Chapter 6: Both

"Both," Wes said.

Brigid's forehead stayed against his.

"That is not an answer."

"It's the only one I have. The man and the woman are the same person, Brigid. One of them is just taller."

A laugh broke out of her, short and startled.

"Then I'll have both," she said.

"I should tell you something first. When the nine days are up, I log out. I go back to where I came from."

"Do you?"

"I do. I can't promise you anything past launch day."

She pulled back and looked at him.

"I don't want a promise," she said. "I want tonight."

She took his hand and led him out of the armory, up the spiral stair of the one good tower, and into her room.

It was small. It had a narrow bed, a candle, and a shelf of three books.

She shut the door and set her back against it.

"Take off the coat," she said.

Wes took off the coat.

"The shirt."

He took off the shirt, and the braid fell over his bare shoulder.

Brigid looked at him for a long moment.

Then she unbuckled her breastplate and let it hit the floor, and pulled her tunic over her head.

Her body was scarred and strong. A long pale line crossed her ribs, and her breasts were heavy and freckled.

Wes could not look anywhere else.

"Sera," he said under his breath. "If you're listening, don't."

"I'll look at the ceiling," Sera said dryly, and went quiet.

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