Page 22 of It Varies
“Okay.At least we know.”
“I can still heal you, but it will be a little more involved.”He had a serious expression.
“That sounds complicated.”
“It is very basic, but I have to shift shape for it, and there may be mucus involved.”
“Wow.Better and better.”
He smiled.“You aren’t nervous about it?”
She shrugged.“My nerves are on fire, my skin hurts, my bones ache, and the rest of my body compensates with twisted muscle.Mucus doesn’t scare me.”
“It will need to be gradual.The damage is extreme.”
She shrugged.“Whatever.”
She saw the flicker in his eyes as her voice rasped the single word.Singles were always worse than talking.It was like her scarred voice had to start over every time she paused.
“What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Uh, probably making some protection charms.”She smiled.“How is that crystal display working in your lobby?It’s some of my better work.”
He smoothed her jeans down carefully and rose to his feet.“You created that array?”
“I did.It was fun and very pretty.A feeling of satisfaction that lasts for three days when they leave the spa, as long as their treatments were improving, and a burst of health that continues the treatment effect for a few days.”She shrugged.“As well as the general safety and calm for staff and clients.”
“That was a fifty-thousand-dollar piece.”He was smiling at her.
“It was.Worth every penny.It is uncorruptible and will outlive me by a century.”
His lips quirked.“You are planning your death?”
“If all remains as it is, it won’t be too far.Five years on the outside.The adrenalin from the pain will eventually wear out my heart, and I will die at my workbench.”
He blinked.“What?”
“I have visions of worst-case scenarios.That is how I can enact my protections.I see what could happen and work to stop that.”
He stared.“What can help you out of your worst case?”
“I already tried it.”
Kazuya nodded.“The appointment.My assistant is going to be doing some grovelling when you see him next.”He looked at her and gave her a card.“Can you be here tomorrow at ten in the morning?I can begin your treatment.”
“Uh, what will it entail?”
He smiled.“Mucus.Once your nerves have healed, we will set aside time to work on your limbs.You will have to suffer my embrace, but it will feel better afterward.We will be in the water.”
“Ah.”She glanced at the card.“Bring a swimsuit?”
He touched her jaw.“No.I have robes, and I need to be able to get a grip where I need one.I will breathe for you while my limbs work on yours.”
“Oh, wow.No wonder you don’t do it at the clinic.”
He grinned.“It would cause rumours, but I feel my secrets are safe with you.”
“Yeah, well, who would I tell?The dark elves know, the light elves are busy with the dark elves, and my mages don’t care; the earth-born djinn are just trying to figure out what the hell they are and what they can do.No one cares about mucus.”
