complexities | ic contact for ruby city

[ok so their first meeting had not been stellar but as steven pointed out it's valentine's day and matt is just a giver, really, so he shows up where she's staying with a really nice bouquet of red flowers. red is kind of his favorite color, just saying.

he knocks on the door and hes a perfect picture of warmth and well meaning!! how could you possibly turn him down elektra]

[The last time a man came to her door with flowers she was nineteen years old. Her Matt had gotten her the orchid she loved. She never asked how he managed it as an ultra poor college student. All she remembers is treasuring them and how they made her feel. Opening the door to a similar scene is a cruel echo of that scene.

If you thought she was upset before....] I will not be mocked. [This has to be a cruel joke.]

Hey, it's Valentine's Day -- I was surprised, too, since it was only just about to be Christmas, but that's beside the point.

[it's not a joke, but to say it isn't cruel is probably unfair. not that he intends it as cruelty for cruelty's sake, but there is just a little bit of wanting to mess with her after how she'd sounded mixed in with...well, the rest of how she'd sounded.

he raises his hands in mock surrender, holding the flowers so they don't fall all the same.]

It's not like there's an abundance of choice for gifts.

Your choice in gift is not the issue. [But, it is wrong. It's another reminder of how odd their situation is. She wanted to get away from New York and all the memories, but this isn't any better if he shows up with flowers on Valentine's Day. It's a punch to the gut not even denial can completely spare her from. She hates him for it.]

I do not want anything from you today.

Next time, I'll just bring a literal olive branch.

[he's still awkwardly holding the flowers I guess.]

You're in a new place, away from anyone you know - what's the harm in having some company on a day like today?

[There's absolutely none. That's the frustrating part. She can't even say he's a threat. She is Elektra. Nothing is truly a threat to her. She concedes this point by holding out her hand to accept the flowers. If nothing else, she can see how far she can push this and learn more about him in the process.]

If we are going to do this, I expect dinner too.

[ excellent :)) ]

Of course. Go big or go home, right?

I accept nothing less than the best. [She confirms as she inspects the flowers. Red is her favorite color so perhaps they're not that terrible.]

Where will we go?

Understanding that even my power has limitations, and I'm pretty sure nothing here compares to New York -- our choices seem to be: a tea shop, your pick of two saloons, or a nightclub.

[i mean it really is a tragedy he's used to living that sweet kingpin lifestyle and he and fisk don't exactly spare expenses in the food budget. but he has determination.]

Pick your poison?

[Three of those places sound like covers for an escape. Elektra is stuck picking the one that least offends her rich girl sensibilities.]

The tea shop. [The quiet is something she appreciates if nothing else. She turns her back to him to head back into her dwelling.] I will be out in a few minutes.

[These flowers aren't going to care for themselves.]

[#relatable]

Sounds like a plan. I'll be here.

[There is a reward in doing things the right way. Elektra uses her time to carefully trim the flowers, put them in water, and carefully arrange them. God knows she never has a day where she looks bad so she doesn't even glance at a mirror on the way out. She joins him shortly afterward having realized it's hard to lead the way when you haven't actually been to said tea shop before.]

[it's all good - matt knows how to get there. more or less. he's tries his best to figure out where things are. he's always had a good sense of direction, but it does get harder with new places. this isn't that difficult of a problem, though, between the two of them they've totally got it.

sidebar: matt also never glances in mirrors! look they've got something in common]

You look lovely.

[it's a comment on the fact she went back inside, presumably to get ready (isn't that what women do before dates?) and also a joke. it hardly matters to him either way]

I'm a lucky guy, getting to go a date with a woman like you.

[that part isn't a joke, though.]

[She isn't supposed to be judging him based on her experiences with Matt. Moments like this makes it hard. Elektra can't help thinking of a teenage boy just so incredibly grateful to be any part of her day. She's not sure whether to slap or kiss him for it. Being ever practical, she simply slows her feelings. It's worked so far, right?]

You will be lucky man if you can convince me to stay. [Both an observation and a challenge in one go. She isn't known for indulging male egos for long. If she's bored, she'll bolt.]

[for all there might be similarities, there are differences, too. unlike a certain teenage boy, matt is much more about the challenge than about the flattery. he lights up a little brighter at the sound of it. he's grateful for her attention, sure, but more grateful for the challenge.

also, he loves himself. like way more than elektra's matt does, that's for sure.]

Challenge accepted. It's going to be a night to remember.

[She's amused despite her regular efforts to hate him for the sake of protecting herself. Elektra's lip quirk upward a smidge.] Words will only take you so far.

I know, I know.

[he waves his hand dismissively.]

I intend to back them up.

At a tea shop? [Is that doubt in her voice? Absolutely.]

Sure, why not? A little extra challenge just makes it more fun.

You're not easily discouraged. [That's a tiny point in his favor if nothing else.]

You have to work hard for all the good things in life.

[but hey theyre almost to the tea shop look at that]

ic contact for ruby city

special delivery actually; feb 14

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