Inhumanity

Chapter 13

I'm changing back to my engineering gear when Javi comes in. I quickly try to cover myself up "oh sorry" he apologises. I shake my head "I'll be out in a few minutes" I promise. He shakes his head "not why I'm in here" I turn round, if he's not here to pester me then why? He looks kinda on edge "with everything that's happened... life's to short to hold back" he says. I nod "that's true". He blinks a few times before clearing his throat "I love you" he blurts our. I immediately feel my checks heat up "I can't explain it, but I do. You make me laugh, you listen, you're smart" he sighs "if you don't feel the same way... I wouldn't expect you too but-" I lean forward and capture his lips in mine. The kiss grows more and more passionate and tender as he responds. He doesn't freeze up like most guys, we break apart "so you like me too?" He asks nervously. I nod quickly "yup". Our lips lock again, I wrap my arms round his shoulders and his hands rest on my hips "I love you" I mumble. The passion grows and before I can process what's going on, we're fully undressed and he's hovering over me. It's the first time I've ever connected with someone and not had to excuse myself to cover up my machine parts. I felt completely at ease in his arms, his fingers dancing over my skin. Eventually the moment comes to a climax and we just lie there, snuggled up together breathing heavily. He kisses my hair, I glance to the clock and realise that we've probably taken to long to try to cover up what's happened.

I grab my clothes and start to redress, he follows suit reluctantly "so what now?" He asks carefully. I turn round "I still owe you that drink, maybe make it a proper thing" I offer. He nods "bens gonna know" he mutters. I snort "so he and Mel have been shagging for years, not as if he has the moral high ground on these matters". We're fully redressed, I peck him on the lips "new train" I remind him. Ben is sat up front, "took you two long enough, what were you discussing that took you so long... must have been exhilarating" he teases. I run a hand through my hair "shut up". I sit down, Ben wanders over with a tool kit, I pull a face, knew that a checkup was coming but I'm exhausted "now?" I question tiredly, He snorts "well I'd rather not wait weeks to release just how much damage you've inflicted on yourself. Javi told me you were reported to have been seen fighting on the front lines" He jokes. I shrug "well that has to come with some damage" he pulls a chair up and pats it "come on". I decide to just go with the flow, time to take a rest from fighting.

I bring my leg up onto the table "well this might need looked at" I pull up my overall leg, he raises an eyebrow "went full DIY I see ". He takes his time inspecting my craft project, poking and prodding. He looks kinda impressed "nice work here, I suppose we don't really need to do anything there but we'll keep an eye on it". He pulls out a few wires, I attach them to my fingertips and wait for the full internal scan to come back, nothing of interest there. He then points to my neck "let's have a quick look at your previous injury" I pull my hair out of the way, he does a few more checks on the newly placed skin and feels around to make sure the hardware hasn't budged. He nods "you're very lucky, no damage, and on the front lines too. Either luck or skill" he comments. I smirk, "I don't know what happened I just got into a rhythm, took one solider on at a time. Seems like those 5 years actually paid off ." I explain. He nods, I bring my hand up to trace the scar, a reminder that will hopefully remind me not I get into too much trouble in the future. The engine door slides open, must be continue to exchange words until Mel enters with Layton and miles. We quickly rise and stand in line. New commander, might want to make a good impression "Layton these our engineers, they keep the train running as smoothly as possible. Bennet Knox" they awkwardly shake hands "Javier De La Torre" another awkward handshake "and you already know Eve Ford" I grin placing a hand on my hip "welcome to our humble abode" I joke. She nods to me "why don't you give mr Layton a rundown Eve" she offers. I grin "if you ever feel the need to leave the cabin for some fresh air cos these lot are driving you mad, the exits are located here, here and here" I joke. Layton smiles, Ben and Javi also let out some muted laughs, Mel doesn't quite appreciate my humour "oh all right..." I roll my eyes.