Inner Workings

Inner Workings - Part 26

"Looks like Mother Nature is in our favor for once," whispered Will, standing next to Louis.

"Yay, global warming," muttered Louis.

"Not funny."

The assembled Devis and Watch Agents listened to the weather warnings on the television. Aerial views of mudslides on dirt roads flashed on the screen between shots of small town roads covered in water. The two agents had practically been forgotten at Massaru's arrival, and now were ignored in favor of the weather outside. Will helped himself to the aspirin Ram had brought, and washed it down with a cup of tea, wincing at the sharp pain when he swallowed. Thankfully the pain lessoned as he emptied the cup. But not by much.

"At least Sandra's men won't be able to get up here with the roads washed out and muddy," said Will.

"For now," grumbled Louis, grabbing the aspirin bottle and taking a tablet for himself. "It also means that our backup won't get here either."

Will nodded. "I'll Call Cetz."

"And I'll take a shower."

As Louis walked back to the guestroom, Will's eyes lingered on the wet black shirt that clung to his back. And they would probably have to share the same guestroom. It was going to be a long night.

***

"No, thank you for looking," said Rachel wearily, and then hung up. She hadn't expected to stay up this late searching for dried pineapple. Mariah Kilo's health food cravings were weird even to her. Three more stores on the list and it was already past eight.

Perhaps she could hit a whole foods market on the way back to Watch Two the next morning. Should she even leave to go home?

Rachel let her head lower to her cluttered desk. The still full bowl of spicy curry she had raided from the fridge sat on a pile of requisitions she had to fill out for Med Tech, its heat wafting in the air and tickling her nose, but it did nothing to keep her awake. It was not that late, and she shouldn't be this tired, but damn it she was. Busy all day but she still didn't feel like she got anything done.

"The things I do to get a little leeway with Watch One."

For a moment she thought to get her cot out, and then her eyes shut.

***

Cetz rubbed his head, tufts of fuzz sticking through his fingers. "How bad is "roads washed out"?"

"The news is talking about people being stranded, sitting on their cars in a flooded road, and the local road map has half a dozen streets closed due to mud and flooding," said Will over the headset. "If this goes on for much longer I'm afraid the electricity might get cut off."

"And I just sent Beni and Reese on a last minute flight out there."

"Beni and Reese are coming?" asked Will.

"They should land in San Francisco by 9PM your time," answered Cetz. "Not much good they'll be if they can't get to you. I'll try to work something out once they land."

"Better than no help at all," said Will. "And a quicker response time than Watch One."

"And you got Louis and Massaru out. Good job, though Rachel will probably give you the riot act when you get back." He'd sit on that little tidbit of information at the moment. Rachel was already peeved at him for earlier. When Rachel came to him he'd talk to her. "Can I talk with Louis?"

"He's in the shower right now, but I'll have him call you back."

"Do so. What are your plans for the night?"

"Louis and I will take shifts watching over the house and once the roads are clear we'll get the Devis out of the way. Massaru suggested taking a family trip to visit Rama's future fiancé. I don't think Sandra knows enough about Massaru's family to track her down."

"Let's hope she doesn't. Have Louis call me when he can."

"Got it."

Click. Cetz drained the last of his coffee. He still had to update Watch One of Will and Louis' location for their backup team.

***

As Louis' shower hissed from the bathroom, Will plugged in both his and Louis' cell phones. If the electricity went out then at least they'd have their phones charged. He flinched as another flash of lightening made the house creak. Louis was showering in the dark, the door half open for a little light. How would he deal with the lightning? Would he wear the sunglasses or put in the contact lenses?

Will turned to his luggage and took stock of their guns, making sure both were loaded with the safety on. His bag of non-dairy creamer had survived as well, what little good it would do them in a storm. From what he could hear outside the bedroom door, Parvati was busy with laundry, and Ram and his father were preparing dinner together. It would be easier to keep them safe if he and Louis could keep them in the family room, away from windows. Storm or no storm, they didn't want to risk Sandra's men making it up to the house.

The sound of water from the shower stopped and Will heard the rustle of Louis with a towel. All he had to do was turn to his left and he'd see Louis's bare chest, bare back, perhaps more.

Instead he took out a pair of jeans and a dark t-shirt from his luggage. They would be a bit tight on Louis' wider frame, but it was better than nothing.

Picking up a pair of socks Will paused. Should he offer up underwear as well? Or would Louis go commando... in his jeans.

He pushed his bandaged arm against his stomach, the burn and ache derailing the lewd thoughts before they picked up steam. The aspirin from earlier had done little to dull the pain.

Louis came out of the bathroom with his shades on and a towel wrapped about his waist.

"Cetz wants you to call him back," said Will, struggling to keep his eyes on his luggage and not on Louis' still wet body. He handed over the jeans and shirt.

"What did he say?" asked Louis, turning with his back towards Will as he held out the jeans, measuring the waistband against his body. He unfolded the jeans and... slipped them on, no underwear.

Will swallowed, the slight burn tingling the back of his throat. The jeans were a little tight across Louis' backside... and front side, the waist low on his hips, showing a faint and fading tan line across his lower abdomen.

All the times I imagined him getting in my pants... how damn literal.

"He sent Beni and Reese our way to give us some backup in case Watch One gets grabby. But with the storm going they have as much chance getting up to us as Sandra does."

"Fantastic," sneered Louis, gingerly rubbing his hair dry with the towel. The bruise around his palm looked darker. He unfolded the t-shirt and frowned at the rebellion logo dyed darker on the left sleeve. "What, no Yoda?"

"Largest shirt had, did I."

Someone knocked on the door.

"William? Louis?" called Parvati.

Will quickly zipped up his luggage, keeping the guns out of sight. "Just a minute. Louis isn't decent."

Louis rolled his eyes and slipped the t-shirt over his head, the cotton stretching slightly over his chest. "I'm good."

Parvati poked her head in with a smile. "Dinner is ready."

Louis nodded. "I'll be there in a minute. Need to make a phone call."

Will followed Parvati out of the room. As he glanced back, he saw Louis wince, cradling his bruised hand as he picked up his cell.