Re: Quicklog, Motel: Hannah S/Reece E
[She was just watching him. To and fro and back again, lost on the waters of that motel room, and she knew this was bad, that he felt bad, but she wondered so very much what it felt like inside. She looked at him, like she could understand, but she couldn't, not the feelings that had brought him here and to this. But confusion was something she understood, and she shook that waterfall of copper.] You aren't responsible for something scientists do. I know you feel guilty because you didn't do anything about them, but that still doesn't make it your fault, Reece. A lot of things happen in our lives, and round and round and round we'll go if we chase our own tails and try to lay blame. Something bad happened. That's true, but you can't take it on yourself. And if you're confused, maybe you should try to be unconfused? I know that means thinking about it, but maybe you've not thought about it for so long that it isn't an option anymore. Because you're here, confused, right? I don't know her, and I'm not going to defend what she says or does. All I know is this, you, now, like this, isn't good? Maybe this is when you take a break. [She said it softly, but he reminded her a little of Eddie talking about Stephanie, and she was reminded of the conversation she'd had with Reece about Eddie leaving; her opinions hadn't changed.] If it feels more bad than good, then it's okay to step away.
[The book felt real to her, like a thing that happened, but talking to the real girl, to Claire, felt more real, felt real-real, but that didn't make the book something not real at all.] Reece, you keep saying you don't talk to her, and that you don't want to talk to her, and that isn't good. It's not good for you. Not talking isn't good, and you have to talk to someone. What did you do that helped? What can help more? I think they say time, time, time, all the time it's time that heals all wounds, but I'm not sure that's true. I just don't know if there's another way. [She didn't need to talk about her book experience. It was okay, and she watched him drink and pour and drink.]
I'm not trying to manipulate anyone, but, okay, I would like having sex with you specifically. [She was playing now, and her smile was copper-penny bright, but it was a small smile and tiny, and he pulled his legs onto the bed.] What if you close your eyes and just say anything at all that you're thinking, even if it's bad or scared or anything? I won't tell. I'll just listen, and nothing bad can happen here. I can kill anyone that comes through the door before they even make it a step on my clean carpet. [She said that sweet and honest, and it was true, and at least she didn't have to hide it with him.]