OOM: Suite 130

[watching_you]

Veronica leads Mills through the labyrinthine corridors of the Milliways guest area until, eventually, they reach the right hallway.

"This place can be a bit confusing at times," she offers apologetically. "Things have a tendency to move. But I'm right up here --"

She cuts off, stopping short. This hallway's not empty.

Super.

Comments

[watching_you]

"You bought me a flower and I freaked out your neighbour and then we ate dinner."

She ticks off her fingers as she recites, not counting to anything in particular.

"And then, we, ah..."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

"Ah, yes. Can't forget that, can we?"

"Not that I'd want to," he adds quickly.

[watching_you]

"Yes, well."

She's blushing, just a little.

"Point is, I think we've covered all the bases, really."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

"Right."

He looks at his hands, and then back at her.

"Walk you home?" There's a hopeful look in his eyes.

[watching_you]

He looks like he doesn't want this day to end.

She can't blame him.

"That would be nice."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

He nods and stands, holding her chair for her and then offering her his arm.

"We should do this again," he says. "Sooner rather than later."

[watching_you]

"I don't think I would object to that."

She grins, looking thoughtful as they make their way to the stairs.

"Part of me wants to suggest paintball in our future, just for the trouble I know we'd cause."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

"Mmm, possibly."

He holds the door for her.

"Or you mentioned something about karaoke."

He manages to keep a straight face for all of three paces.

[watching_you]

She hops up a couple of stairs ahead of him, then turns.

"Yes!" It's enthused, at first, then insistent. "Yes. We'll do that. Good idea."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

Mills' laugh fills the enclosed space. "Get up the stairs, you." The moment she turns to head back up the stairs, there's a playful swat across her backside.

[watching_you]

She stops at the first landing and turns to stare at him, her face reading, 'you are completely insane and you will suffer for your impudence.'

It's a very expressive look.

"You want to try that again? Do you? Punk?"

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

Mills has his own look and it's expressive in it's own subtle way. Like a tiger eying a dangling string, about to pounce.

"I could turn you over my knee. If you'd prefer."

[watching_you]

She tsks at him.

"Yeah, my daddy issues don't run that way. Sorry, Old Man."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

"Old man. You keep saying that like it's a bad thing."

He wonders if she'll see his next move coming as clearly as he does.

His shoulder drops and he bends forward, scooping her up and throwing her over his shoulder. "Which way was your room again?"

[watching_you]

"I'm saying it like it's a what no what what are you doing no no no no no no no no no oh God oh God put me down put me down put me down --!"

She would squirm if not for the horrifying prospect of being dropped face-first down the stairs; instead she squeezes her eyes shut and digs her fingers into the back of his jacket like a panicked cat.

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

He's laughing still, affectionately, one arm curled tight around the back of her thighs to keep her from falling.

"Hang on, hang on," he soothes. "Agent Mars, the sooner you tell me which way your room is, the sooner I can deliver you there."

[watching_you]

The long panicked squeak stops just long enough for her to say, "Next floor. And I can walk there myself you maniac!"

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

"Oh I have no doubt," he drawls, highly amused.

It doesn't stop him from carrying her up another flight of steps and down the hall to her room, mindful of her person as he passes through the doorways.

When they arrive at her door, he sets her down carefully on her feet, intensely aware of her proximity and her training.

"Better?"

[watching_you]

It takes her a second to regain her footing and sense of balance, and then she's pointing an accusing finger at Mills.

"You. Are. So lucky I don't have my taser on me," she fumes, still mildly amused underneath it all.

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

He holds his hands up and takes a half step back.

"Oh you wouldn't tase a poor, defenseless accountant, now would you?"

[watching_you]

"Defenseless? Defenseless, he says!" She shouts it to the corridor at large, then twirls back to face him.

"Hah, Mills." Staccato: "Ha ha ha."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

"Just a harmless old man," he says, leaning a shoulder against her door frame, hands clasped.

"Go on. Mention the karaoke again. I dare you."

[watching_you]

And because Veronica is the type to stick a fork into a socket if she thinks it'll be funny enough, she does.

"You can do some old-school stuff, you know? Sinatra or Bobby Darin maybe." She pokes him playfully in the ribs. "You Make Me Feel So Young."

[particularskill.livejournal.com]

His hand catches hers and draws her close, and for a moment, there's a mock glare, even though he's smiling. Looking down into her face, he takes a breath.

And starts to sing. Quietly, for her alone, but it turns out he can carry a tune.

"You make me feel so young." He gives a little Sinatra sway, catching her up like they were dancing. "You make me feel there are songs to be sung."

[watching_you]

In his arms, she throws her head back and laughs.

"Oh, you are so busted! I knew you could sing."