h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

*Kyra looks a little confused, and opens her mouth to argue, but then thinks better of it. She scoops up the photos in silence and climbs over her bed to pack her bag. She glances at Lucy, trying to judge her mood*

* Lucy gives Kyra a quick, one-armed hug while Eli opens the door. He turns back to Kyra before stepping outside. *

Have you settled your bill with the innkeeper?

*Kyra nods as she picks up her bag*

Yeah, you have to pay in advance here.

*She follows the two of them out, and Frankie follows her, still wagging her tail manically*

* Lucy picks up Frankie's lead and the two of them lead the way down. Eli glances back at Kyra. *

Good - then go and tell him the room's free again.

*Kyra shrugs and enters the bar to let the innkeeper know he can go back to charging tourists obscene amounts of money for the room. The man grunts in acknowledgement and Kyra goes outside to rejoin Eli and Lucy, smiling again*

* Eli is unmoved by Kyra's smile and leads them back to the tardis door - once again, without encountering any trouble. *

* After making sure no-one is watching them, they enter the tardis and take off their shoes. Lucy lets Frankie off her leash, and the four of them head for the kitchen, where they sit down. *

* Eli glances at Kyra, his expression unreadable, his voice dangerously soft. *

Care to explain yourself?

*Kyra concentrates on rubbing Frankie's ears. She deliberately makes herself sound casual, although Eli's behaviour is worrying her*

I figured it'd be easier to integrate myself back here alone. Then when you came we'd have something to work with.

* Eli glares at Kyra, keeping his voice low. *

Easier, eh? Because taking adequate precautions would have taken too long to your liking, you mean?

*Kyra chews on a fingernail and looks down*

Maybe ...

* Eli shakes his head. *

And so you just lie to your friends to get your way, and the consequences be smegged. Wonderful.

* Lucy stays out of the conversation (while following it closely, of course), busying herself by giving Frankie some food and water. *

*Kyra frowns*

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It's not like that. I didn't lie, not to you.

* Eli shakes his head. *

No, you just took off while you *knew* I didn't want you to leave just yet. And you *did* lie to Tavaron. You told her I was okay with you going.

*Kyra looks away*

But you *did* say I could go ... Anyway, we were on holiday, and this is my home, I can come back if I want.

*She stops suddenly and closes her eyes*

* Eli glares at Kyra. *

That's bull, and you *know* it. Don't insult us with your feeble attempts at self-justification. This isn't your home, it's your *past*. Even you should know the difference.

*Kyra looks at Eli when he starts speaking, and has to struggle to keep his gaze. The words sting, especially the 'even you'*

I know. I'm sorry. I just knew you wouldn't let me do some things I needed to do.

*She gets up and moves to stand with her back against a wall. Frankie lies down with her face in her paws, picking up on the tension*

* Eli shakes his head. *

You never even gave me the benefit of the doubt. You *thought* I wouldn't, and that was it. You were off.

* Lucy comes over to him and puts her hands on his shoulders, squeezing them gently. He realises what she's trying to say and sighs. *

Go to bed, Kyra, before either of us says something we'll regret. Tavaron's prepared a room for you. We'll talk again tomorrow. And *stay in the tardis*. Understood?

*Kyra nods sadly and picks up her bag*

Understood. Goodnight.

*She pulls her photos out of her pocket as she leaves the kitchen and heads to the room she normally sleeps in while she's in the tardis. It's been a while, but the place looks the same*

*She sits on the bed and lays the pictures out in front of her again. She doesn't know if this wild goose chase is worth it, but she's going to find her father*

* Eli and Lucy stay in the kitchen for some time, without speaking. After a while, Eli gets up to make dinner for both of them. Lucy gets Frankie, who has emptied her bowl, and takes her to Kyra's room. She knocks softly and, after hearing Kyra respond, sticks her head around the door and ushers Frankie inside. *

I thought you might like some company.

* Frankie bounds over to Kyra, and Lucy smiles at her. *

I'm glad we found you, and that you're okay. Eli's making dinner now. I'm sure there'll be enough for three... Goodnight.

* She winks at Kyra and closes the door. *

* Back in the kitchen she shares a simple meal with Eli, still not feeling much like talking. Some time later they withdraw to their bedroom for the night. *

*Kyra smiles at Lucy and relaxes a little*

*She studies her photos for half an hour longer to give Eli some time to cool off with Lucy and hopefully vacate the kitchen before venturing out to get something to eat*

*Kyra has spent some of the last few hours wondering if she could get away with leaving the tardis in order to give Frankie a walk. Somehow, she doubts it. She puts up with staying put with reasonably good grace, although she is anxious to get back to the streets*

*She plays with Frankie in the lounge area, sitting on cushions on the floor and rubbing her stomach*