cape_kore | 007 | Audio

I hope the seaweed is better than that mess they serve in our local Chinese restaurant back home. That's disgusting. Although technically it's not seaweed so I dunno why they call it seaweed. I mean that's false advertising.

[ Stop rambling, Donna. Just stop. ]

You know what would be brilliant? Berries. Bit early yet, I know. But do you reckon there's any berries in the woods?

[...what? He blinks briefly, then dismisses the confusion with a smile and a shrug.] I haven't a clue how to cook it, but I know it's supposed to be edible and healthy.

Berries would be nice. I've promised to look for some for Ellen, to use for wine. If I find any, I'll bring you some. Or I suppose we could go look together, just not too far into the wood.

[ Sometimes it's better to just smile and nod at her. ]

A berry-picking not-date? Yeah alright then. Why not?

[He can do that. He's smiling, anyway.] Precisely. That makes it sound almost domestic, but I'll bring something alcoholic along to spice it up so you don't get bored.

Oh I see how it is! Trying to get me drunk again! Drunk in the woods so you can cop a cheeky feel.

[ At least her laugh suggests she's not serious. ]

What? Donna, darling, my intentions toward you are strictly honorable. [The way his eyes widen and his lips quirk makes his protests sound equally facetious.]

Besides, if I were going to cop a cheeky feel, I can think of nicer places than the woods.

Wooing me with radishes? Getting me drunk in the woods. Right. Honourable.

[ Her smile grows. ] Course, I'm a big girl. I wouldn't mind so much if they were less than honourable.

What if I carve one of them into a flower shape? Would that help any? [His eyes sparkle, and he gets up and wanders closer.]

Perhaps just slightly less than honorable. I do love a redhead. And I seem to recall having a nice kiss not too long ago.

Might be a waste of a radish. And we can't have that. At least the sentiment was there. I'll use my imagination.

[ She can't help but smile. Apparently he has that effect on her. ]

Maybe... one day... There could be a repeat performance...

I'd like that very much. [He reaches up enough to lightly stroke the ends of her hair.]

I do like you. You've been good to me and good to my family. Just don't let me foul up what we've got so far, all right?

How exactly are you likely to foul things up? [ For once she's not all bold and brassy. She's genuinely serious. She's been with some right snakes in her time and she's pretty sure he's nowhere near in their league of bastard.

She worries her bottom lip between her teeth watching his hand before lifting her gaze to meet his. ]

I'm not exactly certain. [Voice soft, he likely sounds more tentative than she's yet heard him sound.] I'm skilled with one-night stands, drinking buddies, and clients. Not as good with family, long-term friendships or steady lovers.

I'm not sure what you'd want from me. Some fun dates and make-out sessions, or more? I'm not sure what I can give, either, and none of us can be sure we won't get ripped away from Kore at any moment.

I don't want to hurt anyone, especially not someone I'm truly fond of.

Would it help if I told you I have no expectations? Let's just see where things go. If it ends up being one night of mind blowing pleasure so be it. If it ends up being more that's just a bonus.

As long as you still respect me in the morning and don't try feeding me to a giant alien spider...

[His expression shows both relief and gratitude. He'd always rather be spontaneous than talk things out. It's a sign of how precious some of the relationships he's formed here are to him that he's taken the chance to voice his worries rather than charge ahead and hope for the best.

There's a moment's pause, and then he gathers her into a hug that's a pure expression of affection, rather than an attempt at seduction.] I'm afraid to ask about giant alien spiders, but I will always respect you. Promise.

[ Donna melts into the hug. She likes good hugs. ] It's a long story. Involving my wedding day, a giant alien spider and the Doctor. Maybe I should tell you sometime.

[ Pulling from the hug after a few moments, she leans up to kiss his cheek. ]

I'd...like to hear it sometime, but not now. [The water should be nearly ready, anyway. He tilts his head into the kiss, eyes closing briefly, then turns his head and presses his lips to hers, almost chastely.]

[ She returns the chaste kiss, smiling softly against his lips. She could get used to that. ]

You want a cookie?

[A cookie, and tea, and all the lazy, quiet cuddles he can get.] I'd like that. Can I help get things out?

[His arms give her one last light squeeze before letting go.]

Nah, I got it. You go ahead and make yourself at home. Will only take a moment. Go on. Go get comfy.

[How can he refuse? He nods obediently, winks, and retreats back into the living room. When she emerges with the tea, she'll find him sprawled all over the couch, shoes off, in a 'paint me like one of your French girls' pose, except that he's still wearing clothes.]

Is this all right, or am I too comfy?

[ Donna has to laugh. ] Well, you've still got your trousers on and your feet don't stink. So yeah, it's fine.

Not every day a gorgeous bloke sprawls on my sofa.

Well, that's their loss. It's a nice sofa, and you're a lovely hostess. [He has to sit up to drink tea, though, so he does.]

You really think I'm that attractive? I'm flattered. [And maybe fishing, just a bit, not that his vessel's good looks can be attributed to Balthazar in any way.]

Have you looked in a mirror lately? You're flippin' gorgeous and far too charming for your own good.

[ Someone has a crush! ]

I'm not sure how I ended up charming. [He drinks some tea, musing aloud.]

When I first landed on the earth, I got told off for being obnoxious more often than not. I suppose practice does make perfect.

Well there's a fine line between the two. Looks like you found it and crossed over into charming-land.

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