Nature of the Beast

ODESSA CARRIGAN​
"Don't..." The word came, softer than it should have, and turning her head to look at him, Odessa shook her head, sadly, "Just..." Sighing, she pushed herself with her good arm, until she could sit and looked down at him, she bit the edge of her lip, "Just don't. I don't want an apology, Charlie. Trust me, I know it makes sense for you to say it, but I think... I think we both know that what happened tonight isn't gonna get fixed with 'I'm sorry'."

Breathing out, her eyes drifting from his face to the ceiling above her head, "There's a hell of a list of things I could be angry with you for. Ending in what has to be one of the most damnably painful injuries I have ever sustained... But I'm tired of the back and forth apologies. I'm tired of feeling like we both owe each other some version of ourselves that we just... we just can't be. Charlie... What we are? It doesn't make sense. You saved my life and I ... I put you a pedestal, and I worshiped the thought of you for a decade. And then one day you show up and hell if I knew what I was getting into..."

"But it wasn't fair... to put you in that position. My father never should have and I sure as hell never should have. The fact is, he could have asked anyone to keep me safe, and you just got stuck with the job. And maybe you took it a little more seriously than he intended, and I'm not complaining, trust me. But we kind of set ourselves up, didn't we?" Looking over to him again, she laughed dryly, "It's hard, seeing you in a different light, but I'm not as mad as I am grateful. Because I think I needed to. I think I needed to let go of what... of what I have envisioned in my head. Of this... this idealistic view of who you are. We never got a chance to just... know each other, and that wasn't fair. And maybe having that vision of you break a little... maybe it gives us a shot at something else. Something real."

Pulling her hand free, she pressed it to her shoulder with a small flinch, her eyes falling closed, "...But I am angry. I'm angry because you were stupid, Charlie. And not just because you got me shot. But because you could've gotten hurt, too. You were cocky, and that's not okay. Not ever. And if you and I are gonna have any kind of relationship, then you need to understand that this is the last time you let your ego win out over common sense. Because I promise you, the next time? I will walk away. So this is it... your one chance. We are starting over... and I hope that works for you, because otherwise, I don't know what to do here. But it's not working the way it's been going. It's just not."
 
CHARLIE CAINE

But what if he wanted to be a hero? What if he wanted to be a guardian angel? The words she told to him, their effects came in waves. Charlie wanted that for her if anything else... for Odessa to be able to always feel safe in his presence. Maybe it was because it's easier to ignore just how many shades of fucked up he was when he played the protector, or maybe it was because of the way she made him feel.

Charlie let her speak. He didn't want to interrupt. Normally this was the part where he'd gather his piece together, where he'd dissect the information presented to him in an effort to turn the words against them but this time? Charlie just listened. For the first time in a long time he didn't try to think of some witty remark, some lackadaisical jest. He just... listened.

And when she was done speaking there was a lump in his throat. What are you to say when your entire world was threatening to turn the other way? There was no words that could sum up the drifter's feelings so he just bit down on his bottom lip and nodded. It was a lot to swallow, a lot more to think about.

A relationship? What even were they? Nothing from his mutation could help him sort out the range of feelings that tightened his chest at the thought. As Odessa pulled away from him he mirrored her movements--laying flat against the floor of the motel. Like she had, he closed his eyes, and eventually, he let out a long dwindling sigh.

"I've never been good at keeping promises, Des. Never." Charlie admitted. He spoke quietly, a somber rumble coming from beside her bed. The blonde shifted before continuing, the floor boards creaking against his weight. "I can't promise you that I'll always be a man worthy of your love but... I'll try."

Is that what she made him feel? Love? He didn't know. He said it but honest to god Charlie didn't. know. And that terrified him even more than the thought of losing her. Charlie came to a sit, perhaps a little too hastily, and cleared his throat. He stood up with the shake of his head.

