“I’ll walk you up.”

“That’s really not necessary.” Cora stood up straight and turned, her feet catching on the curb. She recovered nicely but looked up to see Frazer staring at her, one eyebrow raised. With a sigh, Cora gave in. “Fine. Walk with me if you must.”

As close as a shadow, Frazer walked behind her, and Cora didn’t entirely manage to hide her groan at the sight of her own porch steps. Crickets that were chirping loudly fell silent as she all but stomped up the stairs. Her intention had been to go quietly, not wanting to wake up Alec, but she found, with a touch of vindictiveness, that she hoped he did wake up. If she had to suffer a hangover at work the next day, he could be sleep deprived. Successfully, she scaled the stairs and turned in front of the door, hands on her hips like a triumphant superhero.

“See? I was fine.”

“You tripped four times.”

“But did I fall, Frazer?”

Teeth flashed white in the gloom as Frazer chuckled. “True.” She held her hands up in peace, swaying a little. “You are victorious.”

“I always am.”

The chuckle washed over her ears again. It made warmth spread in her chest. The cool keys she’d gripped in her hand had become warm by now, and she slipped them into the lock on the second try, turning it and partially opening the door as she gave an awkward wave of her hand. “I’ll see you at work, yeah?”

“See you tomorrow.”

At the sight of Frazer’s back, Cora called out, not yet willing to walk into her silent and hideous house. “Frazer.”

“Yeah?” Frazer’s light, questioning eyes were on her, and Cora swallowed, suddenly feeling like a child with a new friend. “I just wanted to say, uh, thanks. I needed the company tonight.”

Cora crossed her arms over her stomach. Really, she did not want to go inside.

“Anytime.”

With a nod, Cora hovered there, still unwilling to move.

Suddenly, warm fingers gripped her wrist and tugged her forward. Arms wrapped around her, and Cora was stiff for only a second before relaxing into the hug. It was warm and soft, and it felt so good to be able to sink into someone. It had been so long since Alec had hugged her with any real affection. Burying her face in Frazer’s neck, Cora didn’t even care if Frazer had simply meant to give her a quick goodbye squeeze. Everything felt raw. With a burning in her throat she would be ashamed of if more sober, Cora felt Frazer’s cheek turn against her own. It was so soft. Hands ran up and down her back. If Cora had any say in it, she would stay there all night.

Through the fog in her brain, Cora realised she should probably let go. She should go inside. Pulling back slowly, her cheek brushed gently against Frazer’s again as she started to extract herself from her arms.