𝐒𝐎𝐊𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐀

( @disreguard )
            
            She could handle serious.
            It may not look like it, for most people. They all have this idea that Hawkeyes are chaotic jokers that couldn't handle it when things got real, but that was just the surface. In most part, deliberate. Intrinsic to their personalities, not *calculated*. But... sometimes, it could be strategic, too. It was fun to see people underestimating them— the surprise in their eyes was always genuine when the 'joker in the room' blew up their plans.
            She knows he's aware of those aspects of her. Perhaps, all he needed was a little reminder that she really meant it when she said she was there for him. That he doesn't need to carry all that weight on his shoulders alone.
            Maybe. Someday... they get to address all this.
            "Ugh, Mr. Charming strikes again!" she 'complained' jokingly, just holding onto him tighter— rubbing his back just like he was doing her.

  They seemed to both have things they struggled with,  and of course they'd understand that—  but Jack could say,  at least,  that he'd learned from his past.  He couldn't exactly tell his therapist  *everything*  without incriminating himself,  but he used a lot of comparisons.  And he understood.  He'd been misguided and jealous and sad and paranoid.  It was obviously more complex than that,  but...  y'know.  It was long-winded and a little too serious.  
              "Gotta make an effort for someone as pretty as yourself,  Katie."  The librarian was also quick to put his arms around her,  brushing his hand up and down her back,  as he rested his chin on the top of her head.

( @disreguard )
            
            Family, in general, tended to be a complicated topic. Pasts, too. He knew her better, though— he knew she would be trying to understand, right? She wasn't quick to judgements. She always gave him the time to explain himself.
            If he told her it exactly like that: 'I'm a k1ller', it would be shocking. There's no denying that. Especially because she never pictured him... well, you know. It was one thing to know about his thefts and his tendencies of getting himself into trouble— walking out of tight situations using his bare fists. But it was different to picture him with a weapon in his hands— hurting people. Or poisoning them. Or causing an accident on purpose to get rid of them. There must be a reason, right? Not an excuse. She was sure, knowing him, that he didn't do it out of *cold blooded k1ller heart*. That's not the Jack she knew. Nor the truth she knew when she looked him in the eyes.
            And you bet she would help him finding his older brother! That's what she literally did for a living as a P.I.! All he had to do was telling her...
            "Not yet? Oh my—" she grinned, wrapping her arms tightly around him, tucking her head under his chin.