undefinable-like-fire-and-heat:
The mayor had been just that - the mayor - for a long time, even after they first started talking every so often. Despite how casual the occasional shared coffee breaks were, Mick had always been acutely aware that this was just what it seemed like; conversing with someone who could very easily take away his job if he slipped up or had some sort of outburst. So he had been as cordial as he could manage; never losing who he was as a person in everyday life, but careful to curb it even if slightly.
Then in the aftermath of what had happened with Zoom, the two of them had spent more time together, discussing plans, talking about changes and fixes that needed to be made, and working to help heal destruction caused.
Somewhere along the way, he had let his defences down; stopped trying to hide little parts of him, stopped trying to walk on eggshells - something he rarely did as it was in the first place. Time passed, and before long, he became far more comfortable with Leonard than he ever thought he would be.
He certainly wasn’t complaining. A friend - ex friend, rather - had suggested it was a manipulation tactic, a way of getting on the good side of the mayor. Mick had shut him down with a quick uppercut; something that didn’t make it to the police, probably because the other man had known exactly where he fucked up.
Mick didn’t take kindly to accusations. Rumours he could handle; he really didn’t care, they were just that: rumours. But being outright accused of things, well… where once that wouldn’t have bothered him either, and he would have easily played into it… he didn’t appreciate it now. He didn’t need that sort of assumption in life right now.
And truth be told, a part of him didn’t want it getting back to Leonard. Because it wasn’t true, and the thought of some inkling being put out there that it was, and thus probably putting a strain on their friendship… caused just the slightest bit of anxiety.
The thoughts trailed off as Mick’s eyes were drawn toward Leonard’s arms, watching as he slipped his coat and tie off, still watching as nimble hand rubbed against what he assumed was a sore part of Leonard’s neck.
He broke himself out of that train of thought quickly, even as the other said something that made him take pause. Tempting?
Mick made a quiet humming sound, sipping at his drink. “Is it?” He kept his voice casual, same as before, but if there was a hint of a challenge in the words, he wasn’t going to admit it.
From their first encounter, even if he had been friendly && capable of holding more than an intellectual conversation with the guy, didn’t mean he didn’t have a few of his own guards up. TRUST wasn’t so easy for Leonard- his father wasn’t the type of parent that treated his children RIGHT but he was glad when his mother pulled him && Lisa out of that abusive environment when she had. Otherwise, he’s pretty sure he would’ve turned out much worse. Maybe wouldn’t be where he is today, who knew what kind of life he would’ve lead. It sent a cold shiver up his spine every time he thought about it.
It took him a little while to get used to the other man, enough to grow comfortable with without worrying if Mick would end up turning against him && betraying their friendship for a good enough bribe. In the back of his MIND he always expected hidden motives from people, he’s been hurt enough times where he’s able to identify these sorts of things. Except, every time he looks at Mick’s face, he’s reminded just how loyal of a friend he is so he really shouldn’t worry. && he hasn’t, ever since he came to that realization. Though he was CAUTIOUS with those around himself, he also saw the good in people && better appealed to that side if he was found on a good day.
If not, then he talked less && became more irritated as the day dragged on. Not wanting to DEAL with people so much but unfortunately for him, taking a day off wasn’t something he could do. As The Mayor, there are no breaks aside from holidays. Though not even then since he was always getting some sort of phone call from work. A REMINDER that he was never left alone for too long, something always coming up. Stilling his hand, Leonard smiled to himself, refusing to take the bait. Instead, he slowly slipped his hand out from his shirt && rested it at his side before scooting his butt to the edge of his seat sliding all that much closer to Mick. Though only so that he can pour some more scotch in his glass.
His FRAME meek && yielding, the sound of the decanter lightly CLINKING against his glass could be heard as liquid poured into it. “ I love the suggestion in your tone.” He admits in a drawl as he reclines back in his seat, regardless of the fact that he was closer to his friend now. Turning his body sideways so he was facing the other, he rested his elbow on the back of the couch as he leaned his temple against his fist. CONSIDERING the older man for a moment. “But-” He allowed them a tender quiet moment as he looked down at the other through half lidded eyes before looking back up into Mick’s INTOXICATING ones && finishing with, “Well. To be completely honest, I wouldn’t mind doing it again. Though this time, I’d actually give you the choice.” With that, his gaze dropped to his drink as he pressed the glass to his lips && drank.