video;

[indecent_butterfly]

[Someone has, quite literally, woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Not only that, ne's not alone and not by choice as the video shows a rather grumpy 'Li' in bed next to nem.]

Normally One does not mind waking with a bed-mate. It makes for an interesting start of the day. [Not this time.]

But uninvited and unwanted guests do cause a lot of work when One has to reestablish the wards upon the castle. [Hey deities, can you stop sending in the jerk? Please?]

[There's no need to make this next part private given he's been here before and is already aware of the others living there. Ne holds up nir hand to
show off the cuff connecting the two.]

It seems we have a guest for the day.

Comments

[indecent_butterfly]

Broken hearts.

[Truth.]

One does not bring others home. [And you're lucky ne's in a good mood Hei, when ne tosses off the sheet ne's already dressed.]

[mortemscintilla]

Is that a codeword for 'assisted suicide'?

[ Not that it matters to him. ]

Why would you? I believe street corners and alleyways are historically where your business is conducted. [ The mockery is more reflex than edged with real vitriol. He rises from the bed obligingly enough, still slurping his drink. ]

[indecent_butterfly]

[ne'd protest being described as being a whore, but ne knows what ne is better than most.]

Because some do prefer comfort and warmth.

[And come on, make yourself even slightly useful. Pick a room.]

[mortemscintilla]

[ There's nothing more dangerous than self-delusion. Accept what you are. Even if what you are is worthless. ]

Not all deserve it.

[ He walks abreast of Hatter by instinct; it'd be strategically foolish to stand in front of her. Nor has he any intention of being lead around like a pooch. Not unpredictably, he picks the kitchen. ]

[ Here's hoping the fridge isn't empty. ]

[indecent_butterfly]

Obviously.

[Doesn't mean a bed isn't appreciated--even if it isn't used.

Ne understands the lack of trust all too well; ne wouldn't lead him around anyway as ne wouldn't trust him behind nem either. And the room is expected from what ne's seen of him before.

Luckily for him, with two growing boys in the place (well...normally) there is always food.]

At least there are no other effects ongoing this time.

[mortemscintilla]

[ Crossing midway to the fridge, he gives her the most withering look over his shoulder. ]

I'm sure there will be, now that you just said that.

[ (He's speaking facetiously, but he'll wish he'd swallowed those words come midnight). Opening the fridge one-handed, he selects the proper ingredients for a half-dozen sandwiches. Carries the spoils to the counter, and gets to work. ]

[ Maybe he'll make an extra snack for July. Just for the hell of it. ]

[indecent_butterfly]

Words rarely make a curse better or worse unless there is intent behind them and One wishes nothing more than this one to disperse.

[Ne knows better than to think those are for anyone other than himself. Grabbing an apple instead ne sits and peels it, stripping away the peeling with magic into one long strand.]

[mortemscintilla]

Shocking. For once our wishes are mutual.

[ His attention is no longer on Hatter -- on the surface, at least. (In truth he's observing that magic trick with interest). Slathering the toast with mayo, he carefully layers the cheese and meat slices on top. A little tough to manage with one hand, but he gets the hang of it. Amassing a sizable pile of sandwiches, he sets them on a plate and proceeds to stuff his face without ceremony. ]

[ It's only when he's inhaled at least ten slices of toast does he unbend enough to tell Hatter, ] If you need a meal prepared for July, I can do that. [ Probably not free of charge. But hey, he needs to keep his free hand busy. ]

[indecent_butterfly]

[Ne's being nice enough not to pull back on nir hand so he can use it if needed. Not even ne would be that cruel.

Maybe.

And once peeled, ne bites into the apple ignoring him in truth until he speaks.]

He might like that, if he could help and learn again. He's quite good for such a little one.

[mortemscintilla]

[ That's because he's programmed to watch and learn. That, Hei doesn't say. As it is, he finds it somewhat surprising that July would take an interest -- much less an incentive -- in cooking anything. ]

[ (But if Yin can change, why not other Dolls?) ]

Then I'll show him a few easy dishes to make. [ It'll be an excuse not to interact overmuch with Hatter. ]

[indecent_butterfly]

[Ne knows that even if ne doesn't know that "Li" knows that. No reason to letting know July's been watching in any case.

No matter his reasons, ne will always soften when speaking about July.]

Thank you.

[And since they are talking about the boy, it's easier for nem to say and actually mean it.]

[mortemscintilla]

[ Hei's been trained to pick up behavioural cues in split-seconds. The way Hatter softens doesn't go unnoticed. While part of him files the detail away on instinct (always stockpiling info for future use), another part of him finds her attachment to the Doll puzzling. Unsettling. Largely because it seems mutual. ]

[ (Can there actually be relationships that are mutual and not parasitic? It's not something he's come across in his experience. Not since Pai vanished.) ]

[ Outwardly, he offers nothing but a terse nod. The Thank You sounds strange on her lips, even stranger hanging in the air. But this is a City full of strangeness, isn't it? ]

[ Best not to dwell on it. Thinking bad. Sammich tasty. ]