His heart constricts as the fragility of the moment washes over him. His hands pull back the tiniest bit, like he's realized he's about to crush an eggshell. He looks -- stricken is the best word. Almost in disbelief that she's opened herself up this much to him.

Oh, Dejah.

Curtis wraps his arms around her, his chin on her shoulder, gathering his thoughts.



"This isn't a quick fuck," he whispers. Of course it's not. Not at this point. "But I think -- can I tell you what it was this kind of thing was like back home? Before the freeze?"

Not just Front versus Tail, he reminds himself. Earth versus Barsoom.