shot through the heart (for allbedestroyed)

[doesntsing]

This is definitely the most unique first date that Midge has ever been on.

Despite the fact that Robert took her to his company party one night and came out to see her show the next night, this outing is their official first date. And it’s to a shooting range outside of the city. Certainly not what Midge would have picked, but she’s open to new experiences. She doesn’t think she’s ever held a real gun, let alone shot one. She’d be more nervous if Robert wasn’t with her. He’s so calm and steady that it should keep her from panicking too much. It helps that he’s an expert shot as well. Midge just hopes that he’s a patient teacher.

They managed to get a warmer than usual day for December in New York with the sun shining brightly overhead. Midge is wearing a sweater and a pair of trousers with her coat and a hat. They’re going to be spending the day outside, so she had to dress sensibly, though still fashionably, of course. They packed a picnic lunch to eat on the grounds after they shoot, and Midge brought along a big thermos of tea to hopefully keep them warm. Tea because he’s English. She made an assumption.

The range is about 30 minutes outside of the city and Midge watches the fields go by as the two of them race through the countryside in his rented car.

“How did you hear about this place?” she asks.

Comments

[doesntsing]

“I really need to take you to Steiner one year, though I think you’ll absolutely hate it,” Midge replies with a smile. He can go stay in a tent out in the woods while the rest of them sleep in the cabin. He’ll be hunting for food rather than eating in the dining hall.

“I didn’t know I had killer instinct,” she continues. “Better watch out. More than killer instinct, I think I just like to be good at everything I try.”

Proving people wrong and doing what they say she can’t.

[allbedestroyed]

"If anyone could persuade me to do something I hate, it would be you," he teases fondly. Though she's probably right. It sounds entirely too... cheery for him.

Her correction gets a snort. Though he's spotted the little food place he'd seen before, so works on getting parked while he talks. "I wouldn't bet against you, that much is for sure. You're a true force of nature."

[doesntsing]

“And I wouldn’t want to make you do something you hated unless it was absolutely necessary.” Midge realizes that she talks about them as if they’re going to be together and she doesn’t know why. Wishful thinking? Instinct? She probably needs to get her head out of the clouds. Robert will be leaving in a few days.

She doesn’t want her time spent with him to be bittersweet though, so she would rather focus on being happy, pretending that they have all the time in the world.

“Am I?” She asks with a smile. Midge just hopes that she’s brought a little bit of light into his world. After parking the car, Robert comes around to her side to help her out. Midge takes his hand and stands on her tip toes to steal a kiss from him. Her hand remains in his as they enter the restaurant.

[allbedestroyed]

Muldoon hums in faux-thoughtfulness. "I suppose I shouldn't knock it 'til I try it, hm?"

It's not like it could be the worst thing he's endured. Hammond's fancy parties are hard to beat in that department.

Midge's question gets a grin and a confident, "You are." Then he gets out of the car and helps her out.

He doesn't expect her hand to stay in his, and it makes him do a double-take as he looks down at their locked fingers. But his sets aside his bemusement since they have people to interact with in the form of servers. Hopefully Midge won't mind him instigating the separation of their hands as he guides her to her seat, as attentive as can be.

[doesntsing]

His reactions to her displays of affection are sweet, but also a little bit sad in her eyes. She’s not sure if Robert finds it incredulous that someone like her wants to display affection towards him or if that incredulity extends to anyone at all. Regardless, she’s going to keep doing it.

Once seated in the booth, Midge peruses the menu and continues their conversation. “I’m curious what you mean when you say I’m a force of nature,” she says. “Does that mean I’m like a hurricane? An earthquake?”

Midge is teasing, but also not. She wants to know what made him use that particular phrase to describe her.

[allbedestroyed]

His general stoicism is a fairly good indicator. That calm, collected demeanour works well in high stress situations, but he never quite learned how to let it go when things were relaxed again. He is, however, always determined never to dissuade his partners from showing as much or as little affection as they like.

When Midge investigates his comment a little further, he allows a small smile over his menu. It's only natural for people to be curious about what others think of them. Especially someone they're close to.

"I mean it's more destructive to get in your way when you've set your mind to something than to work with you. Less an earthquake or hurricane than a wildfire or flood, in my opinion. Sure, there will be some destruction, but ultimately the land will be healthier at the end of it."

Yay you’ve returned!

[doesntsing]

Midge listens to his explanation, her smile growing as he continues speaking.

“I like the idea of being a wildfire,” she says. “It’s definitely wise to not get in my way when I’ve decided that I want something.” Case in point, the two of them.

She rests her chin in her hand, thinking for a moment. “You’re… a rock. Or a mountain.”

