deserted #6
“Thank you.”
Third looks up from Khai’s hand, freshly bandaged, and nods. “It’s no problem.”
“I guess you’re the closest thing here to a hospital,” Khai jokes.
Third doesn’t reply, but he checks Khai’s hand one last time, and Khai explains how he cut it at Third’s questioning.
“You need to be careful,” Third says, and Khai might imagine Third checking him out—he’s only in his towel—but Khai tries to look sexy anyway. “Did you leave your clothes by the lagoon?”
Khai nods, and also wonders about an angle for sympathy sex.
Instead of swooning over Khai’s pout, Third walks away…but he comes back before Khai can figure out a response. “Here,” Third says, and he’s handing Khai more cloth— No, not just cloth: clothes. “I altered a couple of things for you so you wouldn’t be stuck with the same dirty outfit you washed up in.”
“Really? I could kiss you!” Khai enthuses, already shaking our garments and slipping on a shirt, careful of his wrapped hand. He stands and nearly drops his towel, but—
“Wait!” Third covers his face and swivels around. “Let me give you some privacy:”
“It’s okay,” Khai replies. “I don’t mind if you look.”
Apparently Third isn’t going to be that easy, because Third mutters a few curses as he walks away.
Khai has to admit he’s disappointed, but he’s not surprised. The clothes are comfortable—and clean—and Khai calls out a thank you once he’s taken a moment to check them over.
He seems to be thanking Third a lot. It’s weird.
Khai can’t think of the last time he sincerely thanked someone.
Third also makes them lunch…and dinner…and Khai gets the impression that Third is really smart, so Khai says so, which makes Third get quiet and grumpy again.
After dinner, Third looks…distraught? Is Khai using that right?
“If you’re worried— Of course you want to get back,” Third starts, “so you might want to check the shore tonight.”
“Really?” Khai looks out towards the oceanfront where he’d washed up. They’re sitting outside together, and it’s far more comfortable than it ought to be. There aren’t just lanterns but candles, giving the island around them a soft glow, not to mention making Third look even prettier. More handsome? Khai knows Third is good-looking, but Third seems annoyingly immune to Khai.
“Mh,” Third agrees. “Just go over and…say you want to leave. I’m sure someone out there is listening.” He ducks his head. “Just go.”
Khai should go. Even if what Third is saying sounds crazy, if it works, then— “What about you?”
Third shakes his head. “I can’t.”
Khai looks over to the water and back at Third. “I can wait another day.”