Honestly? Ainsley hasn't thought about the fact that Peter hasn't called. Not because she didn't want him to, but she's not the 'sit and wait by the phone' kind of girl. She's got her own life and job to tend to, and Malcolm's been chasing down the The Scrapyard Slayer. She's been maybe-kinda-sorta competing with him to solve it again. Sibling rivalries, right?
If Peter's caught a news highlight reel over these last handful of days, he might have seen her. Perhaps that is what fuels him to text her? The world may never know.
She's perched in her father's old hobby room, looking at some of his journals when her phone goes off. She blinks, and glances up. Her whole body has gone stiff from not moving. How long has she been down here anyway?
She picks up her phone and squints at the message. It takes her a moment to place with the idea of who might be texting her, that's not already in her contacts.
Oh, Peter most certainly caught a few snippets of Ainsley's work on the news. It was a habit by now to leave the television on in the evenings, a little background noise to fill the empty silence of his home. That familiar voice has caught his attention more than once in the days prior, the person on screen was a stark contrast from the person he met but Peter expected nothing less. Still, that drive and passion remained ever vigilant.
It's a good few seconds, maybe even a minute or two before his phone goes off again. In that time, he takes the opportunity to add her name and number to his contacts. When he's met with his own name in a question, his smile widens. It's good to know that he wasn't easily forgotten.
Good memory
Although, he highly doubts that someone like Ainsley would be so forgetful, especially in her line of work. While he doesn't know the details involved, it's safe to assume that she needs to commit many facts to memory to relay the information.
Look, I know it's been a few days... Are you still interested?
This part is easy-as-breathing. Snappy commentary is sort of her thing. But there’s a shift in the weight of the air in the room when he asks that. He doesn’t have to explain further. She remembers what they were talking about before. The suggestion made. Now being turned into an offer.
Her heart speeds up, her stomach in somersaults suddenly and she can’t stop the half-laugh as she reads the text again. Is this actually happening? God, what would Malcolm think? Their mother?
Their father.
She rolls her lips together and taps out a response.
I’m still interested.
Even if someone came across her phone, this exchange looks innocent. A date being followed up on. Nothing more.
Peter can practically hear that tone in her text, and he can't help but think back to their initial encounter and the kind of energy she exuded; energy he hopes will provide an edge. Almost immediately, the message pulls a chuckle from him as he collapses to the couch in his living room.
Good money, I hope. You're rather good at what you do.
And honestly, 'good' is an understatement. But it also lets her know that she hadn't strayed too far from his mind, nor the suggestion that was made. Honestly, he never thought he would find himself in that sort of situation where secrets were laid bare, but after meeting Ainsley, he was rather thankful for the experience.
Three simple words... but these three words carry a lot of weight and promise. A wave of relief floods through him, akin to what he felt after his first murder when the paranoia melted away.
When are you free? I can pick you up and take you to this nice little place that I know of... Or if you'd prefer to choose
He's smart enough to know that he can't be too blatant about their real plans, it's far too sloppy and could potentially be used as evidence if anything were ever to go awry. Something he's not exactly worried about, but still, phones can get lost or hacked.
Catching Ainsley's reports during the day wasn't as easy, especially with his busier-than-normal work schedule, so he relied heavily on the evening highlights.
Perfect, how does 7PM sound? Don't forget to text me your address.
Once they settle on an agreed time, Peter is sure to show up a few minutes early. It's another one of his habits, ingrained from his upbringing but also greatly influenced by his enthusiasm. A craving to witness this other side of her. Peter only caught a glimpse when she spoke about it, but it was more than enough to pique his curiosity.
And as anticipated, he's there, outside the address she provided, several minutes earlier than what was agreed upon. There's a buzzing sensation running through his limbs as he sits in the driver's seat, one hand on the steering wheel, the other holding his phone in preparation. There's a lingering thought... if they should start off with a bang, or if he should ease her in. Time will tell... as will her body language.
Peter only lets a few minutes pass before he opens up their text messages:
Hey, I'm here early. Take your time.
A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth when he hits send.
