Meg's Journal, August 19, 1985

Got a call from Alexi. Something's wrong. I wish Adrian was back. I hate having to wake Billy, but there's no way I'm leaving him with only the housekeeper. It's too weird.

"Here we are," the taxi driver says, pulling to a stop.

Meg looks up from her journal. Shoves it into her purse and pulls out her wallet . "Thanks. Keep the change!" She passes the money through the grate. Purse goes over one shoulder, sleeping Billy is gathered into her arms.

Her side complains at his weight and the awkwardness as she climbs out of the cab. She ignores it, shifting him onto her hip. Bright sparks of pain flash across her vision, but she shakes them off, looking around as the cab takes off behind her.

She's taken two steps toward the building when Rorschach melts out of the shadows. "Friend is upstairs," he tells her.

"What happened? Was it the killer? She was hysterical when she called me." Meg opens to door to the building. Goes inside. The movement further pulls her ribs. Her head kind of swims.

Rorschach follows. "No. Boyfriend. Hit her. Tore her clothes. She was screaming. I stopped him."

"Did you kill him?" She hits the button to the elevator. Shifts Billy. He's still asleep, but he's slipping from her grasp. Her fingers are tingling and arms streaking with pain.

He shakes his head. "Stopped him. Got him out. Broke a window. Scared her."

The elevator dings.

Rorschach steps back. "Told him not to bother her anymore. If he does, will kill him."

Meg nods. Smiles wearily. "Thanks, Rorschach."

He just lifts his chin. Watches as she steps into the elevator.

The next thing she knows, she's on the floor, Billy's crying, and Rorschach is crouching over her. The world seems very far away. Kind of fuzzy and distant. She hears Rorschach saying something, but it's like through a tunnel. Indistinct and kind of echoed.

"Momma?" Billy shakes her shoulder, sending a streak of pain through her.

"I'm okay," she gasps. She tries to push herself up, but she can't quite. "What happened?"

"Fainted," Rorschach says. He slides his arm behind her and helps her stand. "Should have woke Boy."

Meg grabs the wall with one hand, wraps her arm around Rorschach. Between the two of them, they get her on her feet. Her side's on fire, though, and she has to lean heavily against him. Her head is on his shoulder, body slumped against him. He smells, but it's not overpowering, and it's familiar. Almost comfortable.

Fainted. How embarrassing.

Billy is sniffing. Looking at her like she's betrayed him, his eyes huge and watery.

"Oh, baby, I'm sorry," she says. Guilt compounds the pain. "Come here."

Billy comes over. Pushes his face against her stomach and holds tightly.

"Rorschach, can you hit the button? She's on the third floor."

"I know." He leans over and pushes the button.

The elevator doors have long since closed. The lift jerks into motion, taking them up.

The fuzzy feeling is clearing, and she comes back to herself little by little. "I should have known better," she whispers, stroking Billy's hair. "I just didn't want to wake him."

"Boy's tough," Rorschach says. "Aren't you, Boy?"

Billy looks up at Rorschach. Gives him a watery smile, then directs it at Meg. "I'm tough. You can wake me. I'm okay."

"I know. But, you still need your sleep. When we see Alexi, I want you to go to her bedroom and go to bed. Got it?"

He nods. "Is 'lexi okay?"

Meg bites her lip. Looks at Rorschach.

"Bruised," he tells Billy. "Cut on her mouth. Cut near her eye. A little blood. But okay."

"What happen?" Billy asks.

"Bad man," is Rorschach's answer.

The elevator stops. The doors open.

"You go. I have work."

Meg nods and gives Rorschach a smile. "Thanks."

He touches his thumb to her lip, then pushes her away. "Go."

Meg allows herself to be pushed away from Rorschach. She takes Billy's hand. Together, they leave the elevator and go to Alexi's apartment.

"Who is it?" Alexi's tearful voice comes through the door.

"It's me, Alexi. Let me in."

The door opens.

Alexi looks awful. Bloodshot eyes and hair all messed up. Not to mention the dark bruise on her eye, open and bleeding in the middle. The cut on the corner of her lips, which were puffy and apple red. Crusted nose and smeared make-up, her mascara turning her tears black down her face.

"Oh, Alexi." Meg steps inside. Takes the other woman into her arms.

Alexi begins to sob. She clings to Meg, shaking as she cries, bending practically double so she can curl herself against Meg's smaller form.

Somehow, Meg gets them both to the couch. She shoos Billy away, to the bedroom, feeling like an awful mother as she does. But she doesn't know what else to do. Alexi is inconsolable and hysterical; she probably didn't even realize Billy was there.

