“I'm indifferent to it.”
Her vision steadied as she focused on him.
I used to be indifferent to it...She wouldn't let that thought continue. “I guess you'd have to not care about it if you're a doctor. A Cyborg as well.”
“Some Cyborgs, Clara, love blood. I'm not one of them. I prefer cleanliness, good health, and order.”
I prefer those things too, especially now that you said it.She jittered.
“I bet that you prefer those things in bed too,” she laughed at her own joke, unfazed by her crassness and yet hoping that Reid responded to her in some way.
It was hard to form an opinion on someone who had such a wide range of temperament. Hard and soft, hot and cold, and all within a microsecond. If she could get him into a middling mood, she would call that a win. The game formed in Clara's mind. She felt too good right now to deny herself.
But he was still turned away from her.
“I hope you're able to give me kids.”
She desperately wanted to move her fingers over her abdomen like he had... but didn't dare.
He still didn't answer or respond, and Clara figured he wouldn't have to as sleep dug its claws in, pulling her under and ending the game before it even began. Her eyelids grew heavy and she closed them.
“We’ll see.”
She pried them back open and Reid’s dark gaze filled her vision again as he leaned over her.
“Sleep now. Rest.” His voice was deep and smooth and commanding. Clara gave in without a thought and greedily dove deep into the black abyss of oblivion, an endless pool that resembled his gaze.
***
WHEN SHE WOKE AGAINsometime later, she was back in her room and didn't feel nearly as good as she had the first time.
She was far too lucid to be happy. Looking across the bed where the time was displayed, it read early morning.
Clara stretched her body, and only minor aches and a weak bout of nausea made themselves known. Her stomach also felt tight.
She leaned up on her arms to inspect it but caught sight of the metal dog curled up in a half donut at the end of her bed. It was watching her in the low light, its jaw resting on its front paws; it was as still as a stone gargoyle on an ancient monument.Hopefully just as protective, too?
Her companion had never looked more adorable and less threatening. Gingerly shifting on the bed, she curled up in front and laid her head down on the mattress facing it. The dog’s head lifted slightly before settling back down.
“I love dogs.” Clara slid her fingers over its head. If she could never have children, she would adopt a bunch of cats and dogs.
The canine looked at her lazily and without emotion; it didn’t stop her from loving it. She continued to pet the metal-plated skin over its neck and back while her other hand reached out and cupped her curved belly. She could feel the remaining glue that held her incisions together and the bizarre tautness that it provided.
For the first time in years, she finally felt whole. It felt like her fairy godmother had finally granted her most fervent wish. Right below her hand was the first step in taking back control of her life.
She was determined to be pregnant by the end of this day.
Clara grumbled and sank into the bedding.
“I’m glad you're here with me,” she said softly. The dog had no reaction and she sighed sadly to herself. “No one's ever been there for me. Not in any way that matters. Not without expecting something in return.”
Stop wallowing. Today’s going to be a good day.She closed her eyes and allowed herself the luxury of waking up properly.
She didn't know how much time had passed, but when she sat up later she was more awake and the smalls aches she had earlier were gone. When her feet touched the ground, the world didn't spin. That was a good sign—or maybe it wasn’t. She wasn’t a doctor, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to ask her doctor.
Her body was somewhat steady; she knew that much.At least I’m on the other side of the procedure.
As she rose the rest of the way to her feet, her companion jumped off the bed and went to her side. It pressed its head into her open hand and helped her balance.
