The rest of the time with Edward and Lucy was a rather calm affair, but a welcoming one, simply enjoying each other's company. It didn't last very long, Edward had to leave to tend to his own responsibilities within the guard, but it was an enjoyable time regardless. Although I do wish the drinks he ordered were slightly less pricey, I've no complaints otherwise.
Other than the fact it ended, I really should drag him along to the bar some more to chat, he seemed a little bit stressed. Probably has something to do with his job, or his uncle. Fuck! I should've prodded him bout his uncle, he knows about how underhanded he can be, right? I should've prayed just a little bit more.
Good going, scatterbrain.
You know, you could've reminded me.
You're an adult, you can and should be able to handle yourself. Speaking of 'adults', why's the crazy bitch tagging along with us again?
I should scold him for insulting her, but he does kind of have a fair point. I hum to myself as I look over to the mage, waltzing alongside me with a skip in her step. She's kind of latched onto me since I left the tavern, though she's been oddly silent ever since. She doesn't seem as brooding as before, too.
You know, you could ask her, using your words, I've heard that's effective.
Your personal wit is always appreciated, Adrian.
As it should.
"So, is there any particular reasoning you're still tagging along with me?"
"C'mon, I might wanna buy some things of my own, fuzzy. Besides, dontcha like spending time with me~?" Her faux pout doesn't do much to convince me, the girl huffing as I raise an eyebrow in response, rolling her eyes as she turns away from me. She doesn't elaborate further, I'm not sure why, but it… worries me, I guess.
"Are you upset or something?" She seems a little confused by the question, or taken aback, her head tilting as she furrows her brow, keeping eye contact with me even as she continues to skip, her head bobbing left and right.
"No? Why would I be?"
"You were kind of huffy since this morning, remember?" Did she forget about that or something? She was a bit broody throughout the entire time we were in the inn, surely she's not that forgetful. It takes her a bit to respond, the girl humming aloud before it finally seems to connect together.
"Oh, that? Nah, I didn't care that much, I wasn't gunna get angry over something like that. I just thought it was fun is all Fuzzy, don't worry your little head about it." She responds with a light tone, giggling all the while as she reaches up, tapping the tip of my nose. I feel it crinkle as I pull back, rubbing at it with a finger, the girls giggling filling the air. I, what? Fun?
"What do you mean by that?" I ask her once more, nice and slowly, keeping an eye on her. Am I missing something here, or is this just her being a pain in the ass to read?
There's not much of a point to trying to judge what she's thinking, if I'm gonna be honest, we both know she ain't the best with actual people.
"That it'd be fun? Well, it's fun to see how people react to things is all, ya know? Both fun and interesting, people respond to different things in different ways, there's some entertainment to be found in examining how they act." She sounds… rather cold as she answers once more, a shiver running up my spine as I continue to stare. The small smile on her face doesn't match her words, not in the slightest, and the inquisitive looking glint in her eyes doesn't exactly help to soothe me either.
"Isn't that kind of callous? To treat people like they're subjects to be examined?" Her face falls as she pauses for a moment, my claws scratching against the stone as I wait beside her, a finger of hers raised to her chin in thought.
"Perhaps it is, but I'd rather test such things now rather so I can be better at dealing with more sociable activities in the future than to be unprepared then, ya know?" I hum to myself and rub the back of my neck, my mind wandering for a moment as I stare into the dirt. I suppose that I understand her reasoning, but it still sounds… strange, I guess is the best word for it.
"I mean, I guess I can understand, I just think that type of thought process might be a bit off putting to some people is all." That's not even touching on how impersonal it sounds, has she been doing that since we've met to test me? How long has she been doing that in her life, then? Is her plain faced studious side her more true side? She scoffs and rolls her eyes, bringing me out of my thoughts, standing at the tip of her toes to jab my nose with a finger. She huffs and pouts as I flick her hand away, it's an amusing sight despite, well, this whole thing with her.
I think it's worrying that you still find this girl enjoyable in some way, though I'm not surprised you've attracted the attention of someone like her.
What's that supposed to mean, huh? Her morbid curiosity is… worrying, yeah, but I'm sure there's something good inside her. At least, I can hope. I motion with my head away from the street before walking away, the girl rushing to skip by my side. We do need to get to the town center some time today, after all.