After about ten minutes, Alexi finally calms enough to talk.

"I knew he had a temper," she says. "I just never thought he was violent, you know? I've been feeling sick all day. A headache and just tired. But we had a date. We went to dinner, and then he came over. I tried to let him know I just wanted to be alone, but first wanted to watch a game. Then he wanted a beer. So, I got a beer, and we were watching the game. He was. I was dozing. Just awful. And he wouldn't get the hint. And then… and then the game ended." Fresh tears break out.

Meg takes a tissue from the box on the coffee table. Hands her one.

Alexi wipes her eyes. "He tells me that he guesses he'll go now, and I should call when I was ready to be a good girlfriend again. When I asked what he meant, he said that… that I was so quiet all night. Distant. It was obvious that I didn't want him around, and he thought that was… bullshit. And I told him I'm tired. I don't feel well. That we've been out every day this week, and I was sorry, but I needed a break. And he says… he says that I'm obviously not interested in a relationship. He just wanted to spend time with me, and I was acting like a cold hearted bitch. And I then I…" She closes her eyes, tears flooding down her face. "I called him a bastard. Told him how dare he. So he smacked me. Just… hit me."

"Oh, Alexi." Meg reaches out and takes her hand.

She shakes her head. "I couldn't believe it. I just stood there. Looked at him. He says… asked if I was going to apologize. For acting the way I was. I said something like, 'Excuse me? I'm allowed to have an off night.' And he hit me again. And again. The second time, it was so hard, I fell. And I found myself wanting to apologize. Wanting to tell him that I was sorry. That I was wrong. I was about to, when the window broke. I guess… I guess Rorschach broke in. I was too scared to look. I was on the floor, crying and I heard him beating Richard. Kicking and hitting and bones being broken. I just stayed there crying. Until he said… he said he was taking Richard out. I should call a friend." She wipes her eyes. "He threw Richard out the window. Followed. And then I called you."

"I'm glad you did." She takes another tissue and wipes a few more tears away. "So. Are you going to press charges?"

"I don't think so. Don't say it," Alexi interrupts when Meg opens her mouth to protest. "I know I should. And I know all the arguments about how stupid I'm being in not. But…" Fresh tears brighten her eyes. "I just want to forget this ever happened. I'm never going to see him again. I swear. If there was any doubt in my mind, this seals it." She takes the tissue and blots under her eyes. "If Rorschach hadn't broken in, I might. Eventually. But, uh… I don't want to complicate things for you."

Meg frowns. "For me? What do you mean?"

"Oh, come on, Meg." Alexi rolls her eyes. "You get jumped in an alley and come out with a broken ankle, but alive. The guy who attacked you is found the next day, dead. A few weeks later, you randomly show up at the house of a child pornography ring just before Rorschach blows it up. You get attacked by a kid recruited by the Knot Tops, that night, an entire subsection of Knot Tops get the ever living shit beaten out of them. Now there's a killer out there who's killed two women with similar names and looks and cars as me, and Rorschach kind of randomly rescues me from being beating by my boyfriend." She takes Meg's hands. Squeezes. "I don't know what's going on. I have nothing, you know. No proof or anything. But… is something going on?"

"I don't… I'm not…" Meg sighs. Pushes hair from her head. "Look, I know his methods are extreme. I don't agree with everything he does. But he saved my life. He saved Billy." She licks her lips. "He looks out for me. And, okay, I sorta asked him to keep an eye on you. Make sure that the killer didn't get you. So… But you should still press charges."

Alexi shakes her head. "Meg. Adrian Veidt is one thing. He's respectable. And powerful. Rich. Clean. But Rorschach is… honey, he's a psycho. I know he's done some good things, and I'm glad he saved you. Hell, I'm glad he saved me. I'm grateful, really. But he's unpredictable."

She ducks her head. Avoids looking at Alexi. "I know. But I trust him. He won't hurt me."

"You don't know that. I didn't think Richard would hurt me." She sniffs.

"He wouldn't hurt a woman who wasn't… attacking him or dangerous or something. And even if he does, I'll be fine. Or, you know. Not as bad as any other time I've gotten in trouble." She tries to smile, but it feels false.

"I don't like it."

"I'm sorry." But I think I'm kind of in love with him, she finishes silently. She bites her lip and sighs. "Okay. Let's go clean the cuts and get some ice on your bruises. And then let's try to get some sleep. You're taking tomorrow off, okay?"

