[North is frozen in the middle of the street as well, watching the two of them. He can't believe this. He's still in shock at what they're offering, and it probably shows on his face.
Later it'll hit him that this very idea runs half-contrary to everything he's believed about his orientation since he was a skinny teenager crushing on the captain of the football team while his sister chased cheerleaders. But right now it's not about a man and a woman. It's York and Carolina. His best friend he's pined over, and his commander and friend.
He smiles, even though he feels overwhelmed, like his emotions are going to spill over if he's not careful.]
That sounds nice. I could use something to look forward to.
[It could be Christmas; York lights up. If either of them need any more proof that York wants this, whatever it turns out to be, wherever it takes them here it is--for the first time since he arrived, he's purely, genuinely happy, without grief or bitterness to cloud the expression. The years since Project Freelancer just fall away from him, from the tension at the corners of his eyes. He glows.]
Okay. Yeah, okay.
[He turns to grin at Carolina for a second--see, see? North's on board, too!--before starting backwards again, a little spring in his step.]
Well, what are we waiting for? I miss drunk York even more than I miss drunk Carolina.
[He spins to face forward again, hands still happily in his pockets, still practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, when he looks back at them both, cheeky and exhilarated and so, so happy.]
[She grasps York's arm for a moment as to hold him back, seeming serious when she steps over to do so. But she holds on to him for a few seconds before staring right at North, a mischievous grin on her face.]
Last one there buys second round.
[Before she turns to dash, because of course she's fucking with you two hell YEAH she's gonna run]
[North is too busy melting under the sunshine of York's smile to notice the challenge until Carolina's running.
He actually laughs, when she takes off running, setting off in an easy jog and passing York with a big hand on his shoulder. It's no more affectionate than he's been in the past, but it means something different now. It's less guarded.]
[She calls over her shoulder, grin wide as a house.]
Earn that date, York! You're still out of shape! Tell him to get his ass moving, North!
[Later, she'll look back and remember this as being the freest she's felt in a long time.
The reds and blues are to thank for getting her this far, but York and North being around... well, she'd hate to think what she'd be missing if she'd ended up here alone.]
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[We can do this your way, North.
And by your way we mean Carolina's way, where she steamrolls any doubts you may have had while simultaneously accounting for your weaknesses.]
Or you can give me your drinks, if you wanna buy instead.
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[But we don't talk about Mardi Gras.
York's stopped there in the middle of the road, just smiling. Just waiting.]
I'm probably not much better, dude. I haven't been able to afford a drink in...God knows how damn long.
...But, hey. It's something to look forward to.
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Later it'll hit him that this very idea runs half-contrary to everything he's believed about his orientation since he was a skinny teenager crushing on the captain of the football team while his sister chased cheerleaders. But right now it's not about a man and a woman. It's York and Carolina. His best friend he's pined over, and his commander and friend.
He smiles, even though he feels overwhelmed, like his emotions are going to spill over if he's not careful.]
That sounds nice. I could use something to look forward to.
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Okay. Yeah, okay.
[He turns to grin at Carolina for a second--see, see? North's on board, too!--before starting backwards again, a little spring in his step.]
Well, what are we waiting for? I miss drunk York even more than I miss drunk Carolina.
[He spins to face forward again, hands still happily in his pockets, still practically bouncing on the balls of his feet, when he looks back at them both, cheeky and exhilarated and so, so happy.]
Race you.
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[She grasps York's arm for a moment as to hold him back, seeming serious when she steps over to do so. But she holds on to him for a few seconds before staring right at North, a mischievous grin on her face.]
Last one there buys second round.
[Before she turns to dash, because of course she's fucking with you two hell YEAH she's gonna run]
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He actually laughs, when she takes off running, setting off in an easy jog and passing York with a big hand on his shoulder. It's no more affectionate than he's been in the past, but it means something different now. It's less guarded.]
You heard the lady.
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[But he's laughing, and as he catches up with North's easy pace, York elbows him a little.]
Thanks. I'll pick up the tab next time.
[Everything he owes North--for his love, for his patience--he's going to take care of it from here on out. Gladly. Gratefully.
But for now, he's got a second round of drinks to outrun, and he returns North's big, significant pat with one of his own and cheerfully darts ahead.]
Come on, Carolina, don't be an asshole! Some of us are unemployed!
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[She calls over her shoulder, grin wide as a house.]
Earn that date, York! You're still out of shape! Tell him to get his ass moving, North!
[Later, she'll look back and remember this as being the freest she's felt in a long time.
The reds and blues are to thank for getting her this far, but York and North being around... well, she'd hate to think what she'd be missing if she'd ended up here alone.]
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He's not going to let York fall behind him, at least.]
I think we ought to do what she says, York.
[He says, in an overly dramatic stage whisper. He can't even begin to imagine the dark place he would be in if York and Carolina weren't here.
He's not even sure if he would have made it through the nightmares.]
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Kiss-ass.
[He falls into his stride: almost matching Carolina pace for pace, but behind her. Slightly to their left. Still close enough for North to catch up.]
You know, guys, for a man my age, I'm not doing too bad for myself. Maybe my standards are just more realistic than yours, Cat.
[He just watches Carolina run for a moment. Glances back at North.
Okay, maybe there's nothing realistic about his standards. York smiles to himself.]
I'm exactly where I want to be.