"C'mon, it's worked for me so far, and you know I'm not exactly the best with people. I prefer books, and magic, the experimentation of magical theory and it's practical effects is something that I can understand far more than emotions." That glint in her eyes returns with her glee, though it's at least a more pleasant one than before, a wide grin on her face as it sparkles. It's rather endearing actually, despite what she's said before, I'd like to imagine that there's a genuine purer wish to fulfil her desires hidden behind her off putting demeanor.
Isn't this the same person that tried to make us drink something that'd probably burn our insides like acid?
Maybe I'm being a bit too lenient, but there's some hope for her to be better at dealing with people, I can handle her.
I'm not surprised, just disappointed.
"That's why I'm a little bit interested in you, ya know?" That certainly catches me off guard, raising an eyebrow as I glance towards the scholar, her smile still stretched wide.
"I uh, I don't know why actually, I just know that you're a weirdo." I roll my eyes and jab a finger into her cheek, the girl's indignant sounding yelp is hilarious, a mirthful chuckle rumbling in my chest. I can hear her aggravated huff, though I don't pay it any mind, she can handle some ribbing if she can dish it out.
"You're not quite what I expected from what I know of basitins, there's little bits of you that doesn't stack up just right, a puzzling outlier that I will figure out!" She sounds so proud and determined as she stands that little bit taller, her grin set firmly on her face as her eyes twinkle. I don't know why I feel so pleased seeing it, maybe it has something to do with her seemingly being genuine, but it's rather entertaining. It's better than mindlessly walking, we'll get to the town center eventually, but it'd be dull. She's on the right track at least, magically resistant my arse, I already know I'd make a poor basitin, but that did seal the deal in a way.
God I hope she doesn't rub off of you or anything, that'd be a fucking nightmare for me to deal with, I don't want one and a half of her.
"You know, I could tell you what I know, I'm sure I can answer a few questions." It's an honest to god offer, but it's one that she doesn't seem to enjoy very much, her face scrunching up into a frown as she huffs, her hand thwapping against my arm in response. She's got the upper body strength of a kid, it doesn't quite wipe away the teasing grin on my face.
"No, bad! I am a scholar that's prying into something that actually seems fun, if I have to ask a question then I will, but I do not want you spoiling things for me without me trying." I still can't help but laugh at the girl, her indignant huffing returning in full force, a pout on her face as she crosses her arms.
"Alright alright, I'll yield, just don't make me do things that'd actually maim me permanently." The elbow she drives into my side does little to subdue my chuckling, though I do honestly mean it all. The drive that she has seems honest enough, though I do wish it didn't have morbid connotations to go along with it, I can handle it.
What's the odds of this chick actually figuring us out without some answers, anyways?
Very low, in all honesty, but if she wishes for this path, then who am I to deny her? It helps that I'm getting something out of all of this, too.
Ich, I'm surprised that our mind hasn't been turned into a vegetable from the magic that we have used, and I ain't anticipating the day that it might happen. Maybe our brain's too fucked to be more brain damaged because of, well, limbo.
That's an idea, if nothing else, but how would that work? Our brain should physically be a basitin, even if we think differently from them, from whatever remnants of memory we do have. But how would that explain our magical weakness when we're similar to basitin in any other way? We're about as hardy as them, right?
...My head hurts thinking bout this, I'm gonna chalk it up to some bullshit.
Another thing we're in agreement with, entirely because I don't want to have to feel your brain explode from actually thinking bout things.
I'm good at punching things, not the thinking part.
A fact that I am sadly very aware of.
"That's a bit more people than I expected." The sound of Lucy's voice brings me out of my thoughts, looking forwards and into the town center, swathes of humans chattering among themselves as they rub shoulder to shoulder, a good portion of those buying attempting to barter with the merchants amongst the din of the murmuring.
Huh, that is a lot of people, more you know.
This is a town center.
There's gotta be days where it's less populated, right? I wasn't aware that so many people came here, I've been here, what, 3ish times maybe?
Perhaps, perhaps not, maybe you should respond to the chick before she gets angsty over you ignoring her.
"Can't say I expected this much either." I tack onto the conversation, nodding along as I peek over the heads of the humans. Gerome should be somewhere around here, right? It's not like the bastard would be anywhere else, maybe he's around the fountain again? Fuck, I really don't remember this place very well, doesn't help that we've managed to pop up at an entrance that ain't exactly close to the fountain either. "So, you gonna fall off to do your own thing now, or do you wanna tag along for a bit?"
