[milliways] Run Home

[dejah_thoris]

 After their run around the lake was ended by meeting Curtis's unfortunate partner in the whole body swap debacle, Dejah headed back to the room for a good long shower.  It was pure indulgence, standing under the hot water for so long, but she was allowed.  Here, anyway.  She'd be extremely mindful of bringing these bad habits back to Helium with her.

Her mind keeps going over the implications of Curtis having a double here.  A doppelganger who is genetically enhanced somehow.  Healthy and whole.  It makes her wonder if she's not doing enough to make sure he's healing.  Replacing the arm was one thing, but an extended period of malnutrition and captivity left other physical scars.

It is all a work in progress, one that will take many years to see gains.  Much like the Work back in Helium.  She makes a mental note to research the drawings he'd spoken of.  If there is any record of all of his time on the train, surely the library here will have it preserved.  Maybe something to help Edgar understand the whole picture.  Even if he can never forgive, the least he can do is to try to understand it.  

She steps out of the shower and towels off, still turning over the human ideals of morality, of fairness and justice.  She tries to put the thoughts aside for now, knowing full well, she can easily drive herself mad if she doesn't.  Instead, she dries her hair and tries to clear her mind.

And not think about random magical spells that could rip her consciousness from her body and put into another's.  Yeah, comforting.

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[dejah_thoris]

For the first time, she's relieved he can't feel the deep current of longing, of hunger, still running under her skin. Her palms smooth over his chest again, down his shoulders, and still, the ache sings in her bones. They're here, and no one in Helium need ever know. But she would know.

She breathes deep, inhaling his scent again, trying to drown herself in it for just another moment.

"There," she says, trying to sound measured and collected. "How does it feel?"

[2goodarms]

"Well," he says, diplomatically, "it's not as bad as being in another body."

[dejah_thoris]

The corner of her mouth quirks up and she wrinkles her nose at him. She understands.

"You look amazing," she whispers, shimmering sparks rising from the edges of her words. And through it all, a deep appreciation for his willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

[2goodarms]

He huffs out a laugh. "Thanks."

That tiny, fluttering anxiety's started to creep back, in spite of himself. Is this what you want me to look like all the time? He'll get used to it, he's sure he'll figure out how to get used to it, it's just...

He doesn't know what he's doing, up here in the Front.

Curtis tries to cover by reaching for his suit jacket. The tie stays balled up on the bathroom counter.

[dejah_thoris]

She reaches for the tie, and makes a tiny noise of surprise.

"Oh this is clever. It's already tied. You just need to slip it on and tighten it up!"

[2goodarms]

" -- Oh, hey."

That's handy. Curtis's eyebrows lift; he beckons for Dejah to hand him the tie.

[dejah_thoris]

She brings it back to him and holds it up for him to slip his head through. Careful hands lift his collar and place it.

"You have to do up the top button, I believe." That accomplished, she slides the knot up and straightens it before folding his collar down. "There. It is not metal, but I suppose it will do for now."

[2goodarms]

"I've still got my arm," he says; as if to emphasize, he smooths his metal hand down the tie before glancing at his reflection.

...Damn. The discomfort flares higher this time, and doesn't fade right away, as he stares at himself.

[dejah_thoris]

Dejah slips under his right arm, and wraps her own around his waist. She feels the waves of emotion rippling off him like the chill off a block of ice.

She leans her weight against his side and pulls him closer, regarding their reflection. She cuts a glance up at him, silently inquiring if this is as far as they go. She'd be disappointed if they had to turn back now, but she'd understand. That he's come this far at all is a miracle, truly.

[2goodarms]

Curtis sighs. As always, her warmth thaws some of his uncertainty; he glances down at her, and manages a faint smile.

"Ready to go?"

[dejah_thoris]

She reaches up a hand to touch his cheek, her fingers lightly smoothing his beard. She rises on her tiptoes and touches her nose to his, stealing a soft kiss.

"Only if you are."

[2goodarms]

He returns the kiss, just as gently, before covering her hand with his free one.

"Ready as I'm gonna be," he whispers. "Let's go."