Alexi nods. There's a look of resignation on her face. "Yeah. I will."

"Good." She takes Alexi's hand and rises. "Come on. Let's go."

Rorschach's Journal, August 19, 1985

Distasteful task last night, saving Girl's friend. Still. For once, friend wasn't acting like a whore. More distant. Man's attack was unprovoked.

Girl fainted today. Pain, from ribs. System put her in situation with dangerous man. System is broken. Girl is now broken. World is going to hell.

Meg opens her eyes. She's still exhausted. Half a day and most of the night at Alexi's. Fainting from pain from carrying Billy. Being uncomfortable in Alexi's bed with both Alexi and Billy in it. Pain, just in general.

She needs more sleep. But her stomach is growling.

She climbs out of bed and pulls on her robe. Since being hurt by Noel, she's been basically living in pajamas. Adrian bought her a whole bunch, soft, comfortable. Much nicer than the PJs she was used to. She was kind of getting used to being pampered.

"I will not eat them in the rain," Adrian is saying when Meg enters the living room. "I will not eat them on a……"

"Train," Billy finishes for him.

Adrian nods. Continues reading, "I will not eat them in a …"

"Box! I will not eat them with a fox," Billy reads confidently. Reads, recites from memory. Whichever, it's cute.

"Hey," Meg says, drifting further into the room. "When did you get back?"

Adrian's sitting on the couch, Billy next to him. He's got his arm around Billy, holding the book so they can both see. He's dressed casually, for him, slacks and a casual lavender shirt. His hair is mussed and he's got a smile on his face.

The smile deepens when he sees her. "A few hours ago. You were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you."

"Thanks." She comes over to the couch and sits on the other side of Billy. "Well. Go on," she says, putting her arm around Billy's thin shoulders. "I want to hear the story."

Billy looks between her and Adrian. He's beaming. Meg can't remember him ever looking so happy, neither before his placement nor after his rescue. But here, between two people who loved him, the center of their world, their attention, he was blooming.

She listened as Adrian and Billy finished the story. As Adrian asked Billy his favorite parts and what had happened. Adrian's promise that they could have green eggs and ham for breakfast tomorrow. And she guesses she drifted off or something, because the next thing she knew, her head was in Adrian's lap and Billy was on the floor, coloring and watching a video.

"Did I fall asleep?"

"Yes." Adrian looks down from file he's reading. Strokes her hair. "Billy said something about going to Alexi's last night?"

She nods as she sits up, pain stabbing her side. She shifts and leans against Adrian, trying to get comfortable. "Her boyfriend… or ex-boyfriend, hit her. I had to go over."

"You could have left Billy with Mrs. Saxon," he says, referring to the housekeeper.

"No, I couldn't. I'm not used to having a housekeeper or butler or any of these...domestic employees. And it would have felt weird. If you'd been here, it'd be different. But you weren't."

He strokes her back. "Sorry about that."

"You've got work. I don't mind."

"Billy said you fainted."

She sighs. Kid was a snitch. "I did. I shouldn't have been holding Billy, but I didn't want to wake him. The pain just kind of got to be too much, and, all of the sudden, I was on the floor of the elevator with Billy and Rorschach looming over me."

Adrian's mouth flattens into a thin line at the mention of Rorschach's name. He slides his arm around her shoulders and pulls her to him. "You need to remember to start taking care of yourself. It's all well and good to care for your friends and your child, but you have to take care of yourself. What if damaged your ribs more? And don't think you're not going to the doctors tomorrow to check."

"Yes, Mother."

Adrian smiles. Kisses her on the forehead. On the cheek. "You don't need to take care of everyone all the time. And, when you do, you have to use your head. You're human. Even I wore armor, remember."

She nods. Sighs and leans against him. "Rorschach doesn't. Just a few layers of clothes. It's scary."

Adrian stiffens slightly under her. He readjusts his grip on her, urging her to curl up, head on his shoulder. "No. He doesn't. But Rorschach isn't exactly what you'd call sane." He leans his head against hers. His fingers idly trace up and down her arm. "Still. I suppose he's done well for himself, considering. That doesn't mean he can't be hurt. We're all human."

"I suppose," she sighs. "I'll be more careful." She frowns. Chews on her lower lip. "Adrian."

"Hmmm?"

"How much trouble can I get in? For, you know. My… relationship or whatever with Rorschach."

Again, he stiffens. His hand becomes a vise on her arm, pain blossoming out, before he relaxes it. "I wouldn't worry. If the authorities ever did realize he's been coming to see you, you could always tell them you were too afraid to even think about calling them."

