sixwordstories | (no subject)

A lot more standards than I have.

I might be insulted by that.

You shouldn't be. It actually doesn't even apply to you.

That's nice to hear. [Pepper paused, contemplating Face before finally taking a drink.] You're really not going to give me any clue as to what's on your mind, are you? [By that she meant what's bothering him. Not that she actually expects him to say.]

[He thinks about her question, wondering how much he wants to tell her, if anything at all. Well, she's bound to talk to Hannibal sometime, and she'll end up finding out something, at least. May as well prepare her for it] I'm working on my own, now. [He refuses to act like it's actually bothering him, though]

[Pepper couldn't hide her surprise, though she recovered from it quickly.] Oh. [awkward...] Need an assistant?

[He expected the surprise, considering how he spoke of the team in past conversations, but not the question] An assistant?

Well, sometimes it's helpful to have someone else around when you change jobs. [She's just trying to keep the conversation light.]

Well, I haven't technically changed jobs. It's still business as usual, just with a few less players on the field, so to speak. I could probably use your help from time to time, though.

I'm always happy to help out a friend, Face.

Good. I might need you with me, to help me convince a few people that I am who I'm going to say I am. If anyone finds out though? Tell them that I forced you to do it.

Whatever you need, Face. I mean it.

Thanks Pepper. But I probably won't be asking too much of you from now, on.

I'll have to be satisfied with our occasional lunches and drinks, then.

How about lunch tomorrow?

[Pepper smiled gently and nodded.] I'd like that.

Great. [He empties his glass and heads back to the bar for another] Within the next few days, I'm probably going to be leaving town for a while. I thought we should have lunch before I go.

Do me a favour, call every now and again so I know you're alive. [Pepper was still nursing her drink. Unlike Face who seemed more in need, she was just drinking to be social.] We could make it breakfast, you know.

I guess I can check in. [He smiles and sets his glass down, walking over to stand in front of Pepper. He put his hands on her shoulders and lets his head fall to the side a little as he studies her] Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

[She met his gaze evenly, her expression growing more serious.] I didn't hear a 'yes.'

You're not accepting implications. Got it. [He smiles] Let's make it breakfast.

[she chuckled softly.] I'll accept them from now onward.

[He allows his hands to fall from her shoulders, down to her hips and he pulls her a little closer] What made you decide?

[Pepper stepped closer, draping her arms over his shoulders. She leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips.] You were honest with me when you didn't have to be.

You deserved to know just what I was dragging you into. [He wraps his arms around her waist] You actually kissed me first.