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majorlyugh"Hey, you've reached Major. Leave a message after the beep if you're still into that. Otherwise, send a text. They're more likely to get answered."
majorlyugh"Hey, you've reached Major. Leave a message after the beep if you're still into that. Otherwise, send a text. They're more likely to get answered."
[video]
Date: 2017-10-10 09:42 pm (UTC)And he knows well enough to know that messages at random hours of the night/morning are almost always with ulterior motives, and he didn't want to come across as That Kind of Guy. Not that he would've been against a booty call, if she were into it, but he certainly didn't want to launch their relationship - friendship, romantic, or otherwise - into that stratosphere straight off the bat.
Truth was, Major liked Laurel, too. A lot. He'd had his hookups since the end of the engagement with Liv, but very few of the women he'd since dated and slept with were able to capture him in the way she could. Not just physically (though he wasn't an idiot - she was gorgeous), but mentally and emotionally, too. The closest had been Shawna, and she had ended up breaking his trust in a pretty epic way. Laurel seemed genuine, real. He didn't fear the same kind of ending with her as he'd experienced with Shawna.
So when he gets her message, he sort of grins like a dreamy idiot for a while. He eventually comes back into himself to realize he doesn't want to leave her hanging for too long - he knows how nervous she must've been to send the message in the first place. So he only allows himself a couple of minutes before replying.
However, he opts for video. Just so she can see how on-board he is.
When the feed starts, he's still got the same bright grin plastered on his face, and his cheeks are a little flushed from happiness and embarrassment (in a good way). He waves at the camera.]
You know, if you hadn't sent your message when you did, I was totally gearing up to find a boombox to blast some Peter Gabriel outside of your window, obnoxiously waking up all of your neighbors and housemates. But I guess we'll just never know what your neighbors might've thrown at my head to shut me up now.
I guess I'll have to find some other use for this weird trench coat I bought.
If it isn't already obvious, the answer is yes. A thousand times yes. [He imitates a cheesy movie as he says that.] I'm into this Sadie Hawkins reversal, so if you wanna keep running with it, I'm game. But if you want me to jump in, I'm game for that, too.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-10 10:27 pm (UTC)As for past relationships? Kind of messy. Scratch that - really messy. Oliver was her first real love and it didn't end well. They were still friends, but the pain wouldn't entirely be forgotten. Tommy loved her and so did Laurel for a time, but then he died trying to save her life. As for Nick? He was evil. Enough said.
So exploring the idea of having a relationship with someone not from her world was something to think about. Laurel was admittedly out of practice, but finding out that Major liked her back was definitely encouraging. She needed to take that leap and do something good for herself for once. Put her own needs ahead of others, difficult as it was for Laurel to do.
She's obviously delighted when Major sends a reply minutes later, noting that it was in video. Oh boy. Laurel prepares herself for that and opens up the message, watching it a couple of times with a smile on her face. Laurel is positively giddy by his reply, feeling like a high schooler who got asked out by her crush.
So when Laurel switches to video from text to reply to him, she also has a huge smile on her face. Giving him a wave first, she speaks.]
Awwwh, I almost feel bad about not finding out what they'd throw at your head. I mean, we've got a full arsenal of utensils in the kitchen. [She laughs.] Yeah, I am going to run with it. I have to brag to someone about getting the hottest imPort here to go on a date with me. [Oh yeah. Moved from passably attractive to hot.] Of course your input is more than welcome.
[She ducks her head a little, running a hand through her hair. Gone is the teasing face, replaced with something more genuine.]
I have been wanting to ask you out for a while now. I was just so damn nervous about it, you know? Usually guys are the first to make a move so this is brand new territory for me, Major. [Laurel smiles.] I'd like to see what that could mean.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-10 10:41 pm (UTC)It had been too late at that point.
He knew he couldn't trust her after that.
So to say he's been hesitant at revealing the information to yet another person from outside the Inner Circle is a little bit of an understatement. Though maybe being in this strange place, completely separate from zombie-fied Seattle, will help to make things easier. .. Hopefully.
He grins at seeing her video, happy she's decided to feel comfortable enough to switch over to it. He lets out a laugh at what she says, little chuckles at first before they transform into heartier guffaws.]
I'm sure that, with time, effort, and dedication, I can get them to throw the arsenal at my head and my boombox. Though I'd rather stay on their good sides, if you're going to be living with and near them. Wouldn't do me any good to piss them off straight away. [He rolls his eyes playfully.] I'm pretty sure that's my line? About going on a date with the hottest imPort? Besides, what happened to our Passably Attractive Club? Did we lose all of our members already?
[In turn, Major's expression softens as hers does.] Well, consider me honored to be your guinea pig in this role-reversal-experiment of yours. I'll do my best not to mess it up completely.