"I'm not going to lie. I'm not afraid of him. I've never been."

"If you want to stay out of jail..."

"I'm not going to lie," she says firmly.

Adrian sighs. "I might have expected it. You know, in some way, you're just like him. Unwilling to compromise even when it serves your best interest."

"Not all compromise is bad, I know that. But not on this. He's my friend. I care for him. I won't lie about that."

"Very well." He kisses her again. "If the authorities ever did take an interest in your relationship with him, I'd protect you."

"And him?"

He sighs. "I suppose. Maybe."

"You don't like him, do you?"

"I don't know him. Rorschach isn't exactly the type of man you really know. Out of all the Crimebusters, such as the group was, he was the only one whose identity I never discovered."

She raises an eyebrow. "Really?"

Adrian gives his eyes a sort of roll. "I know what he looks like. I know he's the local prophet of the apocalypse, although, unlike most of them, he rarely speaks. Just holds the sign and lurks on street corners. But I don't know who he is other than that."

Meg can't help but feel slightly smug. Finally, there was one thing that Adrian didn't know and she did. Sometimes, it was daunting being around the smartest man in the world.

"He was committed to making the world a safer place," Adrian says. "To punishing people who hurt others. But he's very… black and white. In his world, there is right and there is wrong. No in between. I find that as perplexing as he finds my view of the world." He shrugs. "Rorschach was always extreme. Always absolute in his views. But things got worse after a case went bad for him in seventy-five. A little girl was killed and he didn't get there in time to save her. After that, he changed."

"Changed?"

"He began killing most, if not all, of the criminals he caught. His temper grew impossibly shorter. I didn't deal with him as much anymore, of course, since I retired around the same time, but… but he was a changed man."

Meg nods. Worries her lower lip before saying, "He told me once that he doesn't really have any friends. One other besides me."

"I'm not surprised. Does he even talk to you, other than… whatever it is he does when he comes to see you?"

She looks up at him. "We talk. He's not extremely articulate, but he's smart. Just… short."

Adrian's lips quirk. "Short. You know, when I met him, he actually spoke in complete sentences almost all the time."

"The case probably caused some kind of mental break in him," Meg says, voice hardening. "It's not his fault." She sits up, pulling away from him. "Are you jealous of him or something?" She feels stupid saying it. Her cheeks heat up, because, when it comes down to it, why would a gorgeous, gay gazillionaire be jealous of a vigilante with hygiene issues and a possible mental disorder over her?

But Adrian seems to actually consider the question. His eyes go a little distant, and his head tilts to the side. And then he sighs. "Yes, I suppose I am. Rorschach doesn't have friends. He doesn't like women at all. I know why he's drawn to you, but I guess there's a part of me that doesn't want to share you with him."

The blush deepens. She feels hot, like fire ants are marching up and down her skin. "You're… I mean that's… You share me with a lot of people. I have friends other than you."

He hesitates. His fingers brush over her jaw, tracing the line. Up to her ear and around, where he tucks some of her hair behind her ears.

Finally, he says, "You're right. I'm being silly. I suppose it's simply a sort of professional jealousy. He's a mask, I'm a mask. You weren't as impressed with me after meeting him."

She laughs, but it's strained and sounds false. "Trust me, Adrian, I find you impressive." Her stomach gives a sudden loud rumble.

"Why don't I see about dinner?" He smiles, and the tension is broken. Mostly.

She returns his smile. Nods. "That sounds good."

He kisses her on the forehead, then gets up from the couch. When he's at the door, he turns. "Oh. There's a government function next week. I have to go if I want to continue my project with Jon." He puts his hands together and gestures to her. "Will you come with me?"

"What?"

"I'll buy the dress and help you get ready. Anything you need."

"Why can't you take Sonya or something? Isn't she who you take to all your official functions?"

"Sonya is my assistant. She'll be there, but as my assistant. I don't want her on my arm." He smiles charmingly. "I want you."

Meg groans. Lets her head fall back against the couch. "I'll think about it," she says, even though she knows that it's futile to resist.

"Wonderful."

Rorschach's Journal, August 21, 1985

Girl's friend's car was tampered with last night. Came on it too late to stop it. Or catch who did it. Frustrating.

She's dreaming the city is deserted, everyone gone except for her. She's in the middle of the street, screaming, looking for Billy and Rorschach and Adrian, but there's only empty cars and empty buildings and the wind sweeping trash down the street and the world starts shaking and…

She gasps, cutting off a scream as she does. Rolls onto her back, heart pounding, tears threatening and…

"Rorschach?"

