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infringement intended.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
SPOILERS: Last Resort (S5E9).
The Mean Reds
By Babydykecate
Cameron's just finished a double shift, and she can think of nothing better than a hot bath and a good book to fall asleep to. Her eyes are barely open when she enters the locker room. She's surprised to find Thirteen standing in front of her locker.
"Dr. Hadley?" she asks.
Thirteen meets her eyes, then looks down. "Sometimes you just have to trust people," Thirteen says quietly.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Cameron replies gently.
"When I was held hostage- and the guy was going to make me take the last drug…" Thirteen explains, her mind suddenly back in that moment. The event flashes before her eyes, and she's powerless to stop it.
"I… I told him that sometimes you just have to trust people. I said it to save my life, but it's true. You can live your life a cynic, thinking the worst of everyone and every situation, but there will come a time when you just have to trust someone. I need to trust someone, Cameron," Thirteen says, her voice unsteady.
"I want to trust you," Thirteen whispers, her eyes meeting Cameron's once again.
Cameron holds Thirteen's gaze, studying her for a minute.
"You could start by calling me Allison," Cameron finally says with a soft smile.
"You can call me Remy, then Allison," Thirteen replies.
"Remy, how does crashing on my couch to watch an old movie sound? If I have to stand up any longer, I may pass out," Cameron jokes.
"That sounds wonderful," Thirteen agrees with a grin.
Cameron lets Thirteen choose a movie from her collection, and Thirteen picks Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Thirteen leans against Cameron as the opening credits come on.
"My mother used to watch this film with me," Thirteen whispers. "She said there was no case of the mean reds that Breakfast at Tiffany's couldn't cure." Thirteen smiles tightly, tears welling up in her eyes.
"I haven't seen it since she died. I guess I didn't want my mean reds to go away," Thirteen whispers, trying to add a laugh, but failing.
Cameron's hand covers Thirteen's and squeezes. Thirteen bites her lip, and a tear spills down her check. Thirteen turns her head into Cameron's neck.
Cameron just keeps holding her hand. She doesn't let go for the rest of the movie.
Cameron grips Thirteen's hand during the kiss in the rain, and they slowly turn to look at each other.
Their heads inch closer together, eyes closing, lips finally touching. The kiss is delicate, full of longing and newfound trust.
The End