Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

John had cleared the first corner when he realized he didn’t know which room was Aeryn’s. He glanced at the sliding doors he’d seen from outside. While the hall was dim, he could still see the dark wet spot beside the door and the series of wet footprints that lead to the last room in the hall. He followed them to the door, and turned the handle quickly.

The air was cold and the room smelled damp, as soggy curtains dripped water onto a large puddle on the floor. The room was empty.

John flicked the light switch at the same moment a shirtless Aeryn strode out of the adjourning bathroom. Her eyes went wide, her hand went to her thigh, finding only wet denim instead of her pulse pistol.

“Frell! What are you doing?”

Relief poured over him. He took a few steps closer, “God Aeryn! Where the hell have you been?”

She regained her composure quickly, although her fingers were still curled by her leg, unsatisfied without her weapon. “I went out.”

“You went out?” John repeated, shaking his head.

She nodded once. “For a walk.”

“It’s a fucking monsoon outside and you decided to talk a walk?” his voice rose, “Do you have any idea how dangerous tropical---” Aeryn had crossed her arms over her chest, suddenly reminding him that she was clad in only a black bra and jeans. He was near enough to her to see the tiny shivers run down her arms.

“Jesus… come here.” He pulled the towel off his shoulders and gently draped it over her, pulling it tight. She was so close, just one little step and she’d be tucked under his chin. Her long hair was soaked as water streamed down her brow, her cheek. One hand still on her shoulder, he wiped the water from her face with the pad of his thumb.

She felt stiff and cold under his touch, her eyes downcast. He should have stepped back but the words spilled out first, “Do you have any idea how worried I was?”

Aeryn blinked up at him, feeling the barest hint of color return to her cheeks. “You cared?”

“Of course I cared! Me and half of IASA have been looking for you since noon.”

He was warm. And so very close to her. Closer than he’d been in a long time. Scarcely daring to hope, she closed the space between them, resting her head lightly against his shoulder.

He pressed his cheek against her forehead, surrendering to her. He looped his arms around her back, fingers toying with the edge of the towel. For a long moment, they just stood together, savoring the contact.
   
Aeryn wrinkled her nose, “You’re wet.”

John chuckled softly, “Yeah, I went for a walk.” He stepped back, meeting her eyes for the first time in what seemed like years. She returned his gaze, uncertain what she would find.

He sighed, “We’re really frelled up, aren’t we?” He couldn’t tell if it was a raindrop or a teardrop that fell down her cheek. It didn’t really matter.

“Yes.”

He backed towards the door. “We should go. There are some guys downstairs who’ll need to talk to you, once you’re dry.”

He saw her shoulders slump, saw the shimmer in her eyes dim.

Careful John. She’s fragile.

“I, ah, can make some coffee first. Sneak it past the suits, if you’d rather wait and explain things tomorrow.” He offered her a small smile.

The faintest hint of a smile brushed her lips, “That would be nice, John.”