[He does not look good—dirty as he is—and yet he is the best sight she could have possibly seen.]

Francois! You're back! [Happy tears threaten to wet her eyes as she takes him in.] You're really back. [Softer this time.]

Where are you? [Her eyes finally move from him to his surroundings. She's very ready to set out and bring him to warm water and hot food and whatever else he needs.]

[She searches for more than trees in the background, but nods, relenting a little. He isn't in any immediate danger. He's out. He's back. Everything is going to work out now. He didn't leave. He isn't there in that place.]

Yes, of course. You must be wondering what you missed. [She doesn't register anything crude about to issue from his lips. Even if he has changed she doesn't think of him that way or think of such things in general before or above the more innocent.]

Uryu turned Midgar Blues back over to me and I've taken a job at a pet store in addition to my work at the boutique. I suppose that's my way of saying I may already be keeping myself busy enough that I'm not sure what more interesting things are happening. [There were the curses of course, but she wasn't about to tell him how it made her seek out so much sex with new and different partners and how things that normally wouldn't appeal to her did. She barely admits these things to herself once they are done.]

[It isn't hard to miss the true meaning. She's had plenty of thoughts to escape even since her first arrival to the island. At first it was always the massacre, and recently she was reminded of it again—played for the whole network to see. And then the systematic disappearing of people she cared for and even loved. Most recently the thoughts of concern she had for Francois and Cullen not to mention her boss, Garak. She knows the forest can be a dark place. She also knows sometimes people go in and never come out like Imriel.

He was her therapist once upon a time. He knows how she hides from her thoughts by keeping herself busy and engaged. But she doesn't only think of herself as he says it. After all, she's sure he has more than a few thoughts to keep from the surface himself and they were probably all flaunted in front of him cruelly in that forest—more cruelly than even Atia's normal tricks can be.]

Yes, I suppose that has been a benefit.

Stay here tonight, Francois. Let me make you dinner. [There are still empty rooms, but she doesn't say so because part of her would like to think they can share one.]

[She's not quite sure what to make of either comment at first. His front kissing his back sounds almost like a riddle though she's likely to understand it if she gets a view of his bare stomach again.]

Ah, no, I just thought it would be good if you had a place where you could bathe and rest in warmth and safety. [She worries about the place he found for himself. He'd mentioned broken glass there at one point.]

And more selfishly, I miss you.

[She smiles, feeling more relaxed that he's agreed to it.] Yes, I'm living where I used to with Luke and now also Nigel now. Things shouldn't be too different than you remember though you were gone for around a month's time. [Plenty of time for longing and regrets and worry.]

I'll prepare a meal then. Please be careful, Francois. [She's so relieved and glad to have him back, but it still feels precarious like she won't really see him in an hour. The forest will reclaim him or the goddess will send him away or he'll find somewhere else he'd rather be.] I'll see you soon. [That worried hope sounding in her voice.]

[The food is still cooking, but in no immediate need of attention which is good because even if it was she still would have rushed to the door to greet him. Throwing the door open wide, there's no pause as she moves in toward him, bringing her arms up to encircle his too-thin frame. She does her best be gentle due to his weakened state but she's hardly overly blessed with strength and she needs to feel him solid in her hold.]

I'm so sorry. [The words are unplanned as they tumble out. Sorry for many things, few if any of which are her fault.]

For... For not letting you come in before attacking you. [Not at all what had been on her mind but she looks up with eyes so filled with affection it's hard to believe they made room for apology. And still she forgets to take the necessary backward steps that would lead to his full entry.]

Did you want potatoes? I made rice, but I could make potatoes too.

There's a stew to go with it. With beef and carrots and a sauce. Ah, it's not done yet. [She finds herself trying to resit the urge to stop her rambling by kissing him. Her cheeks betray her slightly and she ducks her head which reminds her they are still standing in the open doorway.]

Oh, come in. Please. [The step back is difficult because it also takes her away from him and there's still that little part of her that believes he'll vanish if she looks away.]

I think it will reheat well too. [She reaches to take his hand as she leads him further inside. She's beyond glad that he's here even if there is some anxiety along with it.]

Of course. I'll show you to the bathroom. We have some guest towels and soaps. [Almost a necessity on an island like this.]

I just want you to be comfortable. [Francois is at least a little more important to her than soap. Maybe a lot more. Maybe a lot more important than most things.

Once to the bathroom she manages to release his hand, so she can gather the promised items together, leaving them on the counter and then turning to look at him. Time to go. Food to cook. Nothing to see here. And yet, she hesitates.]

I should probably check on the food. [Still standing. Still gazing.]

I don't worry that much for floors. [She moves forward, but not out the door. It's another hug.] Just don't disappear. Please.