Corrine's Apartment: Metropolis

[amityville_sweetheart]

It's morning. Finally.

Corrine can see the light coming in through the blinds of her living room, and she yawns. She's been up all night, listening for sounds from her bedroom. At one point, she'd gotten rather involved in an infomercial about making money at home. If she were gullible, it would've sounded like a good idea.

Despite the boredom, she'd avoided checking her bank account online all night. She was afraid of the inevitable-- she was broke.

She knew there was an excuse for her. Things with the JSA had been a non-stop action ride, and not that she wasn't happy about a little excitement in her life, but it had all been a little too much. A trip back to normalcy was called for.

Corrine set her tea down on the table, walking towards her bedroom. Inside, she'd set Caleb up in her bed to sleep. She'd checked on him several times in the night, but he seemed to be sleeping soundly. Hours ago she'd abandoned the self-delusion that she was only doing it out of care for a friend.

She pushed the door open, unable to resist the urge to see his sleeping form again.

Comments

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*Caleb’s eyes slowly open, and he lets out a dull moaning sound as his head shifts slightly on the pillow.*

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*It's the first bit of stirring Corrine has seen from Caleb all night, and she leans down, gently running her hands through his hair. The blood has been cleaned from his face and hands, and the cut on his forehead has been tended to.*

It's okay. You're with me, now. *She bites her bottom lip, the words suddenly sounding awkward.*

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*Caleb looks up at Corrine, his eyes requiring a second or two to focus.*

Corrine?

*His voice is very weak. He tries sitting up, but barely manages to get his left elbow under him to support the weight of his upper body. His look betrays his disorientation. *

Neron…

Did she get Neron?

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Corrine nods, giving him a push back against the pillows.* She did. He's gone. And _you_ are staying in bed, got it? You're in no condition to be up and about yet.

*She stands up straight, crossing her arms over her chest.* I really hate to upset the patient before he's probably healed, but... What the HELL were you thinking?

You could be DEAD right now! DEAD! Do you know how bad DEAD is? It's pretty fucking bad!

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*Caleb listens quietly to Corrine’s yelling, rubbing his eyes briefly with his right hand.*

It’s … it’s ironic you should mention that, seeing as I was only trying to make sure that you were alright.

You do understand that .. your’ shield wouldn’t have been able too stand up to Neron, right?

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*She tries to continue being angry, but it doesn't work. She sighs, pulling her computer chair next to the bed.* I know. I know. I got you involved in all this, and now... I know you were trying to help. Well, you DID help. I'm sorry for screaming-- *She looks up at the ceiling, evident that she's no longer apologizing to him.* --and cursing.

As for the shield, well... didn't really know what else to do. Running and hiding looked like a nice option, but I don't think that would've gone over too well.

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*Caleb begins laughing, which is shortly disrupted by coughing, then some residual chuckling.*

I can’t claim to have cared much by the end, there. When, uh, when you used that sleep spell on me .. I was actually running to you to grab you and teleport us out of there.

*Caleb’s smile fades back to his signature composed look.*

You had the right idea, though. I apologies if I worried you.

[hotshot1280.livejournal.com]

*Trevor pulls up on his motorcycle outside of Corinne's apartment. Pulling his helmet off, he pushes back the hood of his costume and hides it under the back of his shirt as he walks up the steps and rings Corinne's doorbell. Straightening his black trench coat, he waits as patiently as he is able to for someone to answer.*

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Sighing, Corrine puts down the glass of water and aspirin she's retrieved for Caleb, and goes to answer the door. Looking out the peephole, she sees Trevor, arms crossed, foot tapping inpatiently. She opens the door.*

Oh, geez. What does HE want?

Hey, Trevor. What's up?

[hotshot1280.livejournal.com]

*Trevor blinks at Corrine in surprise. Her usual mostly-neat hair is dishevelled, and she looks as though she hasn't slept for some time. Behind her, Trevor can see Caleb's coat lying on her couch.*

*Trevor quirks an eye-brow at Corrine.*

Well, I was going to show off my new bike, but-

*Glancing again at the jacket, Trevor notices what looks like blood on the front of the trench, and stops.*

What the Hell? Is that blood?!

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

Um... *Corrine looks behind her, trying to see what Trevor's staring at. Caleb's jacket. She looks back at him, realizing what the previous look in his eyes was.*

Did you think...? *Her face flushes red.* We weren't... I mean... Caleb's _here_, but not because... *She throws her hands in the air, giving up on explanations. She lowers her voice.* Yes, it's blood. Get in here before the neighbors hear you! *She yanks him inside, slamming the door behind them.*

[hotshot1280.livejournal.com]

*Trevor follows her, grabbing the jacket off the couch and holding it up so he can see what looks to be a large amount of blood.*

What the hell happened to him? Where is he?

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Corrine gestures towards her bedroom.* In there. We got back last night from the-- *It suddenly occurs to her Trevor has no idea what's been going on with her lately. She inhales deeply, getting ready to run the events of the past few days down to him.* Um. Okay, short version?