"I should go." Charlie mumbled, cursing himself in every way possible for saying what he just had.
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
As he stood, her hand snapped out to catch his, perhaps a little too fast, and with a grimace, she pressed her free palm to her shoulder. It was a reminder... A clear reminder that no matter how much she wanted to believe in fairytales and happily ever afters, they needes to be smart... Realistic. They needed to take things one day at a time.

"That's not the way this works, Big Guy." She soothed, with a small smile, "You don't get to put me on a pedestal either. I'm a mess, and you know it. Hell, Charlie. I put honey on my pancakes. Who does that?? So don't think of it that way, okay? This isn't about earning anything."

Giving his hand a squeeze, she turned, carefully, so her legs dangled over the edge of the mattress, a feat, considering her choice of wardrobe, "The thing is... You know me. You do... But I don't know anything about you. Nothing real. And if we're gonna... if there's something here... Then I need to start fresh and find it the right way. Not through some self inflicted hero worship... Not because you bat those pretty blues at me and use the L word. Gotta start somewhere. With something I can hold. Something tangible. Cause see... The problem with pedestals is... You step off, only way to go is down."
 
CHARLIE CAINE

Charlie tensed up at her touch. He hadn't expected it, but the drifter didn't dare sever the connection, even as she turned to sit upright. Her hand in his he retraced what few steps he had managed to take and sat down beside her on the bed. The framework stressed beneath his weight and with tired eyes he chuckled softly.

His forehead came to rest in the palm of his free hand, a smile cracking between his fingers. For the past decade he had kept his circle small. Selina, Levi, Odessa... except the latter was right in saying she didn't actually know him. It was easy to forget that with the way he had been living. But things were different now... and for the sake of whatever him and Odessa could have he'd have to change... even if the word alone was enough to make his gut twist.

"Getting to know me, huh." Charlie sighed. He let go of her hand and fell back against the bed--his body sprawling out. "I can't say I'm... ecstatic at the thought of talking about me but..."

Another sigh escaped him as his eyes searched for Odessa's. Another tired grin followed.

"But I understand... and I'm damn well willing to try."
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
Mirroring his movements, Odessa lay back as well, rubbing her shoulder as she canted her head his way, taking in that smile with one of her own. Her eyes drifted over him, taking him inand with a sigh, she took his hand again. Maybe she was still angry with him... But hell if she didn't want to see him happy.

That was all she wanted for any of them. Even Selina. Just a semblance of a normal, happy life. And maybe it wasn't fair to suggest it was even possible after what they had been through... All they had done. But she had to hope. She couldn't imagine going through her own life without a few things along the way to make itnall worth while.

"Good..." She finally murmured, with a nod, "I wasn't looking forward to having to kick your ass if you said no. I mean, I would, if I had to. But you kinda got me shot so... you know. You'd have an unfair advantage. But we don't have to start tonight. You went through a lot, and it's still pretty raw... What I saw. I just... I need a little time, to clear it out before I'm ready to get to know the real Charlie."
 
CHARLIE CAINE

Charlie watched with calm blue eyes as she laid next to him, the corners wrinkling as his smile widened. Honestly, he was happy to just listen to her talk... to hear that signature snark he had grown quite fond of. He was grateful as well to hear that the uncomfortable prodding of his psyche would have to wait until later. Charlie made a promise and had full intent to go through with it... but he could put off the introspection for another night or two.

Charlie respected her wishes to be alone, though he wasn't shy about taking his sweet time before finally sitting back up. He gave her hand one last squeeze. They were at an odd place, but he guessed they were never destined to be normal. Whatever this was it would remain complicated, confrontational, but passionate all the way through.

"It's alright. I know you're asking me to leave because I smell like a thousand cigarettes... which... I mean, isn't too far off from the actual number." Charlie quipped before standing up fully. He was joking of course and with one last small nod of his head and a chuckle, Charlie turned for the door. He grabbed his boots on the way.

