Maxine frowned, drumming her fingers on the desk. "Leave your research here. I'll take a look at it." * * * He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "This is really difficult," he admitted. "I like you. A lot. But..." He trailed off, obviously conflicted.
She shooed them away with a wave of her hand, returning to her computer. * * * He gave her a small smile. "Yeah. It is."
Val didn't say anything as they left, but when they passed through the main doors, she couldn't hold it back. Warm laughter bubbled through her throat as she turned to him. "Oh... my... god... You were so nervous!" * * * He stepped closer, his head cocked. "Please don't be sorry. This just... happened."
"It was so cu-" She stopped herself and grinned at him. "You were stuttering so much." * * * He sighed and looked down at his shoes. "So... I guess I'll see you later?"
"You were! You were shaking and everything." * * * He gave her a small, slightly solemn smile. "Okay. Okay. See you."
She laughed, shaking her head. "Hmph. Fine." * * * He nodded, putting his hands in his pockets as he turned to walk away.
He sighed. "Okay." *** She hesitated before grabbing his hand. "So you really think we can't hang out with each other anymore?"
She began walking to the car, her hands in her pockets. "Where are we going?" * * * At her touch he turned around immediately and kissed her, interrupting her sentence. His lips were soft and gentle, but there was an undercurrent of stress within his posture, his hand gently brushing the side of her face.
He shrugged. "I don't know. Coffee?" *** She tensed with surprise, but kissed him back, her hand resting on his neck. After a moment she pulled away, a bit terrified. "I-I need to go."
She beamed, stretching slightly. "Excellent choice." * * * His eyes were wide and he pulled away, avoiding his gaze. "*squee!*. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he murmured, turning away from her.
"I hope Maxine isn't a coward about this," she said thoughtfully. "It's too big to be passed up." * * * He nodded, pressing his temple. "I know. I know. I'm sorry," he muttered, beginning to walk in the oppsite direction.
He nodded. "All that work for nothing." *** She hurried off, brushing her lips with her thumb carefully as she watched the ground.
