fightlikehell | (no subject)

She came with him. She intends to leave with him, too.

"Oh, I assure you, I will." She'll be thinking about it all right. The crowd is happy and easy-going, but it's still a crowd and she draws closer to him the further in they go. "Yes, that's a good idea. Don't worry, I won't let you get lost." Not that he really needs to worry about that. Coats and canes and whatever else they don't want to lug around all night. If only they could check their emotional baggage, too.

Once that's done she takes his hand, surveying the space quickly before turning to him. "I don't want to worry you, but you should know, you're the handsomest guy in the room. So if the giggling hordes drive us apart, it's entirely your fault."

Coming in close has him opt to put an arm around her, slow and easy as they head to put away their things. Just objects. No emotions to check here. Can't have it all. There is a strange, wonderful feeling about putting away the cane tonight. Both hands are free. No rooftops to leap over or hoodlums to beat up.

"I couldn't possibly." Matt laughs and shakes his head. "And no horde of anything is going to cut in between me and the best girl with pink hair and tattoos in the room." Pouring it on? Nope. No curse prickling indication here. There's a gentle squeeze to her hand. "Want to explore?" There's music coming from one of the ballrooms. The clink of glasses and clatter of plates mean there's food in another room close too.

The arm around her makes her feel even more secure in the crowd. She idly wonders how he does it. Is it really so easy to read her, to tell what she needs at any given moment? Maybe they can't have it all, but she's loving what they have.

"Oh, you absolutely are. Maybe they don't realize it yet, but I do, and you know I always know when something's a lie." And he knows she's not lying, just like she knows he's being honest. "That's not hard since I'm probably the only one here. Which also means I'm the worst. You poor thing," she teases. "I want to dance. Please?" Exploring can wait until they're ready for a break.

Matt's instincts fill in what his senses don't. Verity's heartbeat picking up means she needs some reassurance. That's what he has for her right now. She isn't easier to read than most people but tells like that are spot on. Truth be told, he likes the chances to be closer to her. Her choice of dress leaves her arms bare, more warmth and more skin. It's a privileged.

"They can go without realizing." He even has a scrunched up face for the idea of being mobbed that way. Always the truth, yes that is something that's been coming up. Matt has had no reason to doubt her. It's easy to take amidst the teasing. "I said best. Best can never be the worst." And if there was another woman anything close to how she looks, he couldn't be bothered to want to pay her attention.

Poor thing, she calls him. If this is poor he can take it and then some. "This way then." Looks like the song was coming to an end. Something else starts up.

Attentive and empathetic. She's so lucky. The strong arms don't hurt. His hand is warm and rough and not a disagreeable feeling at the moment. She'll have to learn his tells quick, so she can return the favor.

The way he scrunches up his face makes her giggle. Isn't it a cliche that most guys dream of that kind of thing? He doesn't even have to be the handsome wounded duck to get the attention. "Then I stand corrected." For a moment, she leans, letting her weight settle against him without quite being a burden. "Still. Don't think I don't realize I'm the luckiest girl here tonight."

It's nice to see him making his way confidently through the crowd, not putting on the act. It must be so hard for him. Her New Year's Resolution is to never be someone he has to pretend with.

The new song gets a little laugh from her. "Interesting playlist." The dance floor is so crowded. She'll have to hope everyone minds their elbows.

His world is touch with sound, smell and taste. Touching someone is still personal. His rough hands stay gentle on her skin, she'll warm up more soon. The best thing she can do to return the favor is keep acting as sweet and lovely as she is right now.

Dreaming of being mobbed only means you've never actually been mobbed by anyone for any reason. It's not pleasant. One person can beat so many people. "I knew you'd see it my way." Best girl in the room with the best duck. "Well, let's do something lucky girl."

It's very liberating. Only a few times he gets odd glances but there's so much merrymaking and a difference in lights who really would know or care about one man. Matt leads them to a reasonable amount of space and lightly moves to hold her hand and touch her waist. "It's an oldie but a goodie." Everyone can deal with elbows. No bumping to keep up appearances out of Matt. He knows how to move to keep them bothered. Everyone else will have to be more careful.

