[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.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
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.
no subject
[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!
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.