i was only kidding when i said good riddance

[currentcy]

WHO: ELECTRO and MOCKINGBIRD
WHERE: Electro's apartment at the MAC.
WHEN: Following this.
WARNINGS: Banter, makeouts, some sex.
SUMMARY: PARKER IS GONE AND ELECTRO IS SAD. Mockingbird to the rescue.
FORMAT: Para.


The apartment was dark; Electro had no need for the City's regular electricity, usually he powered his place on his own (cheap and easy) but tonight he didn't feel the energy at all. So he sat in the dark, staring at his dead TV, holding an unopened beer bottle in hand. Shit, what was he even supposed to do? Parker was his best friend, his... it didn't even matter what they were or what weren't beyond that. They were best friends, and Electro hadn't ever had any real ones. Why was it that now that things had been kind of going okay for him -- he didn't just have one girlfriend, he had one and a half... maybe. What did Bobbi think of their kiss, he wondered? -- the person he was closest to had to leave.

Maybe for good. Who could know? This place had no rhyme or reason to the pattern of who left forever vs. who left for a week. It wasn't fair.

He bit his lower lip, glaring through the darkness.

Comments

[currentcy]

He raised his eyebrows, but let his other hand slip around her shoulders, some of her blonde hair clinging to the static from his fingers.

"But I l--" He paused, shaking his head again. "No. You're right. It's pointless, to assume anything's gonna last forever, here or there. I lost more people back home than I ever did here. You're right. You gotta live in between the moments."

He hesitated another moment, and then decided to chance it. He leaned in, hoping to kiss her.

[mocks]

Bobbi didn't hesitate, though she knew she should. She should have recoiled or pushed him away or something. But she didn't. She leaned into him, lips parting as she pressed her mouth to his. And she pulled him closer, too, because his mouth felt so good against hers, and because thinking about the consequences was an unpleasant prospect. After a moment or two, she murmured encouragingly, "Mmm... Max."

[currentcy]

His hand buzzed against her hair, and he pressed his lips against hers harder, breathing quickly against her mouth. His other hand cupped her hip and he let his eyes fall closed, losing himself in the moment.

[mocks]

A tiny squeal escaped her lips, and she somehow got a hold on his shirt, tugging at it randomly as they kissed. After a few seconds she pulled back, just long enough to catch her breath. And as soon as she was breathing again, she leaned in to do it again.

[currentcy]

"Ah," he exhaled, catching her lips again and running his hand up her thigh. He pressed closer, chest against hers, murmuring against her mouth. His fingers shook; part of him feared hurting her with his powers -- it took a lot of focus to keep the shocks back.

[mocks]

Bobbi's heart was pounding, it was so loud it was like a freight train rattling in her ribcage. Her whole body was trembling from the thrill of the moment, and she was suddenly a little bit nervous. Aside from her own heart, she couldn't hear much. Even though there were people on every side of them in the building, she suddenly remembered how very alone they were. Yes, she was alone in a strange apartment with a man who'd been in and out of prison and killed people and stolen and tried to hurt her friends, and... kissing him felt so amazing. It was like her lips were tingling, like everywhere he touched her was buzzing and alive.

It felt good, it did, and Bobbi didn't want him to stop. But along with the rush of adrenaline and lust came an almost overwhelming fear. This wasn't like their kiss at the party. This was different. This was a lot different.

"Max, one second, wait," she breathed against his lips, unable to resist the urge to kiss him between phrases. "You haven't even bought me dinner or anything..."

[currentcy]

Pulling away after a moment, he looked at her, breathing slowly. He licked his lower lip, moving his hand back down to her hip. His chest clenched nervously -- of course she would change her mind. He should have seen it coming earlier.

"Right, sorry," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't mean to like-- I like you, I guess I got ahead of myself. We could get some dinner, if you wanted."

[mocks]

"You shouldn't apologize. I like you, too," she said, nibbling on her lower lip. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't. I knew... I knew what could happen."

She didn't didn't make any effort to move away though. In fact, she found herself cupping his cheek, studying his expression very intensely. It was a long moment before she spoke again.