Touch is always personal. Is it more so for him? Something to talk about another time. She isn't cold anymore; those goosebumps are for a different reason. A much nicer reason. Immersion therapy might be just what she needs in these situations, so she'll be staying right there by his side for as long as she can.

"You're the persuasive lawyer, what defense could I possibly have against that?" She's doing her best sweet and helpless voice, but there's an undercurrent of sarcasm and a suggestion of a smile curling up one corner of her mouth.

Can he hear her rumbling little hum of contentment when his hand finds her waist and they move into their positions together? She'd intended to give anyone who gave him looks some looks of her own back, but she can't bring herself to care so much right now. If it's not bothering him, it doesn't matter. Her hand on his shoulder curls comfortably there, fingertips stopping just short of that sensitive spot where his neck and shoulder meet. "I wonder if we'll run into Groot tonight." She hadn't seen any sign of everyone's favorite treant, but there are bright lights and dancing. Who knows?

It's personal the way it is for everyone and more complex. His hands are appendages and extensions of vision. Matt is more aware of how meaningful a touch can be when given or received. You don't just touch anyone for any reason. Her goosebumps rising up must be from excitement. There's quite a bit of it in the air. It's contagious.

"I dunno. Cunning and charm are very useful everywhere." Her sweet, sweet tone makes him laugh.

His ears can still catch the sound of her voice above the crowd. It takes a trained ear. The better to pick up on each and every detail around them. Matt can feel a glance from someone else now and then. They don't matter any. Verity's hands are on him. Worry and concern can take a hike. "Every big party needs a celebrity. He's as big as they come." Being a tree. They come bigger, Matt. Not a drop to drink yet and he feels giddy and light, leading their way into the steps. He hums the familiar tune a little as they go.

Excitement, yes. That's absolutely what's going on with her and her goosebumps. A very personal kind of excitement.

So long as he's laughing. Her smile evens out and she relaxes by a degree. "You'd be the expert there." A little flattery, perhaps, but true enough; she might be cunning sometimes, but she's never imagined herself as charming. She'd rather be sincere.

Ver doesn't have his keen hearing or his excellent training, but she's intent on not missing a thing from him. She spares just enough attention for their surroundings to follow the music and not turn the crowd into human dominoes. All the rest is for him, laser-focused and all-encompassing. She'll remember the texture of his jacket for the rest of her life. "Mm, but if he was at every party, it'd be less thrilling to meet him at one. Giant tree aliens need to maintain an air of mystery, after all."

His humming makes her smile grow and she leans closer to him to hear it better. "Don't tell me you sing, too. That'd be so unfair." Tell her you sing. Better yet, sing for her. It cannot possibly end badly.

Being close to her to recognize the reaction is very satisfying. It keeps him smiling. "Maybe a little." Matt shrugs but hearing her opinion of him as an expert is more than a little warming.

She moves so well with him through step and sway. Matt nearly believes she's let him just carry her or perhaps she just glides. Good sense and caution has taught him to not hold on too tightly to these moments but this one he would like to fold between the pages of a book to keep pressed and saved. Ah, let memory do that. The band, the crowd are background noise that he remains just aware of enough. "Well, if you catch him before I do I want to tell him hello." And how funny to meet the big tree fellow at not one but two soirees. Does Nexus have a society page? This feels like it counts for something.

"A little. I'm out of practice. Broadway won't have me. The shower doesn't seem to mind." Out of practice because singing and listening and walking all end up to be a kind of juggling act that Matt rarely feels up for. This is a special occasion. He softly joins into the chorus to ask Verity if she'd like to swing on a star. His baritone isn't as bright or as practiced and Frankie but proof he can carry a tune.

It's only fair he feel a little flushed too. He's too charming to avoid compliments, and even he's not cunning enough to dodge them all.

