Work Text:
"So where are we going?"
Amanda looks at Ian expectantly, mischievous and wide-eyed. She's often so earnest that Ian wonders if it ever doubles back around to intentionally misleading. It's not in her nature, she's proved it thousands of times over in the years Ian's known her. Maybe it's more that he expects the worst of everyone; maybe he gets irritated when they don't give him their worst.
This doesn't come across when he eloquently says "What?" in response to her question.
She's still smiling—no, actually, it’s a grin now. She’s getting some sort of enjoyment out of Ian’s confusion. “For drinks, dumbass.” She sobers up a little, straightening the casual posture she had into something more formal. “Unless you didn’t mean it.”
Ian blinks at her again, taking a little time to catch up. It had been a bit—a good bit at that, very funny, it will go over well with their audience. And—okay, sure, maybe there was a little hint of hope when Amanda joked about the two of them going out for a drink, but that had to be everyone’s reaction, right? Anyone in Ian’s shoes would have also felt their stomach flip and their face heat up when directly propositioned by Amanda? Right?
He’s starting to think this isn’t a bit anymore.
Amanda’s grin continues to falter, worried. “Never mind, forget I said anything.”
“No—“ Ian says it a little too loudly, which makes Amanda jump in response. Ian is near to positive that they’re looking at each other like scared wild animals, ready to run for the hills at the next loud sound. To combat this, he intentionally lowers his voice as he says “I’d love to.”
Blinking, Amanda repeats Ian’s earlier sentiment. “What?”
“Drinks. Tonight, if you want to. You and I.” It’s been awhile since he asked someone out in person and not over text; he hopes this translates better than his other attempts. “I’d love to.”
That warm, bright smile is back, this time tinted with relief. “You sure it’s not too gauche? Going out with the big boss?”
“I don’t know the meaning of the word,” and Ian kinda means it, but he moves on. “I don’t think so. It’ll be fun, yeah? Hanging out, getting to know each other.”
“We’ve worked together for four years, Hecox.”
“Okay, well—“ Amanda is laughing now, but Ian continues to try and salvage the situation. “That’s not what I—“
“I know what you meant.” She places a hand on Ian’s shoulder, squeezing it gently. “That’s what I want, too. I want to get to know you. See where this goes.” She tilts her head, overly coquetteish. “And maybe I want to seduce the big boss, but that’s between you and me.”
Ian’s mouth stays agape as Amanda walks away, winking over her shoulder. “Decide where we’re going and I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
Ian stays rooted in place for a few moments, savoring the residual heat from Amanda’s touch.