She had the same feeling about his facial hair when they first met but it quickly didn't matter. "Everyone has something that makes them different. I thought your eyes were intense and very beautiful when I first met you."

It was a complement and an honest one. Gloria knew some people didn't get enough nice things said about them and it was easy enough.

Gloria shook her head and laughed quietly. "It's good they didn't know she was my girlfriend or I could have been taken to court for a crime and put into a mental hospital."

It was the truth of her life and, though where Mick and the others lived was still strict, Gloria saw it as a little better. She didn't talk much about that part of her past but they had remained friends, close as sisters, through all the fear. "They still don't like that she is my roommate and research assistant, but we don't care."

She set aside the supplies and sat down on the floor by Viktor's feet. "Let's have a look at your ankle."