a thousand instincts (#1)

Big Bird (21)

     Aeress stepped out of the doorframe. "Come in, please." 

     He sent a shy smile and thanked her. When he walked inward, she liked that he was more relaxed. This time his hair was not slicked back, but simply combed neatly. "Premier said you would enjoy my company, that is why I came, unless you do not-" 

     Aeress closed the door behind him. "Of course I would! Why wouldn't I? Mikya, has no one ever called you a gem?" 

     She laughed as his ear and cheeks tinted a deep, obvious crimson. "No, Aeress. They haven't. You are far too kind." 

     Aeress walked over and waved her hand. "I just call it like I see it." She was very careful in sitting down on the couch, not wanting to wrinkle her dress. "How are you?" 

    He appeared confused. "Is there anything I can get for you? Perhaps a refreshment-" 

     Aeress frowned. "I think Warrick sent you to give company, not your services. And this is my room after all, I should be offering you water. If there is any?" She looked around. 

     Again, he was baffled. 

     "What?" 

     He shook his head. "It's just... You're not what I expected." His eyes widened as if he realized his mouth revealed more than he intended. He bowed his head. "Forgive me for my rudeness-"

     "I'm not exactly the Queen of England, am I?" Aeress chuckled at the idea. "I guess that's what everyone expects. I mean if I was in your shoes, I'd expect some stuck-up, my-shit-don't-stank bitch too." She shrugged. "But this," she gestured to her dress, "is a far cry from my studio apartment and pantry stocked with ramen noodles. In fact, while this is amazing, I kind of miss it." 

     He nodded. "This must be a transition indeed. You are a strong woman, if I may say so." 

     "I'm just an english major. But sure, you could say I'm the shit." They both laughed at how ridiculous she could be. 

     There was a comfortable silence which followed. They both just stayed where they were. "Mikya?" 

      "Yes, ma'am?" 

     "I'm glad you came. I needed a friend."

     His eyes brightened. "You honor me." 

     A thought popped into her head. "How is Nina?" 

     He didn't appear to recognize the name too easily. "She is well. I am not sure of her station at this moment, but I am fairly certain that she is being relocated here shortly." 

     Aeress perked up. "Are you serious? God, I hope so!" 

     She also thought of Shaya and wondered if she was okay. "Mikya? Is there a way you can get me a phone? I'd like to talk to someone." 

     He fidgeted where he stood. "Technology is very rarely found here, including telephones. I'm sorry, but I will go now to see-"

     Aeress threw up her hands. "No, please. I don't want to get you in trouble. I'll just find another way, it can't be that hard to get a message off this island, right?" 

     "Perhaps a letter?" 

     Aeress beamed at the resourceful man. "Of course, why didn't I think of that-" there was a polite knock on the door. 

     Mikya looked to her for permission. Aeress nodded and he went to open the door. One of the guards stationed at her door bowed his head. "Dinner is ready. Whenever you wish, we'd be honored to escort you to the celebration."