life and its complications.

[putrefaction]

[It is a laundry day in someone else's mind.

He took extra steps to leave her alone to her task. She has quite a task ahead of her, and Nigel would only be in the way. Thus, he kept to cat naps, to shifting between waking and sleeping states.

Eventually, his throat demands a trip, and he emerges from his room with the intent to go to the kitchen. An intent that cuts short inches from his destination, when he catches sight of white-gold in the laundry room. Of skin he shouldn't be catching, a floral shape etched against the pale. White with a blue edge. Maybe. It's hard to tell with his sight.

Nigel halts, caught in an emotion unnamed. And as with all his awkward steps, he begins with words.]

A tattoo?

Comments

[putrefaction]

[...Yes. Yes, that. That's so much better. He looks noticeably relieved.]

It was as if they had nowhere better to be.

[purificatio]

We should just have ice cream here.

[ But they are lazy and cheap. ]

I should learn how to make ice cream.

[putrefaction]

Isn't that more effort?

[It requires churning, from what he's been told.]

[purificatio]

[ Mmm, churning. ]

Efffffort.

[putrefaction]

[Okay. He can't help but smile a little.]

So allergic to effort.

[purificatio]

[ Snuggling onto thigh and laying her head on her arm there. ]

It's nice to be lazy sometimes.

[putrefaction]

[It's unconscious, but he is entirely affected by a little thing giving praise to laziness. That and how she's snuggled against him.]

Then we should sleep more.

[purificatio]

Is that a hint?

[putrefaction]

Well, yes. I'd coma permanently if I had my--

[Green eyes widen in realization as his cheeks suddenly flush red.]

Oh.

[purificatio]

[ The blush is charming. The rest also. He's wrong, but it's cute. The statement isn't as much. She leans forward and touches his nose with the tip of her finger. ]

Not allowed to coma. I'd miss you too much.

[putrefaction]

[Nigel might have hyperventilated, then, if Alanna hadn't distracted him. He looks at her, the color on his face gradually fading.]

That's why I probably will never have my way.

[purificatio]

You don't want to stay with me, then?

[putrefaction]

[He tenses.]

I want to stay with you.

[purificatio]

[ Touches nose again. ]

Then change your wants.

[putrefaction]

[It is guilt he feels instead of comfort.]

Sorry. I'm just tired. A lot.

[purificatio]

Want me to pet you?

[ This is said with no insinuations. She straightens, then pats her thighs and mimes petting, an offer to pet him to sleep in her lap. ]

[putrefaction]

[He watches her, settles his faltering vision on the motions of her hands, and then stills in abject horror.

His lips twitch first before the words, or word, come spilling out.]

W-W-What?

[purificatio]

[ Her head cocks in a manner not unlike a cat watching a bird. ]

Tired. Petting. Sleeping. Together.

[putrefaction]

[Oh. Okay. That isn't as bad as he expected. He exhales in mild relief.]

You're up for that?

[purificatio]

[ Head cocking further. ]

Do I need to prepare myself?

[putrefaction]

[Stares at her, eyes blinking. As comprehension slowly sets in, he carefully plants his face into his hands.]

[purificatio]

[ Happy, she smiles, and reaches up to again touch his hair. ]

You're feeling better.

[putrefaction]

[Muffled:]

Maybe.

[purificatio]

You think too much.

[ Analyze and break apart what they have. ]

Nigel. Just enjoy being with me. I'm here for you.

[putrefaction]

[He drops his hands to look at her.]

I'll sleep, then. With you.

[With the petting. His cheeks flush at the prospect.]