This story picks up pretty soon after "validation." As it deals with the next stage of Kate and John's relationship, I thought a new story would be appropriate. They're still not my characters, I just do with them what I will. J
consummation
prologue : circadian rhythms
Kate would have never believed that she would miss routine. At one time in her life she had longed for it; life as an army brat had stressed her out, and when they had finally settled in the L.A. area she had welcomed the consistency. But, as human beings will do, she eventually became sick of the sameness and longed for adventure.
And boy had she found it.
She and John tried to pass the time just grateful to be alive, but—that bothersome humanity again—they were often incredibly bored. Their increasing attraction to each other, and the foreknowledge that they were supposed to be attracted to each other, was making things increasingly awkward. It was too lonely to spend much time alone, but together the combined weight of their future roles and present situation made them tired and not often up for light conversation.
John knew they were being stupid, that his mother's words still rung true for them—every moment was a gift, and all too soon their lives would become far too complicated for quiet reflection or private time.
But knowing these things and expressing them aloud to Kate were two wholly different ideas.
He watched Kate closely as they struggled to keep a day-and-night cycle (no easy feat without a clock), unaware that she was watching him just as closely. Someone would have to say something, make some sort of move, at some point, but there were too many issues in the way.
Sometimes when Kate would laugh at something he said, or tuck her hair behind her ear, or blink a certain way, he would almost say something.
Sometimes when John would smile at her, or run his hand through his hair, or breathe a certain way, she would almost say something.
. . .How fair was it to have the eyes of the future upon you when pretty much all you were trying to do was ask someone to go steady?