Steam curls through the bathroom by the time Cirrus cuts off the water. It intermingles with her hair, giving it a shapeless, ever-moving condition. Cardi’s own hair is pressed flatly against her temples as she moves to join Cirrus at the bathtub.
“Watch your knees, luv,” says Cirrus, offering her hand to help Cardi in.
“I got it, I got it,” Cardi protests, slipping in, unassisted.
As Cirrus joins in, she frowns. “It wasn’t about whether you could, y’know.”
They’re facing each other in the bath. Cardi’s eyes are already starting to glaze over.
“Can I touch you?”
“Eh?”
“I’ve missed you, Cee. Can you come here?” asks Cirrus, extending her hands once again. She almost jumps when Cardi actually takes hold of them, and lets herself be pulled.
Now Cardi’s back is pressed against Cirrus’ chest. The ghoul holds her, Cardi feels her whip-like tail curl around her leg, her breath even on her neck. She’s missed her ghoul, too. So much. She tries not to let how lonely she’s felt make her stomach drop and hands shake.
Cirrus squeezes Cardi, and she half-turns to look at the ghoul. The tub suddenly feels deeper than it ought to be, like Cardi is being sucked into an ocean trench, and she begins to cry.
