[For Emily, Arthur] Operation: Homecoming

[lysistrategic]

The sun's setting over the ocean by the time Joan and Arthur emerge from the bedroom. The drink they had before they adjourned had long since been metabolized or sweated out, and the frost-covered walls of Joan's self-defenses have melted and fallen completely. He's back in his slacks and shirt, because they haven't been to the Compound yet, and she's wearing one of her lighter weight dresses in place of the negligee and silk robe she'd wear at home, but she's still draped over his lap, arm around his shoulders. Both of them have fresh drinks in their hands and they're talking, finally, about the island and Joan's life here.

She smiles, breathing deeply, and brushes his bangs off his forehead. It feels like the first full breath she's taken since she got here. "Emily should be home soon," she says, but Joan's not interested in moving off his lap. "Try not to scandalize her too much?" There hasn't been time to tell him very much of anything, but that's all right. It will do well to break the ice.