Tit for Tat by R. Cooper

Author:R. Cooper [Cooper, R.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: danger, Aliens, psychic powers, refugees, rebels, friends with benefits, antifascist, queerplatonic, sex worker character
Publisher: R. Cooper
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

When Tat woke, Cin was still there. She had turned the other way during the night, putting her back to Tat, which made it easier when Tat finally forced herself up and out of bed. Tat’s head ached, but less than before.

She checked the time before she went to the head and then the showers to wash up and change her bandage. Lettie was awake, possibly had never gone to sleep, so when Tat made some instant caf, she brought her a cup before taking two steaming mugs with her back to her room.

She didn’t want to wake Cin, but Cin did have a business to think of.

Cin, when lightly tapped on the shoulder, grumbled and lazily slapped at Tat’s hand. Then she abruptly opened her eyes, saw Tat, and froze. She relaxed again in almost the same instant.

“Tat.” Her voice was husky and sweet. “You look better. You were pale last night.”

“Caf?” Tat held out a cup and Cin scooted up to accept it. She absently finger-combed her hair while she blew on her drink. She sipped it delicately.

“I showered already,” Tat filled her in, “but I will wait for you if you want to go get food with me.” Tat was currently not interested in eating. Her stomach didn’t feel settled. But she liked the idea of getting fried sticky rolls or something with Cin. “I didn’t want to wake you, but you probably have to get to your stall.”

Cin wrinkled her nose but nodded. “I suppose I do need to make a living.”

“There are other ways,” Tat said carefully. Cin lowered her mug to stare at her. “What?” Tat fidgeted uncertainly with one of her suspender straps. “You could profit more. I’d wager that just looking at you. You’re not even Luudi but you’re so pretty. I couldn’t speak when I first met you—I don’t know if you noticed that. I forgot my intention when you looked at me.”

Cin wet her lower lip but didn’t speak.

Tat looked down at her own cup of caf, which she’d almost forgotten about. “And then there’s the fact that you’re a Pros. I’d see the sense in it, if it was to your taste or needs to do that sort of work. Though, I also figure you chose not to do that for a reason. Maybe that’s only here in Astri. Or maybe you never were. I don’t actually know all that much about Pros.”

“Well.” Cin arranged herself so she was sitting crosslegged. “The short answer is—I find plants calming in a way I do not find people. Besides, who around here would pay Pros prices? Searchers and gangsters and cops? No thanks.” She remembered her caf and took a swallow. “You know, even the most talented of the Pros has to spend a lot of time alone to feel at ease. Humans are a tangle of wants even while minding their own business in the market, and lots of people think that it’s okay to take their biggest or worst desires and shove them at a Pros.

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