the ground could open, he could still say please

[slavophile]

Comments

[slavophile]

We need to circle back to you 'think' --

( Because, something big and romantic is happening, but they will talk about this. Has he filled out a W4? I9? Not the time. )

I'm sure if you're sure. It's just going to waste, and as funny a picture it makes to have you be the one staying with my dad and sister, this makes more sense. You get your own space. You can figure it out. Whatever your next step looks like, if it includes me, because Allison does pay me, for the record... ( He can't stop his brain. ) I'm not saying don't call her after we're done this very romantic conversation, but maybe make sure she is. Or, make sure you do what you need to do for her to --- be.

[positiveinfluence]

I've never had a pay check before. I don't know how these things work.

[But the Argents are definitely much more of an employer type scenario than the outfits he's worked with in the past.]

But I think it's a good idea. It would be way weirder if I was living with your dad, and it'll give me time to figure out if I have any weird cohabitation habits.

[He makes a face.]

It's been a while since I've lived in one place for a super long time.

[slavophile]

How do hunters get paid?

( Do they get paid?

Yes, he is one vote for Cooper not living with his dad and stepmom. Oliver Queen would be protective but hospitable. His dad would actually prefer that, which is why William suggests the alternative.

Weird cohabitation habits. That seems like a Pandora's Box he could open, if only because Cooper's the first guy to get him to even care about that. I he's honest. But, Cooper has made him honest over time. He warmed his heart somehow.

He didn't think it was possible being the son of Oliver Queen. )

How long's super long?

[positiveinfluence]

They don't. They do good old fashioned credit card fraud. Unless you're the Argents and you find a gig that lines up with your actual gig.

[Weapons trade, et cetera.

The second question takes longer to answer, because he has to think about it.]

Well, when I was in high school Mom and Dad would settle places where there's a lot of work so like big cities. But that would change year to year, so nine months give or take? But after I graduated, I started picking up jobs more regularly so since then, I've never spent more than a couple weeks somewhere, maybe a month.

[slavophile]

Always with them?

( He likes hearing about Cooper's life. He's an analyst at heart, so, knowing all of the details gives him the best picture. )

[positiveinfluence]

Not always.

[He shrugs.]

I mean, hunting isn't the kind of gig you want to do alone. Not that there aren't hunters who are terrible at making friends, but that was never really me. Sometimes I'd get pulled off on cases with friends or Luke and I would go off alone, or Dad or Mom would tap me for something. We stuck together when Lucas and I were kids, but once we got older, they let us make our own choices.

[But there were always touchpoints in between. They always came back together in the end, to make sure that they were all safe and in one piece. Only Lucas didn't come back this time, and for the first time since he lost him, Cooper really allows himself to feel it. It's hard to ignore the empty chair at the table, now that Evelyn is back with them again.]

[slavophile]

( He doesn't think. He likes being around Cooper. Anyone should. )

You still are. I'm happy I'm the choice you're making, but let me know if the next choice comes.

( Because it must be harder to make any choices with his brother gone. )

[positiveinfluence]

[He glances over at him, then nods.]

Honestly, I'm sure there's plenty of jobs for me around here. Cities always tend to have more than their fair share of ghosts and other supernatural oddities. Me and Mia could probably clean up some of the messes around here.

[He glances over his shoulder.]

Unless you want to come? I could teach you some of the ins and outs?

[slavophile]

Me?

( Yes, you. )

I would love to learn some of the ins and outs.

( All of them, really. )

Please invite me to take your boyfriend on a hunt day.

[positiveinfluence]

Done. But that won't be for like ... at least a week. Maybe a month.

[He was serious about needing a break, and he has a little leeway before he goes stir-crazy and needs something to do.]

[slavophile]

You get as long as you like.

( He's earned it. )

Just because we're living in two different places, does that mean I can't be invited over, say, tonight.

( Instead of just giving him a key and sending him on his way. )

[positiveinfluence]

That's true. I do think I should see this place before I decide to live in it. Only sensible.

[He smirks as he turns to lean in closer.]

And I'd be more than happy to have you stay over whenever you want.

[slavophile]

Hey, but it's also your place. So we're going to treat it like your place. You get privacy and time and whatever you need. You'll also get me whenever you need. I think it's a win-win.

( He feels like an expert on win-win lately. )

[positiveinfluence]

Sounds very win-win to me.

[He glances over at him and grins.]

I very much would like a grand tour of my new place.

[And off they will go to have a fun night all to themselves.]