This chapter is Reader PoV
Today was exhausting. I slept poorly due to the pain in my eye. Resolving that mess of a puzzle with Revenant's leg required a lot of brain cells and hiding the truth about my injure to my family asked a lot of energy.
I don't want them to be mad at Revenant so I told that I tried to fix a leak in Revenant chest and got liquid spilled in my eyes. Hiding part of the story ain't lying. They don't need to know more.
I know Revenant regrets what he had done yesterday and I can't be mad at him.
I also noticed that he made some efforts to ease my work today. He always positioned himself properly so I could see with my left eye without breaking my neck. He also remained calm during the whole process, even when it was painful or unnerving.
I would like to say thank you. Especially knowing how hard it is for him.
But first, I need a coffee. It's only four pm and I'm already feeling sleepy.
Once the beverage done, I enter Revenant's room and find him walking back and forth.
" Happy to walk again?"
" Can't wait to get the other leg."
" Understandable. And this time, we know how to connect all the wires. It should be way faster."
" Gladly."
" And then, we put back your left arm and you're ready to go..."
I realise after saying this that my tone was quite sad and he might have heard it.
I raise my head to cross his sigh and by the look he's gaving...
... Yup. He heard it.
He sits on the chair while staring at me:
" Hehe... You gonna miss me, don't you, girlie? "
" Of course."
He flinchs, clearly surprised by my honesty.
" How?"
"How what?"
"I acted like an asshole since the beginning. I put you and your family in danger with that sim killing gang. I hurted you and could have done even worse. How could you miss a jerk like me? Are you masochist? "
" You're not as bad as you think. And you were in my house for three weeks. Living and chatting with me. We even laugh together and I never felt threaten by you, even when you burnt my eyes. Of course I'm gonna miss you. "
He stays silent. I think nobody ever talked to him like that.
" Hey, Revenant."
" Hm? "
" I want you to know that you're welcome here. You can come to get healed again or just to hang out with me if you feel like it. "
"... I... I'll concidere it. "
Somehow, his answer brings me a spark of joy and I'm deeply wishing to see him again.
" Hey, little skinsuit. "
" Yes? "
" Why you didn't told the truth about your eye? I've witness how hard you were not fully answering their questions. "
" I think you already know why. What happened is between you and I. No need to add them in the story and make it a drama. "
"... Thank you... "
He said that so quietly, I almost miss it. My man barks a lot, but he is actually a shy boy.
" That's cute... "
"What did you said?"
Oops.
" I... I said thank you."
" Why thanking me for?"
" You acted very nice and chill today and made my work easier on you. I actually came here to tell you but we talked about something else."
He simply nods in response.
We stayed there a bit without words. Him walking along and me tyding some stuffs in the room. Until he breaks the silence:
" I've a question. "
" Go on. "
" What were you doing in my appartement? "
" Your appart... You mean the abandoned flat I found you in?"
"... Yes."
" Sorry, I had no clue it was your's and you still live there. I was exploring the whole building."
" Exploring? "
" Have you heard about urbex? People who explores old, abandoned and ruinned places? "
" It does ring a bell, yes. So... You were exploring the area and my apartment was part of your travel. "
" Exactly. I've spotted this building a while ago and visited one floor for each session. Sometimes, if I find a good spot, I stay a bit to chill and draw something."
...
" Your flat was pretty inspiring..."
A strange little sound escaped his throat. Like a gasp. Or maybe an embarrassed sigh.
" I wanted a place that suits my tastes. "
" You have good tastes can tell. By the way, you lived in this appartement since the beginning, right? How old are you?"
He gives me a disbelieved glare. I'm scared that I might have offended him and loose the few trust points I gained.
" Close to three centuries."
" Wow! That's impressive! You must have so many stories to tell. "
" I can share some of them next time I come. "
Next time he comes? Did he openly confirm that he will visite me again?
I can feel my cheeks blushing. I knew I would be happy to see him again but didn't expected my self to be THAT happy.
Now that I think about it... I don't get a lot of visitors.
" Can I ask you a more... Personal question?"
" Sure."
" I noticed that you and your family don't look alike. Are you all actually related?"
" Oh... I..."
I didn't expected this one at all. I want to answer. I really want it. But the idea of it just...
" Why are you shaking? "
Shaking? Oh, he is right. I'm watching my hands trembling and I can feel my knees being unstable under my weight.
" I... I'm sorry. It's hard for me to talk about it... But in short, we do not share blood. None of us."
" I see. I suppose I won't get the long version."
" I'm sorry. I would like to but..."
" Eh... Don't worry tiny skin bag. No need to rush it. You'll tell me another time when I'll come back. "
" Thank you. So you already had concidered if you'll visit me or not, I see. "
" Hehe, maybe. "
'Maybe' means 'surely' in his language. Funny.
We talked a bit more about his role in the apex game before I had to make dinner. I gave him some books of mine and access to a television so he won't get bored while I'm busy.
I wonder what are his tastes in terms of entertainment.
Maybe I should offer him to watch a movie tomorrow.