Disclaimer: I own nothing
As Kagome suspected the med-scan did not reveal any serious wounds, the impression of dire condition caused by many cuts and scratches peeking out from behind the dry smears of blood. Head hanging she shuffled to the shower. It wasn't that she hated to clean herself. Quite the opposite! She was a fastidious person, vigorously scrubbing the dirt away until her skin was pink-bright. She also loved the long soaking that relaxed the body and mind, her thoughts as still and calm as the water in the bath or the hot spring. And here lies the crux of the problem. They couldn't waste water on such lavish desires. She let an audible sigh resigned to the dull reality of sonic shower, the procedure more efficient and through than the traditional one but lacking in sensual stimulants.
Turning around when entering the bathroom attached to the med bay, she frowned at Ronan's trailing figure, his body lingering close to her, encroaching on her personal space "Let's not make it more awkward than it already is. I won't faint or slip so please scurry away." She shooed him with an impatient wave of the hand before closing the door.
Alone at last. She leaned on the wall, the forceful smile melting as the inaudible waves softened the dried tissue. She went to the grimy business of peeling of the disgusting clothes, digging out the chunks of skin and muscles from under her fingernails and combing out the unruly curls matted by blood. She methodically progressed, her moves focused and pragmatic until last pieces crumbled away and she was clean with nothing else to do, with nothing else to latch on.
She stood there, in the center, naked, alone, lost, eyes darting. Taking few steps back, her flight was thwarted by the cool wall. Her knees buckled and she slid down, curling up. Shivering all over, she bit on her fist trying to stop the wailing and sobs that threatened to escape. She knew if she started, she would never stop and yet despise her efforts the silent spasms rocked her frame and the salty rivers carved their beds in her ashen face.
Murderess.
Murderess.
MURDERESS!
Her mind howled as she gave in to the despair, the grief, the enormous guilt. Drowning her in it until there was no escape.
Tilting head back, she covered her eyes with palms as if hiding the tears could also hide the remorse.
An unexpected knock startled her out of her misery.
Smearing the tears across her swollen face she croaked "what?"
"Clothes" a muffled voice came from behind the door.
Scrambling up, she collected all the energy and acting ability, hoping it did not sound as if she just completely feel apart "Just" she cleared her throat, starting again "Just leave them there – I… I'll get them when I finish."
Straining her ears she waited for an answer which came after a short pause "Don't take too long. I'll be in the kitchen."
Relieved that her ruse was successful, she tidied herself up, stumped by the state of her visage. After some kneading and pinching, she gave up. There was nothing here that could help her hide the puffiness and the red rims.
Steeling herself for the inevitable questioning, she excited the room with her head high.
Kagome ambled through the ship, carefully controlling her pace but faltered at the threshold welcomed by the small feast spread on the table. Were these fruits? She looked disbelievingly at the explosion of colors: standing out yellows, blushing reds and regal violets accompanied by unassuming greens and browns. Small, big, long and narrow. Smooth, rugged, with thorns or soft flowing hairs.
She mutely seated herself in her spot waiting for Ronan to finish, looking at his back with dazed look, watching as he bustled at the counter.
He joined soon after, two plates with florescent, blue mush preceding him, their radiant hue having more in common with markers she was obsessed in primary school than food but hey – at least it wasn't the same white gruel as always.
Cheered up, she scooped a small bite, examining it first. Gazing at Ronan with question and not seeing any warning signs, she put it in her mouth where it flooded her taste buds with blissful sweetness. Eyes glinting with pleasure, she devoured with obvious relish.
"What's that?" she used the spoon to indicate the flaming, hairy oval that intrigued her.
Instead of answering, Ronan put it in front of him, removing the outer layers and inedible squash revealing three, brown orbs. Popping one in his mouth, he offered rest to her. Kagome picked up the smaller globe and with eyes closed, squashed it with teeth, incredible tartness spilling inside. Instantly swallowing, she rubbed the lips with the back of her hand, sputtering, her face twisted in a grimace.
She stabbed Ronan's smug expression with an annoyed look. He did not laugh at her but something in the corners of his deep eyes suggested he might, internally.
"Something less sour, please?"
He acquiesced picking an unappealing wrinkled fruit. The layers resembling an old, thick leather but hiding a soft, cooling mass peppered with black dots that melted on the tongue bringing a subtle flavor.
And their innocent game continued, each tasting underlined by the lighthearted playfulness, the food filling Kagome's stomach and the manner it was delivered her soul.
Slouching in the chair, she rubbed her bulging belly, her face brightened by contentment. "I should have asked earlier. Where did it come from?"
"Market place" he answered succinctly in a dry tone.
"You had time for this?" she lifted an eyebrow.
He shrugged "Some before –" he cut purposefully avoiding the elephant in the room.
She should be angry. She knows she should. Instead of sticking to her like a leech or following like a shadow, he took off to the market leaving her safety to the two trailing scanners but – but being there with her wouldn't change anything. There were too many mercenaries, too many civilians, too many stands, buildings, distractions. He would not make it in time and even in the unlikely event that he did, he could get caught in the process and that would be even worse. The end for both of them.
More importantly though, there was something heartwarming in the knowledge that he cared enough to remember her sporadic nagging about the blandness of the food.
She stood up, winking "Although you know how to spoil a girl, I believe you owe me a story."
A/N – I didn't plan to write for a week or two, I wanted to give myself some rest but I have received such amazing reviews that I had to, had to write something. Let me explain this. Reviews for me are not about praise (although it's verryyy nice :D). It's about being connected to my readers. Even though I don't know your names, what you do, who you are and we will never meet whenever I can see/read that someone gets my story, intentions, where I'm going with it – I feel like we connected, I have reached the like-minded people and this makes me happy.
This is a bit shorter than my recent updates but I hope you can forgive it considering I sacrificed half of my Sunday so it could come into existence.
Also, I am little anxious about Ronan in this chapter, is he too sweet too soon, too OCC? What do you think?