The mage hums as she cups her chin, her eyes squinting as she peers into the crowd. I uh, just realised something. She's fucking tiny, especially compared to the people aroundhere, she's actually gonna get lost in the crowd if she doesn't hang onto me, or at least stay close.
That's, rather funny actually, hah.
You're actually enjoying something?
I am capable of enjoying things every now and then, like Anna's tea, I'm just stuck having to deal with you is all which dampens the experience.
"I think I might 'tag along' with you for a bit longer while you're lookin for the old man, just to get an eye for things, and to see what I might actually want." She finally replies with a nod, reaching out to me with an outstretched hand, and a cocky looking smile on her face. "Will you guide this fair little maiden through with your hand, dear Fuzzy?"
"Not a chance, I don't see any 'fair maiden' here anyways, grab my cloak and hold on tight if you're that worried." I rebut the girl's wish with a rather gruff sounding snort, a flicker of delight flashing in my chest for a moment as she whines aloud. She does as she's told at least, her hand clutching the side of my cloak. Alright, should be nice and easy now.
The muttering of the crowd fills my ears as I force my way through them, ignoring the dissatisfied calls and jeering that comes from them as best I can, furrowing my brow as I still my beating heart. Tsk, too many fucking people here, too many humans crowded around me. I can handle it, I just wish it wasn't necessary. I spare a glance down to Lucy, the miniature mage doesn't seem exactly excited to be stuck here judging from the terse frown on her face, though she's holding on well enough.
It feels as if it takes a while, but I finally force us through the crowd, breathing a sigh of relief as we stand in front of the fountain, the stream of water gushing from it twinkling in the morning sun. Huh, I never noticed how nice it looked to be honest, never bothered to check it.
"Oy, young Zeke and lady Lucy! What is you two doings here?" Ah, that's right, I did come here for a reason. I tear my sight from the fountain to the man, his familiar mirthful grin plastered on his face as he taps his fingers against the wooden desk of his store. I give the man a nod as I approach him, Lucy's grip on my cloak finally falling.
"Nice to see you again, Gerome. I have a few questions I want to ask you, if you got the time for it." Gerome raises a brow at the demand as his smile falls somewhat, but he doesn't seem to object to it, his fingers pressing against the wood just that little bit harder.
"I understand, will put time aside very soon, is rather lazy day compared to most. And what about you, lady Lucy? Are you needing something?" His warm grin comes back in full force as he turns to face the girl, leaning forward ever so slightly. She hums to herself, resting a finger on her chin in faux thought.
"You wouldn't know anyone who got things on the more magical side, would ya? I haven't been outta wreathwood much, and I'd like to see what people here got in store. It might help with some… ideas I have for Fuzzy here, too." The little smile she sends my way sends a small shiver up my spin despite my best efforts to smother it, it's an uncomfortable smile to look at.
Can we please get rid of her before she skins us in our sleep or some shit?
I don't think she'd go that far, hopefully, anyways. If Gerome notices my discomfort, he sure as fuck doesn't show it, a low chuckle coming from the merchant.
"Oy, Gerome does have some people in mind that could help, would be best to come back later, such people would not be around here just yet, uncomfortable with so many peoples around." Lucy seems half happy with that answer, her chest puffing out initially before falling soon after, a pout on her face.
"I came all the way here just to be told to come back later?" She seems a bit huffy about that, her nose turned up and away from the merchant as she crosses her arms. I snicker to myself and rest a hand atop her shoulder, squeezing it lightly.
"If it makes you feel better, he probably does it to a lot of people." I've no doubt that he's gonna do it to me very soon, too.
"It doesn't at all! I got important things to do and stuff." Gerome chuckles in return, a sly looking smile on his face as he shrugs.
"Gerome can't control what my 'friends' do, just give suggestions and ideas to thems. Why doesnt young lady Lucy take a look around other wares?"
"It's because she'll get lost in the crowd, can't exactly see where she's goingl." The ribbing is well worth the jabbing in the side from her, Geromes laughter filling the air, I can feel Lucy's stare boreing into my side.
"Hardy har har, I'm small and never grew, you're funny. Oh so funny, Fuzzy." I can't really take the ire behind her words very seriously, raising an eyebrow as I look down to her, face scrunched up into an angry scowl.
Must you really antagonise the chick like this? You ain't a smart person, but surely you know that provoking her isn't the brightest idea.
I know I know, but it's fun for now. Besides, this is technically helping her in a way to get used to people like me.
