➹BEEPER

[intheblanks]

"It had better be an emergency."
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or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[It's a kind of love, Chase thinks. Stockholm syndrome was a kind of love. The bigger lie is that she's not capable.]

The city does death, it doesn't do dead. You're judging the condition here by your own world's standards. Here—different vital signs, still vital. Still you.

[He twists his own hands together without looking down.]

If you need a reason why I'd still want to hold your hand.

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

I think I do.

[It's not quite a shrug, just some vague motion meant to dismiss that she said it as she pushes to her feet. She thinks she's had enough of this for tonight.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[His foot nudges hers just slightly as she stands.]

I miss you.

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

Don't.

[A different commandment from 'don't care.']

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

I miss you.

[He stands up, slowly, after her.]

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

Well, now you've seen me. Any more notes you need to take?

[It's not quite fond.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

Are you headed to the boat or one of those?

[A nod indicates the apartments further back from the shore.]

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

It's easier to sleep on the boat.

[That had been her intention, to swim until her head was calm and then try to rest.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

And if I offered to walk you there?

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

[She frowns slightly, but rather than answer she just turns, pausing to glance back with a look that says he should be following her.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[It's no effort at all to catch her up, or fall easily in step, matching his pace with hers. If he turns his head he can see the salt drying on her skin. Had he brought one, he'd have offered her his jacket by now.]

You were worried about tracking sand onto a boat?

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

No.

[She was avoiding him. Now she's warily approaching her gangplank with him in tow.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[The tone was light - lighter, at least, than most of this conversation. He bites down lightly on the corner of his lip, and nods.]

Good. Because I might be gritty.

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

No one's invited you on deck.

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

I'm hopeful. No hands if you don't want them.

[They're clasped, now, behind his back.]

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

You'll have to pay me.

[It's a pirate ship, Chase. There's a price, and they've already discussed that Carla makes it difficult to understand what she wants.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[That response, at least, is one he's taking a while to work through.]

For access, or—?

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

[She almost looks amused.]

I'll let you guess.

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

Maybe if I knew the price.

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

[She stops at the end of the wooden plank, blocking it off as she turns to face him.]

I'm flexible. What do you think you can contribute besides making it difficult for me to sleep.

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[Another pause as he tries to make sense of her.]

Just donate what you're able? I didn't realise the City had a floating branch of the Salvation Army.

[He takes a step toward her barrier.]

Give me your hand.

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

[She's already pulled away from him once. Already left the home they share. Already cringed from him in the windows. She had meant to leave him on the steps. Her hand goes out, palm up, and she's watching him distrustfully.]

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

[She's pulled away from him more than once, and he's told her he's a patient man. He guides her fingertips, letting the palm follow and press down after them, against his chest settling over the place just below his clavicle where his pulse is most easily felt. He's not blind to how it's lulled her before.]

I'm not planning to keep you awake.

or steps leading into the sea

[dignity_misery]

[Her hand flexes, although she doesn't push, her fingertips lifted away from him.]

Go home.

or steps leading into the sea

[intheblanks]

Don't have one. [It's a quick retort but a quiet one. While he hasn't moved back, he doesn't chase her retreating hand.] What were you hoping to get from me?