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 continues to study her face, a small, sad smile finally rising on his lips. "I just didn't...I didn't want any of that to interfere with...us...and I know it has," Grant says, his voice quiet. "I didn't mean for that to happen." His eyes shift toward the table once more. "I'm sorry."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Grant?" She peers at him, trying to meet his eyes. "I can ... I know this sounds angular ... but I can be patient. Really."

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

The soft sound of her voice draws his attention once more, and Grant turns his head toward Mar'i again, meeting her gaze. Grant's thumb moves over the backs of her fingers, a sigh escaping his lips. He understands her meaning, showing her a faint smile. "Roy is the only other person I've talked to about this...Donna doesn't even know. I..." He regards her for a long moment, closing his eyes briefly. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner. I didn't mean to keep things from you, but...things were going so well. I didn't...didn't want to mess it up."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She stands up and moves closer to his chair, rubbing her hands across his shoulders. "Is this okay?" she asks. "Can I touch you like this?"

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Grant's eyes open again as Mar'i stands from her chair, running her fingers along his shoulers. Leaning back against her gentle touch, Grant sighs softly, but the smile on his face is far certain. She's still here. He's still here. Both of which are good signs. "Yes," he breathes, eyes closed, the smile remaining in place.

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"What do you want to do now?"

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

He'd like nothing more than to take her into his arms, to pull her into his lap and hold her close to his chest. It just doesn't seem like the best time for that, not after telling her all of this. Instead, Grant stands and draws Mar'i into an embrace, softly kissing the side of her face.

His hand lifts to her forehead, brushing away a few strands of her dark hair. "Right now? Helping you clean up dinner sounds good," he says quietly, smiling warmly. "Want to watch a movie afterward? Something funny, maybe?"

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

"Yeah," she agrees readily, "we can do that." She makes a mental note not to snuggle too closely on the couch when they're watching the something funny movie. No romantic comedies, either ... does she still have that copy of Young Frankenstein or did she loan it to Bette? No, not Young Frankenstein. No "Sweet mystery of life" right now.

She'll let him pick. He needs to know that he always has a choice with her and whatever they do together.

"Do you want more tea? Another slice of apple pie?"

[damage-granted.livejournal.com]

Both arms circle her waist, holding the dark-haired Tamaranean close to him, his forehead resting against hers. Grant's eyes close for a moment, then he tilts his head, kissing her forehead, smiling at her. "Sounds good," he murmurs.

"I think I might pass out if I eat anything else right now, but maybe another slice of pie later. We can warm it up," he says, releasing her, then moving to take away the desert plates and the forks. He'll leave the cups for her.

"Mar'i?" he asks, looking at her again. "Thank you..." Grant pauses, his smile becoming a little shy. "You're wonderful."

[mari-grayson.livejournal.com]

She smiles back, feeling a little shy herself, in a way she hasn't felt since she was a few years younger. "So're you. Don't forget that."

After she collects the cups, she asks him to pick a movie, and they settle down quite chastely on the couch to watch. She's careful not to make any sudden moves. Nothing that could trigger the tension she's seen in him when she catches him by surprise.

She can do this. She can go slowly, and let him set the pace. She cares about him too much to do anything else.