(Untitled)

[aimedforthemoon]

When Esfir arrived at Milliways, it had been after several years of cosmonaut training and, no, it wasn't all maths and computers. They had to be able to withstand the g-force of a launch, had to be able to push their bodies until they knew exactly when they started to pass out. She was, in short, exceedingly fit when she arrived, and even if

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[isaysimplewords]

For a brief, fleeting time during the last few months of the end of his life, Cal was in something closely resembling shape. There's something about spending a good chunk of one's time with a three year old that will do that to a person.

That was a month ago, though, and along with the sleep problems and vastly insufficient diet, the most strenuous exercise Cal has gotten on a regular basis has been walking upstairs. (There has been sex, but not exactly regularly.)

This is all to explain why Cal cannot see his companion's smug look on account of being doubled over with his hands on his knees, gasping for breath; why the only thing keeping him on his feet is his pride; and why it's just as well that he hasn't eaten since the pancakes with X yesterday.

Moderate jog at a decent pace, Cal's ass.

[aimedforthemoon]

"Try to breathe through your nose."

[isaysimplewords]

That does not admit enough air fast enough. Cal's lungs do not care for this plan.

[aimedforthemoon]

"Fine. Breathe in for ten, hold for ten, breathe out for ten."

Beat.

"You'll get your breath back faster."