Fins and Fangs

[notthatcrazy]

The team's had a few rough cases lately, and it's finally time to lie low and let the heat die down a bit. Face had managed to scam them a small apartment (he doesn't know how, and he's decided he's okay with that) and it's the first time in months they've stayed somewhere with a cable connection.

Just when you thought it was safe to turn on the Discovery Channel...

Comments

[notthatcrazy]

"I try not to."

He recognizes an attempt at distraction when he sees one, but he's happy enough to accept it.

"Hmm... where to start..."

[notjustaface]

There are some things he knows are better left for when he's more emotionally available. Right now, they've both got to keep their heads on straight.

"Start with what you like best."

[notthatcrazy]

He takes a moment to consider the question.

"I dunno, man... I mean, I keep sayin' they're not just mindless killers, but they are... really good at bein' predators."

He chuckles quietly at his own contradiction.

"Sometimes I think it'd be so awesome to see one in the wild, but then I think I really wouldn't want to."

[notjustaface]

"I can see that," he nods slightly, seeing just a hint too much to identify with in a predator being considered an otherwise mindless machine.

"I'll take you out on the ocean sometime, we can get up close."

[notthatcrazy]

"Mmm, that'd be nice."

It's hard to think about the future sometimes. The uncertainty of life on the run tends to wear on him.

[notjustaface]

For Face the future is still some abstract thing - the infinite "if" always hanging over him, but slowly Murdock's teaching him to believe that there will be a "then" and not just day to day or job to job. There has to be.

"Mmmm, out on the water... just us in one of those big bass boats." He can't help but grin a little at the thought.

[notthatcrazy]

He sighs, curling up tighter against his side, letting his hand slip a little further under his shirt.

"Someday."

[notjustaface]

"Soon," it's a promise he knows he can't keep, but it's nice to think that way.

Movement from the other side of the open window catches his eye and he's quick to turn his head to look.

"Think it's time for a perimeter check, buddy." He pats Murdock's stomach tenderly, eyes glued to the window.

[notthatcrazy]

"Right."

He snaps to attention, setting the nearly empty popcorn bowl aside.

Duty calls.

[notjustaface]

Snagging his gun off the table and flicking off the safety without a second thought, he passes the van keys to Murdock with an easy toss.

"Couple times around the block and then we'll park across the street. Ready?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Yep."

He catches the keys before grabbing his jacket from the back of the sofa and jamming his baseball cap back on his head.

"Lead the way."

[notjustaface]

The cargo van is no sweet ride, but at least it fits in. Tugging his windbreaker tight around him and adding a cap of his own (one of Murdock's castoffs that he likes to keep around... for disguises... mostly) he makes a quick line for the passenger side, keeping glances around him cursory in case they are being watched.

"Shotgun!" He smiles playfully back at him before waiting at the locked door to be let in.

[notthatcrazy]

He unlocks the door for him as he slides into the driver's seat.

"Nice hat."

Disguise. Suuure.

[notjustaface]

"Low profile." He flashes a bright smirk, leaning sideways for a moment as he slings himself into the seat.

"See anything out of place?"

[notthatcrazy]

"Looks kinda familiar," he teases as he looks around as casually as he can.

"Nothin' yet."

[notjustaface]

The tease is enough to earn an eyeroll as he turns to look at the window - saying anything else about it, of course, would only dig him in deeper.

"Yeah, looks clear - go ahead with the first trip. Take it easy, maybe three blocks."

[notthatcrazy]

He puts the van in gear and starts off at a nice easy pace, neither slow nor fast enough to be conspicuous.

"Looks good on you."

He teases because he loves, honest.

[notjustaface]

The smile creeps back to his lips slowly and he stares out the window for anything that looks out of place as he replies; "I'm borrowing it, okay? You got a new one, it's not like you need it."

He doesn't mean to sound defensive, but something about being called out on it makes him feel just a little needled.

[notthatcrazy]

"Aw, I'm only playin'."

He keeps an eye on the road, not really able to give him the attention he'd like to.

"You really do look good in it, though. You're not usually that casual."

[notjustaface]

Daring a glance over his shoulder at Murdock, he lets his smile show before turning back to the street.

"I know... it's my job to be the attractive, well-dressed one, remember?"

Which is really only his way of teasing back... a little.

[notthatcrazy]

Touche.

"Hello, have you seen your ass in jeans?"

That's not teasing this time, it's genuine admiration.

[notjustaface]

Fair enough.

Turning toward him again, his smile stretches; "Yeah, I have." And that's all ego talking, baby.

"See that black car? Try to catch the tags on it."

[notthatcrazy]

In this case, it's justified. Not that he'd say that to him outright.

"Shit.."

He turns his head to catch the plates on the nondescript sedan.

[notjustaface]

That was pretty much what he was expecting; "Government tags... great. Just what we needed."

With a deep frown, he pushed the walkie to radio in to Hannibal; "Boss, we've got a black sedan with government plates about two blocks down. Doesn't look good."

Face looks to Murdock as they wait for a response, offering a dim but frustrated smile.

[notthatcrazy]

He sighs as they wait for the reply, fingers drumming softly on the steering wheel as he continues the circuit.

This is why they can't have nice things