xp_logs | Hank, Madelyn, Thursday night (Reply)

Hank and Maddie say goodnight after a very successful, totally mundane first date. They're both encouraged, and things move along a tiny bit further.

Hank pulled up squarely in front of the front door, and by vaulting the hood of the car, made it in time to open her door for her and offer her a hand out. Chivalry wasn't dead, not as long as he was around. "I do believe, my lady, that this is your door," he said, smiling at her. "And... thank you. For a wonderful evening."

Madelyn laughed at Hank's display, and took the offered hand with a lot more grace than she would in a different situation. It was nice, she was realising, having someone paying attention to the little things like that, making her feel... valued. "I should be thanking you," she replied. "Dinner and a movie isn't exactly imaginative, but I've never had such a fun dinner and movie date." Not letting go of his hand and moving closer to him, her grin turned teasing. "We should do this again some time."

"We really should. I know that I, for one, would love to." He held her hand just the littlest bit tighter. This was definitely very nice. "I had a lot of fun, too. Especially since you didn't feel the need to make me stop throwing popcorn." He'd kept up a steady barrage - with pinpoint accuracy - on the left ear of a man two rows ahead, who'd been texting on his cellphone. He'd given up well before Hank ran out of ammunition, permitting the enjoyment of the rest of the movie without annoying beeping noises.

"As if I would - I was sitting there wishing I'd thought to bring the tranq gun so I could put him out of all of our miseries. Besides, your way was more fun, watching him trying to figure out where it was coming from..." Madelyn chuckled. "And I think you have another gelati convert - however did you find that place?"

"When it comes to frozen treats, I am as a human bloodhound." Hank grinned. "And don't tell Lorna, but I really prefer gelati to icecream. It's less cloying, and has more zest. Especially their fresh lime flavour." He'd given her a taste of his. It had been... well. Nice. Romantic, in a way...

"Don't tell Lorna, but I think you might have a point there. And I have this urge to work my way through the range and work out what I like best," she confessed mischievously. She was feeling good. Relaxed. And it was more than just physical - the twanging knot of nerves she'd been in was finally unravelling.

"I highly recommend it. Every now and then I do that again, just in case I've forgotten something." He smiled at her, and, impulsively, leaned down to drop a brief kiss on the back of her hand. "The company, however, far outshone both movie and frozen treats," he said softly. "I very much enjoyed spending time with you."

"I was thinking pretty much the same thing." There were all sorts of good reasons for going slow, she reminded herself. Neither of them was used to this, there was Kurt to consider... Impulsively, she leaned over and kissed his cheek, the fur tickling her mouth. "Your turn next time," she told him, pulling away with a smile. "Goodnight, Hank."

"She steals my breath away and then she wants me to talk," he said, fighting the urge to touch the tingling spot her lips had brushed. "Indeed, my turn next time. Goodnight, fair lady. Sleep well." He didn't move, though. He was staying right here until she went inside, because only then would the date really be over.

"Oh, I think I will tonight. Sweet dreams, hon." With a final squeeze she let go of his hand and climbed the front steps to the door. It was perhaps a little high school of her to stop at the door and give him a little wave, but she did it any way.

Hank waved right back, trying... and failing... to hide the big grin that had plastered itself to his face. This was... wow. They'd had a nice, normal date, it'd gone really well, they'd talked and it had been fun and... he'd wait until he got back to his room, but a little dance of glee was definiately called for.