Offbeats

Secrets

The shower is possibly one of the greatest thing I have ever experienced, and not just because I saw Kipp half naked again (speaking of, Kipp's abs are considerably high on my greatest experiences list too). I can feel days worth of grime and sweat sliding off me and down the drain. I stand there for God knows how long just letting the water pound lightly against my face.

I only get out when Kipp tells me Captain Duketon has asked to see me again.

With pruny hands, I turn off the gorgeously warm water and wrap the soft, but slightly ragged, towel around my body.

Kipp is lounged against the wall with the door opposite from which we came through earlier. He smiles when he sees me and I suddenly feel way too exposed. I pull the towel a little higher up my chest. He must notice my discomfort cause he immediately drops his eyes, his face neutral- if slightly embarrassed- again.

"So when does Captain Duketon want to see me?" I say to break the horrible silence.

He clears his throat before he speaks and lifts his eyes back to mine. "He didn't specify a time, he just told me to take you back to your room to wait."

I nod and he gestures to a piles of clothes on the shelf.

"I bought you some fresh clothes. I tried to get the newest ones from the group mission that just got back a few days ago, but they'd already been claimed. These are still relatively new though." He keeps braking my gaze, obviously still embarrassed. Though it's not as if I caught him staring at my boobs or the shortness of the towel, he was staring into my eyes.

I smile at him, at the thought. "You didn't have to go to the trouble, but thank you."

He meets my stare again, finally, at that. "Of course." His voice is light, gentle.

"You know," I know I shouldn't let the words escape but I find myself not caring as much as I probably should. "you could, if you're not busy, keep me company." I pause to let him speak, but when he doesn't, I start rambling. "O-of course it's fine if you don't want to, I mean you've probably got better things to do, and that's fine-"

Thankfully, he stops me. "Of course I'll keep you company." He allows himself a slightly timid smile as he opens the door and shuts it behind him so I can get changed.

I can't help but smile a little.

***

"You didn't!" I exclaim, my mouth and eyes wide.

"I did," He pauses, smirking. "Janson has proof just under his right eye."

I tilt my head back and laugh. When was the last time I laughed? Not since I woke up and lost all those memories from before. It feels good. Better than good, actually. But I almost feel slightly guilty. As if it's wrong to show happiness when the world has gone to hell.

When I manage to control my giggling, I look back at Kipp who is grinning at me.

"I'd love to see that window you told me about sometime." I say, looking at the grey walls of my room.

"I'd love to show you," He pauses, remembering. "The first time is always the best."

I tilt my head to the right and narrow my eyes slightly. I realise I haven't asked him one of the most important questions. "How long have you been here?" My voice is gentle.