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

[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.]

[purificatio]

[ Hmm. This calls for something Sarah taught her. Alanna had refused to say it back, but she remembered. ]

...Owaaa, so bold.

[putrefaction]

[There are stares. Long stares.]

I can't say which is worse: your tone or your expression.

[purificatio]

[ She shifts and slaps her hands loudly on her face. Her mouth opens in a "o" of false surprise. ]

Ahh, I'm not your type; how sad. Let me fall into a pit of never-ending dismay.

[putrefaction]

[Very long stares. He also brings a hand to his chin.]

Yes, definitely the expression.

[purificatio]

Wooow.

[ In a perfect monotone of course. ]

Disliking my appearance so much.

[putrefaction]

[With her back to her usual monotone, he shrugs dramatically, hands rising and all.]

You're cute; I'll give you that. But sometimes you have that look. That I'm-gonna-kill-you-in-your-safe-little-bed look.

[purificatio]

[ Still in his lap, she tilts her head, seemingly in thought. Then she slightly widens her eyes in a show of recall. ]

Ah. Right. You don't know. I mastered several martial arts styles.

[putrefaction]

[It's an intriguing fact she's giving, enough for him to nod along and forget her proximity.]

There it is.

[A pause.]

What kinds?

[purificatio]

[ She cocks her head, then recites easily. ]

Aikido, Wing Chun, Bajiquan, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.