She moves with him so well because she can trust him. He won't steer her wrong. Let them focus on making the memories for now; reflecting back on them will come soon enough. Their good fortune would be in looking back only in anticipation of more nights to come. "I'll be sure to." It's an easy promise to make, and not just because her usual reaction to seeing Groot is to wave furiously and call his name. If there's a Nexus society page, they're definitely going to be in it, Groot or no. He's famous, and she's been seen with people. That's close enough to famous for some people.

Carrying a tune is all she can ask for. A practiced singer would feel less personal; this is special, just for her. His performance is met with a pleased hum. "That was beautiful. Thank you." Maybe, if he's very lucky, he'll get the favor returned at some point.

Their back and forth is a sort of dance too now. Matt is happily pulled into step. "...you and I need to go dancing more. I'm totally going back on my four dance limit." It was a joke from the start but he wants to be perfectly clear.

No rustle of branches or smell of foliage in the air. Just the light, lovely fragrances of Verity and the rustle of her dress against him. No memento will exactly replicate how her hand feels on him or holding her just so. It's a wonderful problem to have. Matt doesn't feel famous. Not typically. Right now he feels decidedly special.

He laughs a little at his own cringing. A jab at false compliments lives and dies on his lips. Verity being Verity has a tendency to just do away with all of that. There's also the feeling of accomplishment that he sounds better than he thought he would for something that isn't a hymn. The band keeps it lively another fairly upbeat tune. It's not something he knows as well.

"Now, maybe it's a little late to ask but now that I remembered I'm curious. ...did you have plans that didn't work out or keeping warm was the original plan tonight?" Because imagining her any other way than how she is here and now doesn't mesh.

It's nicer to call it dancing than sparring, although she'd be happy to do either with him in the appropriate circumstances. "Mm, I'll hold you to that." She's trying to sound all super casual about it, but that is not working. Her excitement is radiating; if there were any gamma radiation in the room there'd be some kind of horrible but predictable accident to create a big green excitement monster.

Good thing he likes her when she's excited. Just like she likes helping him feel special. As problems go, trying to remember everything about the moment is an excellent one to have. So is wondering how to make the next time even better.

His cringing gets a little tsk of disapproval from her. No false modesty, Mr. Murdock. She won't allow that. Whatever he wants to sing, he has a happy audience in her. She'd be delighted to listen always. Even if he drags her to church for it.

The song is new to her; there's a brief hesitation while she finds the rhythm, but soon she's relaxed into his lead again. It's so tempting to just let him deal with these things. "No plans," she admits. "Nobody else asked, and I was too holidayed out from Jül to do the organizing again." If there's a sliver of discomfort in the admission, she knows that it also means she was free to accept his last-minute offer. She isn't going to complain. "I'd say it worked out pretty well."

Sparring is dancing with potentially painful results. this kind of euphoria gives the feeling of invincibility. No fear, no heart, no problems. The tempo of her heart and a warmth that may as well be a humming like a tuning fork has him matching up in kind if we're taking about radiation. Just not gamma or any green monsters.

Tsking he can take. It's not a punch. Matt ducks his head and laughs. "It'll take more to get to Carnegie Hall but...thank you." Dragging her to church might be a distant future possibility. Steve is helping Matt look for one. They're going to start a bible study too.

Verity won't linger in hesitation. Matt is right there with her and they're in step very soon. "It did. I happened to get these tickets and you were the first person I thought of."

Dancing is the obvious winner in a contest between the two. Nothing to fear in his arms, and no problems worth thinking about. No scary monsters. Not even the little zappy pocket kind. Just him and some distant music. Bliss.

"I wouldn't want you in Carnegie Hall. I'd have to share you then." And that is, she's suddenly realizing, not something she wants to do. She wants all these little moments just for herself. He might not even have to drag her to the church. She draws the line at bible study, however; and really, he and Steve don't want her there.