"I don't want to be a booty call. I'm not that kind of woman. I'd... feel better about this if we had dinner or something."

[currentcy]

Electro looked back at her, and leaned in once more to kiss her briefly. He was relieved, at least, that he hadn't messed things up.

"Sure, I get it." He paused for a moment, rubbing his mouth with his hand. "I could take you out. Or make something here, if you wanted." He looked toward his kitchen, which was mostly empty save for a six-pack of beer and some microwave dinners. A restaurant would be infinitely more classy, that was for sure.

[mocks]

"Maybe we could get some take out." Bobbi took a deep breath, ignoring the little voice in the back of her head that was screaming at her for being so stupid. She had a chance to extract herself and escape, but forgetting all that and just going with it seemed so much easier. She liked him, he was a lot different from her expectations of what he would be. And he liked her. And being with someone who liked her as much as she liked him seemed a lot better than just sitting alone and wishing for something that may never happen.

"We could bring something back here, if you're up for it." She smirked at him, suddenly regaining that confident air she usually possessed, planting a quick kiss on his cheek before wriggling out of his clutches.

[currentcy]

He watched her for another moment, but nodded in agreement. "Sure, where do you want to go?" He got up for the couch slowly, the static audibly clinging to him. Sneakily, he took her hand in his.

"I could go grab something, if you wanted to wait here," he offered, if she didn't want to go out somewhere visible with him. But after a moment he continued, "or we could together somewhere."

[mocks]

She paused a moment, looking at Max, then away, then back to him. For some reason, being seen with him was different than just being with him. It was a distinction she felt ashamed to have made in her own mind. Quickly and silently, she weighed the pros and cons of venturing out in public with him, the risks involved for an Avenger to be seen with a fairly well-known villain. After a few seconds though, she decided she didn't care. Anyone in this part of the City that knew who both of them were would probably know better than to say anything about it. Besides, the worst that could happen is Luke could yell at her again.

Bobbi held tightly to his hand, following him up from the sofa. "Let's get Chinese. You know anything close by?"

[currentcy]

He smiled, eyes narrowing mischievously as he thought for a moment. He felt her pulse against his palm.

"Yeah. There's a place around the corner, actually. It's my favorite." He neglected to mention he didn't usually pay for his food when he went there, but... well, why try and start a fight?

He let go of her hand, walking over to the door and opening it for her.

[mocks]

Bobbi stepped back into the hall, zipping her coat up again, grabbing hold of his arm once he was in the hall too. A little risky perhaps, given their surroundings, but Bobbi had given up on caring at this point.

"That sounds perfect. What do you usually get?" She smiled, sticking close to him as they walked.

[currentcy]

"I like the Kung Pao chicken. Spicy, you know?" He was all to aware of her arm around his, and glanced around every now and then just to see who was around. It was a weird feeling; like they were having some kind of secret affair. They sort of were, in a way.

"How about you? Chicken or beef?"

[mocks]

"Chicken is fine," she said, glancing over her shoulder, slightly more paranoid now that he seemed more paranoid. Perhaps this was a bad idea. They could easily be spotted and recognized. But then again, maybe that was part of the thrill.

She did her best not to seem uneasy though. She was a little scared by the consequences, but not enough to stop, and she didn't want Electro to think she'd suddenly changed her mind or something.

"And we'll need fortune cookies, too. Of course."

[currentcy]

"If we tell them we're taking out for a party of four, maybe they'll give us extra," he said with a mildly devious smirk. Exhaling into the cold air, he tried his best to ignore the people around them, despite the expected glances he always got in response to his face. And probably now that he has an attractive woman with him, more glances could be be promised.

But at least they were strangers.

He pointed, as they neared the end of the block. "That's it over there. Purple awning."

[mocks]

"Clever. Now that's thinking," Bobbi grinned back at him, the scent of fresh Chinese food wafting through the air as the approached. It was much easier to allow herself to become distracted by the smell of the food than it was to deal with the curious looks they were getting from random pedestrians.

