(no subject)

[gonna_live]

Simon's idea of making up for missing a week is for the two of them to pick something they want to do the next week. Something special. And they each get to pick something.

When you think of something you want us to do, name it and we'll do it, he tells her. Absolutely anything.

Kaylee doesn't know what she wants to pick.

Simon's pick is a fancy dinner out at some restaurant that's apparently got to be serving edible gold on a plate for how hard it is to get a reservation. And they have a dress code.

One problem at a time.

At their appointment, Diana suggests a trip to the formal boutique within the Galeries Lafayette, saying that they're known for being helpful and discreet.

What if they laugh, Kaylee says, and Diana shakes her head, and tells her they won't: the store is old, really old, and one of their business tenets since their reformation after the exodus is to be all things to everyone, no exceptions, no matter the event. One of the benefits of jamming everyone from Earth-that-was together -- some of us did learn how to get along, she says, and smiles.

Thus it is that Kaylee enters a small showroom within a ten-story department store, looking nervous, and almost hellaciously awkward.

Comments

[gonna_live]

"It's appropriate, ain't it?"

[simon_doctor]

That isn't what he asked.

He nods, though, silently.

[gonna_live]

"Okay," Kaylee says, soft, and turns to go back in the bedroom.

[simon_doctor]

The kettle starts to whistle, and Simon turns to take it off the heat; sets it aside, and rummages for spoons in the drawer.

[gonna_live]

She's wearing her pajamas when she comes out again, with one of his sweaters over.

"Heard the kettle," she says, leaning against the doorjamb.

(Everything hangs too big on her now, like a child playing dress-up.

She still doesn't have her scarf on, though.)

[simon_doctor]

"I was going to make cocoa," he says, looking over his shoulder. "D'you want some?"

[gonna_live]

"Reckon I could be convinced."




She waits until he's turned around again before padding forward, near-silent and taking no trouble with it, settling her arms around his waist, and resting her head against a shoulder blade.

[simon_doctor]

"Hey," he says softly, smiling.

[gonna_live]

"Mm."

It sounds like a sigh.

After another moment: "So. How'd your day go?"

(Sheepishly.)

[simon_doctor]

He finishes spooning cocoa into the mugs, and reaches for the kettle.

"It's looking up."

(Outside, dimly, there's a faint pattering sound. The rain that's been threatening all afternoon has finally begun to fall.)

[gonna_live]

"Yeah?" She lifts her head long enough to stand on her tiptoes, and look down at the kettle. "One day I'm teachin' you to do this from scratch."

[simon_doctor]

"That sounds nice." The spoon clinks against the mug as he stirs, and the scent of the cocoa blend wafts upward with the steam: chocolate predominating, with cinnamon and ginger and a touch of pepper involved in there somewhere.

"Do we want to be decadent and put cream in this?"

[gonna_live]

Kaylee eyes it critically. "It's mix. Shouldn't need it."

[simon_doctor]

"That's why it would be decadent," he says cheerfully, and pours water into the second mug.

[gonna_live]

"And it'll water down the spice," she says, muffled (with her face buried close to his neck, now). "You're gonna learn all this stuff, sooner or later."

[simon_doctor]

"I hope so." He picks up the mugs, and hands one to her.

[gonna_live]

"And then," Kaylee says happily, slipping her arm in his, "you can cook."

[simon_doctor]

"It'll be a whole new adventure."

Simon takes a sip of the cocoa, and smiles.

[gonna_live]

Kaylee lifts her head, and looks over her shoulder.

Rain.

"What do you got to do tonight?"

Work of some kind, she's pretty sure.

[simon_doctor]

He follows her gaze, and tilts his head consideringly.

"I've got some reviewing to do," he says, "but ... probably not more than an hour's worth."

[gonna_live]

She nods. "Okay." Soft. "I think... I think I'll just be on the couch."

[simon_doctor]

Beat.

"All right if I come join you there?" His hand finds hers, fingers twining. "For a little while?"

[gonna_live]

Kaylee raises her head, and looks at him gravely.

"How much room you gonna take up?"

[simon_doctor]

He tries to deadpan, and doesn't quite make it; there's a grin.

"Not too much. I promise."

[gonna_live]

"You gonna let me sprawl all over you?"