The storm had passed and after taking Sukar home to die, recover, rest, she wasn't sure what would happen, she went to her apartment and let herself let it out. Darkness had fallen and there was a knock on her door.
She wiped her eyes and sniffed, but didn't move. She knew who it was. Nolan still hadn't found his own place and she could only guess Kenya dumped him. Why he wasn't making use of the other whores, she wasn't sure.
"Kiddo, I know you're in there."
She stood and it would seem she was going to the door, but instead, she reached for her jacket to put it on.
She threw open the door and pushed past him and down the stairs. She cared about him to give him shelter, but she had no desire to be around him. She tossed something back without looking over her shoulder, "I'll see you in the morning."
As she wandered down the street, contemplating going to spend the night at the Spirit Rider camp, she saw Tommy stepping out of infirmary. Their eyes locked and it was then she realized that Tommy had been hurt. Again. He sure got hurt alot. And she was hurting him too. She looked both ways down the street as she sighed and approached him.
Eyes locked in silence made Tommy furrow his brow, but seeing the features of her face caused his face to also soften and a small smile reached inside of her and her lips curved up as well.
"I'm sorry about Sukar."
She nodded and looked down, "Sorry about your side."
"Another scar. Chicks dig scars." He put his thumbs in his holster and stretched his back, causing a sting in his still-healing bring out a hiss.
Irisa rolled her eyes and took his elbow and walked toward the NeedWant. They walked in and Irisa's eyes spotted Kenya walk up the stairs. Kenya saw her as well and an awkward moment before she continued up with a client. Irisa sat and watched the area without expression.
Tommy watched her. "I'm here, you know."
She turned her eyes toward him and spoke flatly, "I know," before scanning the bar again. She spotted something on the bar and she stood without warning toward it. Tommy watched her and sat up in case it was trouble she was going toward. Seeing her pick up a book, he settled back down, shaking his head. He watched a small conversation between her and Tirra before she came back.
He watched her open the book and smirked as he watched her, "I guess I didn't picture you as a reader."
She looked up, "I didn't picture whores as readers either. Tirra said I could borrow it. I was going to anyway. She just caught me."
He chuckled at her deadpan, trying to hide the wince it brought forth. "So, Moby Dick? Is that some form of erotica?"
She gave him a sour look and shoved it toward him, "It's about a man given a mission by his god to destroy a whale."
He looked at it, realizing she was being serious. "Relatable?"
"I'll get us some food."
After eating in silence, she declared, "I'm coming home with you."
Tommy looked up and his mind wheeled. Was she taking him up on his earlier offer? He just nodded and stood hoping his side would hold out. She's not an exactly gentle lover.
Once in his small home, she looked around, found his bedroom, walked in and shut the door. He stood in the middle of his kitchen/living room perplexed and holding Moby Dick. He soon heard her crying and went to the door, putting a hand on it. "Irisa..."
He heard it barely through the sobbing and the broken breathing. "I know."
He nodded, knowing she couldn't see it and settled on the couch and opened the book.
Hours later, but still very dark outside, Irisa stepped out of the bedroom and saw Tommy asleep on the couch with the book spread over his chest. She moved to him and picked up the book and set it on the table.
She shifted his shirt to check on his wound and looked up to his face as he squirmed. His eyes opend and she pulled his shirt down, "Go to bed. You need rest." As she stood, she felt a hand on her hip.
She looked down and then at him causing him to smile, "You think I'm stupid enough to grab your wrists?" He sat up and tried to gently pull her toward him. He was not one bit surprised she stepped back, "Irisa..." He stood and put his hands on her waist, "Join me in bed."
She shook her head and jerked away.
He ran his hand over hie head, "Ok, I guess it seems I only want one thing. And believe me, it's great being with you, but..." He moved toward her again, "I just want to be there for you. Nothing has to happen. Just let me hold you so you're not alone in your grief."
She sniffed and nodded as she fell into his arms. He gritted his teeth, but ignored the pain as he led her into his bedroom again and held her. They both fell asleep. Dealing with the aftermath left on the city came tomorrow.
Dealing with the aftermath of a heart-broken woman whose mask was being washed away by tears was his priority now.