[Veronica]

[plntfood]

Since his talk with Webster, Mathias has been doing a lot of thinking. Not necessarily thinking along the lines he's sure his friend would like him to think, but even this line of thought is a big step in what he hopes is the right direction

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[neptune_sleuth]

It takes a lot of effort for Veronica Mars to prepare for a date on a good day. It's generally worth the effort, but there's still a considerable amount, and that's been true since before she held a public office and the guardianship of a toddler. With her work done for the day and Sam turned over to Lucy's care with any number of her current favorite toys and books and a half-direwolf in tow, Veronica's put in the trouble, taking the time to neaten up before Mathias shows. They don't have quite as much time alone as they used to; she might as well make that worthwhile, too.

Opening the door, she kisses him first, takes him in later. "Flowers?" she asks, lopsided grin easing into place. It's sweet, if unusual. It's been a long time since she was the sort of girl guys gave flowers, but she kind of likes the gesture. "You pick those up at the gas station on your way here?"

[plntfood]

"Flowers," he agrees after leaning into the kiss, then holds them out to her. It's an awkward gesture on him, one he isn't quite sure how to execute, but then he smiles. "I bought the cheapest ones they have. Turns out they do not accept my excuse that this place has no currency," he teases.

She looks beautiful -- as she always does, even in the time they spent on the hill -- and he's sure Sam is gone. As much as he wants to leap straight into telling her how he feels, getting it all out in the open and off his chest, he just leans in and kisses her again. Because he can.

[neptune_sleuth]

Veronica shifts only to press against him and to get the flowers out of the way, pushed high on her toes to keep him close. She's not a needy girl - if anything, she's happier for having time to herself now and again - but these days, anytime he's around, she wants him closer. It's hard to shake the memory of losing him again and again, impossible to forget that everyone vanishes eventually, until she wants to make clear all the things in her head and heart, until she's too afraid of the inevitable to start.

"The bastards," she says, and it would be scathing if there were more effort in it, if she weren't smiling while she says it. "Well, regardless of how you paid for them, they're lovely. Thank you."

[plntfood]

"You're welcome," he answers, feeling only slightly awkward and, maybe for the first time, making no attempt to hide it. There's no reason for the awkwardness, but he also knows there's no reason for him to hide things from her. By nature, he's very reserved, but he's trying to be different with Veronica.

"I thought we might go for a walk," he says. "We can grab some dinner from the Compound and... I don't know. I would say look at the stars, but then it seems like I am trying some kind of line on you and we both know we are far past that point," he says, grinning.