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[tactical_alert]

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[goddamngrenades]

Why? [ Mal won't ask, so he will. ] Why does this, why do I scare you? Have I ever tried to hurt you?

[tactical_alert]

You don't scare me. [What a ridiculous thought.] But this does. This doesn't come easy to me, all right? People I care about don't just decide to tell me they love me. What does that mean? And why am I even here having this date-or-not pizza dinner in the first place? I'm trying to give this a chance. Change is frightening. And difficult.

[goddamngrenades]

It means I love you. It means I'd take a bullet for you, that I'll do anything I can to make you happy, that I want you to be safe. That I miss waking up next to you and would kinda like to make that happen all the time again, that when you're feeling good or happy or accomplished I feel good too even if I didn't do anything to help with that. It means when I fuck up and upset you it feels like failing. [ He slides a little closer to mal, much like he had the last time they'd kissed. Slow movements meant to keep him from getting spooked.

He reaches for Malcolm's hand, taking it by the wrist and leaning his cheek into Malcolm's palm like he had forever ago. ] It means I want to kiss you. I'd like it if you wanted to kiss me back. But first and foremost it means I want you comfortable with me. And I'll do or say or give anything I can to make that happen, to make this easier on you.

You're having this date, because it is a date, we agreed, I'm sorry but it is a date, to see if it's something you want. And it's fine if you don't. It really is. It's a...recon. This is recon. Scouting something out before the big mission. And sometimes that comes up good and everything goes forward and sometimes it's not a good idea and it's best to not. I don't know which this is. Neither do you. So we're...trying to see if it would be.

[tactical_alert]

[Malcolm stays quiet, with a vague deer-in-headlights look about him. Even when his hand ends up cupping York's cheek gently.

There are certain parts that perk him up just a tiny bit more. So he'll latch onto those. Dearly.]

Recon. [It's actually a really good way of framing this. It's like recon.] All right. [With a small nod and less fright than before. Recon he understands; recon he does.]

I would like it if we could agree to at least go back to the way we were before. I miss the casual way you were with me. And I miss sleeping with you. I mean--you have Delta, so I'm okay that we aren't for that reason. But still, it's lonely.

This must be awful for you. I've been on dates. That you have to try and ease me into this and explain it to me is pathetic. Lord, it hasn't been that long.

[goddamngrenades]

...We got room for one more. Of I can swap out. I'm sure he'll be cool with that. [ He's just gonna. Slide that much closer, tilt his face enough to press a dry kiss to Malcolm's palm and loop his arm around Malcolm's shoulders. There. Close and cuddly and comfortable. ] Like this? When I was hanging off of you all the time, slapping you on the ass and calling you boo?

[ He can and will go back to that. If that's what Malcolm wants. He will. It'll be easier. ]

Well you're getting used to the idea of dating a guy. And that's fine. And it's not awful. It's you. There is very little I'd find awful if you're involved.

[tactical_alert]

Don't interrupt your arrangement with Delta for that. He needs you.

[That's still a little bit odd but--the words are very accurate, and he approves.] Please. I'd like that. Better than you acting a little distant or skittish about even touching me. I might not be the touchiest person ever--understatement, naturally--but you're a bit of an exception.

Boo is...your thing. It seems. [At least he looks mildly amused through the uncertainty.]

I'm sure that's what you believe. And I appreciate the thought.

[goddamngrenades]

It sounds like you do too. And wasn't he the one that said I shouldn't stop cold turkey?

[ He tilts his head to rest his cheek against Malcolm's hair, happy to have this and have it be okay. It's nice. He doesn't get to have a lot of nice things. He gets to keep even fewer of those things. This- he doesn't think he'll get to keep.

But it'll be good for however long it lasts. ]

Boo's boo. Babe's babe. You're a little masculine for sweetheart or sugar.

[tactical_alert]

I'm a little masculine for most of that, but whatever pleases you.

[goddamngrenades]

Mallobear? [ Teasing now, seriously. Teasing and maybe brushing his lips against the shell of Malcolm's ear. ] I don't think I can get away with calling you baby.

[tactical_alert]

I don't think you can get away with calling me either. [He pulls back so he can give York a look of 'no don't you dare use that as an invitation to use mallobear'. Before taking a swig of beer.]

[goddamngrenades]

If I promise I won't call you mallobear, may I kiss you?

[ He'd promise anyway, but- testing the waters and all that. ]

[tactical_alert]

Not now, no. Have some pizza before I feel fat eating it myself. [He has a physique to keep up after all.]

[goddamngrenades]

Alright.

[ He gives Mal a squeeze anyway before snagging a piece, sitting back and munching on it. Pineapple? He shouldn't be surprised. ]

[tactical_alert]

[Not at all surprised. It's something, a very small something, he allows himself to enjoy for himself. Fuck yeah no allergies.]

...So. Movie or talking?

[goddamngrenades]

I'm good like this.

[ He finishes his fist slice in a few bites, wiping his hand on his jeans. Arm around Mal's shoulder, cuddled up next to him? Yeah, he's happy. ]

Unless there was something you wanted to see?

[tactical_alert]

Okay. I mean, you could put one on if you wanted. [But apparently neither of them want to.]

[goddamngrenades]

I mean the premise of putting a movie on is just so there's something to make out to. Usually.

[tactical_alert]

Do movies get you in the mood?

[goddamngrenades]

You've never taken someone to the movies just to make out? Making out does not always lead to sex. Sometimes it's nice just to kiss someone, you know?

[tactical_alert]

No, no, I understand that happens. I didn't realize that's what you were going for.

So I suppose we can talk then? If you want.

[goddamngrenades]

Provided you can actually talk about yourself, yeah. I'd like to. There's a lot I don't know about you.

[tactical_alert]

All right. I knew that would be the stipulation. What would you like to know?

[goddamngrenades]

Favorite childhood memory.

[tactical_alert]

...What? [That was--that was out of the blue.] Uh. I, ah. I'd have to think about that one. Hm. There were some nice ones. Maybe one of the many trips to the sea. I've never really thought about it before...

[goddamngrenades]

Alright then. [ He rubs his thumb in a loose circle around Mal's shoulder, thinking of something else. ] Craziest thing you've ever done, back home. Bar story does not count that was a crazy thing that was done TO you.