Oh, yes, letting him sweep her into the dance is definitely the right call. It's easier with him, and more fun. How many more things in her life will he be improving? "Lucky me. I hope whoever was your second choice isn't too disappointed."

Oh that's right. Their dancing is now not only improved without Matt having to play unaware but there are no chao trying to join. Hopefully they won't be too lonely. He doesn't miss them. There in some distant world with the rest of the people in the room.

"I might not ever be ready for the big time. And besides that, I like to keep my audience small, intimate. You won't have to worry." Matt tilts his head against her's for a moment. In church no one cares how you sound because it isn't a contest or about the voice just the words and the song. Here there's no sense of ceremony or seriousness, just being.

Now it's Matt's turn to tsk. "I didn't have a second choice." He'll do what he can, bit by bit, step by step to improve things.

No chao, as much as she misses them. Sorry, Matt, those maternal instincts might have been buried deep but they run deeper. Fortunately, she knows they're safe and happy and (hopefully) asleep, so she's not worrying about them. He's going to have to get used to dancing with them someday if he's going to keep dancing with her.

Verity closes her eyes when he leans in, not quite sure what he's planning to do and not at all disappointed. This close to him she can enjoy his scent and heartbeat. "No... nothing to worry about with you here," she whispers. It shouldn't be so hard to admit that she feels safe. That she needs someone else to help her feel safe; maybe that's the real problem. She knows he's not staying, and for a moment, a ripple of pain steals her breath. Then the song changes, and only reinforces the appropriateness of being close.

"No?" She's surprised and pleased. "Then next time, you should call me sooner."

The chao aren't gone. Just not present. Matt just gets a moment with Verity. Though he's starting to collect moments. She doesn't seem to mind either, in fact just enabling the same with invitations right back. This just means that Matt and the chao must sort a thing or two out if they're going to share.

Closer together, and a little turn and height difference aside they're more or less cheek to cheek. The music slowing with them really brings the whole world to a slower, dreamy speed.

"I will call you sooner." Matt chuckles and relaxes more as they sway. It's not really so much about intricate steps. Just moving to the music. "I didn't mind waiting at all. You're wonderful." Nothing to do with looks because he couldn't really tell. Knowing how she feels, moves and just is Matt says this in confidence.

Edited 2016-01-08 05:25 (UTC)

Not gone, and not forgotten. But sometimes mommy needs adult time too. They can collect so many moments, with other company and by themselves. Each will be special and wonderful in its own way.

Dancing cheek to cheek. Like in one of those old movies she used to study so intently. She finally found the magic.

This slow, close dancing may not be intricate, but it's intimate, which is a harder step for her to master. And it's so perfectly right. Normally, she'd explain that he needs to call to make sure she's not busy, but... well, she's rarely busy and there's not much she wouldn't reschedule for him. Theoretical possibilities seem too pedantic for the moment. Plus, she's blushing again, her cheek bright and warm against his. His confidence is a little contagious; what's he going to do with her when she's got her self-esteem back?

Apparently, what she's going to do with it is sing. Her voice is a light, fluttering thing; a baby bird not quite ready sure about leaving the nest. "And I want to wake up with the rain, Falling on a tin roof, While I'm safe there in your arms..."

Edited 2016-01-08 05:31 (UTC)

Adult time keeps her happy. And a happy maternal figure makes for a happy little family right?

Matt's lightly bristled. In his haste for putting the evening together he did pass up that detail. Verity's soft, warm cheek beside his own is still immeasurably enjoyable and so very cinematic. If he likes her now, it will be irrepressible when she's completely in her own element of confidence.

The first few notes he is quiet, hardly breathing and listening. Matt softly murmurs and shuts his eyes. He's heard this song before but never payed it any mind. Now that his whole world has telescoped he can focus. He slowly moves so that both arms can circle her waist and rest there.

That's the plan. So long as everyone's happy and healthy, it's a good day.

The soft scraping touch of his bristles against her cheek makes her laugh quietly. Something about the fact that he was in a rush, too, makes everything better somehow. It makes him more human in a sweet and endearing way. Neither of them has to try to be something they're not, and that is so appealing to her.

