Wandering [Here and there, Open]

[de_forest]

De had been sleeping more than he thought possible. Certainly more than he needed to. But when sleep brought dreams like that one, dreams that bought Carolyn to him (he dared to think of her in his dreams as Carolyn now. She was. She was. She was there), then he couldn't feel guilty about sleeping. He had had several more dreams like that one

Comments

[original_fine]

Jim smiled, and then, impulsively, put a hand on De's shoulder. "Any time," he said. "And if you need help finding your way back, one of the crew here or the computer can help you. Just ask. And De--don't hesitate to message me, if you need anything. Even if it seems silly."

[de_forest]

De nodded, the thanks implict this time. He didn't acknowledge Jim's hand on his shoulder - neither shugging it off nor reacting positively. If it had been Bill, De would probably have used it as the impetus for leaning into a hug, but Jim was not Bill, and De was not entirely comfortable. Jim was unknown still, for all his friendliness, and De still wasn't quite sure how to act around him.

As Jim left, De turned back to the roses, and smiled.

[original_fine]

Jim squeezed the shoulder once, internally wondering what else might be done, and left. On his way out, he ensured the man wouldn't be bothered, and even that he'd be allowed to work with the roses, if he decided to.

He tried to tell himself he wasn't insulted at all by the cat ignoring him consistently.