Thin Air

"I had lunch with Lisa St. Claire today," Susan said. "She spoke very warmly of you."

I was analyzing why Susan's body was so much better than other women's. This required me to look at it studiously, and at times, do some hands-on research. I knew it distracted her from what she was saying, but science must be served.

"Maybe it's because I rescued her from a homicidal maniac," I said.

"Probably has something to do with it… What are you doing?"

"Experimenting."

"Well, if you wish to, you may do it again."

"As necessary," I said. "How are she and Belson doing?"

"I think they are okay," Susan said. "For one thing, they are now dealing with the real people, not some fairy-tale people they've invented for each other."

Susan took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. "And… they've both… learned," she said.

"Yes?" I said. "What have they both learned?"

Susan shifted a little on the bed beside me.

"I… don't… remember," she said.

"She learned that he couldn't entirely protect her," I said.

"Yes," Susan said.

"He learned that she was not a goddess who had deigned to marry him," I said.

"And… what… have… you… learned?"

"I believe I've learned how to get your attention," I said. My voice sounded a little hoarse to me.

"You've… known… that… for… years," Susan said.

She put her face very close to mine so that her lips mashed mine when she spoke. I cleared my throat, but my voice still seemed scratchy.

"No harm in retraining," I croaked. "None."

Susan arched her body toward me. Her voice was very soft.

"Do…me… a… favor?" she said.

"Yes."

"Please… stop… talking," she whispered.

"We're so freshly showered," I wheezed. "Should we get all sweaty again?"

"Shut… up," she whispered. So I did.