Even in her most vivid dreams, there was some part of Adelle that knew she was dreaming. There was something about the hazy setting that gave it away. That and the fact that in her dreams, Adelle never had to act cool and collected in the face of even the most absurdly disastrous surprises.

Now, for instance. It was Topher in front of her, blathering on about some nonsense she'd rather not hear.

Except that it wasn't Topher. He was different somehow. Less annoying. More suave. Braver.

And he was looking at her body like she was his bag of secret starches.

And she said, "Just get it over with, will you? Sleep with me and be done with it; I'm sure you'll be a nervous wreck." And she would never say this if it weren't a dream.

And he said, "Don't worry, it'll be perfect Adelle. I am a genius after all."

And dream-Adelle rolled her eyes. But then, in a flash, in the time-blurring way that only dreams allow, they were at once naked and lying on her plush den rug. Mid-act.

And to her astonishment, Topher was good. _Really_ good.

His arms were, for some strange reason, quite strong and they held her in an unlikely position as his mouth wandered around her body. His fingers were working wonders on her.

And for some reason, as soon as she came, she said, "Don't forget to pick up your paystubs."

She woke then, and shuddered, disturbed by the partner her subconscious had chosen.

But when she saw him the next day, she couldn't help but see him as something other than the same old Topher.

Soon enough, she got over it, though. Mostly. But the next Miss Lonelyhearts request came in a couple of weeks later. Asking for a nerdier, more boyish update of her regular visitor.

Topher complied and did his job well. After so many repeats, he was beginning to think of this imprint as one of his better masterpieces. He mocked the client aloud of course, getting smiles from some and a typical stoic look from Adelle. But he wondered about this Miss Lonelyhearts, and dreamed of meeting her. As much as he hated to admit it, he had never had any woman find his 'work' so satisfying she kept coming back, desperate for more.

It was a dirty thought, Topher knew. But then, again, there's not that clear a line between a terrible thought and a good dream.

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AN: Originally written for the comment_fic on livejournal

Prompt was Topher/Adelle