The murmuring is too soft her for her to make out--a frustration soon forgotten. His arms are suddenly around her and her heart is racing. Her suddenly free hand brushes up his arm to his shoulder while she tries to figure out what to do. The last few words of the song trail off and she lowers her head just enough to rest it on his shoulder while they dance, her hands moving up and back to lace together behind his neck.

Last good day of one year, maybe a better year over all? Deep down, that was also a motivation for Matt. Who else needs a nice, new start as well as a great night out? The list is pretty short with the context.

Laughing and staying where she is means that whatever it is making her make that adorable sound it's fine. Better than fine. Just think if they were to actually try?

Matt's heart speeds up with hers. Maybe she can hear it, maybe she can't. "That was beautiful." A little song just for him. How did it get so comfortable so fast here? It's like another dance move, un-orchestrated just felt through the cues of song. He hopes the band wants to take it slow again and give him another small forever to live comfortably in.

A happy ending and bright beginning all at once. It might be the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for her. If she can do the same for him, she'll consider it the best thing she's ever done. If this isn't him trying, he'd better not start now; she couldn't survive it.

"I, um. Thank you." A song for him, just for them really. She doesn't sing. She's never sung a song like that to anyone before. What was she thinking? Nothing except how much she wants him to be happy. He is going to ruin her and she'll love every minute. All of this is his fault. His wonderful fault. Even if the next song were uptempo, she wouldn't be inclined to move away from him. Lucky for them that the fates are kind.

For her, for himself, it's not entirely selfless. Matt wouldn't want anyone else in his shoes right now. It's his own dawning moment of realization that his efforts to be warm to her and respectfully distant need more fine tuning.

"Thank you," he presses. And if that doesn't sound like happiness in his voice than the ever so slight tilt of his head against hers where it lays just might. The fates are so very kind. Matt gives a little prayer of thanks if they or God will hear. Even slower. All they could do if she truly wanted was to just step from one foot to the next. "And thank you for coming, Verity. I mean it." His voice is soft and close to her ear, just for her and no one else. It's not a song but it's the truth.

Some small part of her knows the distance would be for her own good, and for his. She has some dim awareness of that. Nobody should have to put up with her grief and self-loathing. But those feelings are so small and faint right now, and gods help her, she wants this. Feeling like someone wants her, all of her, not some distorted image of her that lives in their imagination... someone who isn't scared of the dark times and the shadows in her soul... someone who isn't looking for what she can do for them or choosing her because she's the only choice...

Oh, but he's talking again. Thinking can wait. "Mm. Okay. We can be mutually grateful?" She doesn't lift her head, talking into his neck and trusting he'll hear her. They can dance properly again later; right now, swaying with him is more than enough for her. The slow tempo and gentle music are so soothing. "You don't have to thank me for wanting to spend time with you, Matt. I love spending time with you." It's song enough for her, and poetry, too.

Edited 2016-01-09 06:01 (UTC)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

Love that song choice. <3

it's so cute, love it so much

I love that "wait what just happened" moment when people are first listening to it.

all the animals to be! like it's such an easy choice in life

It's easy in that not many people make the choice consciously.

clearly swinging on a star is the better choice

But being a fish sounds like a lot of fun too.

swimming, chilling, i wonder if it could be upgraded to dolphin

I'd have to call you Flipper.

https://49.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqyqh0g3MR1qk26dzo1_500.gif

mesmerizing...

majestic sea life!

http://media2.giphy.com/media/pjMZ2LGonHFu/giphy.gif

bit.ly/1VOJaQi they don't want you to have cute dolphins

bit.ly/1O83ppl

no subject

bit.ly/1n7f6nc

oh my heart so cute

You know, technically, Ver could be a Disney princess.

befriends strange animals, is colorful and independent, cursed-ish i believe it!

bit.ly/1RqSPOm And parent issues. Can't forget the all-important parent issues.