backdated to the disneyland event

[justasdamaged]

[Disneyland was to no one's surprise magical in appearance at night. Rita was more than happy to take in while hanging onto Dexter's arm. She still felt a little bad the kids couldn't enjoy this with them but, it was nice to spend time together timeline weirdness aside.]

Dinner was nice, wasn't it? Bruce and I were talking about doing that again

Comments

[creepyshitking]

[Dexter has to snap himself out of his own head, eyes sliding back over to Rita as he registers the tail end of her speech.] Yeah. I'm sure he'd appreciate that. [he lies. Well, it's not a lie: Bruce would appreciate anything Rita did, but still. It's a lie.]

[justasdamaged]

[Rita smiles, satisfied this was in fact a good idea.] You know I'm really glad this happened. Not that the last time we were together was bad but, I think I prefer this.

[She isn't depressed (or as depressed) over the constant reminders of how little time she had left and she no longer felt like an outsider.]

[creepyshitking]

[That catches Dexter off guard, pausing in his step.] Why?

[justasdamaged]

[Rita is silent for a moment, collecting her thoughts.] I was so overwhelmed by everything at that party. It was like... I was drowning in everything that's going to happen to me and I had no idea how to deal with the others. I mean what was I supposed to say to them? They all knew me and it seemed like they genuinely cared even though I barely knew them.

Here it's easier. I've gotten a chance to know them and to think about what's coming. If it gets to be too much I can just ride the tea cups or get some ice cream. No one will think twice about it.

[creepyshitking]

[He wraps an arm around her shoulder, trying not to seem too awkward as he turns Rita to face him.] I'm just glad you're here.

[justasdamaged]

[Rita offers a half smile.] I'm glad I'm here for you. I can't imagine what this has been like for you.

[creepyshitking]

[Ducking his head, he can't help but feel as though this is unfair to her. But if she meant that, who was Dexter to disagree? Thankfully, before he could say anything dumb a loud pop went off overhead. He looks up, hands still on Rita's arms.] Fireworks.

[justasdamaged]

[Rita follows his gaze, smiling widely. She's pretty much forgotten what they are talking about two flashes of color in.]

They're so beautiful.

[creepyshitking]

And loud. [he agrees.]

[justasdamaged]

You can cover your ears if it's too loud for you.

[creepyshitking]

I'm okay. [He almost smiles, deciding Rita's more interesting to look at than the fireworks anyway.]

[justasdamaged]

[Rita doesn't share his sentiments. She's staring up at those flashing lights for a good while before she looks down to see Dexter's reaction to them.]

You're doing it again.

[creepyshitking]

[Dexter blinks.] Doing what again?

[justasdamaged]

[Rita pauses. Mentioning he's staring at her instead of looking at the sights seems a little an odd complaint.]

Oh nothing.

[creepyshitking]

... I can stop. [He isn't so sure he can, it's still hard for him to believe she's here. It's almost as if Dexter's afraid she'll disappear if he looks away.]

[justasdamaged]

[Rita shakes her head.] You don't have to. I'm just not used to it.