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

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.

[allbedestroyed]

After a second of consideration, Muldoon opts for the same. It's not something he often gets, and it has plenty of meat in it. Win-win.

"I've seen you on the stage," he continues once they're alone again. "You use your power for good and just the right amount of bad."

[doesntsing]

Midge nods knowingly. “I think you approve of that little bit of bad.”

It’s the part of her that says what she thinks, regardless of the consequences. The part of her that calls out the problems in society.

[allbedestroyed]

"I do," he confirms. "I think the world's a better place for it."

Being someone who often has to bite his tongue, it's cathartic to watch someone as quick witted as Midge get to voice what so many people wish they could say.

[doesntsing]

“Thank you,” she replies with a grin. At least he understands her comedy and why she does it. It’d be difficult for them to be together if he didn’t see the purpose of something that’s such a huge part of her life.

“What haven’t we talked about yet?” Midge asks. “Family?”

[allbedestroyed]

No they haven't talked about family. In part because he hadn't wanted to overstep. Not when what they have together is so... nebulous. He hadn't wanted to scare her off by coming on too strongly.

But since she's brought the topic up, he nods thoughtfully. "Well I've met your two children. And you kept me away from your parents. Who else do you have in your family?"

[doesntsing]

She huffs a laugh. “Trust me. I saved your ass that night.” If things continue to develop between them, Midge is sure that he will meet her parents. She’s just got to figure out the best way to present a man like Robert to them. To say that he’s the polar opposite of Joel is an understatement.

“I have a brother named Noah who lives in Washington DC. The worst kept secret in the family is that he works for the CIA.” She takes a sip of her coffee. Midge had brought this topic up to see if she could learn more about his family. Robert is relatively tight-lipped about it.

“Both of your parents are in Nairobi? Do have any siblings?”

[allbedestroyed]

"The CIA?" His brow shoots up and he says before a pointed sip of coffee, "I'd better be on my best behaviour, then."

It was not really his intention to be secretive. Her family is simply more interconnected than his is. Which is what you get with a family full of professional hunters and guides.

"No siblings. A handful of cousins, but mostly family get-togethers consist of my uncles, their wives, and a lot of competitiveness."

[doesntsing]

Midge nods. “Hopefully he’s doing his best to keep me off of whatever list they put radicals on.” Not that Midge thinks she’s so radical, but anything that challenges the status quo in this country is liable to be questioned, her comedy included.

“What are you competitive about?”