Yes! Sorry, I went away for the weekend and didn't have tagging time like I thought

[allbedestroyed]

"You have the flare for it," he agrees. It's not that she doesn't need and deserve tenderness sometimes, but that in the general day-to-day, she's just as stubborn and wilful as he is. If not more.

He is, however, extremely glad she didn't take his comparison the wrong way. In fact, she seems to like it enough to return the favour, which only makes him smile more.

"We sound like an unstoppable force and an immovable object."

it’s all good, hope you enjoyed your weekend!

[doesntsing]

She is very stubborn. It remains to be seen whether or not their mutual stubbornness will cause them to butt heads at some point.

Midge hums her agreement. “And what’s supposed to happen when those two meet?”

I did! Now I get to enjoy threads again so a win-win

[allbedestroyed]

They will undoubtedly butt heads at some point. It's the resolution that's more uncertain.

Muldoon's smile twists cheekily as he holds her gaze. "From what I'm seeing? Sparks fly."

[doesntsing]

They will, but hopefully they’ll also be able to work it out.

Midge grins at him, feeling her heart flutter in her chest. “See? You are a romantic.”

[allbedestroyed]

If the past few days are any indication, that shouldn't be a problem.

That smile widens and he shakes his head in a half-hearted protest. "I'm just sharing my observations."

[doesntsing]

She hums her agreement as she goes back to perusing the menu, a smile still on her face. “Give yourself some credit, Robert. You’re not as awkward in social situations as you think. It just needs to be with the right person.”

[allbedestroyed]

"I don't think I'm awkward," he assures her. "But I have been told I can be a bit rough around the edges."

He gestures to her as he adds, "Which you help smooth over."

[doesntsing]

She nods, conceding that. “I like how blunt you are,” she says. “You say what everyone else is thinking. You’re also immensely practical.” Midge needs someone like Robert to help ground her. A rock. A mountain.

“I’m happy to smooth your edges and anything else that might need to be smoothed.” She playfully sticks the toe of her shoe under the hem of one of his pants legs.

[allbedestroyed]

"Remember that next time I say something at the wrong time." He's not too worried, though. Midge knows he doesn't mean anything bad, even if what he says comes across as cold. He's about to add something about how she compliments his life when movement under the table distracts him. She really does make it hard not to smile.

"Down girl," he growls playfully.

[doesntsing]

She nods. “I’ll try not to laugh too hard at how offended everyone else is,” she replies. It takes a lot to really offend Midge. Social faux pas won’t do it most of the time.

A sly grin crosses her face, followed by a little shiver of desire. That growl gets her every time. “See, that’s what I really think you are,” Midge tells him. “A lion.”

[allbedestroyed]

"I appreciate it." Though truthfully he appreciates how unfazed she is more. They have enough in inevitable culture clashes to deal with without adding a difference in approach on top of it.

It's as much her smile as her answer which makes it impossible to smother his own grin. "A lion? Those are dangerous, you know."

[doesntsing]

“So I’ve heard, but I’ve also heard that there are men who punch them in the face.” That will never not be impressive to her. “You are more of a benevolent lion. Generally good-natured unless someone really makes you angry or tries to hurt someone you care about greatly.”

The waitress approaches and asks about drinks. Midge orders some coffee before going back to their conversation.

[allbedestroyed]

He should probably regret telling her about that, but right now he doesn't. It's sweet that she recalls it so often.

When the waitress comes over, Muldoon echoes Midge's order. Coffee isn't his go-to, but he's learned to live with it. But he's much happier to return his attention to Midge.

"I'd say you'd make a good lioness, too. Strong, protective, loves her family... and is unmistakably in charge."

[doesntsing]

“Am I?” There’s a little smile on her face. “Even in charge of my lion?”

She does have a tendency to take charge, doesn’t she? Fortunately, Robert doesn’t fight her for it most of the time.

[allbedestroyed]

Muldoon sets the menu down, folds his arms on the table, and leans in towards her. She has his full, uninterrupted gaze as he lowers his voice to inform her, "Midge. Only as a very desperate measure would I ever try to get in your way."

[doesntsing]

Midge is a little worried for a moment about the serious look on Robert’s face, but she relaxes when she hears his words.

She leans in too. “Way to make a girl feel invincible.”

[allbedestroyed]

The seriousness was important. She wouldn't have listened to him properly if he'd joked about it. His jokes aren't as good as hers.

"If you haven't figured that out by now, I'll have to make sure to remind you."

[doesntsing]

“You’ve given me a lot of power, Robert. Hopefully I’ll choose to use it for good.” She will. Probably. Depends on his definition of good.

The waitress brings their coffee and takes their lunch orders. Midge orders a Reuben sandwich - not technically Kosher, but very good.