co_pilot | (no subject)

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The next leg of their tour is the European section - there aren't as many cities that were directly affected by the kaiju here, though the people seem no less effusive in their enthusiasm. Mako is at an equal disadvantage when it comes to the talk shows - her languages are better, perhaps, than Raleigh's, but she doesn't possess complete fluency in this particular part of the world.

The interviews are fairly easy to get through, though they always manage to end up fielding some question about the two of them.

("Mr. Becket, Ms. Mori, can you talk to me about the status of your relationship?")

Too many shared glances, too many moments alone; people don't want to talk about the losses of the past. They want gossip, sensational news. It's enough to make her want to scream, or tear her hair out in frustration.

She settles for the next best thing - the exercise room of the hotel they're staying in is empty at night, and there's enough space for her to wind through the movements that calm her.

She doesn't need to watch her form in the mirrors around the room; she merely closes her eyes, focuses on her breathing - and lets the stress slip away.

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"So I would not be allowed to hold one down while you did?"

Her lips quirk into a grin.

"It would make for awesome TV."

Rsleigh sits down on the mat, crossing his legs and patting the space next to him.

"Better ratings."

She settles into the spot closest with her legs crossed similarly, back straight.

"How many times do you think they are going to ask what it's like to be in the Drift?"

"About as many times as they're going to ask if we're etchi suru."

In her brief temper flare, the phrase slips out through slightly gritted teeth.

"My slang sucks, but I understood that. I'm impressed."

She leans forward, bracing her forearms on her thighs, and hides her face with both hands, masking the smile beneath.

"Hey now. Don't pretend like that's a bad thing," he remarks while pulling gingerly at a lock of Mako's hair.

"Do you want me to start making up stories when we have to talk to strangers? I can tell them I'm your new indentured servant."

She playfully swats his hand away, lifting her head.

"We could make a game out of it. Tell them a different story each time."

"It would at least be diverting."

("But Mr. Becket - there are no more Jaegers. Will you and Ms. Mori even work together again after this?")

"When's the last time you had a date?"

"And drive the press crazy. They would hate to have anything less than the truth."

Her head jerks up at the question.

"A what?"

"Well that's an answer."

"I suppose it would've been obvious," she answers, glancing at her hands.

What about Mako is obvious?

"Maybe they keep asking you that stuff because you have admirers."

"I think more people would be disappointed if you were spoken for."

Raleigh's head falls back against the wall.

"You're only saying that because of that crazy woman in Tahiti. How many times did she ask to marry me? 7? 8?"

Mako grins.

"You let her down very gently."

"She was petrifying! And you should have rescued me."

"What could I have done?"

"Find the nearest whip and chair?"

"Ah, yes. That would do it," she replies, stifling a smile.

Raleigh is still looking up at the ceiling.

"Or I could just ask you out."

Definitely still looking at the ceiling.

"Yes, send them after me then," she replies, still smiling before she notes his expression.

"You are serious."

"I could be not serious. If that's preferable."

Raleigh is very flexible that way.

Looking at Makp now (finally), "I don't want whatever happens to us to be on public display. But I was thinking that...I should just state my intent."

"I did not mean - "

She draws in a breath. Sighs. Did we mention she's not very good at this kind of thing?

"If you asked. I would say yes."