(no subject)

[the_chappy]

With a frown, and too impatient to look for the pot holder, Ryan uses two paper napkins to lift the pot over to the sink.

Paper napkins, however, are poor protection from the heat. Something Ryan learns as it becomes more and more uncomfortable to hold the pot. Teeth clenched, he mutters, "Fucker."

The steam was not helping matters.

The spaghetti drained he, quickly returns the pot to the stove and, just as quickly, returns to the sink to run his hands under the cool water. No blisters or burns, just a slight sting.

Drying his hands, he wonders if he should call David in to wash up before dinner or if he should wait till Elaine got back. He hadn't seen her when he went into the bar but he hadn't looked for long.

He decides to give David a few more minutes outside and returns to the stove to get dinner ready.

Comments

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She sighs, as well. "I know. And I'd feel the same in your shoes, and have."

She worried every moment while he was out of the bar getting those things for the cure for that horrible illness a few months back.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He doesn't make the connection immediately but, when he does, he nods. "I'm glad you're all right."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"So am I, believe me."

She sips her wine and sinks into her chair a little bit.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

His hand brushes her knee. "Do you want a foot rub?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She smiles. "That sounds lovely, Ryan."

Her feet are good to start with.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He pull both her feet into his lap, his touch slow at first. "So, who else was in the fight?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Peter Venkman, Obi-Wan Kenobi, a boy called Danny, a woman named Rhiannon, and the one who explained what the creatures were...his name was Ichigo."

Elaine begins to relax as he rubs her feet, closing her eyes for a long moment.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Obi-Wan..." Ryan repeats to himself. "Did he have his lightsaber with him?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Well, that sounds like an apt name for a sword that shines like lightning." She grins.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He nods at this, still a little amazed. Sometimes, he thinks he might never get used to this place.

"What happened to these Hollow beings you were fighting?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Well, we had to get their heads--but they're really quite big. But once we'd damaged them enough, they just...faded away into nothing. Very strange."

But then, there were a lot of things that were very strange, and this was just the latest.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"Everything about this place is."

His thumbs push a little deeper into the soles of her feet, kneading out the tight muscles. "Does Security know about them?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I'm sure they do, but I didn't think to ask. I'll make sure of it."

She sighs as he works at a particularly tight spot. Her eyes drift closed again, and then they open.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

Ryan nods, not quite listening, instead watching as relief washes over Elaine's face.

"Ok."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

She could have him do this all night. But his fingers would get tired.

"I'm glad I'm home," she sighs softly.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

Smiling, he tells her, "So am I."

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"I think I need that bath now. Even if I don't want you to stop doing what you're doing."

She grins at him.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

"All right," he says, stilling his movements. "Do you want me to run one for you?"

[maid-of-astolat.livejournal.com]

"Only if I come with you while you do," she says, putting her feet on the floor.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_chappy_/]

He stands, extending a hand to her. "That sounds fair."

The dishes can wait.