A Big O fanfiction by Grendel226 a.k.a. Arren Dracone
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Big O or any of the characters. All are property of Sunrise and their respective parties. This fanfiction is rated R for mildly disturbing images, mild violence and adult situations. As always comments are appreciated, and flames will incur my wrath. ;-) Note: Asterisks denote a major jump in time and/or location.
Chapter 5:
Duet in the Stream of Time
Roger and Dorothy dined together quietly that night, each enjoying the shared comfortable silence. Roger was glad the power had stayed off. The uninterrupted flicker of candlelight seemed to improve the meal's quality. Afterwards, they adjourned to the balcony as usual. Dorothy stared at the empty city and Roger leaned on the railing next to her. "It is good to be home," she remarked casually. "It wasn't the same without you," he admitted. That soft side of his was trying to show through again. He disliked the feelings of vulnerability that it caused. "I missed my alarm clock. Or rather I missed your expertise with the piano," he continued, fumbling for the right words. "I missed you Roger." He turned and found her staring at him with a faint smile on her lips. Wordlessly they embraced and Roger brought his lips to meet hers, noting she was indeed a quick learner. The kiss continued, uninterrupted this time, and neither wanted to break away from the comfort they found in each other. Roger was consumed with emotions and with thoughts of taking full advantage of Dorothy's humanity. No, taking advantage of her humanity was what Del had done. Dorothy would never be taken advantage of again; he would see to that. At last Dorothy pulled away from him and blushed, the synthetic blood rushing to her cheeks. "It is past your sleeping hour," she observed blankly. "Oh? Yes. You're right. Well…goodnight Dorothy." "Goodnight Roger." She left and he sank into bed, finding himself wishing her body was next to his. It was a cold night.
Dorothy sighed and shifted uncomfortably in her bed. Something was missing. She knew what it was. Another part of the dangerous game she was not bold enough to reach for and claim.
Roger stared into the darkness in frustration. His pride told him not to seek her out, but his heart told him he would regret not taking this opportunity for the rest of his life.
Sighing, Dorothy opened the door to her room. Her emotions had overruled her logic and she turned a sharp left corner when she collided with something soft and sat down hard as she lost her balance. Looking up through the darkness of the hallway she made out a tall, familiar form. "Roger?" "Dorothy!" came the surprised voice as he carefully helped her up. The realization fell that they had each left their rooms with the same intent. An uncomfortable silence settled between them momentarily before she took his hand and they walked quietly back to his room.
The pale glow of the city filtered in through the balcony window reflecting and refracting a thousand times over in the glass. Unsure fingers with trembling caresses. Uncertain lips finding certainty and strength in their kisses. The experienced led the naïve, as the two were locked in a perfect circle bound by kisses, and flesh, and whispered words. He found strength in her perfection, and she found affirmation in his humanity. Melded in body and soul, they shared a sweet and forbidden part of the dangerous game: two separate halves finding the sum of the whole. The night wore on, as they lost their painful memories of what it was like to be alone in a blissful tranquillity of knowing every curve of the body and every heartbeat of the other. Some amnesia of Paradigm was truly a blessing.
He stared into the dancing flames of the fire that licked at the wood
he had laid on minutes ago. Dorothy's head rested on his chest and
he absently stroked her hair with one hand, his other arm wrapped around
her, holding her close. It was mere hours before dawn now, yet they
both wished the morning would never come, allowing them to treasure this
night forever. "Roger?" "Hmm?" He felt too tired to form
complete sentences at the moment, a lazy satisfaction hanging over him.
"I remember." He knew the meaning behind the fragmented sentence
and he pulled her closer. He wanted to protect her from the memories
of Del. "While I regret that it was necessary to kill Del, I do not
regret the price I had to pay to be here now." Roger swallowed hard.
"But perhaps you would be here even if you hadn't had to pay the price.
Perhaps this would have happened even if you hadn't been made more human."
"I bruised your lips the first time. Had I not been altered, imagine
the state your body would be in now." He winced and conceded.
She had proved her point well. "I guess this is your happy ending,
right Dorothy?" She was silent a moment before she began: "No.
I have played a dangerous game, and the game will always carry the curse
of the flesh." He shook his head and gently kissed her upturned face.
She smiled returned his kiss, the light of dawn creeping in over their
forms, lost once again in the joy of humanity.
