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]

[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.]