The Blue Recluse Inn, Monday Evening

[so_hawkward]

When they were stuck at Candyworld, Clint hadn't really been interested in venturing across the causeway. Now that they were outside an actual city, Clint had figured some investigation would be worth the effort, and he hadn't been disappointed. Yes, he'd spent most of his time in the archery shop, finding out how they made their wares (the arrows in particular were impressive considering the lack of visible technology this place had), but he'd also taken the time to ask around about the most important feature of any city--where to eat.

"The guards said this place had the best food and the nicest clientele," Clint said as he led Kitty into the inn. "We can sit on the second floor and people watch, if you want. It might be quieter."

[For the wifey!]

Comments

[throughaphase]

"That'll work. I do like actually being able to hear you," Kitty said with a smile, and joked, "I'm sure that sentence makes it obvious we're newlyweds."

[so_hawkward]

"Why, because I haven't driven you to hating the sound of my voice yet?" Clint teased as they went upstairs. "I think the fact that I have trouble keeping my hands off of you is a good sign too."

[throughaphase]

"I'm pretty sure we've learned these are things we shouldn't say at the start of a date," Kitty said,happy to follow because it meant she could check him out.

[so_hawkward]

"I didn't mean the dirty kind of getting my hands on you, although there are some secluded places we could probably make out by the water and no one would find us," Clint teased. Okay, partly teased, because he would never say no to making out with Kitty.

[throughaphase]

"First, that's yotally happening." She hated space, she was all for racking up good experiences if she was gonna be there. "Second, there's a non-dirty way for us to get our hands on each other?"

[so_hawkward]

"Of course," Clint said. He took her hand, gave it a warm squeeze, and then didn't let go as they sat down. "I figure this counts, yeah?"

[throughaphase]

"Not exactly dirty, but still kind of part of foreplay," Kitty said thoughtfully, squeezing his hand back.

[so_hawkward]

"I'd like to not get kicked out of here until after we've eaten," Clint said, laughing. "This place is a lot better than the one with all the candy."

[throughaphase]

"Yeah, I think I'm a little closer to diabetic after going there," Kitty said, scrunching up her nose. "If we have to be stuck in space, I'd rather it be kind of cool."

[so_hawkward]

"How long do you think we're going to be stuck away from Baltimore?" Clint asked. "I mean, we haven't run into trouble yet but... this is kind of weird, even for Fandom."

[throughaphase]

"No idea. Hopefully not long," Kitty sighed. "I feel like the longer we're away the more trouble we're going to get into."

GEE WONDER WHY SHE WAS PARANOID.

[so_hawkward]

"So, does that mean I should stock up on ammo and such here in town?"

Please say yes, Kitty, Clint's adorable puppy face was surely compelling, wasn't it?"

[throughaphase]

"That is a trick question," Kitty noticed. "...Once I can't really say no to because space consistently tries to kill me."

Also because the puppy face was adorable.

[so_hawkward]

"Hey, nothing is allowed to try to kill you, not on my watch," Clint insisted, giving her hand another squeeze. "Especially space I can't actively harm in return."

[throughaphase]

"Thank you," Kitty smiled. "I'll just be really relieved when we're back, you know?"

[so_hawkward]

"I know, me too," Clint said, eyeing the menu. "Maybe some wine will get your mind off of things and help you loosen up?" It was a purely friendly suggestion, with no ulterior motive of taking care of a tipsy Kitty, really.

[throughaphase]

"You think I need loosening up?" she teased, though really she wouldn't be saying no to that suggestion.

[so_hawkward]

"Okay, probably not compared to some people," Clint admitted, "seeing how you run your own bar and all. There are a lot of very tense people in town. I keep hoping the weird stuff will make them realize how ridiculous our town is but... nope."

[Ugh, this week. *is the worst*]

[throughaphase]

"I think they realize it's ridiculous and getting tense is how they cope with it," Kitty said thoughtfully. "Whereas tense is maybe my reaction to it sometimes."

[so_hawkward]

"You've mellowed a lot since I met you, if that helps at all," Clint said. "Then again, we've seen a lot of crap in our time here. I almost wish I was teaching so I could meet some of the new kids and see how they're doing."

[throughaphase]

"Maybe for the fall," she suggested. "Though I'm sure the space thing is knocking a few of them for a loop..."

Sorry, Fandom! Still so sorry!

[so_hawkward]

"The space thing, by the way, is not your fault. Not really," Clint said. "In case you were wondering."

[throughaphase]

"The Brood thing was my fault. Which led to the space thing," she reminded him.

[so_hawkward]

"The Brood... made their own decision about coming here. You didn't force them to come," Clint tried to argue. "And hey, people got to fight in space! That was cool, right?"

[throughaphase]

"It's a valiant effort and I love you for it," Kitty said. "It's not going to work, but I respect it."