( open post )

[dark_ages]

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE...

Or pick one from the options below, for inspiration ✨

CAUGHT IN THE RAIN

NURSED BACK TO HEALTH

MORNING AFTER

SOMEONE'S IN MY BED

SPACE ADVENTURE

COFFEESHOP AU

CAMPING TRIP

LAUNDROMAT

PICTURE PROMPT

Comments

[dark_ages]

The benefits aren't in question. [ Leonard can't even being to imagine the possibilities. ]

Thank you. That's all I ask.

[ He lifts an eyebrow in response to the tilt of Loki's head, then downs the rest of his drink. ]

[dothelokimotion]

Only that?

Nothing else?

[dark_ages]

I don't know, nothing really comes to mind. Do people usually demand a lot of you?

[dothelokimotion]

[ his expression shifts slightly. ]

I'm not always considered . . . palatable. Too many edges to make for a smooth relationship.

[dark_ages]

Well, we haven't had any issues so far. Unless you really have been playin' nice, [ He says, partly teasing. ]

And I suppose some have said the same for me. But when it's the people that matter, they stick around regardless.

[dothelokimotion]

[ a low snort. ]

Then I suppose I've just been unlucky.

[ or never enough to matter. ]

[dark_ages]

[ Leonard doesn't know really what to say to that. Seems like a sore spot for Loki, so he just rests a hand a little above his wrist and squeezes. ]

Sorry to hear. But no reason why things can't change here.

[ Sometimes a new place, with new people, can make all the difference. ]

[dothelokimotion]

[ he agrees. ]

Change is the only constant.

I suppose I just wish . . . that hadn't been mine.

[dark_ages]

I understand that, believe me.

[ He reaches for the bottle, filling his glass again. ]

Even if I haven't lived nowhere near as long as you.

[dothelokimotion]

Mm. There's no point whining about it anyway. I've moved on from those times.

[dark_ages]

Suppose not. [ He huffs. ] Conversation's gotten a little depressing, huh. How about we pick a different topic?

[dothelokimotion]

By all means.

[ his finger traces the rim idly. ]

How goes your dating life?

[dark_ages]

[ Leonard snorts against the rim of his glass. ]

Goin' nowhere. Same as the last few years. [ He raises an eyebrow at Loki. ] Yours?

[dothelokimotion]

I've been busy the last few years.

I'm surprised a man like yourself hasn't had offers.

[dark_ages]

I didn't say I didn't get any offers, [ He points out. ] It's just not easy to make the time, I guess.

[dothelokimotion]

[ he blinks. ]

Isn't it? What is so taxing about it?

[dark_ages]

Because it's not just the one date. Maybe to some people it is, but I wouldn't go on a date with someone I wouldn't like enough to want to see again, and relationships like that tend to take up more of your time, more attention and dedication than I'd have been able to give with my job.

Besides, I'm a high-ranking officer on my ship. So there'd have to be a special kind of caution if and when getting involved with another officer.

[ Basically it was just easier to not get involved at all. ]

[dothelokimotion]

But circumstances have changed.

Surely, you have thought about it. Space can be lonely.

[dark_ages]

[ He huffs. ] Trust me, I know that all too well.

[ Looking into his glass, he ponders for a moment. ]

Guess I've thought about it, sure. In passing. I'm just a little out of practice, is all.

[dothelokimotion]

Perhaps you just need time to practice.

[dark_ages]

Perhaps, [ He parrots back, arching an eyebrow at Loki. ] You're very curious about my dating life. Do you want to take me out on a date?

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki smirks. ]

If you're interested in one.

[dark_ages]

[ He's quiet, seemingly pondering for a moment. ]

Just to clarify, this doesn't count as one, right? Because I sure as hell didn't dress for it.

[dothelokimotion]

[ loki laughs, low and rich. ]

We don't have to count it if you don't want to.

[dark_ages]

[ He tilts his head. ]

I don't mind if it does. I'll just have to make up for my complete lack of trying next time.