Trying to catch up on some sleep.

[dontchaserabbits]

Mako and Raleigh are theoretically in Moscow right now. Or is it Saint Petersburg. Raleigh doesn't even remember anymore.

What he does know is that the door to Milliways opened right after their thirty-seventh state dinner, and he was more than happy to grab his co-pilot and run away for a little bit.

He knew there were rooms upstairs, but tonight is the first time that Raleigh's taken advantage of one. Mako acquires two adjacent rooms for the both of them, and they quickly say their goodnights.

Raleigh's on his belly and snoring in less than ten minutes.

Comments

[co_pilot]

"It will be something to do on the flight, at least," she suggests.

And takes another sip of coffee, breathing a quiet sigh.

Real coffee.

[dontchaserabbits]

"You look happy."

[co_pilot]

She brings the cup down, cradling it in both hands.

"I am."

[dontchaserabbits]

"It's...That's good to see."

[co_pilot]

"Are you?"

[dontchaserabbits]

"Relieved, I think. Full," gesturing to the plate. "Safe, warm. All good things."

Happy might be pushing it a little bit.

"Check back when I have any idea what'll happen next."

[co_pilot]

She hums thoughtfully, finishing her coffee before it gets cold.

"Perhaps after a shower."

Her eyes widen shortly after she recognizes how that statement could possibly be interpreted.

[dontchaserabbits]

"That's a new face to see."

[co_pilot]

"I do not know what you mean."

[dontchaserabbits]

"Mm-hmm. Maybe you will after a shower."

[co_pilot]

She makes a face, though it loses some of its original power with her cheeks burning.

[dontchaserabbits]

"Look, I'm -- " Charlie puts down his coffee mug, having already forgotten about its existence in his hand, and leans forward in his chair. " -- I'm not trying to embarrass you."

[co_pilot]

"It is not you."

It is him, technically, but not in the way that he is thinking.

[dontchaserabbits]

"Can I ask what it is, then?"

[co_pilot]

"You can."

She has heard the stories of Jaeger pilots forming - attachments, some that run deeper than the act of the neural handshake.

In the shared connection, some emotions that had previously lain quiet are sometimes amplified. Feelings. Attraction.

It both terrifies and fascinates her.

"I sometimes fear that I say the wrong thing."

[dontchaserabbits]

"You know what helps with that is always saying what you mean.

"So what do you want to say?"

[co_pilot]

"Do you?

Always say what you mean?"

[dontchaserabbits]

"I do my best to."

[co_pilot]

"It is not so easy.

For me," she quickly adds, tucking a blue strand behind one ear as she sets her empty cup to one side, swiveling away from the tray between them.

[dontchaserabbits]

Culturally speaking. Military hierarchy. A lot of things block that from being easy.

"Would it help if I started the ball rolling?"

[co_pilot]

She turns to look over her shoulder at him, eyes narrowing curiously.

"And?"

[dontchaserabbits]

"I like having you in my head."

That's the first thing, the easiest.

"You're the first female pilot that ever kept pace with me, or that wanted to.

"And I'm pretty sure I stare at you when you walk in ways that I'd get keel-hauled for by higher-ups."

[co_pilot]

Stacker would have done as much, she thinks, if his sharply keen gaze had caught it.

It's easier to dwell in that than on the way his words create a small tightness in her chest, lips firming together as she tries to calm the whirlpool of her mind.

"I like having you in my head, too," she says, echoing the sentiment - though it means no less despite being an obvious repetition.

"And I am also very sure you did not realize that the door to my quarters was in possession of a peephole."

[dontchaserabbits]

And Raleigh just laughs.

"Really? Jesus. I really do need to close my damn door."

[co_pilot]

She smiles, some of that tension easing after her small confession.

"It is not such a bad thing."