Take A Chance On Me
By Laura Schiller
Based on: Lunar Chronicles
Copyright: Marissa Meyer
"Oh, Captain," Iko sighed over the speakers. "I can't believe this! You're not seriously hurt, are you?"
"Just fine, Iko. A few bruises never hurt anyone."
Thorne shrugged and slumped into his seat, even knowing she couldn't see him. Proud as he was of the Rampion's size, right now he wished it were bigger - big enough that at least one member of their motley crew wouldn't find out how his supply run in an obscure American village had devolved into rejection by a woman who mistook his signature grin for an invitation to punch him in the eye.
"Cinder says I shouldn't waste my time on women anyway. Says we've got more important things to think about."
"Yes, well … she may have a point."
"Way to rub it in, missy."
The temperature rose slightly on the bridge where he sat, at the same time the yellow lighting took on a reddish tone. Even as he held an ice pack to his throbbing eye, he couldn't help being bemused by Iko's creative ways of expressing her feelings. What was she trying to say this time?
"Er, Captain … you know, as soon as we find a different body for me, I would be more than happy to accompany you on that walk along the beach. Even if the sand does get in my gears, it would be worth it."
A pause. Thorne felt his eyebrows shoot halfway to his neatly gelled hairline. Really?
"For goodness' sake, Cinder, calm down!" Iko snapped suddenly, responding to something said in a different cabin. "I said a walk, not – That is absolutely none of your business!"
Thorne could only imagine what his irascible cyborg shipmate must have said. He clapped his hand over his mouth and shook with silent laughter, which he would not for the world have allowed his sweet-natured ship to hear.
"That's real nice of you to offer, hon," he said warmly, once he had caught his breath. "I'll keep it in mind."
"Thank you," said Iko, flickering the light above him, in what he had learned to recognize as a giggle.