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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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."

"...that'd be great. Good."

That is awesome actually.

"Looking forward to it."

She glances down to hide the full width of her smile, and when she looks up, it's much more subdued as she nods.

"Me too. Very much."

"It's times like these when I wish I were in your head again."

Complications.

"I just don't want you to think that this is some sort of requirement."

Almost all pilots are couples or siblings.

"I know it is not."

She shakes her head firmly.

"I did not have an expectation."

"But you had a hope?"

Please please tell Raleigh you had a hope, Mako.

"Possibly."

A beat. We're trying for honesty here, okay?

" - yes."

"Yes!"

Tiny fist pump of victory.

Cue minor blinking.

Someone's very enthusiastic at this time of night.

Someone is still very awake.

"Don't look all confused. This is the best news I've heard since the Breach."

We are going to ignore the fact that he actually hasn't asked yet. Shh.

"I should have insomnia more."

"My - expression of mutual interest?"

She raises an eyebrow, nudging one hand against his knee.

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Like you said, it is - not a requirement."

"Mako."

Raleigh shifts, which lets him face Mako more directly, stretching his legs in front of him.

"I probably would have kissed you the first time we sparred if it hasn't been so public."

Well, that earns him the relatively new expression she's beginning to adopt around him.

But - it's encouraging to know that what had passed between them had not been one-sided.

"You would have?"

"Again with the surprise."

"And here I thought you were done."