The Motel

[rigthegames]

The van grinds to a halt in the motel’s car park, and Sands is out of it almost before it’s stopped moving, staggering as his feet hit the ground. The sandy, dusty, still considerably deserty ground.

His scowl deepens and, rubbing at his sore wrists, he heads towards the motel. Whether anyone follows him or not is of no concern.

Comments

[not_one_drop]

Mal stops just inside the door, turning to face Sands.

"I found you."

Soft, and wondering.

[rigthegames]

He’d dropped down onto the bed immediately, not even bothering to kick off his shoes as his eyes shut.

But they open again at that, and he offers her a faint smile.

“Didn’t think you would?”

It’s almost not a question.

[not_one_drop]

"I guess - no."

Shrugs.

"You okay?"

[rigthegames]

“I’m tired. I’m sore. I got dragged through worlds by a crazy old man, and then spent three days tied to a chair.”

He pauses, and then sits back up, peering around the room.

“Where’s the booze?”

[not_one_drop]

"Sorry. Don't have any."

Digs a pack of cigarettes out of her pocket and tosses them at Sands, then goes to sit next to him.

[rigthegames]

“Aah.”

He flips it open, takes one out, and lights it in one smooth movement.

“Three fucking days without nicotine,” he mutters around the cigarette as he smokes it down to the filter as quickly as is humanly possible.

[not_one_drop]

"That's got to suck."

Sprawls backwards on the bed.

"Missed you, y'know."

[rigthegames]

“It wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.”

First cigarette gone, he lights another, and eyes Mal.

“Why?”

[not_one_drop]

"I don't know."

Eyes shut, voice low and lazy.

"Guess I'd gotten used to you."

[rigthegames]

“Mm. Took me for granted.”

He smiles faintly, lying back down and blowing smoke at the ceiling.

Nobody ever taught Sands not to smoke in bed.

[not_one_drop]

"Stupid of me."

Lightly, vaguely waving her hand.

It's not her fault that she puts her hand down somewhere around his knee.

[rigthegames]

And it’s certainly not Sands’ fault if his hand should cover her own.

“Very,” he agrees absently.

Another drag, another slow exhalation.

[not_one_drop]

Her hand curls upward just a little. Holding.

"Yeah."

[rigthegames]

“I didn’t think you’d find me.”

His tone is as light as one discussing the weather, but Mal may be able to feel the slightest hint of pressure as his fingers wrap around hers- just a little.

[not_one_drop]

Just a little.

"Neither did I."

[rigthegames]

He snorts with laughter.

“Clearly we underestimated Random.”