RP for dl_greenarrow

[have_no_mercy]

Tess arrives at the restaurant early, on purpose. She's chosen the table carefully; not out of the way, but not in the middle of everyone, either. One hopes Oliver will take the hint, but she has to admit, she can't always tell with him

Comments

[dl_greenarrow]

A small smirk forms on his face. "Freudian slip?" he teases, leaning back in his chair, amusement clear in his eyes.

[have_no_mercy]

"Freud was a lunatic." Still, her smile is somewhat more genuine this time, even if her gaze drops to study her cutlery.

"If I was concerned about this, I wouldn't have asked you."

[dl_greenarrow]

"Touche," he responds with a genuine smile of his own. It's been a long time since the two of them had eaten a meal together, though he's still slightly surprised she had invited him. "So how are you?"

[have_no_mercy]

The question seems to surprise Tess, her eyes snapping back up to his face, almost trying to determine if he's being serious.

"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

[dl_greenarrow]

Oliver blinks, then frowns a little at her response. "It was just a question, Mercy," he tells her, his tone quiet once more. "It's been awhile since we've seen each other." He shrugs a little.

[have_no_mercy]

"And I'm fine," Tess answers, sighing. It's more that she's simply not used to anyone asking how she is anymore.

"At least we're not reconnecting this time because I splashed your face all over my newspaper."

[dl_greenarrow]

"Good," he says sincerely, a smile replacing the frown once more.

Then he shakes his head a little. "Well, I've been trying to avoid garnering unwanted media attention lately."

[have_no_mercy]

She hesitates, sipping her iced tea before responding.

"Not to mention any stories involving you require my express permission before they're run," a small smile, "and I'm very picky."

[dl_greenarrow]

"Then I guess that makes me very lucky," he answers, returning her smile with one of his own.

[have_no_mercy]

"When haven't you been?" And maybe that was a little more flippant than she meant. Almost.

"Well, since we're apparently doing this small talk thing, how have you been?"

[dl_greenarrow]

He let the flippancy go. He doesn't want to bicker with her.

"Better," he tells her with a slight nod, looking up as the waiter brings their water and leaves once more. He picks up his glass and takes a drink. "Although I did have the flu last week, which wasn't exactly pleasant, but I'm over it."

[have_no_mercy]

She doesn't either, really. It's just sometimes it's so automatic even she can't stop it.

"You did?" Tess sounds genuinely surprised. "I suppose I have been a bit preoccupied lately. I'm glad you survived."