular piece got him riled up.

He got to his feet, pushing himself up with his crutch.]

No, it's fine. I just thought ya might have picked something more comfortable if you were goin' to spend the rest of your days in that suit.

I didn't get a lot of time to think it over! It was spur of the moment!

[Growing flushed again for entirely different reasons, Pyro ran up to his side. Eying his crutches, she pondered how much longer he would have to use those.]

Hey, Alan? We can't hold hands, can we? I mean--because you have to use your crutches, so it would be too complicated.

[Sniper leaned on his crutch, rubbing the back of his neck.]

I s'ppose you're right about that.

[He hated hearing that shred of disappointment in her voice. His eyes turned to the sling that held his broken arm.]

Maybe you could walk on this side and hold onto my arm, if you're careful.

[The moment the suggestion met her ears, Pyro perked up and nodded enthusiastically.]

OK! I promise I won't hurt you one bit, I'll be super gentle!

[Reaching her arm around his broken one, she attempted to lightly take a hold of it while steadying herself in order not to make any sudden moves that might cause him pain. The very sensation of his skin making contact against hers made her very happy, it showed on her face.

Lowering her voice, she spoke shyly. She knew there was-something- their relationship should be called just not what exactly.]

Alan isn't afraid of anyone seeing us together now? That... makes me feel good.

Edited 2012-01-26 11:57 (UTC)

I don't think there's too many people out as it is, so I don't think we'd be seen anyway. S'a bit cold for most.

[It was the opposite, in all truthfulness: he wanted absolutely no one to find to find out about them, whatever them entailed. He wasn't entirely sure himself- he knew her name, felt comfortable with her, and was still struggling to handle how he reacted when in her presence, his body flaring up at the smell of her hair and every grace of her skin on his. Though he attempted to accept it himself, he knew anything between them that was beyond professional wasn't right: she was a coworker, nearly half his age, and honestly, he barely knew anything about her. With her arm linked with his, anyone who saw them would likely assume the worst about them, and they'd be right.

On the other hand, it wasn't exactly a secret she'd taken care of him in the hospital. Her behavior had been overly affectionate even then, and if she was naturally that way, perhaps anyone who saw them wouldn't bat an eye or make any assumptions about his part in it. It was hard to let go of his image as a professional, and he didn't want to be thought of as some lovesick dog who craved her attention. That was entirely untrue.

Well, at least he didn't have to concern himself with what his parents thought of her. Chances were they would either never make it back to their time, or they'd forget all that had transpired in Paradise when they did, so what did it matter? He leaned on his crutch again, touching her arm that was wrapped around his own as he cast another small smile her way. He didn't crave her attention like that- he just liked the sensation of her against him was all. He enjoyed that feeling, but didn't actually have those feelings. That was it. It was just a matter of convincing himself.]

Right then. Ready?

Edited 2012-01-26 18:49 (UTC)

[If it got too cold outside she could always produce a fireball in the palm of her hand. In her current attire it seemed it was going to have happen sooner than later.

Holding onto Sniper's arm was enough for her to be giddy with delight. Compared to times she had cuddled him he didn't look the smallest bit annoyed by her touch. Maybe he'd never mind her cuddling him again.]

I'm ready!

[If only his arm nearest to her wasn't injured. At that moment she wished she could snuggle her head up against his shoulder to show him how cheerful she was.]

[With her in tow, Sniper hobbled for the door, doing his best not to let the pain shooting through his leg wear on him. Walking to and from BLU's townhouse had apparently taken its toll on him.

Down the stairs and into the street. He'd never been much of one for public displays of affection with Barbara— and as far as he was concerned, he still wasn't one for such things, and this wasn't one of those things anyway— but he kept his pace slow so as not to do more injury to himself. It gave him longer with her, as it was. That was just a bonus.

With a deep breath, he took a turn, heading in the direction opposite of his rival's house.]

[As they strolled down the pavement, Pyro looked about in thought in order to gain some sense of what was around them. In the direction they were currently heading she could remember hearing the cute barks of little puppies as they pawed away at the window they were displayed against.]

Sniper likes dogs, doesn't he?

[It was a question that was brought up with any other hints to why it would of been. Finding conversation when you were a nervous wreck was difficult so any topic seemed fine. Luckily for Pyro, the both of them loved dogs.]

There's a pet store very close from here. You should look at the puppies.

[He kept his eyes affixed on the distance in front of them, his expression hardening.]

Ya know good and well I like dogs.

[He pushed a sigh through him, feeling he'd cut back too sharply. It was still a sore topic for him, though he had to admit that if he'd not admitted those things to her unintentionally, he might not be where he was with her at that moment. Whether or not that was a good development in the long run was yet to be seen. He started again, his tone softer.]

Right. I can look, I suppose. Even if I was in workin' order, I've not had a dog in some time. I don't think I'd be too good at takin' care of them anymore.

[Seeing him so down on himself made her poke him against the tip of his nose with a single finger.]

That's no way to think. How about if we both get one together? It can be our child. We'll have to think of a name for it and it has to be really cute.

[Smiling up at him, she tried to make light of the situation. Sniper couldn't be so glum all the time!]

[He inched away from her finger as she prodded his nose, surprised by the action as he'd been distracted with other thoughts.]

A dog's not a child, Pyro. It's a pet.

[He certainly didn't want to think about children of any sort at that point, as he was still trying to acclimate himself to the thought of having any sort of a relationship with her, no matter how taboo in light of his standards of professionalism; even more, he didn't want to mention that the offer was tempting.]

[Snickering at his response to her sudden poke, she shook her head.]

You take care of it just as you would a child, don't you? If that's the case, it's a child. I don't think the word pet should even exist in the context to describe what they are to humans.

Do you not want to have a child with me?

[He was caught off guard by her question, taking it at face value rather than thinking about the statement that came right before it.]

Er. Don't you think it's a bit early to be, um.

[His mind put it together two seconds too late as they turned down another road, the pet store in sight.]

Right. A dog. You were talking about a dog.

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