Baby, it's cold outside....

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

Their first date had been a picnic, but it's really not good picnic weather any more. Mar'i can withstand the cold of space, but she much prefers warmer temperatures, and of course Grant doesn't have her advantages. She grins at the memory of him in the EVA suit on the moon, while she'd flown around free of such restrictions. The look of awe on his face when they visited Tranquility Base, though ... both of them careful not to disturb the famous landing site. Thanks to her ability to carry him in flight, he'd been able to see the footprints of the Apollo 11 crew, still preserved in the lunar soil.

She doesn't get to entertain much at her condo. Public identity or not, she's cautious about inviting people over, so none of her classmates from the university have visited. Study sessions have always been held in the library or at someone else's residence. But Titans--Titans are always welcome.

Especially the Titan who's coming over tonight.

She hums happily to herself as she moves about in the kitchen. She isn't a very good cook (especially when she measures herself against Alfred or even her stepmother or Aurora), but she has portobellos marinating in the refrigerator, ready to be grilled and served with a green salad.

Now, where did she put those kaiser rolls?

Comments

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

He wanted something lighthearted to watch with her, so after the dishes were clean, Grant had selected Mar'i's copy of My Fair Lady. The space between them on the couch had been small, but it was noticeable. Grant had anticipated that she would have been hesitant to be close to him after the talk, that she would have been nervous to touch him.

Once Eliza Doolittle began singing "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," Grant reached out to the Tamaranean, pulling her close, letting her shoulder rest against his side. Although they haven't talked about it, he can tell that physical contact and affection are very important to her. Is he still nervous? Of course. But he won't let that stop him from letting her know how much he cares for her as much as he is able.

The movie ends, and Grant rises from the sofa to gather his things, then moves to the door, holding Mar'i's hand, watching her face intently. "Can we do this again soon?"

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"If you want," she says, trying not to look too eager.

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

"Hey..." Grant murmurs, stepping close to her, moving slowly, arms wrapping about her body. "I want. Very much. I...I want to keep seeing you, Mar'i." Nuzzling his nose gently against hers, Grant whispers softly: "I'm not upset with you, and...I'm not going to break, ok? I'm so lucky to have someone as great as you in my life."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"You're not the only one who's lucky," she murmurs, enjoying the nose-nuzzle. "Let me know when you want another date, okay?"

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

That widens the smile on his face, and to reinforce the point that he truly isn't going to break, the Titan leans his head down and places a tender kiss on his girlfriend's lips, then pulls back, holding her hand. "Soon. I'd like to try to get in more than one date a month," Grant says, chuckling a little, still smiling, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Tell the bad guys," she chuckles. "Good night, Grant."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

"Night, Mar'i," he replies.

A last squeeze of her hand, and Grant opens the door, glancing back inside briefly at her, then closes it behind him, heading down the stairs.

There's no way to know to what extent the explanation will change their relationship. But she wants to see him again, and he very definitely wants to see her. These are both very good signs.

I hope she likes her Christmas present...