Easing her in is the safest bet. Show her around his secluded building, his tools, walking her through his process and how not to get caught. He's been at this a while, he knows all the angles, the locations.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2021-07-03 11:38 am (UTC)If Peter's caught a news highlight reel over these last handful of days, he might have seen her. Perhaps that is what fuels him to text her? The world may never know.
She's perched in her father's old hobby room, looking at some of his journals when her phone goes off. She blinks, and glances up. Her whole body has gone stiff from not moving. How long has she been down here anyway?
She picks up her phone and squints at the message. It takes her a moment to place with the idea of who might be texting her, that's not already in her contacts.
The thought of him brings a smile to her face.
Peter?
God, she hopes she's right.
no subject
Date: 2021-07-18 06:12 am (UTC)It's a good few seconds, maybe even a minute or two before his phone goes off again. In that time, he takes the opportunity to add her name and number to his contacts. When he's met with his own name in a question, his smile widens. It's good to know that he wasn't easily forgotten.
Good memory
Although, he highly doubts that someone like Ainsley would be so forgetful, especially in her line of work. While he doesn't know the details involved, it's safe to assume that she needs to commit many facts to memory to relay the information.
Look, I know it's been a few days...
Are you still interested?
no subject
Date: 2021-07-22 08:41 am (UTC)This part is easy-as-breathing. Snappy commentary is sort of her thing. But there’s a shift in the weight of the air in the room when he asks that. He doesn’t have to explain further. She remembers what they were talking about before. The suggestion made. Now being turned into an offer.
Her heart speeds up, her stomach in somersaults suddenly and she can’t stop the half-laugh as she reads the text again. Is this actually happening? God, what would Malcolm think? Their mother?
Their father.
She rolls her lips together and taps out a response.
I’m still interested.
Even if someone came across her phone, this exchange looks innocent. A date being followed up on. Nothing more.
no subject
Date: 2021-07-23 01:06 am (UTC)Good money, I hope. You're rather good at what you do.
And honestly, 'good' is an understatement. But it also lets her know that she hadn't strayed too far from his mind, nor the suggestion that was made. Honestly, he never thought he would find himself in that sort of situation where secrets were laid bare, but after meeting Ainsley, he was rather thankful for the experience.
Three simple words... but these three words carry a lot of weight and promise. A wave of relief floods through him, akin to what he felt after his first murder when the paranoia melted away.
When are you free?
I can pick you up and take you to this nice little place that I know of...
Or if you'd prefer to choose
He's smart enough to know that he can't be too blatant about their real plans, it's far too sloppy and could potentially be used as evidence if anything were ever to go awry. Something he's not exactly worried about, but still, phones can get lost or hacked.
no subject
Date: 2021-07-27 05:06 pm (UTC)memy reports?That makes her beam. Even her own family doesn't, at least half the time, so it's a point of pride in knowing she caught his attention that much.
Lucky for you, I'm free tomorrow night.
I don't mind surprises.
no subject
Date: 2021-07-29 05:23 pm (UTC)Catching Ainsley's reports during the day wasn't as easy, especially with his busier-than-normal work schedule, so he relied heavily on the evening highlights.
Perfect, how does 7PM sound?
Don't forget to text me your address.
Once they settle on an agreed time, Peter is sure to show up a few minutes early. It's another one of his habits, ingrained from his upbringing but also greatly influenced by his enthusiasm. A craving to witness this other side of her. Peter only caught a glimpse when she spoke about it, but it was more than enough to pique his curiosity.
no subject
Date: 2021-08-22 07:47 pm (UTC)Perfect.
She tacts the address in the next text and ends the conversation with:
I'll see you tomorrow night.
The entirety of the next day is going to feel like it will never end, because she's on pins and needles for this date.
no subject
Date: 2021-09-04 09:23 pm (UTC)Peter only lets a few minutes pass before he opens up their text messages:
Hey, I'm here early. Take your time.
A smile tugs at the corners of his mouth when he hits send.
Easing her in is the safest bet. Show her around his secluded building, his tools, walking her through his process and how not to get caught. He's been at this a while, he knows all the angles, the locations.