Chapter Forty-Two - R&R


    Chapter Forty-Two - R&R


    Its an unfortunate fact that humans cant operate at full capacity at all times.


    If you dont allow your workers a minimum of time to decompress and destress, the quality of their work will sharply decrease.


    --Excerpt from Minimums and Maximums: A Guide to the Workforce, 2024


    ***


    I couldnt remember most of the events of the afternoon. There was a shower which lasted until my entire body was a wrinkled mess. Then I remembered Lucy helping me dress (which probably explained why I was only wearing a t-shirt and socks) and then a blissful fall into a deep sleep.


    I yawned, toes stretching out under the blankets. The screen-windows to one side showed that it was still dark out, maybe approaching midnight? It was hard to tell. I was never exactly a very punctual up with the sun kind of girl, but I wasnt used to waking up so damned early.


    My arms rose and I spread my legs so that I was splayed out across the entire bed. It was nice. I might have been able to fall asleep again, but I had the nagging impression that I still had a lot of work to do.Fo?ll0w current novE?ls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)


    Also, there was no Lucy in bed, which was somewhat discouraging.


    With a bone-deep sigh I rolled over to the side of the bed, rubbed at my face for a bit, then climbed to my feet. I had to visit the washroom, which, as usual, was a great way to ruin any mood.


    I found my power armour laying on a heap at the bottom of the shower. I vaguely remembered leaving it there. Probably for the best. It looked dry now, but I wouldnt mind hosing it down again, just in case.


    Exiting the en-suite, I shuffled out of the room. The penthouse was quiet, which was nice. A peek into one of the rooms on the way to the kitchen revealed a few of the kittens sleeping in a heap on one bed. Though I did find Nose was awake and playing some game. I didnt particularly mind as long as he wasnt being loud.


    Cat? Lucy asked.


    I grinned and looked up to find the most beautiful girl in the world waiting for me by the kitchen island. She smiled right back and pulled me into a hug. Not a sexy hug, just a warm, soft hold that made me want to melt. Hey, I muttered.


    Theres cereal and milk, Lucy said. And did you know that the theater room has a lock on the door?


    I groaned. Sexier words had never been uttered.


    Lucy laughed and squeezed me tighter before letting go. Give me two minutes, she said. I leaned against the island while Lucy scrambled for bowls and spoons, then tucked a milk carton under one arm and an entire box of Longb-os under her chin. Come on, kitty Cat, she said.


    I followed after her, partly amused, and partly because I really was hungry. It didnt stop my eyes from straying down to the way her hips moved. Are you trying to strut? I asked.


    Is it working? she replied.


    I snorted. Not really, no, you look like a grandma that just had her hip replaced.


    That would be trivially easy. Ill load the movie onto the screen. When youre ready to start, just say so.


    Youre a sweetheart, Lucy said.


    I huffed and contented myself with another bite. Mm, Myalis, we need to call people, dont we?


    I have organized the replies youve received from Gomorrah, Longbow, and Deus Ex. They will be ready for your attention once youre done relaxing.


    Once Im done relaxing? I asked.


    You dont yet have the capability to overlook the amount of mental and physical strain you have put yourself through over the past days. If you dont take some time to destress, you risk harming yourself. If I judged things pressing enough, I would suggest that you forgo relaxation in order to tackle the next issue, but matters as they stand are not critical enough to justify that much risk.


    What Myalis is saying, Lucy translated, is that you need a break. She dipped her bowl up and finished off the last of her milk. Ah, so were going to watch a movie, and maybe after that Ill give you a massage. Her hand came down on my thigh and I hissed at the contact. Her fingers were so cold!


    I finished my cereal, tossed the bowl and spoon onto the next couch over, then wrapped my arms around Lucy and pulled her closer. Fine, I muttered into the nook of her neck. But if were going to do that, then the least you can do is be a bit warmer.


    Hey, Im plenty hot, Lucy said. She wiggled around until she was comfortable, then I reached down and unfolded the sofas legs and we spent an enjoyable couple of seconds resettling in place. Lucy reached over and pulled a blanket over, then snapped it open and covered the both of us in it.


    Thanks, I said.


    Lucy sighed. I love you, you know.


    I love you too, I said. I couldnt keep the grin off my face.


    We have a whole bunch of things to do tomorrow, Lucy said. We need to get the museum-house ready, we need to do something about Rac and the kittens, and you need to save the world some more, but right now, you belong to me.


    Oh? I asked. I belong to you now, huh? I pulled her closer, hands wrapped over her stomach.


    She nodded and placed her hands over mine. You do. Property of Lucy. Im going to have that tattooed on your butt.


    I laughed. Wouldnt that mean that only my ass would be yours?


    Two tattoos then, Lucy said. Ive got two hands after all.


    Pervert, I said.


    She chuckled. Im not a pervert. But these legs, theyre mine too. Myalis, start the movie, Cats running out of banter.


    I am not!


    ***