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

What, with the spaghetti? I wasn't sure -- was thinking of putting it on a plate. Maybe putting some sauce on top of that, too.

That's not-- can we be serious here? Just for a second?

[ He pauses, then turns to look at her fully, hands resting on his hips. ]

Alright. But you'll have to be more specific -- what do I want to do about what?

[ There is the barest moment of hesitation from her, but if they don't talk about this now, another chance might not roll around for a very long while. ]

... Us.

[ His head tilts to one side as he regards her levelly. ]

I thought I was pretty clear about where I stood on that.

Humor me. We haven't had a chance to have this discussion since we left the park.

[ He lifts an eyebrow for a quick second, but then he lets his expression and posture relax a little. ]

I wouldn't be here if I wasn't interested. Or if I didn't think you were at least a little interested, too.

Or am I wrong on that?

You're not wrong. I-- actually, Zach called you my boyfriend at one point. I didn't bother to correct him.

[ He huffs out a laugh, and despite his confidence from earlier, he manages to look relieved. ]

He and his brother are smart kids.

I think you and I make a good team. Don't know if that's enough for you, but it is for me.

[ The look on her face softens, becoming something fond. It's weird to think how they've reached this point, considering their disastrous first date and her attitude towards him in the wake of that.

But, on the other hand, considering what they've been through together, it's only natural. ]

We wouldn't be having this conversation if it wasn't.

[ He makes a quiet noise at the back of his throat. Then, ]

So, then. What about you? What do you want to do about it?

Logically, it would be best for both of us if we kept it quiet. I don't want you swept up in the media craze any more than you already are.

Right. Sure.

That doesn't exactly answer my question, though.

[ She purses her lips, glancing back towards the living room, where her phone is ] They can't try to keep us apart if they don't know we're together in the first place.

[ He breathes out a silent laugh, shaking his head a little. ]

You know, I was joking about the dirty secret thing.

I don't think we need to go to that extreme. We can just... omit certain truths. You and I both know we're looking at lecture come tomorrow.

Claire. I was in the Navy. I'm pretty sure I can sit through any lecture they're planning to throw my way.

[ He crosses his arms over his chest, leaning a hip against the counter. ]

They're not your parents. Hell, even if they were, they can't dictate who you can and can't see in your free time.

Then help me out here, Owen. It's been a long time since I've dated anyone, and I've never had to do it with angry execs and reporters breathing down my neck.

[ He lifts a shoulder in a shrug. ]

Unless you've got something in your contract saying that your bosses can dictate who you're dating -- a boyfriend clause or something -- then ignore them.

You make it sound so easy.

[ Also ignoring her bosses?? People do that?? ]

That's because it is.

[ He watches for a moment, but then he sighs, as if the fight's gone out of him. ]

Whatever you wanna do. Whatever you're comfortable with. If you want to keep-- us quiet, then we can work with that.

But clearly you don't think it's necessary.

You're right. I don't.

But that's because I think both of us have handled worse things than a couple of slimy headlines in tabloids and magazines. And I think our bosses can go screw themselves, after everything that's happened.

[ Another shrug. ]

But it's not just about what I think. I want what will work for you, too. And if it's keeping quiet for a while, testing the waters, then fine.

[ She gives a derisive snort ]

At least the dinosaurs were straightforward about wanting to eat us alive.

[ Not so, with the press. ]

[ He laughs, nodding his head as if to concede the point. ]

Yeah. I'd rather face down a pack of hungry lions than a group of reporters any day.

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