tcnetwork | (no subject)

That's what friends do, isn't it? [A gentle smile as she fixes her coffee the way she prefers.]

I am sorry Mick. If I upset you earlier that was not my intent.

[He frowns slightly, fork halfway to his mouth before setting it down again and shaking his head]

Nah, wasn't nothin' you did, doll. S'all me. Told ya, I ain't right in the head. Feelings and me..we don't get along so well sometimes.

[Oh.
That's.. troubling. Diana folds her hands on the table.]

What can I do to help?

Be patient I guess. If ya really wanna stick around, just be patient.

[He starts eating, sipping the coffee as he does. He's still tired...and he's debating with himself on if he wants to ask her to stay when he goes back to bed...or not]

Of course.
But please remember that I am here if you need me.

I don't....I ain't.. [Mick takes a deep breath and tries again]

I ain't used to havin' folks who care 'bout me.

[Diana waits as he struggles for the right words. She sets down her coffee with a small smile.] You have that here, now.

[He has her. He has his friend Leonard.]

A long time ago I lost someone. Someone who meant.. everything to me. I thought that I could handle it alone.
I was wrong. It took my friends to show me that I didn't have to stay in the shadows, that I could step into the light and not be afraid.

You can step into that light, Mick. You can do it and know that you won't be alone.

[HE's not crying! You're Crying!!

Mick wipes his eye slightly because the thought of her being in any sort of emotional pain makes his heart physically ache in a way he didn't think was ever going to be possible. How in the ever loving fuck did he find his way here to this woman who was blowing every single thing he thought true about himself out of the water...in less than a week! He clears his throat and sniffs before speaking]

I'm glad you're here. With me. I'm glad you're here with me.

[She reaches across the table to cover his hand with hers. Smaller and warm, with the callouses of a warrior.

Diana's smile is warm.] I'm glad I'm here too, Mick. I'm glad that I know you.

[He finishes his food and his coffee, and once she's also finished he stands up to clean up before turning to look back at her still sitting at his table.]

If I asked ya to stay...sleep beside me in the bed, would ya?

[It's a lot to ask.
Diana hasn't slept beside anyone in over a century.

But this is Mick and she nods.]

Of course I would.

[He'd been prepared for her to say no, that she wouldn't do that. He hadn't anticipated her saying yes. He held out a hand for her grasping hers gently if she accepted it. He flicked off the lights and led them to his bed where a little bedside lamp provided ample guidance. He slipped in first and lay on his side giving her plenty of space to join him. There was enough room where she could lay and not touch him or if she chose, she could cuddle up and let him hold her. His body warm and firm but his touch gentle and protective. He has no intention of being forward, he has no thoughts other than to sleep and have someone close by...to not be alone for once in his life.]

[It's such an act of trust, to follow Mick back into his room and lay beside him. Diana hasn't rested beside anyone like this since Steve but.. she would like to think that he'd approve.

So she curls in beside him, an arm around his waist as she allows Mick to hold her in ways no one has in centuries.

Diana even dares to kiss his cheek.]

Sleep well Mick. I'm not going anywhere.

[Mick's breath catches when she kisses his cheek and his arm tightens around her for a fraction of a second before he moves just a touch closer and rests his chin against the top of her head holding her close but not in a way she couldn't comfortably and easily pull from should she choose. His eyes close and he whispers softly into the dark room]

Thanks.