Seb smiled and added, ''One, yes, but I make it a good one!'' While they talked, Seb learned the man's entire life story. He'd worked in printing shops his entire life and studied history in his spare time, in particular all the wars that had happened through out the centuries. Did he have any better understanding of 'why?' for all the study. He did not, but it was interesting.
He'd been mostly a loner in this big city, and never sure how to break into all the snobbish cliques of the alternative communities. But now he was lonely, and found himself really looking forward to a smaller town. Gordon thanked Seb once again for all he'd done for him, and they left the diner for the bus station.
Tickets were bought, and buses were boarded. Seb sought a seat away from the sun and knew he'd have to change his seat often, with nearly all of his flesh exposed. He was exhausted, but his naps would be often interrupted with an awareness of flesh about to burn.
Finally, the bus rolled into Yuma, and Seb exited, running to the pay phones. A grumpy Michael answered, not happy to have been woken up, ''It's high noon, Seb! High noon! Did you think of that?''
Seb apologized and begged for pants and shirt, as well as a sun shielding blanket. ''What happened to the ones you left with?'' Michael demanded. ''I'll explain later, the sun's starting to head my way, bye!''
Michael layered himself completely, gloves for his hands, ski mask and goggle sunglasses insured he'd do this mission safely. He didn't know where Seb kept his clothes. He didn't want to waken anyone else up, so he just grabbed some of his own and a blanket.
Seb was surprised to find Michael still grumpy when he entered the bus station and tossed the clothes at him. Seb looked with dismay at the garments, ''These are YOUR clothes!'' Michael snapped back, ''Deal with it, princess!'' Seb was surprised they buttoned easily, although the sleeves were four inches too short, and the pants were even shorter.
Michael threw him the blanket and they went home, not talking much. Even with sunglasses, the eyestrain on Michael, the driver, was intense. Seb waited until they were home and inside before expressing his exuberant gratitude. Michael retreated from his hug, ''Phew, you stink! You smell like a sweaty man's . . .'' and did not finish the statement, for the meaning was well understood.
Seb blushed as he remembered the earlier evening's activities, ''Let me go wash my face!'' Michael added, ''Brush your teeth and tongue, too!''
After washing, Seb slipped in besides sleeping Gwen, who did not stir until after he was ensconced in the warm blankets. She reached out and felt the roughly textured linen shirt, ''Michael?'' Then her hand met a great shock of hair, and she opened her eyes, ''Seb?'' He kissed her and whispered with great excitement, ''Yes! I'm home, dear! I came home as quickly as I could. But I had such an adventure. I saved a man's life. He would have been blown up when his apartment exploded. But I smelled it in time and got us out. He's going home to his sick mama now. I am so happy, I saved his life. I think it was the whole reason I felt moved to go to Los Angeles. Fate wanted me to save his life.''
Gwen snuggled sleepily, ''That's great, honey. Hmmm-m-m-m-m, hold me!'' As Seb complied, Gwen observed, ''You smell funny!'' Seb groaned, ''Aw, I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I still smell bad?'' Gwen evaluated, waking up somewhat with the effort, ''Hm-m-m-m, not bad, but I can tell you've been with a human . . .'' Seb nuzzled her playfully, ''I saved his life, remember? You're not mad, I hope. I'll never go away without you in the future. We'll plan little escapes together, okay?''
Gwen pulled him to her, and agreed, ''Yes, from now on, I don't let you out of my sight!'' And they held each other tightly. Seb glowed inside with immense happiness.
Go to Chapter 21, So Alone
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