But when he opened it he was surprised to see Levi waiting just outside. The other man was as clean as ever, wrapped up in a crisp suit. It was almost like they hadn't just killed a dozen men just hours earlier. Charlie cleared his throat as he walked passed him. "Eavesdropping hm?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about." The good doctor replied making virtually zero effort to mask his sarcasm. "I'm just here to change her bandages."

"Do it then." Charlie muttered before disappearing behind the door of the neighboring hotel room. Meanwhile Levi took a step inside, pausing for a moment to knock on the opened door.

"How are we feeling Odessa?" He asked calmly.
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
Exit one. Enter another. The door closed behind Charlie and sitting up with a wince, Odessa met Levi's question with a shake of her head, meeting the doctor's eye, "Confused... Angry. Scared. Hopeful? Mostly just confused... You might find this hard to believe, but back in the day... Before I had my own flock of genetically engineered super soldiers watching over me... I wasn't exactly the most popular kid in school. It's a weird change, people competing for your attention."

Gaze flickering away, she shook her head, fingers raking through her hair, "I mean... That's not to assume that either one of you... It's just... I can't figure out where else the whole angry pitbull thing would stem from... Especially seeing you work together tonight. Bygones and all... Except where I'm concerned? Damn is that arrogant or...? Oh."

Blinking, she looked up again and her cheeks flooded with color, "You... you meant my shoulder, didn't you. Ah. I am a therapists dream. Yeah. It's killing me... But not as bad as before. I showered... Wasn't sure if I was supposed to, but it's kinda hard to get comfy, covered in my own blood, you know?"
 
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LEVI GARDNER

The grin Levi flashed was small but hopefully comforting as he came into the room. With one hand slipped into his steel blue slacks and the other holding a fresh pair of bandages and gauze he offered a polite little shrug. He was referring to her shoulder, yes, but there was something glad in him knowing that she was willing to tell him what was on her mind truthfully.

"Oh we are totally competing there's no doubt about that." He mused lightly, just light enough that it was a question of whether or not he was being serious. Levi moved a little closer, placing himself at the foot of the bed. He put down his medical supplies and offered Odessa little smile. "Charlie and I have a history with uh... women. Though I'm sure now that the two of you got your situation sorted it will all come to light in time."

He laughed, smooth as ever as he pointed to one of his ears. "Charlie's got the nose, Selina the eyes and I got stuck with hearing." Levi explained, quick to continue in an effort to not further distress a woman who had already been shot.

"I didn't mean to listen in... but you can't exactly choose not to hear. Suppose that's why I like to keep up appearances--the last thing I need is hearing whatever shitty thing someone has to say about me." Levi laughed, moving closer as a familiar mischievous smirk found his lips. "At least when I'm dressed up like this I can just hear about all the naughty stuff others would like to do to me."

But the smirk faded ever so slightly and the good doctor gestured to her shoulder. "Jokes aside, may I take another look?"
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
Swallowing a knot of discomfort, Odessa shook her head. She couldn't exactly be angry with him for eavesdropping. Not when it wasn't his fault - and she was fairly certain her had at least enough class not to listen in on her private conversations on purpose, but it was still uncomfortable, knowing what he had overheard... "I wouldn't exactly call us sorted." She finally said, with a sigh, "Maybe we're on our way to it, but right now? Right now I don't know what we are. All I know is we've both got a lot of work to do, to figure it out."

Looking up at Levi, catching the tail end of the smirk, she shook her head, "...But whatever Charlie and I have going on... it's got nothing to do with you, Levi. And I don't mean that to sound as snarky as it does. It's just... I don't want any of my relationships to be defined by other people. You and me, we need to figure things out, too... and I think the only way to do that is to separate it from me and Charlie. I mean... unless..." Biting her lip, she looked down again, her eyes leveling to the gauze in his hand, to the possibility he really had just come to change her bandages, "Unless you've taken yourself off the table?"

