In Too Deep

[morganknight]

[If you have to make a critical mistake, make a good one. That appears to be the lesson here.]

[Because to him, a waterpark feels like a Big Deal! Way bigger in scope than cheerful flirtation and some casual dates. It means swimsuits, and going down slides together, and a level of general physical closeness that he had been absolutely unprepared for when he escalated their banter to a level he thought Aerith wouldn't go for. Absolutely a critical mistake, but as nervous as he might be, he is not complaining.]

[Instead, he's hurriedly sending a text as he's getting out of his car.]

I'm here!

Comments

[morganknight]

[The teasing is a feature, not a flaw. Playful banter is just one more attractive quality of hers. It's not like he can stop grinning, anyway. ]

Nuh-uh. No doubting. I said you look amazing and I'm standing by that. I could always take my shirt off early if it helps!

[His friends and family would just groan if they heard Morgan making yet another gratuitous offer to strip his shirt off. But in his defense, he's worked hard to be in excellent shape. Why shouldn't he want to flaunt it just a bit?]

[In what may perhaps be a miracle, once he shuts her door he actually rounds the car instead of just leaping over it or straight into his seat or anything like that. Of course, considering he keeps watching her out of the corner of his eye, modesty or common sense probably have nothing to do with the decision. Only once he's slid into his own seat and has no choice but to look away does he ultimately manage to do so.]

I wouldn't mind if you got very used to being in a car this fancy...

[cetrary]

Hmmm..... [ The way she taps her chin and drags that hmm out is far too long. Way too overdramatic. But that's the fun isn't it? She also gives him a very slow look over just to add to how hard she's thinking about this offer. Finally her eyes light up and she nods. ]

Yup, that'd definitely help!

[ She takes a moment to adjust herself in the seat, having to rearrange the skirt a few times-- which results in her pushing herself up to pull it some. Does she try to do this when she catches that he might not be looking? Yes. Is she successful at all? Probably not. When he comes in she has a sheepish smile on her face, finally all settled, and maybe kinda hoping she didn't look too silly bouncing up and down to not trap her skirt uncomfortably under her. ]

Really? Volunteering to be a chauffer for me or something else? [ the teasing comes right back ]

[morganknight]

[Morgan pretends not to notice her adjusting that skirt, which is easier because of its length.]

[Truth is, he's honestly glad to see her go through all of that. As a general rule, in any situation beyond casual flirtations, he gladly cedes as much power as possible to the girl. He's tall and in shape, has money and social standing, and some fairly serious experience in romance... there's just so much room for power imbalance, and he's trying to push back on that. But at the same time, giving up all that control and getting nothing back can be dangerous. He briefly dated a girl who played the cool, confident, in-control role to the hilt, and 'disaster' is way too mild a description for what came of it. Aerith might be trying to keep her adjustment discreet, but she's willing to do it in his presence even if she might look a little silly, and that's a measure of willing vulnerability that makes him feel comfortable and relaxed.]

[...because she does have a lot of power over him! To the point that he might really be concerned if she weren't willing to cede some of it back (and if she had ever given any indication of being anything other than a decent and trustworthy woman).]

I'm happy to give you a ride anywhere, any time. But I was thinking more of a scenario in which the places we happened to being going are frequently the same place, which we're traveling to together...

[And on that note, he drops the car into gear and slips it into the street, smooth as glass.]