tcnetwork | Leonard Snart

Leonard's face may be stoic but Steve thinks maybe he can see the war he's battling internally through his eyes. Leonard's eyes and his hands are something Steve finds fascinating..both so expressive in different ways.

"Thank you." Steve says with a small smile and a nod of his head as he pulls the plate closer to himself slowly so as to not possibly startle or spook Leonard by moving too quickly.

Steve knows Len isn't sleeping, Hope tells him that sometimes she gets up for water and he's puttering around the ship...avoiding his room...she says it's not great and he's obviously hurting. He feels horrible for being the cause of it. He wants to ask how he is, he knows he's not alright. They don't need shallow conversation....they don't need more pain and empty words.

"It's really good to see you, Lenny." Steve says softly after a slightly awkwardly long pause. "I...I miss you." He admits sadly even if he knows he probably shouldn't say it...he probably should stop talking. Leave. He shouldn't have come.

His hands have always been his tell, showing when he was relaxed, angry or nervous. Rather than shove them in his pockets or pick something up, Leonard keeps them visible.

Not the best attempt at emotional openness but for him? It's pretty good.

He swallows thickly.

"I've missed you too."

Steve's gaze moves from Len's face to his hands then back to his face. Len is trying...he's actively trying to be open and that just makes a world of difference. Steve settles in the chair, not intending to bolt right now. Leaving right now would likely make things worse, not better.

"Hope tells me Helen started pulling herself up...guess she'll be walking soon maybe?" He says hoping to start a conversation...keep Len talking...ease some of the tension between them.

It isn't much, but it's what he can offer right now. This isn't the man who attacked him and he needs to remember that, needs to remember Steve as he is.

A nod and a ghost of a twitch at the corners of his lips. "My money's on the end of the month but of course Mick thinks it'll be sooner."

“I hope you’re right. You usually are.” He says offering a small smile. He picks up a french fry and pops it into his mouth for something to do. He’s crap at this...he’s uncertain and afraid to ask too many questions.

“Any new words?” Helen seems to be a safe topic for now. He almost wishes he was sitting in a booth or at a table where he could ask Len to join him.

He’s going to have to call Barry again or reach out to Mick and see if he can find some way to do something Len would appreciate. Some way to show he’s here and happy to wait however long it takes...some way to show how much he still loves him.

"She's been asking for you every time we go to the saloon," he answers after a beat. "She misses you."

Almost as much as her father does. So Leonard takes a breath and summons up every inch of his determination because he will not let that incident break him.

"You should join us."

“I miss her too. And I’d really like that.” Steve says relief clear on his face. “Anytime you want me to I’ll be there.” He says. “Do...do you want to sit down and join me? There’s more fries than I clean eat here.” They both know that it’s not...but he doesn’t think it will hurt too much to ask. Len just asked him out and even if he doesn’t join him tonight then at least the prospect of a future meal together is there.

Leonard holds up his hand, he's already stolen a fry. "I can stay for a while." He can't commit to staying for long, this is the first time they've spoken in a long time and he'll stay as long as he can handle it.

"I pick her up tomorrow, so noon?"

Steve takes a bite of the burger and wipes his mouth with a napkin. It’s delicious...just how he likes it. “This is perfect. Thanks.” He says happily. “And yeah. Noon is great. I can meet you there.”

Of course it's perfect. Leonard is a stickler for details in all things, and he looks pleased that he got everything right for Steve.

"We'll meet you there."

A direction to a runner is quietly given. The young man double-takes but gives a gulp and a nod. He returns in a few moments with a folder that Leonard pushes towards Steve.

He'd hand it to him but he.. isn't ready for contact. Not yet. Inside are a host of papers covered with finger paint and little palm prints. "Helen and Grace have been busy."

Steve doesn't move to take the folder until Len's hands are away. He can tell the other man isn't ready for touch by the simple fact he's well out of arms reach in general. He slides the folder closer and opens it revealing the little girls finger paintings. His heart melts...little palm prints and smears of bright colors. They're perfect.

"So I see. I'm glad they're enjoying them." He doesn't get to see the girls all that often. He hasn't seen Helen but once or twice when he walked to Micks to see Bucky for a few minutes. Bucky's been spending more time there as Steve has become less of a hermit and self destructive...though it's easier to not sleep when Bucky's not around to remind him to rest. "Little budding artists indeed."

Leonard Snart

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