When he was finished, he lit a cigarette and laid back on the filthy pillow, inhaling and blowing half-formed

rings while trying to collect his thoughts. His lower half caught in the afterglow, and sore at the same time, he adjusted some before pulling up the covers. She moved as well, and asked for one of his smokes. -Really? -Why not? -Well, its just, yknow. She held out her hand, dangling it like lure for a few seconds, and he finally caved in and gave it to her. She lit it, and blew a ring of her own, this one perfectly formed. -Well, he said. I guess youre just better at everything. -We do have advanced muscle control. -I mean you. -What? -You. Just you. Not the -The what? -Never mind. They sat smoking in silence for some time. When he was finished, he put his out in the tray on the nightstand, and stood to dress. She watched him through the smoke, eyeing his contours like he was an art class model. Pale and restless, her eyes darted up and down. He didnt see her blink once. -So, he said. How does this work? Do I pay you? -Youll make payment downstairs, with the clerk. -And how much of that do you see? -What would I need money for? -I dont know -I dont need food.

He laughed. -What about some more cigarettes? -That was just to make you feel comfortable. -Trying to be more human, I guess. She frowned. -Did you not enjoy yourself? He shook his head, and pulled on his shirt. -No, no. I just, yknow, never done this kinda thing. Almost expected to get electrocuted. He laughed. She didnt. -You know we take every precaution. -It was a joke. -I understand. He doubted that. Finished dressing, he moved for the door, giving her a last look. Her shape, her whole demeanor, he had to admit they left an impression. He couldnt quite figure out what that meant. He nodded, giving a half-smile. She moved, her body emerging from under the covers in all its too-perfect perfection. Her pale eyes, for a moment- a small, fleeting moment- looked sad. -Will I see you again? He froze. -Why do you ask? She moved to sit on the edge of bed, quiet and neutral, before flashing a half-smile of her own. -No reason, I suppose.