The confusion was something to contend with, for sure... because a part of her - that idealistic part that didn't want to let go of childhood fantasy - was so sure about Charlie that it hurt, but hearing Levi... seeing him and those damnable eyes watching her, she couldn't ignore the subtle quickening of her heartbeat, the intensity behind those feelings. And whatever happened, she couldn't pretend like there was nothing there, when...

Sitting back, she cleared her throat and pulling her hair free from her shoulders, she nodded, "Go for it, Doc."
 
LEVI GARDNER

"I've made no such claims." Levi smirked, propping one leg up on the bed as he got very close. Dangerously close. His moony brown eyes narrowed as a grin grew from his mischievous expression. He could feel her faint breath brush against his lips. "Besides... how could I even consider taking myself off the table when I hear your heart speed up like that? It's downright addictive."

The not-so-good doctor pulled back and winked. That in its entirety, was his answer. But he came here to do a job and like she had told Charlie earlier... tonight was not the night to try and push things with one another. Without taking his eyes off of her, Levi leaned backwards and slid the bandages closer to them.

With her new set prepared he leaned back in--focusing on her shoulder this time rather than her lips. With gentle hands he peeled the stained fabric from her skin, it would hurt but he was certain Odessa would be able to stomach it. The wound remained clean and for that he was thankful for. The process of wrapping her back up was a lot less of an ordeal and in all honesty... Levi felt comfortable enough to play around.

A brush of his finger there, 'a necessary' run of the hand here. He did nothing that was ungentlemanly of course, just took what little opportunity he had to feel her skin run against his. At one point he apologized for invoking a tickle. But once he was done the good doctor leaned back and smiled. "Well, there you go. You are on the road to recovery."

 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
Damn the doctor.

He leaned in and Odessa, with all the smoothness of a startled kitten, nearly squealed, but biting her cheek she kept her cool, eyes drifting to his with a chastening shake of her head. He was a tease, and it wasn't fair. Not in her state, not in any state. She wanted clarity. She wanted answers. And he was not helping her make sense of roiling ball of emotions she felt. She could've slapped the smirk from his face, if she didn't want to kiss the man, so damn much.

He pulled away and she breathed out, relief flooding in again, but as his hands worked against her bare shoulder, hardly one hundred percent professionally, she cursed him again in her mind. She shouldn't have given him the option... the room to work, but maybe the truth was she didn't want to shoehorn herself in with Charlie. Not yet. Not when she was so uncertain who he even was. And maybe Levi was easier to understand. Maybe he felt more real because he was more real. He knew what he wanted and he went after it and made no apologies and maybe a part of her was enticed by that because at the end of the day, she was crap at figuring out her own needs...

If he'd thought her heartbeat was erratic before...

She though she would be glad for the clarity of pain that his work gave her, but it was dizzying, the back and forth welling of hurt, of confusion, and as he pulled away again, she met his eyes with another shake of her head, "...I never thanked you. For... for what you did back in that bunker. I could have died, Levi, if you weren't so quick. And things may be weird right now, and frustrating as hell, and I don't know what I want... or... or who I want, but I know I want to be alive to make that choice. And I am, because of you. So... thanks."
 
LEVI GARDNER

"Would make quite the poor excuse of a super soldier doctor if I had failed to act appropriately there." Levi replied calmly, rubbing the back of his head as he cast a look off to the side. A moment later he turned back to her and smiled ever so slightly. "Besides, I'm beginning to like being around you...even if the most intimate of our interactions so far is usually me working on your wounds."

The good doctor moved a little closer, close enough that he could reach his hand to where Odessa had gotten quite the bump from Selina's hovel. Brushing a single cheek in the process, he was fully aware that the amount of time that had passed from that night was ample enough for her to heal. Still, like a concerned doctor he explained himself and cautioned her to be a little more careful.

"It'd be nice if you think about it..." Levi mused, yet to have leaned away from her. "To get to know you without you being hurt beforehand."

