@disequilibrate asked: [ MOVIE ]: while watching a movie together (and possibly being so distracted by the film that they don't realize what they're doing) the sender settles back into the receiver's lap.
The movie flickered in dim golden light across the screen, something vintage and noir that Ava had picked—though John couldn’t remember the name even if he tried. He’d meant to pay attention. Honestly. But somewhere between a sultry monologue and a cigarette-lit hallway, Ava shifted beside him and eased back with a sigh—settling squarely into his lap. It was fluid, like gravity had made the decision for her, and not for one second did she look at him or ask. She just… moved. Natural. Like it’d happened before.
John froze for a beat. His breath caught somewhere in his throat, his fingers twitching slightly against the cushion. He wasn’t sure if he was supposed to say something, do something. But she didn’t flinch or apologize, didn’t look embarrassed. She just leaned her weight into him like she belonged there. His arms, instinctively, came to rest around her waist—not tight, just… there. Steady. And hell if it didn’t feel right. He let his chin dip slightly toward her shoulder, catching the faint scent of something sharp and electric—Ava. God, what was this movie even about again?
Minutes passed, the film forgotten entirely now. John’s thumb brushed her side in a slow, idle motion, a habit formed in silence. The comfort between them was loud in its own way. He could feel the tension he'd carried all day unspooling beneath her presence. He didn’t speak—not yet—but a quiet smirk tugged at his lips. If she noticed where she’d ended up, she didn’t seem to mind. And for once, neither did he.