She too was glad they were all strangers.

After giving him another teasing smirk, she dropped his arm and sprinted ahead for the restaurant, ducking inside and bounding up to the counter to place their order, probably before Max would realize what the hell she was doing.

[currentcy]

"Hey--" He frowned, and was moments away from conducting himself into pure electricity and zapping himself over through the air. He didn't, though -- crowded street, first of all, and second of all, that'd probably freak her out more than impress her. Instead he followed her, running clumsily through the people.

Meeting her at the counter, he caught his breath and slapped her shoulder.

"You didn't order me vegetables, did you?"

[mocks]

"'Course not, honey. Don't be ridiculous." She turned around and smiled at him sweetly, reaching for his hand. "All the veggies are for me."

It would take a few minutes for the food to be prepared, so there wasn't much to do but stand around and wait for it. Bobbi kept a tight hold on his hand, silently finding it reassuring, even if it was slightly staticy. The static wasn't all that bad, really. It just took some getting used to.

"I ordered egg rolls, too. We'll eat our sorrows away. If Parker and Barton ever get back, they won't recognize us because we'll have exploded from all the Chinese food."

[currentcy]

"That's hot," he quipped, taking a seat in one of the provided chairs. He didn't let go of her hand, liking the feeling of its warmth against his. "Actually, they'll probably just be jealous. Well, fuck them."

Not that he cared about Barton. Barton, in fact, could go fuck himself for how little Electro cared. And Parker wouldn't get jealous, but he wasn't here anymore. No harm in pretending.

"You sure you ordered what I asked for?" He asked, jokingly.

[mocks]

Bobbi chuckled softly, deciding to forgo the other available chair and just plop down onto Electro's lap, looping her arms around his neck. "Mmhmm. You wanted the mooshu pork and egg foo yung, right?"

She looked slightly pensive, however. Thinking about Clint coming back, thinking about his reaction if he ever found out what she was doing, it was all a little depressing. And really, it wasn't an if, it was a when. She tried to set that out of her mind though. She'd just have to deal with it when the time came.

"He'll shoot you, you know. Or he'll try." She sighed, frowning as she bit her lip. "I feel like I should apologize in advance. And you know, give you a heads up. And ask you to not kill him. Please."

[currentcy]

Startled by her sudden presence in his lap, Electro inhaled sharply and tried to keep his body from engaging in any embarrassing automatic responses. It was a true exercise of will. Nevertheless he slid his arm around her waist, enjoying the warmth of her body pressed into his.

His brow furrowed. "Whatever, I been shot at before. But if he shoots at me I'm gonna fry his ass, a guy's gotta defend himself." After a pause, though, he amended: "... Just to get that gay bow and arrow out of his hands. Killing's not my thing."

Part of him wondered, briefly, if he and Bobbi would still be... whatever, the way they were right now, if Barton were to come back.

[mocks]

She forced a smile, trying to clear her mind again. It wasn't worth it to worry about. Whatever was gonna happen was gonna happen. There was no need to think about that possibility until the time came. If it ever did.

"Killing's not his thing either," she said softly, catching one of Electro's hands in hers, sliding her fingers between his absently. "Thank you though. I mean it."

Bobbi was silent for a few moments, just holding his hand and sitting quietly in his lap. She felt like she'd made things awkward again and undone everything that had happened since they'd kissed. Luckily for her, their order was just about up. The clerk was suddenly yelling at them, waving the bill for them to pay.

"You got it or am I picking up the tab?"

[currentcy]

"I'll go easy on the old man, don't worry," he said, letting his fingers buzz against hers. He was still frowning, thinking about what might happen -- even tomorrow. He hadn't expected Parker to leave; what if Barton showed up unexpectedly too? And shit, he needed to talk to the Pro, too -- things were getting away from him quickly, and Electro was nervous he was toeing the edge of losing it all because he wanted too much.

He kissed her temple, shifting to get up. He slid his wallet out of his pocket, filled with bills -- illegally gotten, maybe, but money was money. "I got it."