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[ She reaches down to take his hand, giving it a small squeeze. ]

I mean it. I've been a real asshole to you and I just... really appreciate you not being one back.

[It catches him pleasantly off guard and he returns the pressure.]

I'm still getting to know you... and from what I can tell you're not a bad person. Just someone who's been through the wringer.

[ She wants to argue that that's no excuse for how she's treated him but instead, she gives into a different impulse and leans in the press a quick kiss to his lips instead. ]

[It's been so hard not to react or soften at these little glimmers of hope. The entire time he has been trying to close off the possibilities for tomorrow. Instead he gives her hand a squeeze and gently pulls.]

Come on a little closer.

[Into his lap. Both clothed and being mostly responsible. After all they ordered food and he specifically said they wouldn't have to do a thing.]

[ She goes where he pulls her in, shifting to straddle his lap. One arm slings around his neck before she's leaning in to kiss him again.

He's such a good guy. Maybe... maybe something could work... ]

[Another kiss, another chance. Frank's eyes lightly shut and he returns the press of his mouth too. Slow and melting. One arm wrapped around her and the other resting against her thigh. A way out of she wants it.

Surely, she'd want to right? They're at a stable, common ground that this might not be anything or it could develop to something. Why push it? Why over think it? His tongue lightly brushes the inside of her lips and he sighs.]

[ A few weeks ago, yeah. She would've wanted a way out, tried to take it. But now... it feels like he's shaken something in her and she can't stop thinking about him even when she wants to.

This is going to end in tears.

Was how the saying went. But the idea of walking away from him now put her in more pain than fear. What if he could care about her, look beyond her past and actually...

She returns the kiss slowly, a hand finding his chest, the other going back into his hair. There was no denying the fire between them. He was right about that. It's going to burn them both at this rate. ]

[A bit ago she wanted nothing to do with him. Can one night change all of that? Really? Nothing about how she touches him indicates that this is meaningless. Frank's hand smooths up from her hip to her back and into her hair. Blonde strands are so soft to the touch. The kiss ends after a lingering and exploring run from start to finish. Frank pulls back and looks into her face, lightly tucking her hair back from her ear.]

I can't get over you, Karen.

[Spoken softly and plainly.]

[ She doesn't think one night will change all the differences between them. If it will be enough when he leaves -- because he's going to leave. But, her blue eyes meet brown and she knows: ]

I can't get over you, either.

[ Both hands are rubbing slowly at his chest through his shirt. ]

I thought I could. Thought that's what I wanted. But every time I see you I...

[ She breathes out and presses her forehead to his, closing her eyes, her voice just above a whisper. Like she was afraid to admit it aloud. She never realized just how much she was keeping inside until she struggled to pull it out where he could see and hear it. ]

I feel like my heart is breaking. I haven't ever felt this way before about anyone.

[See him? With his dumbo ears, big nose and the smile of a boy. There's something more she sees in him. Just a boy looking at a girl. And a whole bunch of shit together with it.]

...I feel the same. But I don't want it to stop.

[It hurt so much more being apart.]

Crazy.

[Though his tone is so fond.]

[ She already loves his Dumbo ears and big nose and the smile just makes her smile. She can't remember the last time that happened and it felt natural. ]

You are crazy to say that.

[ But she's smiling as she says it, her own tone just as fond as she leans in to kiss him again. ]

[His head tilts but he stays close to her, forehead to forehead.]

I don't care. Just means we got something special.

[And if the way they kiss and the electricity they feel was any indication. Frank's fingers curl into Karen's hair and his mouth slots with her own.]

[ It is special. She knows it is purely because she's never felt this attracted to someone. Already this attached. A part of her brain keeps telling her something terrible is going to happen. She just seems to attract that kind of luck.

But she kisses him deeper this time, her hands still rubbing his chest, feeling his heartbeat under her hands. His warmth. Her arms move to wrap around his waist as her tongue licks into his mouth, realizing in that moment: she doesn't want to be alone. She doesn't want it anymore.

(Even if she feels deep down it would be safer for Frank to stay away from her.) ]

[Worst case scenario is that this will all blow up and hurt like hell. And in that event as sad, as wounded and as utterly bereft as Frank would feel, he wouldn't have any regrets. Most people don't get a second chance. This is it. And he's going to take it and give up all he's got because Karen deserves it.

Frank sighs deeply and his hands in their hold keep enjoying their place, in her hair or at her back. He knew she was important and special before. And now that the air is clear and his heart is lighter than it had been it is like a bolt of lightning.

This woman is supposed to be his wife. Just. He'll keep a lid on that for now. It's too potent, too soon given all the circumstances it took to get to this place, this point.

The buzz of the doorbell couldn't come at a better time!]

[ After what she's been through, Karen still doesn't think she deserves much. Especially not someone like Frank. And marriage? She still didn't think it was a good fit for her -- or that she would make anyone a good wife.

But for now, she was willing to relish the contact they had. The spark that made every touch tingle between them. She almost gasps at the doorbell, having completely forgot about the food. She breathes out a laugh after the kiss breaks, ]

Guess I should let you up.

[The horse is in front of the cart right now. Big time. And a little arm's length of space with pizza will make him not put his foot in his mouth. Though he's smiling wide and like an idiot. She startles, he is far too moony to give a shit.]

I guess so.

[Though he holds onto her and slowly, carefully stands still lifting Karen.]

[ She breathes out another laugh as her legs move to wrap around his waist as he lifts her up as he stands, her arms around his shoulders, ]

Trying to show off now?

Me? Nooo. [Though his expression is the same that one gets caught in a lie. Frank keeps an arm around her and reaches into his back pocket for his wallet.]

Hold up, I'm coming.

[So that the pizza delivery doesn't leave them. He makes sure his steps are careful, striding across the room.]

Just multitasking, Karen.

[ She laughs a little more openly now, looking over her shoulder at the door and then back to Frank, ]

Oh my god, you're not going to put me down?!

[ Not that she's trying to get down or let go... ]

Why? D'you want to?

[Again, he's not going to do a thing, still walking to the door. Still oh so happy with holding onto her. After all, it's just pizza. Not like it is involved or anything.]

You really got a hold on me.

[As though she's the one keeping this funny stunt together.]

[ She laughs again, ]

So you keep saying.

[ But she remains where she is, turning her head towards the door to reach out and open it for Frank once they are close enough. She'll even go so far as to hold her hand out for the pizza. ]

Delivery. Hey Frank---Ohh.

[The oh so familiar parlor knows their client and this is unexpected. The younger man with his headphones hanging at his neck smiles almost bashfully as he hands over the pizza.]

You uh--you guys having a nice night?

[Frank laughs a little and shrugs, handing over the money. No strain, the extra help from Koala Karen is just right. The delivery boy nods and smiles a little awkwardly from Karen to Frank and back.]

It's pretty good, you can keep the change, Cory.

[ She gives him her best grin and nods to him, ]

Thanks, Cory.

[ She's not sure how much of this will get eaten but it sure does smell good. ]

Wow, thanks! Uh okay! Yeah--g'night!

[Frank gives him a smile and nods as he starts to shut the door.]

Thanks, pal. Have a good one yourself.

[The door clicks shut and the precious cargo along with the pizza now move to the kitchenette.]

[ Karen barely manages to muffle another laugh as he walks them over to the countertop in the kitchenette, ]

Yeah, I'm definitely thinking Frank Castle likes to show off...

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