Dreams are made from White Strings [Kimblee x Reader]

3.: Proposal

"So you survived."

Kimblee's expression was neutral, he was sitting across you, one leg bent to rest his arm on. You were sitting across him, with Isa's head in your lap. She was sleeping. You hadn't gotten far, wandering around aimlessly, until he had picked you up.

"We did", you answered. "You saved us, after all."

His lips turned into a smile, though you were not sure it was a kind one.

"It was pure luck. Your death was just as possible as your survival."

"You saved us", you repeated with emphasis.

Kimblee exhaled, mimicking a laugh, then sighed.

"I guess I did. We're even now."

When you didn't reply, he added another reason.

"Maybe I was curious, too. It's been some years. Did you manage to cure your sister?", he asked, pointing to the sleeping Isa.

At the mentioning of this, you averted your gaze and bit your lip in frustration. The topic was one you didn't like to discuss, but after saving your lives, Kimblee had earned the right to ask. Before you could speak, though, he read the answer in your body language.

"You didn't."

Still not looking him in the eyes, you nodded. It was embarrassing, to admit just how bad you had failed even in your apprenticeship.

"I'm not fit to be a doctor. I have no talent whatsoever", you repeated your master's words to Kimblee. "It was so bad, that I even got kicked out of my training. All our remaining money has gone into this... and now, everything else is gone, too."

You tried hard to swallow your tears, but of course, it didn't work. All you had left in your life was Isa, and you couldn't even keep her from the harsh fate that awaited her.

"You're a wuss", Kimblee remarked. "You just want to give up? There are many poor people in this world, but with enough motivation and persistence, anyone can find a job to sustain his life."

"It's not that easy!", you shouted. "Besides, I don't just need money to live, I need more to send Isa to a hospital and pay for her treatment! This kind of money can't just be made by cleaning shoes on the street..."

"You could always sell your body", he said, reaching forward to touch your arm. "You look decent enough and you're young, I'm sure there are some men who would pay a good price for you."

His fingers trailed down your naked skin, until they reached your hand, which he took in his. You caught his gaze, shocked, and pulled your fingers from his like his skin was red-hot iron. There was no way you could ever -

Another laugh escaped his mouth.

"That's what I thought. It seems that after all, your sister is not important enough to sacrifice yourself."

"She is!"

If it was Kimblee's goal to make you mad, it was working. But he was right, you were prepared to make a lot of sacrifices, but deep down, you were selfish enough to refuse this option, despite it being a good opportunity to make a lot money.

And for the second time in not even 24 hours, you felt so guilty towards Isa, that you had to clutch the fabric in front of your heart. It hurt so much.
But in the end, he was right. If you truly loved your sister, if you wanted to save her, no matter what, you would have to swallow your pride. Observing Isa's sleeping face, you decided that you were left with no other option.

"Alright", you said hoarsely, as your mouth was dry like a desert.

Having made up your mind, you gently laid Isa's head on the ground, faced Kimblee again and slowly scooted over, reaching out to touch him.

"Oh, no, you misunderstood. I'm not interested in this kind of activity", he stopped you, with his words as well as with his hand grabbing yours in mid-air. "At least not in paying for it."

Your cheeks flamed up in shame at having misread his intentions, immediately you backed away while he laughed at you.

"Sorry...", you managed to spit out.

"Don't worry about it. But it's amusing just how eager you were all of a sudden."

Again, you bit your lip and stayed silent. Saying anything more would just grant him even more reason to ridicule you.

A silence arose, thick and uncomfortable it surrounded you, while Kimblee didn't seem to mind all that much. It was more like he was thinking.

"...It seems you are enthusiastic after all. I like that trait, so let me help you. There is another possibility", he said suddenly, and you met his gaze again.

"Possibility for what?", you asked, carefully and sceptically, to not make a fool out of yourself again.

"I know a certain scientist who could and would pay for your sister's treatment."

"And what do I have to do in turn?"

"He is always fond of getting new test subjects for a few experiments. If you volunteer, I'm confident he would agree to cover the hospital fees. Although..." A dark glimmer appeared in his eyes. "... I cannot guarantee your safety, if you choose to take part."

"What kind of experiments?", you asked.

"You'll see. But if it succeeds, you will at least retain your mind."

You stayed silent while you thought of his proposal. Saying that your mind would be unharmed, he had implied that the experiments would quite possibly alter your body in some way. You were wondering, were you okay with that?

Another gaze to Isa made you make up your mind. Yes, you were okay with that, as long as she would be saved. Up until now, you had never managed to grant her the kind of life she deserved, and this was an opportunity you just couldn't throw away.

"I'll do it."

"You'll owe me this time", Kimblee smirked. "Don't forget."