The corners of his mouth teased a smirk as he made the move to pull away. Levi shrugged nonchalantly. "Just a thought though... you really should be focused now on getting some rest."
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
He knew as well as she did that she had healed since her concussion... and she wasn't remotely naive enough to think it was anything but an excuse to tease her again, but she couldn't honestly say she minded. It was frustrating, in a way, how easy it was to be close to Levi... to feel thing for Levi. Maybe because there wasn't so much pressure. Maybe because in the end she knew whether or not things worked out, she would be okay.

With Charlie, losing him meant a hell of a lot more, and maybe that wasn't fair to Levi, but it was the way things were... and she didn't know that it would change or not. Her emotions were all over the place, but in that moment, she didn't want to think... didn't want to overthink, maybe. Smiling gingerly, she tipped her head back to meet his eyes. How easy it would be, to fall in... to dive right in and not look back. She could do it... even with a shoulder wound reminding her all too vividly how dangerous these people were, she could have.

But would she regret it? Did she care?

"...Hell, Doc. If I'd known it was that easy, I wouldn't have gone and gotten myself shot." With a wink, she leaned back onto her elbows, but without losing eye contact, "But if that's your subtle way of asking me out, I should probably warn you, I've never been very good with subtle. I miss all the signals. Just... all over the place with that sort of vague nonsense."
 
LEVI GARDNER

"Vague nonsense huh?" He repeated with amusement and a quirked brow. A laugh from the good doctor followed afterwards. Levi Gardner began to nod before suddenly growing a lot more serious. His body tensed, jaw tightened. He leaned in to follow her movement, pressing her between the headboard and himself without physically lifting a finger.

This was what he was talented at. Sure he had been brought on to the project because of his combat experience and medical knowledge but every person on that squadron knew he was a charmer, a flirt. He knew how to draw things out of people, he was an expert on getting what he wanted. And right now? He knew exactly what he wanted.

But would he do it?

"Forgive me if this is bold or just downright ill-timed but remember that you were the one asking me to be a little more direct." Levi's face narrowed, the bottom of his lip quivering ever so slightly as he closed the remaining distance between them an inch at a time. He stopped right on the cusp of kissing her--the tip of their noses just barely touching.

"Is this clear enough for you Odessa?" He whispered. "Or do I need to go just one step further to get my message across?"
 
ODESSA CARRIGAN​
What was she doing? What the hell was she doing? Because everything rational inside of her screamed that it was a bad move, a dumb move. She knew it would hurt Charlie - she knew it, because despite what she had said about taking things the slow route, he was in love with her... and damn if she didn't feel something deeper for him than brotherly affection. But it was complicated and ugly, and there was a man literally inches from her, who was anything but complicated. He knew what he wanted and she knew at least on a basic level what she wanted...

But why? Why did she want it? As a defense mechanism? To pull away from what hurt, what confused her? Or because she was genuinely into Levi? She wanted to get to know him better, too... to understand him. She wanted to know why Charlie hated him so much - what had driven such a deep hole in their relationship. But then... she also didn't want to make things more confusing. And this? This wasn't confusing at all. It was instinct. It was tension, unraveling... and it was so easy to give in.

Her eyes closed as he spoke and she breathed out, a shuddering breath, and when her eyes opened again, they met his, "Tell me something, first..." And her tone shifted then, as she realized exactly what was holding her back. It wasn't Charlie. Not really. She could figure out things with Charlie on her own, but Levi wasn't a part of that. Not really... it was something else... something deeper, "...Why are you doing this? Is it because you want me, or because you want what you think he has? Because if you can tell me the truth, I'm not gonna stop you... but if you lie to me, Levi... we're not gonna have much of a future."
 
