oom: room 25, for katherine

[scurlock]

Doc leads the way into his room, holding the door for Katherine as she steps inside. He's still just buzzed enough from the liquor (though the food's helped him a lot) to be relaxed, but he knows that Katherine knows that he just wants to talk and hang out.

"You mind if I change, real quick, get outta this shirt?"

He inclines his head to the bathroom while he says it. Obviously she can go find a spot to claim on the couch and doesn't have to leave the room.

There are some new books on the desk, and a photo propped up against one, of Doc standing over an incubator, looking at a tiny baby that happens to be holding onto his finger. Guppy gave him a copy. There are also several brightly colored squares of paper in a pile.

Comments

[scurlock]

"Ain't so worked up no more. I just...hell, I guess I just git in these moods, now and then. Can't help it, can't help shake 'em...they just happen. Come and go, just like that."

Doc keeps his eyes closed, his breathing is even and relaxed. The hangover is fading quickly, replaced by content and peace from having her close to him, having their relationship in order.

[ikissdhimbck]

She nods against his shoulder, hushing him gently.

"It's okay. I think I understand," she murmurs, brushing her hand over his other shoulder.

She wasn't too pleased with him the night previous, all things considered. But it's the wild outlaw in him that drew her to him in the first place. He gets an itch, and he can't help but scratch it. She can't fault him for that. She would be foolish to try.

[scurlock]

"Thanks."

That's all he has to say to that, really. She understands and she still loves him. Doc smiles slightly, eyes still closed. He's ready to go back to sleep, if he's being perfectly honest, but right now he's still holding on to awareness.

Somewhat.

"Means a lot, you know. Understandin'. Lot of folk don't."

[ikissdhimbck]

"No, I imagine they wouldn't," she mumbles, honestly, eyes open and fixed on the opposing wall in thought.

Her hand is still brushing lightly along his shoulder, back and forth...

"It's hard. But I want you to feel... safe."

[scurlock]

"Feelin' safe is all I want. I ain't built to run so much, so long."

Doc shifts and rests a hand on her waist.

"You make me feel safe."

[ikissdhimbck]

She shivers at his touch, the heat from his fingertips quickly soaking through the cotton of her shirt--his shirt--throwing her belly into knots.

She swallows dryly, smiling a little as she snuggles deeper.

"Good. 'M glad."

She has noticed the way his movements have gotten slower, his words lower and shorter.

"Y'want to get some more sleep, baby?" she whispers.

[scurlock]

He opens his eyes, slightly.

"Stay with me?"

[ikissdhimbck]

Pause.



She lifts her head slowly, hand smoothing across his chest as her chin comes to rest on his shoulder, blue eyes deep and cautious.

"Where else d'you think I'd go?"

It's uttered playfully, for the most part. But it's serious, too. Laying in bed with him... well, it's not something she wants to make a habit. But right now, things as they are, where else could she go to?

[scurlock]

Doc shrugs.

"Just don't want to'wake up alone, for once."

He presses his fingertips to his lips, and then touches them to her cheek, softly.

[ikissdhimbck]

She practically melts with the tenderness, blinking up at him with soft, concerned eyes.

"C'mere," she whispers, shifting her body away from him briefly as she tries to situate them properly. She yanks that pillow down under their heads, tugging gently at his waist to roll him onto his side. She snuggles up next to him on the pillow, hand on the small of his back, forehead touching his, eyes open to his sleepy gaze.

She peers at him unflinchingly, their bodies close together, knees touching, chest-to-chest, eyelashes tickling skin.

"You won't wake up alone. I'm not going anywhere."

She lifts her head to kiss the corner of his mouth, before going right back to where she was, thumb moving slowly along his back.

[scurlock]

Her hand on his back makes him smile, and he settles in beside her and closes his eyes, mind focusing on the sound of her breathing, her fingers on his skin, her arm resting against his side.

Underneath the sheets and blankets, hidden from the sun (which he still thinks is a bit evil) he's warm and safe, in her arms.

Just like she's safe in his.

"Won't sleep too long. Jus'a while longer."

[ikissdhimbck]

"Don't you worry 'bout that," she whispers, still watching his face long after he has shut his eyes. "You just go on and get some more rest."

She could stay here all day.

And she would, if he asked her to.

[scurlock]

Knowing him, he just might.

Doc nods, sleepily, and then snuggles a bit closer.

"Love you, darlin'."

It's not long before his breathing evens out and his hand against her waist slows and then relaxes as he drifts back off into sleep.

[ikissdhimbck]

She watches him the whole time, the muscles in his face relaxing, head tipping a little deeper into the pillow, as his shoulders slowly and evenly rise and fall.

She won't sleep for some time, yet. She just lays there, awake, watching him sleep.



"Love you, too."