tcnetwork | Leonard Snart

[It doesn't take much to arrange for Helen to stay with Mick for the evening. He's not going to be able to do that soon, so he may as well take advantage, right?]

Sure.

Need anything?

Would you bring the drinks? I'm okay with anything you'd like. Maybe come around 7?

I can do that. [He'll find a decent six pack to bring and possibly badger Mick into letting him steal something from the kitchens as well.] Seven o'clock.

[He's going to do his best not to terrorize the staff now that a date is on his agenda, giving up and leaving early in order to get in an exhausting workout to try and clear his head and shakedown his nerves. He arrives at the cabin right at seven, dressed comfortably with beer in hand and a basket of things from the kitchen.]

[Steve has made dinner. Nothing really fancy, just grilled burgers, some grilled corn, and a really nice and fresh salad. He's washing his hands in the kitchen when Len arrives]

Hi. [He smiles brightly and lets him inside taking the basket if Len lets him]

Thank you for coming, I'm glad you're here.

[Only when Steve's hands are full does he dare to dart forward and kiss him softly. Quick and brief before he steps back. Touch still doesn't come easily to him, but it's at least a bit easier if he can initiate.] I'm glad you called.

[Steve stills and does his best not to push into the kiss or try to keep it going. He's very careful with any touch or affection Len gives him because he's so afraid to lose it again. He smiles when the other pulls apart, it's warm and his eyes are bright.]

Yeah? Hungry? Dinner's ready.

[It helps that Steve doesn't push into the kiss or initiate more touch, that he remains still and doesn't close in further. He nods and follows him in. The kitchen is warm and homey and filled with the smell of freshly cooked food.] I could eat, sure.

It looks good.

[Steve's tired, but happy. He's been helping Bucky in the fields but not as much as he would like too. He also has the store to man. He sets the basket on the counter and smiles over his shoulder at Len.]

Wanna eat out on the porch? It's nice out.

I'll set up the table out there. [He grabs the plates and utensils. Once the table is set he'll be back in for the drinks and ice.]

I think we're ready out there.

[Steve plates up the food and carries it out with him while Len carries the drinks and ice. He sets a little basket of condiments down as well before going back for the salad bowl. He takes his seat across from Len and smiles warmly at the other man.]

So, how was your day?

Busy, but good. [He relates a few minor stories about hiring another blackjack dealer, running the tables to better train the staff on how to spot cheats - after all that's how he "won" enough money to buy the casino - relatively quiet for New Dodge.] Nothing eventful.

You?

[Steve eats and listens to Len talk. He could listen to him talk...watch his hands as he expresses himself in something he's passionate about, for hours on end and never get bored. He truly loves this man and would do anything and everything to win back his trust and heart. He swallows a sip of beer and nods when Len finishes talking.]

Good and also busy. I've been helping Buck clear the fields when I'm not in the shop. [He tells Len about all the things they've been doing around the farm to try and prepare to replant as well as make sure they're ordering enough supplies based on what they currently have that's still good. He's sad he's not as much of a help as he wants to be because of other obligations.

He tells him the shop is going well and about a painting he'd started.]

Maybe I can show you when it's finished.

The Council can always help fund additional work done on the farm. The food he grows benefits the town, it's time they turn around and help the farm out. [Bucky is Steve's best friend and Leonard is grateful that he has somewhere to stay.

Which is something they do need to talk about given that Steve's ward is still living on the ship without him, but that can come later. Steve lights up as he talks about the shop and he can't help but feel a surge of unexpected wistfulness. The shop he helped him set up. The shop where they shared their first kiss.]

I'd like to see it.

In fact we could use some more art in the casino, a few pieces here and there to brighten up some of the dining areas.

[Steve smiles at the mention of art for the casino] Is that a request for some pieces? [He wipes his hands on a napkin and picks up his beer swirling it around a little before taking a drink and setting it back down.]

So...I um...I was thinking maybe I should come get Hope and her things this weekend.

I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement. [A smirk as he sits back. They can clean up the dishes later.

And there it is. Steve addressing the issue directly.] You don't have to.

[He holds up a hand to forestall any questions, protest, or anything because this is something Leonard has been thinking about since their last lunch date.] I don't know if I'm ready to share a room again. We can try but I'm not sure.. how well I'll do. [His lips twist at the admission, clearly annoyed with himself.]

[Steve lets Len finish talking before he nods and turns sad eyes on him] I'm not ready, Len. I want to be...but I don't trust myself and I'm not comfortable being there right now. At least not staying there.

Fair enough. [If there is any disappointment in his eyes he's careful to rein it back in. What he wouldn't give to have something of their past back, to curl into his arms and feel safe again.]

If you need to move her out, let me know when and I'll make sure Gideon is aware.

[Steve sighs tightly and looks down at his plate in shame.]

I'm having night terrors. I don't want to put you through that.

[Is that right?
Leonard will take the dream catcher from his room that night and break into the house to place it in Steve's room. Not the greatest of crimes but still a challenge to outwit two supersoldiers.]

If you're not ready, that's fine.
But I'll be the judge of what I can and can't handle. [Not exactly a stinging rebuke as much a gently teasing reminder.]

[Steve nods]

I understand. I love you Lenny, and I want to be with you desperately in more ways than one, but I guess I need more time.

We both do. [He stands up and offers Steve his hand. Again, careful to initiate touch. If Steve takes it, he'll move them back to the swing. They can sit beside one another and hold hands. Not much, but it's slow progress moving forward.]

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<small{Steve will happily take his hand and move to the swing with him. It's soothing having him there beside him alive and well, even if he's hyper aware of everything in a mad desire to not hurt Len.]</small>

Hey, you think maybe you can say something to Mick about making Bucky take a break?

[Leonard snorts softly at the request.] Stubbornly working himself to the exclusion of everything else? [A teasing smile as he squeezes his hand.]

Sounds familiar.

I'll ask him about it.

Are you referring to me or yourself? [He returns the gentle squeeze and wishes he was brave enough or allowed to wrap his arm around Len. To hold him close]

Thank you. For everything. For a second chance. For this.

[The tease gets playfully narrowed eyes as he presses in a little more against Steve's side. He's missed this, how warm and solid he can be.]

New Dodge is the land of second chances isn't it?

Leonard Snart

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