LEVI GARDNER

Levi tilted his head, eyes drifting back and forth from her gaze and her lips. But the moment she spoke he was focused, intent on listening to her words as he always had in the short but explosive time they've known each other. The answer to her question however, wasn't nearly as clear cut as she would have liked. Was he drawn to her? Yes. Did this have something to do with Charlie? Hell, probably. Did she have to know that? Not this second.

Levi shot his signature smirk before he pressed in and kissed her. There was something electric about it, something that invigorated him at the sound of her heart skipping at his touch. His hands and caress remained gentle, he was a doctor after all and she was healing from a gunshot, but his lips spelled hunger. They spelled passion.

Even when he pulled away he dared not go too far. He took a moment to catch his breath, moony eyes glazing over in desire. "I want you, Odessa."

He brought a hand up to her chin, brushing it teasingly as he flashed a grin. "I need to hear it from you now. Do you want me, Odessa?"
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
He was a shark, Levi... A damn shark. He didn't play fair, because he knew the rules, but he still skirted around them to get his win. His lips encapsulated her own and she was breathless in that moment, driven to the edge by what could only be pure, animal need. She wanted him, hell yes she did. But there were too many factors for it to be that simple. She could have given in - and she wanted to... God did she want to. But it wasn't right. Not to Levi or Charlie... but mostly not to her.

She had been through so much in a short period of time, and she hadn't healed - not physically, and certainly not emotionally. And her intuition was stronger than her desires at that moment. He wasn't honest. Not completely, and while she couldn't blame him, she wasn't going to be a piece in his game, either. Pushed around where he needed her to go, to bite back at Charlie in the best way possible. He wasn't honest, but he wasn't lying, either. And she could see it - the conflict. He was genuine, but only so far as he thought he needed to be.

But if they were going to dance, she wasn't going to get her toes stepped on...

Smiling faintly, she shook her head, "You know I do... Or you wouldn't still be here. But that's also why you should go." Swallowing, forcing her resolve to the surface, she reached out to trace her fingertip along his lower lip, with a soft, weary scoff, "Because we could do this. It would be... so easy. And I wouldn't even regret it. But I'm not okay being just a conquest, Levi. And I think we both know that's at least a little bit of what this is right now. But if you mean it, if you really mean it... and you want me, all of me... then I think working for it wouldn't hurt. I have a lot of thinking to do and not just about you. And you know that. He's not a factor in what happens or doesn't happen with us... but he's still there, and I have to find out what that means. But the fact is, I can't pretend that I'm not attracted to you, just to protect him. And if you're genuine... and this is really something you want to pursue, we can give it a shot... the right way. Otherwise, I think it's better we just end it here. I'm offering the chance for something real. It's your choice whether or not you want that."
 
LEVI GARDNER

Levi was careful not to show the surprise in his expression. It was not like he had a perfect record with seduction but very few ever told him to go if they were willing to share the first kiss. His expression remained dreamy, listless eyes watching her with a contrasting amount of intent but on the inside he was scrambling... scrambling to figure out what exactly had gone wrong.

He had played his cards right, had gotten her to kiss him just as much as he had kissed her yet there he was... being asked to leave. Had he been perhaps a little too smooth? It was possible but soon enough he had to get out of his thoughts, he had to reply and it started with the clear of his throat.

Levi leaned back and chuckled a little, straightening out the collar of his shirt that had gotten folded messily when they were fooling around. He looked back at Odessa sweetly, careful not to betray just how caught off guard he actually was. "You intrigue me, more than I'd care to openly admit."

"I know I don't particularly foster good hearted trust but believe me when I say that no matter where this goes between us..." The good doctor stood up, pausing for a moment to straighten out his shirt. "I respect that you are your own woman before anything else Odessa... you've made that evident tonight."

Levi chuckled and like Charlie had just done before, he made his way towards the exit. "Get some rest. I'll come back and check up on you in a few hours okay?" He was smiling but Levi was far from happy.
 