To be honest, it's ... kinda awesome that you took the first leap. My instinct was to say 'kinda hot,' but it isn't just that. It's awesome.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-10 11:24 pm (UTC)Oh, that club has been dissolved on the grounds that the members were too hot for it. Sorry if you missed the memo. [She holds that for a moment then laughs. Loudly.] And I can totally have that line. As for the roommates, they're nice. I think they'd like you so please don't give them a reason to throw stuff in your general direction.
[She feels a light blush creeping onto her cheeks at the change in his expression. Yep, it's definitely there. He can probably see it now.] The honour is all mine. I'll do my best not to screw it up either.
[The blush deepens just a little at the next part. He thinks she's hot. Laurel likes to think she is fairly confident about her looks but to hear someone else say it - or at the very least imply it - is well, let's just say that Laurel isn't entirely opposed to it. ]
I'm fine with the first instinct. Even more okay with you thinking that it's awesome. You’ve put my mind at ease so thanks for that. I'm not so nervous about it now.
[But there are still butterflies in her stomach.]
Guess my next question is where would you like to go or do? I was thinking dinner, maybe a movie? I know you're well versed in films and I can make that mac and cheese I told you about a while ago.
Or we could go out for dinner if staying in isn't your thing?
[video]
Date: 2017-10-11 01:32 am (UTC)Generally, I try to get along with room mates. So hopefully we won't have to worry about it. I'll even bribe them with a home-cooked meal at some point. That's usually a pretty big hit. I make some mean burgers and ribs. Basically meat. I make good meat dishes because something about being a man, something about testosterone, something something. [He waves a dismissive hand like the topic doesn't really matter.]
Good. You shouldn't be. Any guy who would be thrown off by a beautiful, funny, intelligent, confident woman taking the reins and getting the ball rolling is an idiot who doesn't deserve to be on a date with said beautiful, funny, intelligent, confident woman. Luckily, I'm not that much of an idiot.
[He smiles, glancing up as he considers.] Huh. Those all sound really good. I mean, the hope is that it isn't just going to end at one date, right? [He looks back at the camera.] So, we should be able to pick one and then do something else the next time. So that dinner and a movie thing sounds great. I mean, I could pick a really bad movie and burn my mouth on your mac-n-cheese, and we could call it quits right away, but .. I have a feeling that won't happen.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-11 02:50 pm (UTC)[Look a stitch caused by a fit of laughter instead of being punched in the gut was preferred by her.]
Oh, you have to make the burgers and ribs! I don't know if any one my roomies are vegetarian but it wouldn't be a waste of your time because I'll make sure to eat their portion too. [Laurel is joking. Maybe. She does have a healthy appetite, even more so after she took up training. Protein was important.]
Wow. You said all of those nice things about me twice. [Don't make her blush even more.] Not that I'm complaining of course but it's been a while since anyone has ever said anything like it to me. [A beat.] And I don't think you're much of an idiot either.
It's definitely my hope that we'll have more than one date. [She agrees with a smile.] Dinner and a movie it is then. I'm okay with that. As for the rest I got a pretty good feeling that it won’t happen either. If it does, then we'll just roll with it. And order pizza.
When would you be free? I'm good most nights, but especially the weekend.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-11 10:02 pm (UTC)I admire a woman who can eat the crap out of something she enjoys. None of that like, picking through a salad like a bird. You gotta eat! Makes you strong! Strong like bull! Besides the fact that it's just ridiculous to not eat something that you really want because of stupid, sexist nonsense. Full disclosure, if - no, when I make ribs, I go ham on them. Just .. covered in sauce and fragments of meat. Head to toe. I'm warning you now, like a disclaimer. If needed, we can get you a blindfold and some ear plugs or something.
[The corners of his lips tug down a little.] That's .. kind of ridiculous. To think you haven't heard compliments in a while. I mean, I guess if someone said them ALL the time, you'd question their authenticity, but even a little bit. I'll be sure to pick up the slack in that department, then. Because, like. Damn, Daniel - back at it again with the white Vans. You deserve to hear those compliments.
Uhh, hmm. Things are sorta all over with the gym opening up, but whatever works for you I can make work for me. I'm easy peasy lemon squeezy.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-12 12:02 pm (UTC)[She's teasing just a little. But he seemed okay with that so far.]
Let's just say my dating life was put on hold back home. And here, I guess. So I wasn't expecting to hear those kinds of words in my general direction. [A shrug, before she smiles.] But you are very sweet, thank you. I don't mind hearing them from you at all.
Okay, cool. I can be flexible if it suits you. We can do it next week, maybe? It'll give you some time to open the gym and for me to prepare the mac and cheese. Which are definitely things not on the same level but you don't want me to burn down my kitchen so I'll need some time. [Her housemates would not be pleased.]
