thequitecontrary | Inbox for asgardgenesis

[ He's not sure if it's a good or a bad thing that she doesn't answer right away when he calls her, but on the other hand a voice message is better. Well, certainly better than a text. Anyway, too late to back out once he starts talking. ]

Hi, Mary. It's me, Jim. [ Right, because she didn't know that. ] So, Peter's hosting this Christmas party on the ship, I'm sure he must've mentioned it to you or even invited you, but I was still wondering if you'd like to go.

With me, I mean. As my date. I mean, I know it's probably silly, we both live on his ship anyway so of course you'd be there even if we didn't, uh... go together.

[ In hindsight: this was all a terrible idea and Jim regrets everything. God, he must sound like an idiot. TOO LATE TO BACK OUT NOW. ]

Anyway, just... let me know. It's alright either way, for the record. Obviously. [ God, Kirk, just. Shut up. ] Alright. Thanks, I... have a good day, Mary. I'll see you later.

[ Mary is, admittedly, pretty surprised to receive this message. She wasn't expecting anything like that at all. As soon as she listens to the recording, she returns Jim's call. ]

Jim? Hello? It's Mary. Are you there?

[ He'd be lying if he said he wasn't nervous about what her reaction might be, but he still picks up the call. He still wants to hear her answer, even if it ends up being a negative one. ]

Hi. Yes, it's me. How are you, Mary?

Quite well... um, how are you? [ They could continue to go through niceities, or she could get to the point. ] I... got your message. Yes, I will go to Peter's party with you, if you'd like.

[ He was about to answer that he was doing fine, albeit awkwardly so, when she instead went straight to the point. Something he was very grateful, and he appreciated it in Mary. She wasn't the sort to dawdle or dance around the subject.

On his end, he smiled. It came through with the call in a slight huff, close to a chuckle. ] Really? I mean, that's great. And yes, I'd like that very much. Obviously. It'll be fun.

Yes. Yes it will be. [ A pause. ] This is. Um. Is this a date?

[ She feels like she still ought to confirm it, even if he did say that she would be "his date". ]

[ There's an even longer pause on his end, followed by his quiet, awkward answer. ]

That's what I meant, yes. But it's-- fine, either way. We can just go as friends, it's fine. [ One 'fine' too many? Yep, things are definitely fine. ]

It's up to you.

[ She pauses before answering, a smile on her face and her cheeks pink. ]

Yes, I'll go on a date with you. To the party, I mean.

[ Jim beams on his side of the call, a huff that's almost close to a nervous chuckle slipping through the call. ]

Oh. Great, then. That's great. I mean, we can still go on other dates.

[ Just (not so) subtly hinting that he might ask again sometime. ]

You mean, at other times? I suppose we can do that as well.

[ She doesn't mean to sound unenthusiastic or awkward. No one has ever technically asked her out before. People in her time didn't really date. ]

[ She's definitely coming across as a little unenthusiastic, which in turn makes Jim worry that he might be pushing too much, and making her uncomfortable in the process. ]

It's... fine. Never mind. [ He forces a light tone into his voice. ] I'll see you at the party, Mary.

I mean - yes. Yes, we can go out other times, if you'd like.

[ She wants him to know that before he cuts the connection. Of course, if this date is awful, Mary probably won't want to go out again, but they can cross that bridge when they get to it. ]

I would, but only if you actually want to. You don't have to worry about upsetting me by saying no or something.

[ There's a pause. ]

Which-- I'm not saying you would, by the way. I just mean... we're still friends. And I like spending time with you, whether or not you're interested in something more.

We'll talk about it. [ Can he hear the smile in her voice? ] Don't worry, Jim. I'm excited to go to the party with you.

[ He can, at least now. Her words reassure him too, and he smiles on his end. ]

Okay. I look forward to it too, Mary.

You as well. We'll speak soon. Goodbye.

[On Valentine's Day, Lady Crawley will receive a bright red card with a little rabbit hand-painted on the front. Inside is a little note in perfectly neat cursive and a small bag of chocolate chip cookies.]

To Lady Crawley

Happy Valentines Day! I hope you don't find this forward of my station, but I made you some cookies!

~~Your friend~~
Sincerely,
Alice Liddell

[ This is absolutely precious. Thank you, Alice! ]

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