Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. All the muses went on holiday… they didn't even send me a postcard… how rude O.o
PART SIX: DARE YOU TO MOVE
As they walked out of the theatre, Ray put his hands in his jacket pockets, analysing the movie in his mind without really realising what he was doing. Part of his mind was – obviously – on his company though, and he found his eyes wandering to take in her form as she walked beside him, clearly pensive as well… either that or she was suffering from a headache. Either was possible, he supposed, but he found himself hoping for the former, of course. He didn't want to end the night prematurely because she wasn't feeling well.
"You all right?" he asked when she didn't speak for a while, and her eyes met his at once, as a smile lit up her face. God, he was falling in love with that smile, if nothing else…
"I'm fine," she replied rather cheerily. "Why? Don't I look it?"
"Well… you looked like you had something on your mind," he told her as he smiled as well, laughing to himself more than anything. Worrying for nothing, it seemed…
"Oh, I was just thinking about the movie. Best I don't think about it too much though; something tells me that would be a bad idea."
Ray nodded with a laugh. "What did you think?" he found himself asking, curious as to her opinion. He wouldn't share his own unless prompted… he didn't want to bore her.
"It was… different. Certainly a change of pace anyway. The last movie I watched was 'Bridget Jones'." She cleared her throat after this revelation, even as Ray stifled a laugh. "Neela chose it, not me," she offered in swift addition.
"Right," he muttered, not convinced. He'd already decided not to tease though. "To each their own, I guess."
"And what about you?" she suddenly asked, nudging him with her elbow playfully, making his spine tingle uncontrollably. Trying to shake it off, he took a moment to seem pensive.
"I'm not sure… it seemed like it was missing something," he responded after a while.
Abby quirked a brow, either intrigued or confused. Her expression said it all. She was waiting for a continuation.
"Well, a lead actor who can express something other than irritation, for a start," Ray joked, drawing a laugh from his companion, much to his satisfaction. The sound of her laugh warmed him inside, and his smile remained. "But other than that… it was cool, to put it simply."
"Do I dare ask for a further opinion?"
Ray eyed her sidelong. "No, you don't."
Abby laughed again, a crystal sound that cut through the chill of the evening, and Ray's smile grew a little more. If it was the last thing he did, he would hear that again, and as free as it sounded just at that moment… a perfect sound.
"So," Abby began when she'd calmed herself, brushing a stray tress of her hair from her cheek, "what now?"
"Well…" Ray consulted his wristwatch. "It's a little after ten. What time's your next shift?"
"Tomorrow night."
"Ooh, lucky," he joked, seeing her apologetic expression before he laughed. "I'm kidding; mine too."
They were silent for a few moments as the atmosphere between them settled comfortably. Ray was enjoying himself, even in the quiet.
"So… you didn't answer my question." Abby nudged him again, and it took all of Ray's self control not to shudder again, even as he met her gaze, having to look down slightly to make eye-contact.
"Well, what would you like to do?" he returned, cocking his head. At her puzzled expression, he explained, "I'm being polite… letting the lady decide."
"Oh, I see," she laughed quietly. "Well, in that case… give me a few minutes. Remember I'm not great at spur of the moment decisions."
"Maybe ER doctor is a bad idea then," he teased with feigned seriousness, pulling a face that was somewhere between shocked and disappointed. He received a light smack on the arm for his trouble… not that he complained.
"That's different. Be quiet so I can think."
Ray smirked, but kept to himself for a time so she could do as she promised. Walking along the street, they passed other couples and group, all of whom kept to themselves. Ray let his eyes follow them subtly, not meaning to be intrusive; he didn't want to offend anyone.
"How about a coffee or something?"
He turned his head to Abby quickly, seeing her looking at him, and after a moment, he smiled and nodded. "Coffee's good. Where to?"
"I was hoping to have your help on that bit… where's good around here?"
"Well…" Ray furrowed his brow pensively as he considered options. "There's a place a block from here that's open late and does a decent coffee." He saw her nod, and then, cautiously, added slowly, "Or…"
Abby waited, and when her patience wore out, asked, "Or?"
"Or I have coffee at my place."
To Be Continued