Did I mention that I'm looking forward to it? Because I am.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-13 09:48 pm (UTC)[He nods slowly.] I .. can understand that, obviously. But like I said, I'll be doing my best to tell you those kinds of things as often as I can without being too obnoxious. I mean, I gotta be a little obnoxious, but I'll try not to go to like, Willy Wonka levels.
Sure, that works for me. My life is boring, so whatever works for you. [He lets out a quiet laugh.] You didn't mention it, but I'm glad you did now. Cause totes mcgotes the same for me. Kind of in stupidly outstanding amounts.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-13 10:29 pm (UTC)For the record I am not a sociopath nor do I kick puppies. I also believe in not judging a book by its' cover which sounds like a cliche; maybe it's partly down to being a lawyer.
[From her small, humble beginnings at the CNRI to becoming ADA, Laurel has been on quite the ride. She still wants to do right by the most vulnerable in society, no matter what office she worked in.]
I can work with a little obnoxious. And I guess I should be a little obnoxious in return? By saying nice things about you. Like kind, also funny, handsome and smart. I did say hot earlier so I guess that's five things.
[She chuckles.] I like how agreeable you are with the scheduling. Is 'scheduling' the wrong word to use when it comes to a date? I think so. Anyway. I'm glad to hear that you're looking forward to it too.
Stupidly outstanding though. How am I gonna compete with that?
[video]
Date: 2017-10-14 12:48 am (UTC)[He laughs a bit.] No, no, I didn't get the sociopathic vibes from you, which is a big plus. I mean, I know those people can't really help how they are, but .. they're .. generally not the kinds of folks I think about when I think about dating.
[He stretches out a finger as she says each thing, then makes a face as though he's moderately pleased.] Five things. That's pretty good. You're under no obligation whatsoever to be obnoxious, by the way. I was mostly giving you a heads up that obnoxious is a state of being for me, and it's one that I can't undo.
Look, the only times I really want us to compete are: playing video games, unless they're the cooperative kind; any kind of sporting thing we might play; fighting for blankets; and trying to get animals to like one of us better than the other, just to rub it in the other person's face. And whatever other scenario you might come up with. [He grins like a kid who's trying to get away with a prank.]
[video]
Date: 2017-10-14 06:35 pm (UTC)Yeah, I tend not to think about them when it comes to dating either.
[Though sometimes Laurel wasn't always so lucky.]
I am sure that there are more than five things that I can say about you, Major. But I appreciate the heads up anyway.
Video games aren't really my forte; it depends on the sport; I'm a pretty good blanket hog just so you know; and animals have been known to like me. [She matches his grin.] I do like how you're open to other scenarios, Major. I'm gonna have to use my imagination and come up with something really good. [There's a promise in her voice, followed by a wink.]
So, I should probably let you go, huh? Since you're working on the gym. I mean, I don't want to let you go because I'm enjoying the conversation and I like you - so this is really hard.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-14 09:43 pm (UTC)[He doesn't mind the subject change; the thought of having to reveal to Laurel that he killed a few people due to being blackmailed is enough to churn his stomach.]
Ahh, well. Maybe we can make a gamer of you yet. There are lots of different kinds, from the silly and mindless to the more intense. They can be a fun bonding activity. Or, at least, I've found them to be. But how about - if you agree to let me teach you a few games, I'll let you teach me a few things of your own? Whatever you want. No restrictions.
[There's a slight pout, but a heavy sigh of agreement.] Yeah - I .. should probably get back to it? But it doesn't mean we can't talk again soon, or even in little bits throughout the day. I can be a bit of an idiot when it comes to staying in touch in a consistent way, so if I fade to nothing for a little while, that's why; it isn't because I don't want to talk to you or decided I don't like you anymore. I just get distracted and am bad at remembering to text people.
[video]
Date: 2017-10-15 08:40 pm (UTC)[There was her alcoholism and her sister dying. Laurel herself almost dying a few times. Her becoming a vigilante. So much bad stuff in the past decade.]
Those terms are agreeable. I'll let you teach me a few games and maybe I'll teach you some self-defense? I don't know if you'll be interested in learning about the law but I'm pretty well-versed in that, even if I haven't exactly practiced since I got here. I promise to think of something interesting.
[She could have taken that part of the conversation to somewhere else completely, but Laurel didn't feel that it was appropriate.]
It's okay. I get being distracted - happened to me plenty of times. But I will keep in touch, even through text. All you gotta do is let me know you're okay. A smiley face emoji will do, it doesn't have to be a long text. And I know that people also need their space and alone time so if you go radio silent for a bit, it's fine. [Laurel smiles to reassure him.]
Soooo I guess this is goodbye for now. Take care, okay?
no subject
Date: 2017-10-16 02:21 am (UTC)[He nods, giving a bit of a wave into the camera.] You, too. We'll chat soon.