forum ENCOM OS-12 | OxO | Closed unless you're a fellow Program/User/ISO | Stalkers get a free Light Runner

Started March 25, 2021 by @murphysgirl

tune

Nora smiled softly. "Well, you kind of do when you're around me."

“I suppose that's true.” he smiled back, pulling her closer. “Good thing I’ve always had a soft spot for Bits.”

Nora leaned her head against his shoulder. "I think Bit has a soft spot for you too."
Bit said nothing. Nora smiled.

Cor glanced up at Bit and smiled before turning back to Nora. “I also have a very big soft spot for you too.” he whispered, blushing softly.

Nora's light lines flushed a deep, hot pink, a shade or two darker than her hair. She blinked a few times, unsure of what to say. Thank you? She still wasn't used to being complimented, not like this, not ever.
"I… I do too," she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth.

Cor chuckled softly, kissing the top of her head when he caught a glimpse of her lights. Though his own darkened slightly as well. “Do you really… Or are you just saying that because you don't know what else to say?” he asked gently.

"A bit of both," Nora confessed.

Cor smirked a little and nodded as his face started turning pink and his heart skipped a few beats. Hearing her say that she really did like him was something, he was sure, he would never get tired of.

Nora blushed as well. He was so intuitive, it was almost eerie. Like Kaira had been. Kaira had always known exactly what was going on in Nora's head.

Cor turned to look at her and smiled softly. He was a little surprised himself at how easily he could pick up on the little signals she sent out… though he couldn't tell if she was doing it on purpose or not. But that last one had been very easy considering what he had said first. She just seemed unsure about what she was saying.

Nora reached for his hand and wrapped her fingers around his. She was still astounded, sometimes, by how comfortable she felt around him.

Cor smiled softly at the touch and gently squeezed her hand affectionately, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles. These little gestures were so… special. No one else had done this with him. Not even Tetra.

There was silence, save the soft crackling of the fire, and Nora found she was comfortable in it. Part of her wanted to stay here, forever, and never go back to End of Line.

Cor sighed softly, very content to not move for at least another micro-cycle… Maybe two, but that was up to Nora. He didn't want her to be late arriving at End of Line, especially since she was in charge of it. However, the idea of staying here and never leaving did sound very tempting… Until he remembered those containers still needed to be taken care of and someone had to deal with Cyrus as well.

"How long do you think it will take to get back to End of Line?" Nora asked softly. As long as she wanted to stay here, working was inevitable.

Cor shrugged slightly. “Probably half a micro-cycle.” he guessed, trying to remember how long it took them to get out here. “Maybe a full one?”

"Okay," Nora said. End of Line opened in about seven or eight microcycles.

Cor smiled softly at her, glad that he wasn't getting any searches or messages to take care of. Actually, today was his off-cycle and anything that did reach him would be marked as urgent.

"Have you gotten any searches?" Nora asked, wondering if they'd have to leave early.

“No.” he shook his head, smiling at her. “But I’ll let you know when or if I get anything urgent.” he promised.

Nora smiled and cuddled a little bit closer to him. Her hair was no longer sopping wet, instead streaming out on the blanket like a hot pink waterfall. It was curly at the ends.

Cor pressed a soft kiss to her temple, reaching a hand up to play with her new curls. “Looks like your hair is drying out.”

Nora didn't stiffen at his touch this time - she was used to it, somehow, now. It was nice to let it down. It was only when it was down did she notice how heavy it was, how much her neck ached from carrying that bun around all the time. Should she let her hair down more, she wondered. What would the Sirens at End of Line think? And, most importantly, she thought, what would Cor think?

Cor smiled softly at her, still gently toying with her long hair. He had always thought it looked nice pulled back but when it was down, it was… It seemed softer and very beautiful.

Nora had never had anyone play with her hair before. It was a nice feeling, one she wasn't used to. Eyes half-closed, she stared into the depths of the fire.

“You know… your hair looks good down.” he said softly, not wanting to disturb her.

Nora peered up at him, one hand going subconsciously to her hair. "It… it does?"

“Yeah. I mean, the bun is good too. Very professional. But this…” he smiled softly, brushing a few strands behind her ear. “Honestly, I find it breathtaking.”

Nora blushed. Breathtaking. She didn't think she'd ever been called that before.
Yes, Bit agreed, zipping down from the ceiling.

Cor smiled assuringly at her, though he jumped a little at Bit’s sudden reappearance. “I think Bit likes it down too.” he laughed, more at his reaction than at what he was saying.