So it takes him a while

[goawayleavemealone]

It takes him a while to pick up the bloody phone and call, because...

Well, things are busy. It's not an actual walk in the park to run a government intelligence agency, and he has a lot on his plate with that, to say nothing of his crazy ol' dad, who's been sick and a sister who hasn't been around much recently.

But he shoulda called sooner.

it's not that he doesn't care. He cares, it's just...

It's Pryde.

It's Pryde and she was gonna marry the bloody Russian.

Still.

Shoulda called sooner.

So he taps her icon in his contacts, sits back in the chair at his office, and he waits.

Comments

[enduring_pryde]

"And now being thirty-three, I would like to think that I'm not too young for much of anything anymore. I've been a grad student and a teacher. I've led men and women into combat. My abilities to observe and reflect have gotten better."

And yet, two engagements in six months. "Quill gave me some needed fun again but let's face it, the man has the emotional maturity level of a turnip. And fun doesn't last forever on its own. Plus hes always running from something and being the source of his own problems--and in space, so they are galactic problems. I had good reason for the break up--but getting myself into that position on the first place is a different matter."

She runs a hand over her head and takes the beanie off. She shakes her hair out, but given how she hadn't brushed it to begin with, it sticks out of place once the beanie is off.

She smiles softly. "I want someone whom I can create a life with. Someone who can call me on my bullshit. Someone to have children with. Someone who isn't trying to turn me into someone that I'm not. Someone who can make me laugh and hold me when I cry."

Kitty shrugs. "I needed this to be said before I go to England with you. I don't have any expectations about this. I'll stay as long as I'm wanted there. If you and I rekindle our relationship, wonderful, if not that's fine as well."

[goawayleavemealone]

It would be so easy to fall back into things with Kitty. To just let that smile reassure him that everything will be okay.

"Let's just...we'll see how it goes, yeah?" he says softly.

[enduring_pryde]

"All right," she says and gently gives him a hug. "Thank you for dropping everything and coming out here to talk with me in person--and for whisking me away." She was tickled by that.

[goawayleavemealone]

He kisses her temple, as he gives her a one-armed hug in return, rubbing her side gently.

"You're lucky I'm such a sap," he teases.

And that I'm still in love with you, he doesn't say.

[enduring_pryde]

"I am and you are." She smiles and then returns to her packing.