rodion | the battle of the feels

[It couldn't have been more apparent if she'd spelled it out for him on the sidewalk. It brings a certain...warmth to his heart, as they walk along the cold streets. Maybe it's wrong for him to be happy to hear those words. After all, he's supporting possible regicide.

But just hearing someone believe in him as Shockwave does...

Seeing her smile when she looks at him.

But the question knocks him back to reality, as he rests his arms on the railing next to her to overlook the river. His face drops, eyes cast out along the water.]

I've got potential new partners interviewing tomorrow. Can't say I got too many, though. They're calling me reckless and 'an accident waiting to happen'. Especially considering my actions.

It's hardly your fault that others can't see you the way I do. In time I think they will, you just have to wait for it. Although I can't deny reckless - that is true. But there are worse faults to have.

( Another smile, putting her hand on his arm and squeezing fondly. )

I could do with a drink of something warm. Come, it'll be my treat.

[That last part gets his attention, as well as the squeeze on his arm. From the looks of it, a warm drink sounded downright heavenly, judging from the way his eyes twinkled.

That was the thing about Orion. His eyes never lied.]

Is that a coffee date I'm hearing?

( If Shockwave was poetically inclined, she'd write verses about those eyes. Math is its own branch of musical verse, of course, but somehow she doesn't think he'd take a list of equations that sound beautiful to her ears as well as she would want him to. If he wanted to at all.

But coffee was doable and safe - no need for pretense at all. So he gets a wider smile and a gentle tug on his arm to pull him away and in the direction of her favorite place. )

It is! And I know just the place - good coffee and a warm atmosphere. You can't possibly say no.

[You'd be right on that one. While Orion would most definitely appreciate it, it'd end up leaving him more confused than anything on what it meant. Orion was a man of action, not math. He could only speak enough of it to get by.

Although, he could probably listen to Shockwave's voice for hours, no matter the subject. If he were being honest.

He's quick to follow, not one to really fight against that tug. And it comes with the smile growing even wider on his face.]

I couldn't even before. You're far too convincing.

I guess that's why you're Senator.

[Among other reasons.]

( Among other reasons indeed. It's not her fault her birth status made her eligible for the seat - there were some advantages in being related to Jhiaxus, as much as his work has fallen out of favor at this point in time. But Shockwave intended to make that spot her own, no matter how hard she had to fight to keep it against those who would rather see her fall from grace.

Or at least keep her mouth shut. )

And here I thought I won my appointment with my beauty alone. ( Teasing, her steps lighter now that she's gotten him to agree to coffee. The rest would come. ) I'm proud to say that my persuasive skills are still top notch.

[Anyone who tried would have to talk to Orion, whether Shockwave knew that or not. Personal matters weren't something he talked about with anyone, but Shockwave was definitely one of them.

One...really secret personal matter.

There's a half smirk emerging as he steps with her, his hand slowly reaching over to pat hers.]

One of many things that are top notch about you, Senator.

[Wow. Smooth.]

( Exceedingly smooth, and Shockwave laughs at it happily. It wouldn't be Orion if it wasn't somewhat awkward. )

Again - flattery. But it's very much appreciated, you know.

( And then she's going to press her advantage here, standing up on her toes to quickly kiss him on the cheek in thanks. Harmless, right? Right. )

[He knew he laid it on thick, but...how couldn't he? He practically owed his life to her, and it's not like he was doing it just to suck up, either. He's just lucky she appreciated it.]

...

[And then, evverything changed when her lips met his cheek. His eyes widen, looking straight ahead as if he couldn't really register it for a few seconds.

No...no that was very real. Shockwave, a woman after his own heart (unknowingly to her) had just kissed him.

--But...was he thinking too much into it? She was high profile. Surely she did that as a term of friendship....]

As long as it doesn't go to your head.

[Play it cool, Orion. Play it cool.]

( 100% totally platonic kiss as Shockwave doodles "Senator Doctor Shockwave Prime" in all her notes and research. So there's that. )

Far too late for that, I'm afraid. Everyone knows there are two things I want to be remembered for, Orion.

[I bet her colleagues love that.]

Well, there's a difference between flaunting what you have and...

[A chuckle.]

Exaggerating.

[Orion, you're enabling her.]

( Everyone's too busy trying to find Nominus's successor to pay much attention to what she's scribbling in her notes. She grins, leaning more of her weight on him. )

If you insist I suppose I can't argue with you at all.

[And without even noticing, Orion's arm pulls hers in slightly closer to himself, giving a soft chuckle. It wasn't often that the cop gave out more than an amused hum.]

Your hands are cold, Senator.

[Don't mind if he...softly holds the one on his arm with his oppposite hand.]

Are they? ( she doesn't move her hand, instead staring at him fondly for a moment before her gaze drops to where his hand covers her's and she smiles. ) I hadn't noticed.

( She's been distracted okay. )

[There's a small leap in his heart when she doesn't remove that hand, only allowing him to gently secure his hold.]

Until we arrive, I'll make sure your hands don't turn as frigid as Proteus's.

My hero.

( said without any trace of irony at all. she fucking MEANS IT, OP. )

Edited 2015-03-08 01:42 (UTC)

[It doesn't take them long to get to the cafe, and Orion can't help but raise a brow at it. It's a little...well, it certainly is a place that Shockwave would have picked.]

You know, I'm not as surprised as I should be.

[But it's said humorously, at the very least.]

You'll fall in love with it as soon as you take a sip of their coffee, I promise you.

( shockwave's taste in cafes is amazing what are you talking about op )

Perhaps not the only thing.

[It comes out as a muddled mutter, making sure it wasn't understood.]

I mean...I suppose we'll just have to see how right you are. You always seem so confident about these things.

[You're lucky he's exempt from most caste shit cause he usually couldn't be caught dead here.]

It's a gift. A talent, even, although I wish everyone would see it my way sometimes.

( BECAUSE SHE IS NEVER WRONG. ALRIGHT? ALRIGHT. )

Well, we should be lucky that you're a woman of many talents then.

[Don't mind if he holds the door open for you.]

Did you tell Dai Atlas this?

Dai Atlas is far too concerned that I don't end up like my father to listen to me.

( SO CHARMING. have another smile and a nod of thanks. )

the battle of the feels

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