Cor, on the other hand, had been in several fights before. Most of them as Black Light but some as himself when he had been in a bit of a dark place in his life. He’d been very lucky that he had been able to avoid the Black Guard during that time. “No. I don't think so.” he said, shaking his head slightly as he lightly brushed his fingers against her bruise. “How many fingers am I holding up?” he asked as he held up three fingers on his other hand.
Nora, whose light lines had turned the faintest hint of pinkish white when he touched her, blinked, squinting at his hand. "Four? No, three. I can't see much. It's dark in here."
Cor nodded a little with a small frown. “Yeah… I’ll give you that.” he agreed, noting that it was pretty dark in this tunnel. “Here. Just take it easy.” he said as he held out his hand for her so he could help her up.
Nora grabbed his hand tightly, allowing herself to be helped up, noting his arm muscles as she did so. Bit floated around her head, still worried.
"I'm okay, Bit," she said reassuringly, then looked at Cor. "Thank you."
“No problem.” he smiled a little as they stood up. Cor didn't think as he wrapped an arm around her waist to help steady her. “Do you think you can hold on to me? I won't go too fast but I know the next exit is too far to walk.” he explained, gesturing briefly to his lightcycle.
Nora's light lines flashed pink again at his touch, and she could feel her cheeks grow warm slightly. What was this feeling? It wasn't anything she'd experienced before.
"I think so," she said. The thought of riding her own lightcycle didn't even come to her. He was warm, and she felt safe.
Cor’s own lights flashed light pink when he realized his actions. “Good.” he murmured, guiding her over to his lightcycle before checking for her baton. He didn't want to leave it behind, but he wasn't going to let her drive it yet.
"What are you looking for?" Nora asked, confused.
Yes, yes, yes, yes. Bit bobbed up and down by her thigh, where her baton was.
"I was checking for your baton." he said, looking over at Bit's calling and blushing when he noticed what the little rascal was trying to tell him. "I… I thought you had dropped it when you crashed and didn't want to leave something that important to you behind." he told her as he rejoined her at his bike. "You ready to get out of here?" he asked, rezzing in his helmet before mounting his lightcycle.
"Oh." Nora nodded, understanding. "Yes, let's go."
Rezzing in her helmet, she clambered onto the bike behind him, tentatively placing her hands on his shoulders. Her light lines turned faint pink again. Bit floated into the crook of her neck. Yes.
Cor’s lights also flashed pink at the touch and Bit’s encouragement. “Ok.” he nodded before starting to drive out of the tunnel.
(I am going on yet another trip and this time Imma not have wifi so Imma be gone til like Monday jsyk :) )
"Where are we going?" Nora asked. She hoped it wasn't the medical centre: she felt fine. She would be fine. She could heal her own wounds, right?
(ok. Thanks for the heads up.)
“Well, I was thinking about just taking you back to your place but I'm not sure how bad you hit your head.” Cor admitted. “I know I probably should get you to a medic but… I… I don't know. There's something about med centers that makes my code crawl.”
(Back!)
"I feel the same way about med centres," Nora said, accepting that she was going to have to have herself checked out. "I could probably check myself out - Siren training, you know - but End of Line is a little far. Is there anywhere closer?"
(Yay!)
Cor gave a brief half-smile at the fact that they have something else in common. He hummed a little at the point she made and nodded. “Umm… Well, if this tunnel comes out where I think it does, then my place would be closer.” he said thoughtfully, mentally mapping out the path.
(Yay indeed. Camping is not my thing XD )
Nora nodded. In truth, the thought of going to his place was… exciting? She couldn't quite place the feeling. Something that made her fingers tingle.
(Ironically, I love camping and will actually be going on a little trip of my own this upcoming weekend.)
Cor was a little nervous about taking her to his place. Considering where she lived and what kind of program she was… He just felt overall inadequate compared to her. He was a simple messager and search program. She was a Siren. The two didn't often cross paths outside of business. Maybe he was more than “a little” nervous.
(Oh fun! There are exactly three circumstances under which I will go camping XD I hope you'll have more fun than I did!)
"Do you live in any of the Towers?" Nora asked, a little awkwardly, as they made their way out of the tunnel.
(Thanks! I hope so too 😉)
“Uhh, I live in a tower. Just probably not one of the ones you're thinking of.” he admitted, a little relieved to be out of the tunnels finally. Cor had dreamed of living in a place like the Silver building or someplace fancy like that but… “I have a loft apartment. It's nothing like what you're used to.”
Nora cast her eyes downward for a second. She had never been to an apartment outside of the Silver Tower; it was a hallmark of her uniquely privileged - and secluded - lifestyle.
"A loft apartment sounds nice," she said vaguely, though she had no idea what to expect. What, exactly, was a loft? A penthouse? She wasn't sure. Nora, you need to get out more.
Cor chuckled softly at her compliment. “You’ve never been to one, have you?” he asked knowingly. “They’re actually a little small and not half as nice as your place but I can't really complain.” he admitted with a shrug as he continued to drive them to his apartment.
"I see," she said. In truth, she found small places to be cosy. Maybe it was her Siren life - long stretches being spent in a cocoon. She found her own apartment to be a little big at times, just her and Bit on one floor. Bit would like this. Bit liked exploring new places.
Cor nodded, a little relieved that she seemed to understand or at least accept his explanation of what to expect. It may not have been the best but he felt better now that she was prepared. “It’s this building here.” he pointed out as he slowed to a stop in front his home.
Nora looked up at it. "So you live at the top?"
“Near the top. Well, sort of near the top.” he nodded. “Penthouses are pretty expensive, even here.” he chuckled as he carefully got off his lightcycle and helped her off as well.