Somehow I got Dr. Fate's helmet. Went off to the JSA to get answers. Got recruited to help Green Lantern track down Dr. Fate, then wound up traipsing around the dream dimension with Captain Marvel and Green Lantern. Fought some evil lady.

Onto Zatanna's ancestral home, which got wrecked. JSA HQ, where Caleb showed up looking for me. Dragged back to Zatanna's home to restore it, realized someone was pretending to be this mage guy, but he was really the Lord of Demons or something... Neron, if I remember correctly. Caleb got brave, got his brains knocked out of his head. Neron fought this hawk lady, Caleb tried playing the hero again-- which actually worked.

He went into seizures, I carted him back here, and I've been nursing him back to health ever since. *She rubs her forehead.* Did any of that make sense?

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

I don't think your brain's in good enough shape yet for that kind of wit. *She hands Caleb the aspirin and water.* Besides, who would honestly _want_ a story like that?

*She mocks Caleb's slight accent.* 'Oh, yes, today I sparred a demon! It was most intriguing, I must say, and much more interesting than tea and scones! While quite an exciting affair, now that I am in a more lucid state, I must agree that it wasn't the most intelligent idea I've had. I must go to retrieve my brains, where they've unfortunately landed on the floor after some trying blows to the head. Before I go, however, did anyone get the name of that truck?'

Yeah. Sign me up.

[hotshot1280.livejournal.com]

*Trevor blinks at Corrine, fighting back a smile, before looking at Caleb and nodding toward Corrine*

What she said.

*Trevor looks again at Corrine.*

By the way, is there any part of this guy that isn't injured at the moment?

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Corrine looks over, eyeing Caleb thoughtfully.* Well.

*She lets her eyes rest on his bare chest for a moment before remembering herself.* Um. I'm pretty sure his left leg's okay.

[hotshot1280.livejournal.com]

*Trevor walks over to Caleb, and taps him lightly in the shin with his foot.*

That's for being a dumb-ass and messing with immortal beings who could kill you without realizing it, much less trying.

*Straightens his shirt as he steps back.*

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*More shocked than hurt, Caleb looks at Trevor.*

If I weren’t so impaired, I do believe I would eviscerate you. Please stop kicking me.

As for the demon… between he and I, only I still breathe. The facts speak for themselves, really.

[hotshot1280.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and I think breathing is probably the only advantage your physical state has over his at the moment.

And as for eviscerating me, keep in mind, if you hadn't decided to fight a demon, you wouldn't be impaired, nor would you have to worry about eviscerating me, because you wouldn't have done something so stupid!

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Corrine stands in the living room, peeking around the doorway of the kitchen to peer at Caleb.* Didn't go well, I guess?

*She's wearing a long, blue terrycloth robe, and points at the door to her apartment.* I heard yelling, so I... *She moves towards Caleb, giving him a sympathetic look. She scratches her head nervously.* I, uh... I heard some of that. I really, uh... *Her stare has become nervous, and she twists her fingers around each other. Then, suddenly, she hugs him, being careful of his injuries.*

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*Caleb is caught totally off guard as Corrine grabs him. For a moment, he doesn’t know quite what to do, then places his hands around her, returning her embrace.*

Careful Caleb. If she has feelings for you, you don’t want to lead her on. After all, you would only be setting her up to get hurt, right?

*And for a second, Caleb almost believed that, too. Then he hugs her more firmly.*

What’s this about?

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Corrine sighs, not wanting to break the hug. She does her best to keep her mind from misconstruing this embrace, but she still doesn't let go.*

You rushed into a dangerous situation because of me, but you never tried to change my mind about the whole thing. *She lets him go, stepping back to look him directly in the eyes.* I'm so used to being treated like a child, I guess it's just... a nice change of pace to know people have faith in me. First the JSA, then you.

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

*Caleb smiles warmly.*

If I didn’t think you had potential, I wouldn’t have approached you after our first conversation in the café.

[damage-girl.livejournal.com]

*Corrine shakes her head.* It's not just that, though. It's the fact that you want to teach me, but you also realize I'm not a little kid. I know I'm skittish and withdrawn and naive. But people haven't seemed to realize that doesn't make me _stupid_-- and I'm not half as naive as people think. And you _get_ that.

*She sits down at the kitchen table, beginning to fiddle with her house keys.* Greg was my first boyfriend-- only boyfriend. I met him when I first moved to Metropolis.

And I don't want to make it seem like he was a control freak or something, because he wasn't. But he was always behind me, always checking up with me. Always lecturing me, 'Corri, I can't keep taking care of you'. I didn't need taking care of then, and I don't now.

And I appreciate you realizing that, that's all.

[caleb-z.livejournal.com]

Of course. Don’t mention it.

Except, possibly, to Trevor. He seemed to be quite displeased with me.

*Caleb grows quiet as he contemplates the events of the last few minutes.*

I hope Trevor isn’t doing something stupid...