ㅤ ㅤ a look of amusement crosses his eyes, shaking his head. “my little firestarter,” he reaches up to pull at her arms away from her chest, “don't burn down everything. just come find me.” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ a slow blink, not expecting the question. “why wouldn't you be able to come find me?” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ “well,” he reached out to grab around her waist, pulling her closer, “that too, but you can always come to me when you need to.” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ glances over at her, head tilting in curiosity. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ low hum as he's yanked closed, probably a little too used to his girlfriend pulling him around every which way. “i didn't remember it was,” he merely stated, shrugging his shoulders. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ he hadn't ever been one to give off strong reactions, rather reserved when it came to how he would perceive the world. but the furrow to his brow and press of his lips showed that it wouldn't be the case this time. he stepped between them, crossing his arms. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ his chin lifted, clearly content with hearing the stuttered apologies before finally turning back towards xena. “boring,” he used his bigger body to hide her behind him, “how long have you been waiting?” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ his gaze only seemed to harden the longer she spoke about him. teeth grinded, trying to keep from saying anything and aggravating the man. “you have beautiful eyes, xe,” he finally spoke, lifting his chin. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ he didn't need to get told twice, already moving away to glare at the other guy. he presses his lips, merely remaining silent. he knew he wouldn't have to do much to get him to leave with his reputation. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ and just like that, he lost the angry edge to his eyes as he gazed at her. he reaches out, placing a gentle hand on her hip. “you okay?” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ he carefully leans into the touch, eyes closing to simply let himself linger in the soft touch. “want to do anything?” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ “i can skip it,” he lets his hands loop better around her waist, bringing her in closer.

ㅤ ㅤ “let's go get coffee,” he gives her a nod, wrapping an arm around her waist to pull her along.” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ he attempted to keep his features neutral, merely looking forward instead of at her. “is that what you were hoping for?” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ of course he cared. which is how he found himself banging on her door until she either responded or he busted the door down. he'd decide later. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ relief flooded him at the sight of her but it didn't keep him from giving her a very chastising look. “now why aren't you answering any of your calls.” did he care that she looked like a statue herself with how much clay was on her? no. ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ a raise of the brow that clearly showed that he was well aware that she was in fact wrong in the statement but moved on. “mhm whatever you say,” he let himself be pulled in, “have you checked the time?” ㅤ ㅤ

ㅤ ㅤ a slight raise of the brow, but he lowers his voice all the same. he sighs, stepping in after her as she moves about. “i don't know what time you think it is, but it's definitely not that.” ㅤ ㅤ