but oh what a year

[patrols]

Comments

[bredinthebone]

[She smiles into the kiss, and shakes her head as he pulls back.]

Not like I didn't know what I was getting into. I just wish you could tell me more sometimes.

[It feels like it doesn't feel she can be trusted. Then again, she's keeping her own secrets, for better or worse.]

[walkouts]

Promise, when I know things, you know things.

( Except when he is away and Toby fields his calls, often rolling them, but usually picking up for Malina. )

[bredinthebone]

[And, for the moment, she chooses to believe him. She doesn't want to start the New Year with a fight.]

Maybe we should take a trip together. Maybe a vacation?

[walkouts]

Yeah. Yes. I'll put that on the books, for all I do for her.

( Maybe there's a clause, some kind of, he can have uninterrupted time, exception. )

[bredinthebone]

[Toby will look into it! Vacations are important, not that she's ever really had one. But that does make Malina smile as she nods.]

Okay. Any preferences on locations?

[She can start doing some research.]

[walkouts]

I do like the sun, despite my fair Irish skin.

( He can use sunscreen. And also redden. )

[bredinthebone]

Okay. I will pull some options.

[Maybe Cancun. Maybe just to Florida or California. She will browse their options and make sure she can find somewhere for them to tuck away for a little while.

Hopefully Toby will let them.]

Unless you want me to surprise you?

[walkouts]

I like the sound of a surprise.

( Gives him a taste of his own medicine. Feels more equal. And, he's curious what she will pull together. )

I can answer vague questions, but it's ultimately up to you.

[bredinthebone]

Alright. I'll work on it.

[She winds her arms around his neck, as she moves in closer.]

Just let me know what dates are good.

[walkouts]

Soon as I know, you'll know.

( He closes his eyes, letting himself feel her embrace. Smiling. If it could be like this always and he wasn't beholden to a legacy he can't remember, things would be so different. )

[bredinthebone]

Good.

[Malina pauses, just enjoying the moment of being here with him, and given that it is a brand new start to a brand new year, she tips forward, leaning in to kiss him softly.

She's doing her best to not do what she usually does. Not mistrust and suspect but just enjoy being present in the moment. She'll start here and hope that things can only go up.

Maybe make it her New Year's resolution.]

Happy New Year, Ford.

[walkouts]

You too, Malina.

( Something about 'Happy New Year," feels disingenuous. Like he's lying to her. And he doesn't like omitting the truth to not lie. He kisses her again, sinking into it. )

You coming up after close?

[bredinthebone]

[She nods because yes. That is the plan.]

I think I have just a few more things to tie up in the back, but other than that it shouldn't be too crazy.

[walkouts]

Door'll be unlocked.

( One more nice, long kiss. He steps off the stool, signals the bartender a goodbye and heads out. )