Paul spends most of the week worried about Loki in the vaguest of senses, a low hum constantly reverberating through him with each twist of a wrench during his 10 hour work days at the Garage. Little things: is Loki's headwound fully healed? Is he drinking enough water? Has he slept for more than three hours a night?
There's big things, too of course. Those are less of a hum and more of a focused point, things that give Paul a mild headache when he mulls them over too much in his mind. Is Loki blaming himself every second there's a kid missing? How hard can he push himself before he tears himself inside out? Is Paul compromising him?
(That last one is selfish, Paul knows, but it's a worry that sets his teeth on edge.)
But Paul knows Loki as well as Loki knows Paul. Hell, maybe Paul knows Loki better than Loki himself. Loki sure as hell can see through Paul when he can't. And the fact of the matter is this: Loki needs a fucking break and Paul needs some goddamn Mexican food and it's more than just a date, because Paul had been on maybe four of those in his life total. It's also rare time with Loki.
That's more important to him than anything. It's an event. It's a celebration. Sometimes Paul thinks it's a miracle both of them are alive at all.
Paul arrives at Loki's house at exactly the designated time, knocking at 6 o'clock sharp, scorpion jacket and gloves on, toothpick in lieu of cigarette. He likes Loki's little place. It’s small, efficient. Practical. He likes staying over, too, when he can. Most times he doesn't want to leave.
The door opens. Paul's leaning against the door frame and can't help but smile as he nods his hello.
He doesn't think he'll ever get tired of seeing Loki's face when that door opens.
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timeasmymeasure
an actual date;
Date: 2024-02-11 05:26 pm (UTC)There's big things, too of course. Those are less of a hum and more of a focused point, things that give Paul a mild headache when he mulls them over too much in his mind. Is Loki blaming himself every second there's a kid missing? How hard can he push himself before he tears himself inside out? Is Paul compromising him?
(That last one is selfish, Paul knows, but it's a worry that sets his teeth on edge.)
But Paul knows Loki as well as Loki knows Paul. Hell, maybe Paul knows Loki better than Loki himself. Loki sure as hell can see through Paul when he can't. And the fact of the matter is this: Loki needs a fucking break and Paul needs some goddamn Mexican food and it's more than just a date, because Paul had been on maybe four of those in his life total. It's also rare time with Loki.
That's more important to him than anything. It's an event. It's a celebration. Sometimes Paul thinks it's a miracle both of them are alive at all.
Paul arrives at Loki's house at exactly the designated time, knocking at 6 o'clock sharp, scorpion jacket and gloves on, toothpick in lieu of cigarette. He likes Loki's little place. It’s small, efficient. Practical. He likes staying over, too, when he can. Most times he doesn't want to leave.
The door opens. Paul's leaning against the door frame and can't help but smile as he nods his hello.
He doesn't think he'll ever get tired of seeing Loki's face when that door opens.