always had the best intentions, babe (always wanted to stay)
^Edit by @flythesail
For @pluckysidekick for the @secretsleuthexchange!!! Happy Sleuthmas, Michele!
Canon divergent from 3x13, Ace and Nancy navigate the threat of the curse. Read on AO3
“Is this what we do now?”
He freezes. “Do what?”
The room drops by what seems like ten degrees and she curses herself for opening her mouth and ruining the moment. Still, she has to know. “This—talking and laughing. Taking care of each other. Is that what we do now?”
“When have we ever done otherwise?” He asks, defensive and self-conscious.
The only time they did was when they did more, and they both know it. She sucks in a breath. “It’s just—are we friends now?”
“You said that’s what we are.” His eyes are suddenly on hers, aching and open, wounded but truthful. “And I do want to be your friend, Nancy. If the alternative is nothing at all, I want to be your friend.”
Ace punctuates his words by dropping the cloth into the sink with a wet plop and leaving, the sudden rush of cool air from the hall making her shiver again.
She closes the door quickly—to keep in the warmth, to hide—and meets her own gaze in the mirror. It had been just like before—normal, fun, easy.
Why did she have to say something and screw it all up again?
Read the rest
