I mean, me either. Already told you it's like playing whack-a-mole. No matter how many criminals I put down, there's always more.
( all the more reason this monolithic quest was neverending; was a snake eating its own tail; maybe wasn't worth pouring his whole life into and shearing off all the parts of him that weren't the punisher. killing any part of him that existed for something more than killing. when she asks about a ride, though, frank glances at his watch and realises how time has unexpectedly slid onwards. the coffee is utterly cold and sludgy by now, although he still disengages from her long enough to swig the last of it down in one straight shot.
he had noticed the waitress discreetly dropping off the check at his elbow, though. once upon a time, he might've missed that sort of quiet attentiveness — service people were stealthier and more unobtrusive than most thieves, even — but these days, he always noticed whenever someone moved into and out of his space. )
Could do with a ride, yeah. Faster than the subway.
( he tended to move around the city on public transit and by foot. he liked getting reacquainted with new york by the soles of his boots, getting his physical bearings. he fishes in his pockets and drops some crumpled bills on the table, paying for both their drinks and tipping generously, as he grabs his coat and slides back out of the booth, waiting for her. )
You still live at the same place?
( there's a good chance that frank keeps somewhat invasive tabs on her and already knows the answer to that question, but he asks it anyway. that semblance of normalcy. )
no subject
( all the more reason this monolithic quest was neverending; was a snake eating its own tail; maybe wasn't worth pouring his whole life into and shearing off all the parts of him that weren't the punisher. killing any part of him that existed for something more than killing. when she asks about a ride, though, frank glances at his watch and realises how time has unexpectedly slid onwards. the coffee is utterly cold and sludgy by now, although he still disengages from her long enough to swig the last of it down in one straight shot.
he had noticed the waitress discreetly dropping off the check at his elbow, though. once upon a time, he might've missed that sort of quiet attentiveness — service people were stealthier and more unobtrusive than most thieves, even — but these days, he always noticed whenever someone moved into and out of his space. )
Could do with a ride, yeah. Faster than the subway.
( he tended to move around the city on public transit and by foot. he liked getting reacquainted with new york by the soles of his boots, getting his physical bearings. he fishes in his pockets and drops some crumpled bills on the table, paying for both their drinks and tipping generously, as he grabs his coat and slides back out of the booth, waiting for her. )
You still live at the same place?
( there's a good chance that frank keeps somewhat invasive tabs on her and already knows the answer to that question, but he asks it anyway. that semblance of normalcy. )