[Muldoon eyes that shot with suspicion. He's going to keep that accuracy in mind. Casper is full of surprises. All thoughtfulness is banished when he meets Casper's gaze again.]
Natural history books sometimes. To keep up. But I like biographies of explorers the most. Sometimes I'll even read an adventure novel.
Ah, see? I'm not the only one whose hobbies are work related. [He nudges his foot against Muldoon's leg with an amused look. Teasing, since that seems to be the foundation of their relationship, which is delightful.]
You do strike me as a non-fiction reader. Which isn't a bad thing! I think it's fantastic, to want to learn more about the world around you. Having that spark of curiosity -- it's a good thing, in fact.
Only sometimes. [Not that he's really protesting. It's a rare privilege to get paid for what he'd do for free.]
I do read some fiction. I read Robinson Crusoe a lot when I was younger. But as I got older it didn't have the draw it used to. I didn't feel the need for a story to be fiction to make it interesting.
Well now that we live on a secluded island ourselves, I can imagine there's significantly less allure to the idea.
[Now that his food is done, he takes Muldoon's hand again. Idly toying with his fingers, the way he so often does with his pens. Or whatever is closest near him to fidget with.] I do like science fiction and speculative fiction quite a lot, actually. Exploring what might be, what could be. Our world, but slightly to the left.
He didn't have paperwork to do while he was on his island.
[Muldoon is happy to let Casper play with his fingers. It's pleasantly odd to be touched so much, even if it is just hand holding.]
Is it because you like imagining what could be done if there weren't any limits? Or because you like trying to figure out how it could be made possible?
[He's always been very tactile. Even before last night's dinner, Casper had a tendency to touch Muldoon's arm or perhaps his knee while talking, to underline a point. This just feels like a natural progression of things.]
More of the second, really. Both would it be possible, and would it be practical. What purpose would it serve, other than proving that we could?
Which -- I'm sure sounds odd coming from someone who works with dinosaurs. But it does feel needed, in its own way, I think. Filling in all these missing evolutionary pieces. It solves a puzzle, but also helps us plan for the future, looking at the way these animals have evolved.
Should you? [He tries not to look too disappointed, but he can't quite help the way his eyebrows pinch a little.
Still, he presses a kiss to the back of Muldoon's hand before releasing it.] No, you're right. You have your schedules you need to keep to. But thank you so much for lunch, and it's always nice to see you.
[Hand kissed and released, Muldoon takes that as his cue to stand before Casper changes his mind.]
We'll have to arrange another- [Catching himself, he glances around to make sure they're definitely alone, but still lowers his voice a notch.] Another date.
Soon, [he adds. Then just before he heads off he does one more triple check around the room and leans in to kiss Casper on the cheek. Then and only then does he finally leave.]
[Muldoon bought him a present. How delightful. How sweet, even if he denies it. At least he knows that the local grocer's does have a small selection of potted orchids and things, so that's easily done.
He tries very hard to be patient and wait, maybe, for the warden to text him. Or call, or stop by. He's distracted the whole rest of the day by their conversation and the prospect of soon.
Finally, a little before five, he takes up his phone again.]
[And he'll have something to look forward to for the rest of the day. Hell, with that timing he'll be able to grab a shower to ensure he's truly presentable.]
[Casper showers as well, and carefully tidies up his hair. There's a bit of waffling over what to wear, given his limited wardrobe, but eventually he decides on khakis and a clean button down (though he does roll the sleeves up and leave the top few buttons undone).
After a stop at the store, he makes his way over to Muldoon's bungalow with a bottle of wine in one hand and pot of flowers in the other, arriving promptly at seven o'clock.]
[Muldoon is not making the same mistake as last time. There will be no jeans this time. He will have to look relaxed in generic tan trousers. Hopefully Casper won't mind him reusing his blue shirt, he only has a few Nice clothes with him.
It's impossible not to smile when he opens the door and sees Casper standing there looking all handsome.]
Evening.
[He steps aside to let Casper in before closing the door behind him.
Hello, handsome. [Once the door is closed, Casper leans in to give Muldoon a light, sweet kiss on the cheek. And then another, a little more lingering, on his lips.]
That shirt really does bring out your eyes. You have such stunning blue eyes. I worry about getting lost in them while we're talking.
I brought red wine, I thought that would go with whatever we have for dinner. And an orchid. In a pot, so you have a place to put it, but it doesn't need a lot of attention. I'll lecture you about upkeep later, if you'd like. [He stays close the whole time he's talking, nosing a little at Muldoon's cheek. Sharing his space.]