He starts to step back from the bed, but she's too fast. She's up and her arms are around him. She clings to him, the dream still washing over her.

"I dreamed you were dead. Everyone was dead and it was just me. All alone and…" She breaks off, shuddering.

Rorschach stands stiff in her arms. His arms are under hers, pinned to his sides. He brings his hands up, though. Grips her biceps. Pushes at her, straining in the opposite direction.

She flushes. Let's go. "Um." She swallows, blushing hotly. "Sorry."

He clears his throat. Adjusts the scarf around his neck, the blots on his face moving furiously. "Just a dream."

"Right. Yeah. Just a dream." She pushes hair from her face. "They, um, the pain medication makes my dreams really vivid. Sorry." She digs her fingers into her scalp. Scratches, the dream images turning into fire ants marching over her skin.

"Don't take drugs. Would rather live with the pain."

When Meg looks up at her, Rorschach's head jerks down and to the right. He shakes his head. "You do. Take care of boy. Get better faster."

"I can manage the pain."

"Don't have to. Safe."

She hitches a shoulder. "I guess." Meg tilts her head to look at him. Pats the bed next to her.

He shakes his head. "Can't stay. Friend's car was tampered with. Won't drive. Don't let her take it anywhere."

"She needs the car. She's not going to listen to me. She'll want to get it fixed."

He shakes his head again. "Don't allow her. If necessary, she can take it to Hollis Mason auto repair shop. Probably trustworthy."

"Hollis Mason? Like, the original Nite Owl?"

Rorschach nods.

"Probably trustworthy?"

He shrugs. "Probably. At any rate, not the one killing women and leaving them in their cars."

A chill goes through Meg. She reaches for her pillow. Hugs it against her stomach. "It's not her boyfriend, right? I mean, her ex. I mean, the guy she was dating who hit her?"

"He's in the hospital. Couldn't have done it."

"Okay." She bites her lip again. "Does she know about her car yet?"

Rorschach shakes his head.

"Why didn't you tell her?"

"She's your friend. Only doing it to stop criminal. Only reason not using her as bait is…" He stops talking abruptly.

Meg flushes. "Can you guarantee her safety if she was, you know. Bait?"

He hesitates. His head moves back, to the side. Then he slowly shakes his head. "Nothing is sure. Can't make promises."

"But you can't make any promises even if you don't use her as bait."

Shrug.

"She knows about you. About me and you. I mean. That you saved her the other night because of me." Meg shrugs. Looks up at him. "Maybe she'd be willing to be bait. You know. If we ask her." Then, she wrinkles her nose. "If I ask her."

He doesn't say anything. But his shoulders loosen. He nods.

Meg smiles. "All right, then. I'll ask her tomorrow. Let you know tomorrow night."

He nods again. Steps back.

She wants to ask him to stay, but he already said he had to go. She gives him a small wave, a sad smile.

In a movement almost too fast for her to see, he's back at the bed. His hand is on her mouth, fingers brushing over it. Then, he turns and disappears out the window.

Meg lies back and tries to get comfortable again. The shadows are heavy in the corners of her room, and there's pain in her side. She's probably due for more medication, but she doesn't want to take more. Doesn't want to become dependent on it. There's something to be said for pain. It was honest.

She can't sleep, though. No matter how she turns and plumps her pillows, she can't settle down. She's too worried. Worried about Alexi. Worried about Rorschach. Worried about Billy, and what it'd do to him to take him away from Adrian when she got better.

Finally, she gets up. She can't sleep, and it was just frustrating her trying. She'll get some warm milk, then curl up with a book.

Light from underneath Adrian's door makes her pause. She knocks on it lightly.

"Come in."

Meg opens the door and steps inside.

Adrian's in bed, but awake. Sitting in the center of a huge bed, papers strewn around him. There's a folder in his lap, pen in his hand.

He puts the pen inside the folder and closes it when he sees her. "Meg. What's wrong?" He starts to push everything away, but she shakes her head.

"Nothing. I'm fine. I just… can't sleep."

Adrian raises an eyebrow. Frowns. "Did something… happen?"

Somehow, even without him saying it, she knows what he's asking.

"Rorschach had to leave." She curls her toes in the carpet. "Someone messed around with Alexi's car. He told me not to let her take it anywhere. Except maybe Hollis Mason?"

