Deck, Saturday Afternoon

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

It was nice to wake up to a warm day finally. Hannibal had thought the winter would just be everlasting, dumping snow on them whenever it got the urge but it was finally warm. He didn't even mind the clouds that much because warmth meant he didn't have to coop himself up inside anymore. Warmth meant he could stick himself on the deck, in a comfortable chair with his feet up and sunglasses on.

Really, he probably would have been happy to sit on the deck if it had been cold. It was amazing how everything seemed to improve when one's mood was no longer akin to a battered punching bag.

It might not have been the deck of a cruise ship but Hannibal decided this was kinda nice anyway.

[hey, open! taking advantage of the east coast's GORGEOUS weather!]

Comments

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"You can definitely put away some alcohol," Hannibal said, laughing. "Jager's a vile liquor. That's what was in those drinks that I order for you."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

Adora looked shocked, "You ordered them on purpose?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"...no?" Oh, Hannibal.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

Why would he order her a vile drink on purpose? "Wait, were you mad at me or something?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"No, I was in a bad mood," he said and shrugged. "I was mad at everyone. The first drink was just one I chose. And then you started wandering off and coming back so I kept ordering them."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry about that, too," she told him. "I don't fault you for choosing poorly, but don't wonder if I don't let you order for me next time."

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"You're sorry about wandering off?" Hannibal asked. "Then, why did you?"

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Um, I spilled a cup of ice and alcohol on my lap," she reminded him.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Those weren't the reasons I was hearing," Hannibal said. "You saw someone and had to go say hi. Or your friend had to go save some squirrels?"

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Things happen?" Adora tried.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Fine, don't tell me," he said and shook his head. "But, you're really bad at covering lies, you know."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"I'm getting that impression," she said, not meaning to admit that there were lies.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

Hannibal, on the other hand, heard that admittance but left it alone for the time being. "You never answered the question on how you're doing."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"I think I'm doing well," Adora told him, not sounding completely sure. "I'm still trying to figure out how Earth things work."

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Oh? Which Earth things?" he asked.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

He had been helpful about this before, Adora could imagine he'd be helpful now. "You know, things like dating."

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Dating," he repeated, nodding. "Okay, what's going on that you need some help with dating? Something you haven't experienced before?"

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Well, yes, it's very new to me," she said, trying to think of the words. "Edward started talking about people who just date each other. Forever." Forever was a very long time.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Like...marriage?" he asked, frowning. "He's talking about that already?"

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Well, he said that he learned about people who date the same person forever without getting married? And he was engaged when he got here and now that's off." It was all so confusing.

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Well, that's an option, definitely," he said. "Some people date for a long time without getting engaged, even. It just means you're serious about the other person. All of that depends on how the relationship goes."

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

"Hmm," Adora was thoughtful for a moment. "Do you think talking about it means he may want to date me? And not to have me date others?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"He might be thinking about it," he said, nodding. "That doesn't mean you have to go along with him unless you want to. Sometimes, it can just take people awhile to come around."

Case and point.

[fabulous-secret.livejournal.com]

It would be so much easier if he'd figured out her secret so they could have a conversation about the true problem here.

"Right." Another pause. "And what if I want to, but there are complications that would make me feel like I was lying if I agreed to that sort of arrangement?"

[decoder-rings.livejournal.com]

"Do you think he could handle whatever complications you're alluding to?" Hannibal asked. "You could always tell him."