RO > call me out; a forever open RP post, version 2

[midvalley]

NEW OPEN RP POST

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[ex_micromanage449]

Considering the paparazzi likes to spring up wherever I go, I don't think that's going to happen anytime soon.

[enraptored]

We don't have to go out, you know. Quiet night in. I'm actually a decent cook, whether or not you want to believe it.

No punching. I promise.

[ex_micromanage449]

[ She really does appreciate the way Owen looks at things- simple and straightforward- because whether she’d admit it or not, she’s a goddamn mess lately. She barely has time to sit and think, and more often than not just goes in whatever direction her handlers at Masrani Corp push her. All she has left is the pretense of control, and it’s becoming clear that even that is slipping.

But a night in? A simple dinner and good company? It sounds almost too good to be true, and the thought gleans another almost-smile from her. ]

I think I’d like to take you up on that.

[enraptored]

Yeah? [ And he seems pleasantly surprised by that. He had almost expected another dodge. ]

Well, we can figure something out, then. Whenever you're not busy getting interviewed by Diane Sawyer or whoever.

[ex_micromanage449]

It’s going to be a while before I have anything like free time again. [ She pauses, considering him for a moment. She knows their lives are hectic right now- hers especially- but she’s missed him. So it’s oddly spontaneous, but she offers, ] But I’m free now.

[enraptored]

Really? Now?

[ His head tilts, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth ]

Sure you don't want to put together a schedule real quick? Or is one formulating in your head, even as we speak?

[ex_micromanage449]

[ Now it’s Claire’s turn to roll her eyes. ] I am actually capable of spontaneity, you know. And it’s not as if today has gone as planned at all anyway.

We should take the chance while we have it.

[enraptored]

[ His smile comes out full force, though he subdues a little when the expression pulls uncomfortably on the cut on his upper lip. ]

Any chance your pantry's actually stocked? Or have you just been getting take out all this time?

[ex_micromanage449]

[ Oh. Has she… actually seen Owen smile before? Like, really smile? She likes to think she’d remember if she had but that, brief as it was, was much different than anything she’s seen from him before. ]

I never use it, but it’s stocked. [ She motions to a door in the corner of the kitchen. ] Help yourself. I might even have some things in the freezer, but I can’t speak for the quality.

[enraptored]

[ he offers a teasing smirk. ]

Lemme guess: Instant ramen and microwaveable meals are more your forte.

[ex_micromanage449]

I’ve been busy, okay? [ Also, she can’t really cook. ]

[enraptored]

Tell me honestly: how many Hot Pockets have you had for dinner in the past month?

[ex_micromanage449]

[ She wrinkles her nose. ] None. I have standards even when it comes to gross microwavable food.

[enraptored]

[ he holds up his hands. ] Alright, alright. No Hot Pockets. Maybe on Campbell's, though.

[ After a second, he waves to his face. ] Give it to me straight, doc -- will I live?

[ex_micromanage449]

[ For a second, she’s not sure what he’s referring to until she realizes she means the damage to his face after the fight. ] A few bruises, split lip, and a pretty good shiner. I don’t think any of that is fatal.

[enraptored]

Lucky me, getting out by the skin of my teeth.

[ Hesitantly, he takes the wet rag from her, offering a half-smile. ]. Thanks for the first aid.

[ex_micromanage449]

I didn't really do much aside from yell at you and dab your face a little.

[enraptored]

Eh, well. Kinda needed both of those things, apparently.

[ A pause, then, ] For what it's worth, I am sorry for losing it. Not for punching the guy, because he had it coming, but for not thinking about how it'd affect you.

[ex_micromanage449]

It's okay. I can't expect you to understand the intricacies of my life lately.

[enraptored]

It's kind of hard keeping up with you. Seems like they're carting you around from press junket to press junket.

[ex_micromanage449]

After they drill me on what I can and can't say, remember?

[ She gives a small, mirthless little laugh ] At this point it's a wonder I even remember what sleep is like.

[enraptored]

[ He huffs out a laugh of his own. ]

They let you sleep, huh? That's nice of them.

[ he stands, making his way over to what looks like her pantry. ]

And when's the last time you ate something that you didn't have to just add water to?

[ex_micromanage449]

This afternoon at lunch.

[ AH-HA got you there Owen ]

[enraptored]

[ He turns to look at her over his shoulder, unimpressed. ]

That you also did pay someone else to make for you.

[ex_micromanage449]

[ Looooong pause ] We might have to go all the way back to the last time I visited my parents if that's the criteria.