Bubble.

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

A hot bath is exactly what Corrine needed. After soaking to prunish-feel with a good book, she's wiping condensation from the mirror to comb out her hair. It's been quiet recently. Quiet is good. It's given her a lot of time to focus on herself, which is nice, and get some research done on things that still don't make sense.

Mmm. Right now, she's actually thinking about just slipping into her pajamas and flopping down in front of a good movie. There's hot chocolate to be had and she has a bag of mini-marshmallows stashed away. Yeah... that sounds perfect.

There's another sound, an actual one. She closes the cabinet mirror, then turns to make sure she's actually seeing what she thinks. It's like a super-awesome shiny disco-ball.

Yeah. Definitely report this, pron--

Comments

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

"Interesting," she says, meaning it. It was, really, but for reasons she didn't intend to expound upon. Things really weren't the same after Cuba, and she has to admit to a passing curiosity of what transpired in her absence.

It makes no difference now... though she feels the same unrest that plagued those last weeks of her former life. It isn't Caleb's presence, but the crushing finality of this place makes her duties seem that much more distasteful. That's a line of thinking she doesn't like having, can't afford to have, but this place...

"How's Amelia?" When she'd left, the girl was still institutionalized. Perhaps something better came of her, at least.

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

Corrine’s supposition turns out to be spot-on. “She’s better than ever, if you ask me. She started a big medical company. Prosthetic limbs, pharmaceuticals. You name it, she does it. Get this - She’s actually out-selling Lexcorp Medical by quite a margin.” The pride in his voice is unmatched by any of Corrine’s recollections of him. In truth, he envies his little sister, and the way her inventions are actually making the world a better place to live in.

It makes his own accomplishments feel diminutive by comparison. But rather than breed envy, this only serves to reinforce his pride in his Birdie. I never really felt I was destined to make a difference anyway.

“Last I heard she was negotiating with the city of Chicago to build a factory for a new generation of ambulance. ‘Revolutionary,’ CNN called it.”

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

"I'm glad," she says stiffly. If Corrine were being honest, which she's not, she'd admit that Amelia's position seems envious to her, as well.

It seems unfair that Corrine spends her days ushering the lost about, closed from everyone and everything in order to accomplish her duties, while the spoiled brat enjoys a life of fame, fortune, and seeing her efforts actually making a difference. Corrine should be happy Amelia managed to change her ways, and that by doing so, helped more people. Even beyond that, Corrine should be overjoyed that Caleb finally got his sister back.

All she's feeling right now is bitter, though.

"You have your sister back finally."

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

“Well,” he says, waggling his hand, “yes and no. We talk, we’re friendly … I wouldn’t say we’re really close. She only really contacts me around the holidays, or when she needs me for something.” That, on the other hand, does seem to sadden him some.

“I, uh … can-can we talk about something else?”

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

"I'm sorry." For a moment, she has to fight the urge to put a hand on him just to show him she's sincere in her words.

There's a very long divide of not only years, but bad history left behind. If it's left behind, though... And where exactly did she hope to stick that 'though'? In-between the failed mages, the lost spirits of botched sacrifices, the insane, the desperate, or perhaps the damned that claw at the borders of her jurisdiction? Wouldn't Neron or Chantinelle love a chance to stab at Caleb right where it's convenient, where the leylines strike through Hell and Corrine has no weight or right?

She can't help it, though. She leans over, brushing some locks away from his brow. Her fingers might linger a few seconds too long. "What do you want to talk about?"

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

When her fingers touch his face, his thoughts (and, indeed, the rest of the world) slip away, and for a few glorious moments, it's just him and her.

It's been how long, and you're still crazy about her?

"I, uh ..." He leans back in his chair, both hands paused mid stroke through his hair. The idea strikes him, and he snaps in recognition. "I've got it! You haven't seen my new home. Why don't we retire there, have a few drinks, and watch Black Adder on blue ray?"

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

"I--"

He seems excited to see her. It's nice to see a friendly face and she can hold off, just a few hours more, right? How long did the leylines go without a guardian? How hard does she work, endlessly, to the point where she has no life of her own anymore? She can spare the time, surely, for him?

"Because it's you," she says, but there's actually a hint of playful teasing in her voice. She can have a few hours and what does it matter anyway, between them? Whatever history there was, or complications there may have been, they're all long gone now. Everything is. And tomorrow it's back to the same old grind, and they could both use some laughter before that.