Adrian nods. "He should be fine. He's an upstanding man. Good mechanic, so I hear. I could," he adds, voice lilting, "have my personal mechanic look at it. If it's okay with Rorschach."

"I'm sure it would be. He just doesn't want, you know. For this to be a trap. Except, uh." She swallows. "I'm supposed to ask Alexi if she'd mind."

"Mind? What? Being bait?"

She nods.

Adrian sighs. Looks away from her.

"What do you think?"

Grey-green eyes come back to rest on her. He shakes his head and says, "I suppose Alexi is the best lead there is. If she is being targeted, it'd end it sooner, rather than later. And, with any luck, before anyone else dies. But it's not without its risks."

"I don't even know how I'd go about asking. I trust Rorschach with my life. But how can I ask Alexi to?" She sighs and rubs her head.

"Are you feeling all right?"

"I'm fine. Just can't sleep. I had a nightmare, and now this and everything else. I just… I just want life to go back to being simple."

"Go back?"

She laughs bitterly. "I wish it were simple. Something. Anything."

Adrian pushes some of his files away. Pats the bed. "Come here."

She crosses the room and climbs onto the bed. The comforter is thick and soft; it sinks under her weight as she crawls over to him and slides underneath the covers. Purple silk sheets, of course. She can't help running her feet over them, sinking briefly into a hedonism she rarely allows herself.

Adrian puts his arm around her and pulls her close. "Just sit down and talk to Alexi," he says, chin resting on her head. "Explain to her what's going on. What Rorschach's thinking is. Let her make the decision."

"What if she says yes and then she gets killed?"

"What if she says no and gets killed? If she dies, Meg, you'll feel guilty either way. It's inevitable, unfortunately. But, if Rorschach is able to catch this man, it will have been worth it."

"What if he's too late to save Alexi, but is able to catch him anyway?"

He sighs. Holds her tighter. "That's where things start getting less black and white and more into shades of grey. The truth of it is, sometimes you have to sacrifice the individual for the greater good. It'd be a tragedy should Alexi get killed. But think of the women who are saved." He kisses the top of her head, then rests his chin on it again. "It's just one possibility out of many. Sometimes, it's just a gamble."

"Life always seems a gamble. Just a trick of fate." She squeezes her eyes shut.

"Do you want me to have someone keep an eye on Alexi, too? For added protection?"

She thinks about it. Nods.

"Then it's done. I'll have someone on it tomorrow."

"Thank you."

He kisses her temple. "What's this about a nightmare?"

"Stupid. I've been watching the news too much. This arms build-up stuff. The constant threat that, any second, we're all going to get blown all to hell by the Russians. It's getting in my dreams. Just… you know. Me, alone. Everyone else gone. Everyone in New York, gone. Dead." She shakes her head. "Why can't Dr. Manhattan just, I don't know. Make all the nuclear bombs disappear?"

"I don't think even he has that power," Adrian says, his voice distant. "And, should he, well. There are still other ways to make war. It would be seen as an act of aggression. We'd be attacked."

"What if he took all the weapons away? Took…."

"Meg."

She sighs. "I know. I know." She squeezes her eyes shut. "Usually, I feel like, okay. I can't solve the world's problems, but I can fix the problems in my kids' lives. In this little bit of my world, I make a difference. Right now, though, I'm useless."

"You're not useless."

"I feel useless. I tire easily and I can't do my job. I'm not able to get back to my apartment to finish packing, I won't be able to move in to the new one when I was supposed to. I can't play like I want to with Billy. Just, everything stinks." She blinks rapidly, trying to keep the tears from gathering in her eyes.

Adrian takes her hand. "I've already hired people to finish packing your apartment. They'll unpack it, too. You're going back to work in a couple weeks. Your ribs will heal and you'll be able to play with Billy. Right now, though, you're tired and grumpy."

"I feel like all I do is sleep."

"It's what your body needs right now."

"What about you? You work all day, and now you're working all night, too?"

He smiles at her. "How about we both try to get some sleep?" Adrian lets go of her. Gets out of bed and gathers all the books and papers together.

"How are you coming on your work, anyway? Getting any closer to… discovering a cheap and more efficient energy source?"

"Well. We're trying. I think we might be a few months away, still."

"But months. Better than years, right?"

"Yes, it is." He puts the books on his desk, then come back to bed. Slides in next to her. "The world's going to change, Meg. Very soon, if I have my way." He turns off the lights, then shifts under the covers, facing her.

"Will it be better?" she asks.

He smiles at her. Runs his finger over her cheek. "Yes," he promises. "It will."