[The kisses are a pleasant surprise, and they entirely get Muldoon's attention. Though he starts to get a little distracted from what Casper is saying the longer the scientist stays close.
It's the plant which snaps him out of his very off-topic thoughts. For some reason he didn't actually think Casper would get him flowers and he's a little dumbstruck for a moment.]
Thank you. [He finally manages to get some words out and accepts the plant. It's so pretty and dainty looking and he is immediately convinced that he's going to kill it. But if he does that then Casper might be upset, so he can't let it die, and... He needs to get it somewhere safe right now.]
Come on in.
[A fairly normal invite except that now he can't stop staring at the plant in his hands as he very carefully walks it over to the sturdiest to cabinet he owns. Once placed, he steps back and stares at it for a second before looking at Casper.] I might need a book.
Oh dear, you look a bit bewildered. [The wine gets set on the table, and Casper slides his arm around Muldoon's waist, kissing his cheek again.] I promise that orchids are fairly hearty. A little water once or twice a week is just fine, no need to look so concerned.
[It's so sweet, so gentle the way Muldoon handles the pot. Like it might shatter if he holds it too long. This man who faces down dangerous predators, frightened of something delicate. How marvelous.]
[Delicate things are lot easier to harm accidentally, which is never Muldoon's aim.]
I've never had a plant before. I don't know what it needs. [Before Casper can poke fun, he elaborates.] I know it needs light and water and soil, but I don't know how much of each this one needs. And I've never grown a plant before. And this one looks so ornate. I wouldn't have guessed it would be tough in any way.
[This would actually be easier for Muldoon if Casper had handed him a lion cub.]
Robert. [It's firm, to get his attention, but his smile is gentle and fond, and he strokes the back of his knuckles over Muldoon's jaw affectionately.]
If they don't have a book, I'll write down instructions for you. With times and schedules and charts, if that's what you need. I didn't mean to give you a stressful present. We can help take care of it together, okay?
[The touch as much as the firm voice pulls him out of his own thoughts.]
Sorry. [He smiles apologetically.] It's lovely.
[It takes him a second to build himself up so he can kiss Casper on the cheek and not overthink it too much. Then he takes the hand that was around his waist and pulls it to the table.]
You get the drinks sorted and I'll get the dinner out.
[He needed something he could whip up quickly, so fajitas it is. It shouldn't be too spicy for Casper either, but it will take him a couple of runs to get all the bits to the table.]
I think you're lovely, for wanting to take care of it so well. [There's something deeper there. A thought about how if Muldoon is this careful with an orchid, how might he treat a heart, if it were given to him?
But then he's being pulled, and there's time for pondering later when he's by himself again and not being offered dinner and drinks.]
I can pour wine, at least, if you point me to the glasses. From past conversations, I assume they're not holding down any paperwork that I need to worry about?
[Muldoon adjusts to bring out two glasses instead. They're not wine glasses but they'll have to do. A second later and he brings the rest of the food out for them.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[Muldoon eyes that shot with suspicion. He's going to keep that accuracy in mind. Casper is full of surprises. All thoughtfulness is banished when he meets Casper's gaze again.]
Natural history books sometimes. To keep up. But I like biographies of explorers the most. Sometimes I'll even read an adventure novel.
no subject
You do strike me as a non-fiction reader. Which isn't a bad thing! I think it's fantastic, to want to learn more about the world around you. Having that spark of curiosity -- it's a good thing, in fact.
no subject
I do read some fiction. I read Robinson Crusoe a lot when I was younger. But as I got older it didn't have the draw it used to. I didn't feel the need for a story to be fiction to make it interesting.
no subject
[Now that his food is done, he takes Muldoon's hand again. Idly toying with his fingers, the way he so often does with his pens. Or whatever is closest near him to fidget with.] I do like science fiction and speculative fiction quite a lot, actually. Exploring what might be, what could be. Our world, but slightly to the left.
no subject
[Muldoon is happy to let Casper play with his fingers. It's pleasantly odd to be touched so much, even if it is just hand holding.]
Is it because you like imagining what could be done if there weren't any limits? Or because you like trying to figure out how it could be made possible?
no subject
More of the second, really. Both would it be possible, and would it be practical. What purpose would it serve, other than proving that we could?
Which -- I'm sure sounds odd coming from someone who works with dinosaurs. But it does feel needed, in its own way, I think. Filling in all these missing evolutionary pieces. It solves a puzzle, but also helps us plan for the future, looking at the way these animals have evolved.
no subject
[As Casper turns his hand, he catches sight of his watch and pulls his lips into a thin line.]
