A/N: Don't ask where this came from, just missing these idiots (especially Lucy's face). Thank you all for your continued fav'ing and reviews, they never cease to make me smile, even if my inspiration is quite sparse at the moment, and I'm trying desperately to get my BA thesis done.
The summer heat has crept into the thick walls of the orphanage. Unusually high temperatures even seem to have drained the children's limitless energy, and everyone moves in slow motion. Sounds are muffled, ears straining to hear the rustle in the trees promising a long awaited breeze that does not want to come.
She is taken by surprise when he appears in her doorstep (for while the kids are playing outside, skimpily dressed, there is always work for her to do), immaculately dressed, as always; but his appearance is slightly ruffled, the heat leaves traces in the redness of his cheeks, and his movements speak of discomfort. She looks up, and smiles - the sight of him is almost as refreshing as a gust of wind, she thinks, as she pushes back a lock of hair that obstructs her view.
"This heat makes even criminals lazy," he explains sheepishly, no word of apology for his long absence. Too long, says the look in her eyes (making him avert his own; he knows), but she is glad to see him nonetheless.
"Would you like a glass of lemonade?" she asks, gracious as always, as she walks past him (close enough to feel his heat) through the door, not waiting for his reply, and heading for the kitchen (he follows, close behind). She hands him a glass (cool to the touch, and already the thought of it refreshing), their fingers meet (breaths hitch).
It's been too long, and they both know it; yet neither speaks a word as they sip silently, avoiding awkward conversation. But then, his glass is empty. He gets up and meets her (leaning against the counter) and places a tentative, questioning hand on her waist. Apologies and longing pass between them as their eyes meet; the response of her body says enough: forgiven, forgotten - time and distance erased by his touch.