Chapter 184 - Running or Bus

I woke the next morning feeling slightly awkward beside Phoenix. The previous night had been something entirely new for me and the images that had burned themselves permanently into my brain were not going anywhere in a hurry. Cel had been unusually and mercifully quiet about it, which I took as a small blessing since her usual running commentary would have made the morning considerably more complicated. Phoenix, for his part, behaved as though nothing of particular note had occurred, got dressed in his calm unhurried way and guided me downstairs so we could leave on time. I appreciated that more than I knew how to say.