[Milliways] OOM: Smith-Bond Residence, London 2007

[his_sarah_jane]

The journey back from the hospital was a quiet one. Neither, it appeared, had very much to discuss in the back of the cab James had hired to drive them home. Neither, it seemed, felt like being the first to discuss Sarah Jane's (hopefully) previous problem.

As soon as she got home (to a cat who had clearly been busy with hunting mice), the first thing Sarah did was to collapse on the couch. She was exhausted: mentally and physically. The apprehension she felt was slowly killing her all over again. But Sarah didn't know what to say. And she didn't know how to say it.

Comments

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

Despite all the positive signals he's been giving, he can't fully get into the kiss. He returns it, certainly, but he doesn't linger as long as normal. It's more or less a courtesy that he returns the kiss.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

She senses that soon enough. Sarah does like to think herself rather well acquainted with his kisses after all.

Her heart falls a little, but she's careful not to shed any tears when she pulls away. That sort of thing will just lead to the spiral she had previously been on. And Sarah Jane is determined not to go through anything like that again.

She smiles softly at him, looking vaguely embarrassed at her actions. "If you'd like, I'll go prepare dinner. Something ordered from Mahal Indian so that I can nap."

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

"No, I'd...I'd rather pack and go to sleep."

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

"Dinner for one then," she says softly.

Sarah needs to eat. She can't go back on her word to Valerie.

But the awkwardness seems to be back. Sarah doesn't know what to do.

"I'll take the upstairs room tonight. So you don't have to go back to that hotel."

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

"If you want," he says with a sigh.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

She shrugs slightly. "It's up to you, James."

[callitavesper.livejournal.com]

Another sigh. "I really don't care. I'm going upstairs."

Without a pause, he begins to move towards the stairs.

[his-sarah-jane.livejournal.com]

He is so, so bloody difficult.

Skipping one meal won't hurt her, will it? Silently, she follows. Right now, Sarah Jane wants sleep and the blissful amnesia that accompanies it. She stops at the base, and turns to look at him.

"Do be safe tomorrow, James," she whispers quietly. "Do come back."