Let's Not Stay Away Anymore (Kaimelia)

6: Bad metaphors

Once back in the lab, Kai and Amelia got back to work.

In the bluish white light of the room, Amelia quickly forgot about Helm, even yesterday night, working on their common goal shoulder to shoulder, for hours on end, as was routine for both of them at this point, no matter the state they were in.

The way this challenge never ceased to fill her with energy, the way it reinvigorated her even after back-to-back surgeries, relentless travel and sleepless nights, pushed her through repeatedly, was unlike anything else, and today was no exception.

They'd worked almost a full day before it dawned on Amelia she hadn't taken a break. And Kai had been right there with her, all furrowed brows and power walks from the monitors to the microscope, to the injector, back and forth, and all over again.

Kai noticed her staring at them. 

"Up for a break?" They questioned, eyebrow raised, a small smile escaping the corners of their mouth.

"Yeah, that'd be good. You know, I only just now figured out how to put it in words," Amelia spoke carefully, 

"It's as if time stops once I step into the lab. Even your movements, even my own eventually start to feel like part of the equipment, as part of the design and flow of this room, instead of an indication of time passing. It's so..." Amelia closed her eyes, throwing her head back for a moment, letting the feeling carry her.

"Calming."

"That's awfully poetic, Dr. Shepherd." Kai's now wide smile glued Amelia back to the ground.

Amelia blushed, "Yeah, let's hope I've been visited by a muse or something, and it's not me getting delusional from hunger." She was certain Kai's laugh could wrap the whole entire Earth in a hug and not miss a square inch.

"Your focus is truly unparalleled though, I must say," They added. "I'm pretty sure you didn't bat an eye half an hour ago when an intern came in to bring us the reports, and spilled their coffee on the ground on their way out."

The genuine confusion on Amelia's face made Kai laugh again.

"You must've been pretty focused yourself to notice me not noticing, Dr. Bartley." Amelia bit her lip.

"I've been told I'm great at multitasking."

As if the room could handle any more tension, Kai moved closer to her, leaning on the desk across from her. Amelia had to look over their shoulder to make sure the vials stacked on the counter wouldn't spontaneously combust. 

Without much more thought, she leaned forward, suddenly vowing to find out who the inventor of desks was, and write them a strongly worded letter.

"Amelia."

Oh. My. God.

"Kai."

Their eyes stayed closed for a second too long, as if tasting the way she spoke their name.

"We should really get you some food, otherwise I'm afraid you'll fall over."

"Whatever you say, Dr. Bartley." Amelia's body jerked back at her own bluntness, causing Kai to laugh yet again. Worth it, she noted to herself. I'll gladly continue making a fool of myself if it means I get to hear that sound.

Kai circled around the table, reaching her and placed their palm on her forehead. "Just making sure you can get to the cafeteria safely." Their hand was soft and cool, and Amelia couldn't help but place her own hand over theirs, sliding it down to her lips to kiss their fingers.

They were now so close she could hear their breathing get heavier, see their eyes fall shut as they slightly shook their head. "God, Shepherd, I really hope this isn't you being delusional," Kai whispered as Amelia guided their hand to the back of her neck and moved in closer.

Their other hand rose to join, running their fingers through her hair and pulling her even more into them.

She looked up at them in awe, as her earlier thought of the hoards of fireflies inhabiting her insides creeped back in. Except now she felt as if they were trying to burst out, exploding into sparkly, yellowish green and gold fireworks around them. I wonder how hard they'd laugh if I told them about my weird firefly metaphor. 

"I'm certain it's not."