Speaking of breaks, I should get back to work.
no subject
Still, he presses a kiss to the back of Muldoon's hand before releasing it.] No, you're right. You have your schedules you need to keep to. But thank you so much for lunch, and it's always nice to see you.
no subject
We'll have to arrange another- [Catching himself, he glances around to make sure they're definitely alone, but still lowers his voice a notch.] Another date.
Soon, [he adds. Then just before he heads off he does one more triple check around the room and leans in to kiss Casper on the cheek. Then and only then does he finally leave.]
no subject
He tries very hard to be patient and wait, maybe, for the warden to text him. Or call, or stop by. He's distracted the whole rest of the day by their conversation and the prospect of soon.
Finally, a little before five, he takes up his phone again.]
So when you said "soon" how soon did you mean?
no subject
How soon is as soon as possible but not overeager?
no subject
That depends.
Is it too overeager if I say I happen to be free tonight at seven, as well?
no subject
As long as you're not eager for a fancy meal, then no. Not overeager at all.
no subject
But I could bring by a bottle of wine?
And you can give me my present :)
no subject
I'll see you at seven, then.
[And he'll have something to look forward to for the rest of the day. Hell, with that timing he'll be able to grab a shower to ensure he's truly presentable.]
no subject
[Casper showers as well, and carefully tidies up his hair. There's a bit of waffling over what to wear, given his limited wardrobe, but eventually he decides on khakis and a clean button down (though he does roll the sleeves up and leave the top few buttons undone).
After a stop at the store, he makes his way over to Muldoon's bungalow with a bottle of wine in one hand and pot of flowers in the other, arriving promptly at seven o'clock.]
no subject
It's impossible not to smile when he opens the door and sees Casper standing there looking all handsome.]
Evening.
[He steps aside to let Casper in before closing the door behind him.
no subject
That shirt really does bring out your eyes. You have such stunning blue eyes. I worry about getting lost in them while we're talking.
I brought red wine, I thought that would go with whatever we have for dinner. And an orchid. In a pot, so you have a place to put it, but it doesn't need a lot of attention. I'll lecture you about upkeep later, if you'd like. [He stays close the whole time he's talking, nosing a little at Muldoon's cheek. Sharing his space.]
no subject
It's the plant which snaps him out of his very off-topic thoughts. For some reason he didn't actually think Casper would get him flowers and he's a little dumbstruck for a moment.]
Thank you. [He finally manages to get some words out and accepts the plant. It's so pretty and dainty looking and he is immediately convinced that he's going to kill it. But if he does that then Casper might be upset, so he can't let it die, and... He needs to get it somewhere safe right now.]
Come on in.
[A fairly normal invite except that now he can't stop staring at the plant in his hands as he very carefully walks it over to the sturdiest to cabinet he owns. Once placed, he steps back and stares at it for a second before looking at Casper.] I might need a book.
no subject
[It's so sweet, so gentle the way Muldoon handles the pot. Like it might shatter if he holds it too long. This man who faces down dangerous predators, frightened of something delicate. How marvelous.]
no subject
I've never had a plant before. I don't know what it needs. [Before Casper can poke fun, he elaborates.] I know it needs light and water and soil, but I don't know how much of each this one needs. And I've never grown a plant before. And this one looks so ornate. I wouldn't have guessed it would be tough in any way.
[This would actually be easier for Muldoon if Casper had handed him a lion cub.]
no subject
If they don't have a book, I'll write down instructions for you. With times and schedules and charts, if that's what you need. I didn't mean to give you a stressful present. We can help take care of it together, okay?
no subject
Sorry. [He smiles apologetically.] It's lovely.
[It takes him a second to build himself up so he can kiss Casper on the cheek and not overthink it too much. Then he takes the hand that was around his waist and pulls it to the table.]
You get the drinks sorted and I'll get the dinner out.
[He needed something he could whip up quickly, so fajitas it is. It shouldn't be too spicy for Casper either, but it will take him a couple of runs to get all the bits to the table.]
no subject
But then he's being pulled, and there's time for pondering later when he's by himself again and not being offered dinner and drinks.]
I can pour wine, at least, if you point me to the glasses. From past conversations, I assume they're not holding down any paperwork that I need to worry about?
no subject
[Muldoon adjusts to bring out two glasses instead. They're not wine glasses but they'll have to do. A second later and he brings the rest of the food out for them.
He raises an eyebrow at Casper for a second.]
Have you put everything back to the way it is?
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)