(A/N: Heyooo, this is way overdue but oh well. So long as I get it done...you read the summary, ya know what it is. As always, hope you enjoy.)
"Come on, Lake, my parents said you get my curfew."
"Alright, alright."
Lake dragged her feet into Jesse's bedroom; she knew what to expect since it was included in the tour earlier that day (plus Jesse's room looked exactly how one would expect), but it was just now setting in that this was her room too.
Her low energy could also be attributed to her overwhelming urge to explore more of the world. But the evening had comprised entirely of Jesse and Nate introducing her to their parents, telling her story, and getting their reflective friend acquainted with their humble home.
"It's just for now," Jesse said as if he'd read her mind. He was pulling a comforter out of his closet. "We'll get right on turning one of the other rooms into a space for you."
"No problem." Lake was simply glad to be here—anywhere but on the train with those restless nights. She helped Jesse lay the comforter by his bed, then plopped down onto it.
"So," Jesse set himself beside her. "What'd you think of my family?"
"I dunno, it was Day 1," sighed Lake. "They seem nice enough. I just hope they don't always stare at me like that."
"It could be a while before they lay off," admitted Jesse.
"Yeah," Lake huffed. She yanked the blanket toward her.
"...and it's not just with them, you know," Jesse placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We haven't really talked about it yet, but—"
"Wonder why," Lake said, shooting her friend a slight glare.
"But you have to understand," he said firmly. "Most people haven't experienced anything like the stuff from the train."
"I know, Jesse."
"Some of them will look at you and think you're...some kinda freak. There's never been a mirror person before and it won't be easy for them to just accept it."
"Oh, good point," Lake said dryly. "Those poor people, it's gonna be so hard on them to not harass me."
"Y'know that's not what I meant. We gotta be sensible about it instead of jumping into things. You saw my parents, people are gonna have enough to take in with me suddenly turning up. I know how much you want to be accepted, and you deserve to be, but it won't happen overnight. There'll be people like the Apex who don't think of you as a person. There'll be people who think you're some dangerous creature. And there'll be people like Nate or my parents who think you're cool but just have to stare at you, and take in the sight for a while. You must've thought about this at some point."
Lake shut her eyes and heaved another sigh. She so wanted this trapped feeling to be done and behind her, but she couldn't ignore the truth. She wasn't yet "free". "Yeah, I know."
"It won't last forever. I'll help my family get used to you, then you can meet my friends and neighbors. And before you know it, you'll be able to explore on your own," Jesse assured her. "With us to support you and keep you safe."
"Safe? I think I've got that part covered," said Lake, doing her signature forehead-flicking motion.
"Yeah, I guess," chortled Jesse. But that light moment quickly ended, and he gripped her hand that was sitting right beside his. "But that's what scares me most. I can handle the stares and the insults and all, but the people who try to hurt you...I dunno what to do about them."
Lake furrowed her brow, matching her friend's concerned expression. "Let's just...worry about that as we go along. I mean, no one's trying to hurt me right now. That's more than I could say a week ago."
The pair exchanged genuine, but fleeting smiles.
"I promised we'd stay together, and that hasn't changed," Jesse pulled her into a tight hug. "Us Cosays will be here to help you, through anything."
"Thanks." Lake patted his back; she didn't know where she'd be without Jesse, but she certainly wouldn't be here. After everything, she found she wasn't sure how to fully express her gratitude. The hug subsided, and Lake let these deeper thoughts surface. "Jesse..."
"Yeah?"
"Instead of your reflection...you could practice kissing with me. If you want."
Jesse laughed, assuming it was a joke, but as he stared Lake right in the face, it hit him that she was completely serious.
"Ha..." He gulped, and rubbed the back of his neck. Just the split-second thought of kissing Lake made him so flustered, for reasons Jesse didn't fully understand. "Uh, m-maybe we'll get to it later?"
Lake merely nodded as he stood up and climbed into his bed. He very particularly dimmed the lights so they were darker, but the room wasn't pitch black.
"Good night, Jesse."
"Sweet dreams, Lake. Wait, do mirror people dream?"
"Duh, why wouldn't they?"
"I dunno," Jesse yawned. "I heard reflections look weird in dreams. Or something."
"Mmn, not in mine..."
Lake snuggled into the makeshift bed, going over Jesse's words in her mind. She brought a hand up to her metallic face, and she briefly wished it was flesh. If she'd only been made to appear more human, she wouldn't have so many troubles ahead. That train really caused her no end of troubles.
But no. She was who she was.
"It'll just take some time," she thought, feeling herself drift off. "It'll just take some more time."
(A/N: Kind of a sadder/more somber one but oh well, you gotta dabble in other genres every now and then. Variety's, like, the spice of life and all. Ah, thanks for readin'. Please review, fave, and check out my profile for more. Au revoir!)