[Sometime during AU week]

[the_ex_in_xp]

[meanwhile at the dorms, a half-pirate and some girl who managed a +3 lockpicking skill in her bag of tricks are trying to break in to "their" room]

This lock is way more sophisticated than the others. You'd think they were worried about unsavory people trying to break in...

Comments

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Yeah, probably. It'd be a waste of your singing voice, too.

[the_ex_in_xp]

[giving a small half-grin]

If I ever sing anything like that, you have my permission to punch me in the throat.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Orrrrr give a strongly disapproving look? Maybe shake my head? Or if I'm feeling really aggressive I could cover your mouth or something.

[the_ex_in_xp]

You and I have very different aggression levels. Also that covering my mouth tactic doesn't work very well, it's why you have to go to the breathing thing to get the job done.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

I dunno, if I need to I'll find a non-throat punching solution.

[the_ex_in_xp]

[well, she didn't want to bring up the successful way you got her to stop talking was through kissing]

And I'll work on not deserving a punch in the throat.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

And I'm sure that'll be really, really hard considering how easy it is to make me mad at you and all.

[the_ex_in_xp]

[letting her fingers slip through yours before pulling her hand back to take another sip of bourbon]

Just because you don't do it, doesn't mean I don't deserve it.

You don't even need to be mad just, like, that face you make when you're trying not to look unhappy.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[sitting back and cradling her drink and trying not to look unhappy]

Just because you think you deserve it also doesn't mean you deserve it.

[the_ex_in_xp]

Hey, I had a lot of different people tell me I deserved it. It's different.

[but sensing the unhappy face coming and moving over to sit next to you, putting a hand on your knee]

The fact that you don't think so is why I don't want to be a jerk to you.You are pretty much number one on my don't be a jerk to list. You and, like, enthusiastic puppies.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[clearly softening at that.

well, not that she was exactly cold or steely before.

but, you know. She's not going to make unhappy face, anyway.]

I think I'm okay with sharing the spotlight with puppies.

[the_ex_in_xp]

You still get the spotlight. Puppies do stuff like chew on your shoes and pee on things, and you haven't done that to me, so you're way ahead on the good behavior points.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

Glad to hear I'm being judged on the important stuff like whether I'm chewing on things or not, hon.

[the_ex_in_xp]

I've known some biters, it makes a difference.

[taking a swig of her beer this time and leaning forward]

And, I'm glad to report, I haven't had anyone pee on my stuff yet. I want to keep those high standards.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[lightly smacking you on the shoulder and making an exaggerated grossed-out face, clearly playing it up for the sake of entertainment]

Okay, Ramona, ew.

[the_ex_in_xp]

Hey, I said they didn't. C'mon give me some credit.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

You still made me think about it, though.

[having more bourbon to get her mind off it!!]

[the_ex_in_xp]

It's not my fault you have an active imagination. I thought you'd still be stuck on the image of puppies.

[the_ex_in_excessive]

I'm an artist, you should've known about the imagination going in. You should feel awful about this, Ramona Flowers.

[but scooching over and resting her head on your shoulder]

[the_ex_in_xp]

[looking over a little to gauge her reaction before smiling in a way that's both soft and conflicted]

I'm sorry. I should have been more careful about bringing up gross bodily fluids to the only person I know who doesn't snigger at the word "poop deck." I feel totally terrible...

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[smiling back, all warmth and appreciation for you even being here to be her shoulder to literally lean on right now]

Apology accepted.

[the_ex_in_xp]

[...oh, oh no, that face is also dangerous, because she wants you to be able to lean on her without falling over from her being gone...metaphorically that is, literally she's not a dick enough to ditch in this moment and even maybe putting an arm around your waist]

Does that mean I can stop feeling awful about it and go back to making gross comments?

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[❤❤❤]

Yes to the first half of the sentence and no to the second half.

[the_ex_in_xp]

[stop that, stop being super endearing darn you]

So you've accepted my apology and yet still choose to punish me. Now what am I going to talk about when I'm buzzed?

[the_ex_in_excessive]

[can't stop, won't stop]

Don't think of it as a punishment! Think of it as a challenge.