[The disbelief wasn't just in his voice, but in the way the corners of his mouth widened, in the soft crease of his brow. Chilton blinked, recovering quickly, but the damage done was undeniable: he had just revealed that he thought Raina wasn't within his grasp. But she had just asked him to accompany her, just now, to the Swearing In. To her Swearing In. He transcribed monumental significance to the request, given the context of her newly arrived state, and --
But, oh. Newly arrived did not necessitate vulnerable. Chilton, with his initial reactions and expressive facial features, knew that he revealed depths to her. And he thought that Raina was clever, and likely she understood what his responses betrayed.
Chilton was wooed by her coyness, her beauty, her speech. He felt control slip through his fingertips, and he couldn't even care to watch it trickle away. His eyes were too busy watching Raina.]
I -- would be honored.
[She had emphasized the word relationship.]
And I imagine you'd like to meet a few of my contacts. [The wealthy, powerful ones.] Tony Stark always pays his social grace, I'm sure he'll be there.
[Tony Stark, occasional patient and one-time romantic rival for Karla, was an enviable figure to Chilton. While Chilton resented the man's wealth and upper tier ease, he nevertheless appreciated the weird, reasonable acquaintance they shared.
He thought of what she had said, about anticipating his unpalatable traits. About finding those dark things about him attractive.
Chilton rested one hand on her shoulder, glancing between his hand and her eyes, and cautiously -- carefully -- leaned in for a kiss.]
no subject
[The disbelief wasn't just in his voice, but in the way the corners of his mouth widened, in the soft crease of his brow. Chilton blinked, recovering quickly, but the damage done was undeniable: he had just revealed that he thought Raina wasn't within his grasp. But she had just asked him to accompany her, just now, to the Swearing In. To her Swearing In. He transcribed monumental significance to the request, given the context of her newly arrived state, and --
But, oh. Newly arrived did not necessitate vulnerable. Chilton, with his initial reactions and expressive facial features, knew that he revealed depths to her. And he thought that Raina was clever, and likely she understood what his responses betrayed.
Chilton was wooed by her coyness, her beauty, her speech. He felt control slip through his fingertips, and he couldn't even care to watch it trickle away. His eyes were too busy watching Raina.]
I -- would be honored.
[She had emphasized the word relationship.]
And I imagine you'd like to meet a few of my contacts. [The wealthy, powerful ones.] Tony Stark always pays his social grace, I'm sure he'll be there.
[Tony Stark, occasional patient and one-time romantic rival for Karla, was an enviable figure to Chilton. While Chilton resented the man's wealth and upper tier ease, he nevertheless appreciated the weird, reasonable acquaintance they shared.
He thought of what she had said, about anticipating his unpalatable traits. About finding those dark things about him attractive.
Chilton rested one hand on her shoulder, glancing between his hand and her eyes, and cautiously -- carefully -- leaned in for a kiss.]