Nora gently stoppered the vial again and handed it back to Cor, her light lines pulsing faintly as their fingers touched. She was unsure of what to say. What do you say when someone gives you the most valuable substance on the Grid?
The only thing that tumbled out of her mouth was, “I don’t think we should let Bit anywhere near that.”
Cor hadn't expected that comment but nodded as he accepted the vial, tucking it back in his pocket. “Yeah… the little rascal would go nuts on this energy.” he agreed with a fond chuckle. He had a general idea how valuable pure energy was which is part of the reason he kept its source a secret.
Yes, Bit agreed, zipping around Cor's head.
Cor smiled softly as Bit buzzed around him, gently pulling Nora closer to his side.
Nora, after a moment's hesitation, leaned towards him too, resting her head on his shoulder, her bun tickling his chin gently. She closed her eyes. She hadn't felt this safe in, well, forever.
Cor sighed softly and rested his head on top of hers, kissing her forehead. He hadn't been this naturally relaxed in cycles. Or this happy since Tetra… He sighed again and let his eyes close contentedly.
Nora felt as if she should say something, but there was nothing to say, just the subtle warmth of his hand in hers. She smiled when he kissed her forehead, breathing out a happy sigh.
Cor hummed a little in response and held her a little closer, enjoying the proximity. “I… I haven't really spent time like this with anyone in such a long time.” he admitted in a near whisper.
"Neither have I," Nora admitted softly.
Cor chuckled softly and kissed her cheek. “I’m so glad I met you.”
"Me too," Nora murmured, leaning into him, allowing her eyes to close.
Cor looked down at her and couldn't help but smirk as an idea came to him. A rather mischievous idea, he’d admit, but the opportunity was too good to waste. Without regard for consequences, he quickly scooped Nora up in his arms, supporting her back with one arm and the other under her legs.
"Wh-what are you doing?" Nora stammered, her body turning poker-stiff: this was unexpected. Her first instinct was to squirm out of his arms, but something tamped it down.
Cor chuckled softly and held her close. “I don't know what you mean.” he teased, kissing her cheek again.
Nora stopped squirming and frowned up at him. "What are you doing?"
Cor blinked and straightened up slightly. “Holding you.” he answered, a little confused by her glare. “Unless… you don't like it…” he questioned as he felt his ears start to burn. Maybe he had been too impulsive.
"Oh," Nora said, the tension in her body relaxing. She had thought he was going to take her somewhere. She leaned her head against his chest. "No, I like it. It's okay."
Cor's eyes widened, light lines flickering bright pink, as he realized what she had been thinking. “Oh… Nora, I wouldn't… I mean, you're… and I think that… but I… Good cubes.” he closed his eyes and took a deep breath as he tried to come up with the right words.
"It's okay," Nora murmured, letting the last of the tension disappear. She had heard too many horror stories about Sirens being carted off, willingly or unwillingly, to let that happen. "It's… instinct."
Cor sighed a little, managing to relax at her assurance. “Thanks. I… I guess I can understand but I promise you, Nora, I would never do something like that. The thought didn't even cross my mind when I picked you up.” he said sincerely as he sat down on the couch, still holding her. “I… I just thought… maybe I could surprise you. I like and respect you too much for… that.” he told her, blushing faintly at the idea.
Nora melted into his arms, one hand splayed on his chest.
"I've heard too many stories," she whispered. "But I trust you."
Cor smiled softly and hugged her, kissing her forehead. “I would never do that, especially to you. I’m glad you trust me. … I trust you too.”
Nora peered up into his eyes, those electric-blue eyes, the colour of energy. Hooking an arm around his neck, she shifted up and gently kissed his cheek.
Cor met her gaze and hummed softly at the kiss. He really did like her and trust her… perhaps more than he knew he should but he couldn't help it. It felt so nice to have a friend. Though given the kisses and closeness they were sharing… maybe more than a friend?
Nora's thoughts were along similar lines, lines that were rapidly becoming tangled as she peered deeper into his eyes. Her fingers buzzed slightly when he hummed, and the tiniest smile appeared around her lips. She found it… what was the word? Adorable.