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ODESSA CARRIGAN​
If she hadn't been a detective, if she hadn't gotten top marks in her academy class on interrogation, Odessa might've missed the subtleties in his body language - the dejected, frustrated reaction was buried beneath a facade of rationality and flirtation, but she could see it in his eyes, and while she felt ultimately bad for it... she knew it wasn't completely her fault. She hadn't led him along just to watch him crash and burn. She meant what she said - that they had something worth exploring, but only if he was willing to admit to himself she was worth more than just being another notch in his bedpost.

If not, it would be unfortunate, but it was in his hands, now. Charlie was off his pedestal, but she wouldn't replace him with the good doctor, either. Both men needed to figure out exactly what they wanted, and until they did... she would have to keep her own emotions under wraps as much as humanly possible.

But she wasn't going to make it easy, either, and she wasn't going to let him off the hook. A smile pressed to her lips and pushing herself upright, she watched him as he made his way to the door, "Levi... Just so it's clear. That wasn't me taking you off the table, either. But I did tell you before... dinner first." Her eyes moved away and she lay back, shaking her head, "Goodnight."
 
LEVI GARDNER

Was it bad that in that moment the only thing he wanted to do was to kiss her? It'd shut her up certainly but... there was something else there that he craved. The electricity. But with a gentleman's smile he nodded. Levi was unsure if he was capable of giving what she wanted and there was no telling how long it would take him to figure it out. He wasn't a man about false expectations.

"I mean technically I cooked you a very cheesy dinner the first night we met." The frazzled doctor quipped lightly, he paused with another shake of his head and then a grin. "But I understand."

There was a part of him that enjoyed being tested. An ego within him that flared at the thought of both meeting--and exceeding-- the challenge she was presenting him with. Levi was at the door now, but before he left he called out to her.

"Keep next week's schedule a little clean, Odessa. There's a beautiful little place I'd like to take you to." Levi closed the door behind him and leaned back against it, his palm coming up to the rest against his head. He had been so distracted that he hadn't even noticed Charlie came out for another smoke.

"She got you too, huh." Charlie mumbled, eyes on the highway below and his lips curved into a half grin.

"Didn't you just chastise me for eavesdropping earlier?" Levi replied annoyedly. The blonde man turned to face the doctor.

"Just wanted to be close just in case you tried something." Charlie shot back. "I should beat you into a pulp you know, for kissing her. Nerissa wasn't enough hm? Selina?"

"That was a long time ago, Charlie. Don't act like you're the saint in this situation." Levi didn't miss a beat, he turned towards his door but Charlie cut off his path.

"The only reason... and I mean only reason you aren't on the ground right now... it's because of her. I care about her enough to actually refrain from hurting you." Charlie's fist tightened, something that hadn't escaped Levi's notice, but the drifter didn't swing. "Stop playing your damned games." He warned.

"Oh weren't you listening? There was no talks of games... just dinner." Levi smiled. The good doctor remained as steady as ever as he forced his way past Charlie. Levi wouldn't be able to tell you when their friendship devolved into this childish competition... but he was sure as hell that he was gonna come out on top.

SELINA STEELE

Selina sat on the hood of her car the next day, another lemon popsicle the center of her attention. She was a perceptive woman and it had been obvious from what interactions she had with Charlie and Levi up until that point that something happened between the three of them after she went to bed. It was a little comforting to see she wasn't the only woman who found herself torn between a bunch of hyper competitive idiots.

Still, she figured she'd have a little fun with it. She waited for the three of them to join her back by the car and as they approached she cracked a devilish grin. In the front seat was the one eye scientist, passed out but alive, even if he looked like a miscolored fruit with all the bruising and swelling.

"So it turns out he was getting his blood all over my trunk." Selina began, the shift in expression of all three of their faces telling her they knew exactly where she was heading. She laughed lightly, hopping off of the hood and tossing her stick as she went around back to her driver's seat.

"I hope you guys don't mind sharing the backseat for the rest of the trip."
 
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