I hope that there isn't more like you, it'd save the remains of my sanity.
"What are you gonna do, stab me or something?"
"I already know how your blood flows outta you, I have so many other ideas that need testing." The way she growls her words doesn't exactly do much for me, beyond making me smile further anyways. It's pretty hard for her to be intimidating, in a physical sense anyways. I might regret it later, but it's fun to poke fun at her for now at least. A coughing interrupts out back and forth, tearing my sight over to Gerome once more, his lips curled up into a smile, a seemingly genuine one
"Is funny seeing young Zeke chattings with people, but there's other places for lady Lucy to be seeing for magical things, should she be so impatient." Gerome pipes up with a rather friendly tone, the girl letting out a heated huff.
"Phooey, you're no fun old man." The girl's mumbling doesn't go unheard, the merchant raising his hand to his chest in mock harm.
"You hurt me, lady Lucy! Gerome was so kind to you, too."
"Don't you call yourself old?" Lucy's lips curl into a smug smile as she stares up to the merchant, her hands clasped behind her back as he chuckles, it's a throaty sound.
"Fiiiine, I'll go do my own thing, don't worry bout me too much or anythin." She finally says after a few moments, huffing as she rolls her eyes. I'm not gonna let up on ribbing her, this is hilarious.
"I'm sure you're more than capable of handling yourself Lucy, just don't get stuck in a crowd or anything." She doesn't seem too amused by that, judging from the hiss and the sharp jab of her shoulder into my side. She mutters to herself as she sticks her nose up and away.
"You're being so mean today."
"I prefer the terms talkative and friendly, for your benefit. You know you're my favourite teacher at the very least, so I'm not gonna be genuinely mean."
"I'm your only teacher."
"That makes you the best by default then, no? Tell you what, I'll be more than down to practise magic some time tonight." That offer certainly seems to catch her attention, the girl planting her hand on her hip as she squints her eyes, staring at me while she hums aloud.
"Do you prooooooomise you won't stand me up, Fuzzy~?" She purses her lips together as she hums loudly, standing on the tips of her toes as she leans into me with a squinting stare. I resist the urge to pull away as best I can, drawing a cross over my chest with a finger.
"I promise I won't 'stand you up', and I don't break promises. You'll have to find somewhere for us to go though, somewhere away from Anna." She rolls her eyes and pulls away from me, thank god, the edges of her lips curled up into an unwilling looking smile.
"Ugh, fine. I'll catch ya later then fuzzy, and you too old man!" She gives the both of us a toothy grin before turning away, leaving us with a pep in her step.
She's staying a fair bit away from the crowd.
I can't help but snicker at the sight, though I can feel her. I don't like the crowd either, though I don't think it's for the same reasons. I turn my head from the girl to face the merchant, raising a brow as I look over his smirk, the twinkle of… something in his eyes.
"...yes?" The man chuckles in response, his smirk turning to a soft smile as he waves his hand dismissively.
"Don't be worrying, young Zeke, am just appreciating you interact with other people." He says that in a low tone, the man leaning forward ever so slightly. What does he mean by that? I 'interact' with other people plenty enough.
Who do you even talk to anyways? Not including me, or whatever else is inside your head.
Well, there's Edward, Anna, Lucy, Gerome of course, I talk to Mabel a lot I think…
And who else?
...I think I get what he's talking about. Those are who I talk to a fair bit anyways, not including the one off moments with others.
"I talk to who I want to." I finally respond to him with a shrug, pursing my lips together as he sniggers, his hand reaching out and clasping my shoulder, squeezing it lightly.
"Is good thing, Gerome thinks. But you come here for questions, da? Let's give you some answers." Ah, right, I did come here for a reason, didn't I?
"How's Vector doing? Have you found anything on the people who attacked him?" Gerome seems somewhat surprised by the question, an eyebrow raising as his smile falls.
"Ah, you remembers that, da?"
"I do have reason to, my friend nearly had his head caved in from it." I respond with a scoff, the merchant coughing into a hand before rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oy, is good reason to remember incident. Have been doing some digging since being back, talked to a few friends." I hum to myself as he responds, tapping a finger against my chin. "Nothing just yet, is little to go on."
"You talked to the captain here, yet?" The merchant suddenly stiffens, his eyes darting from side to side before dragging me closer to him, his hot breath forcing my ears to twitch, a soft frown on his face.
"Do not be mentioning our 'connection' around here if you can help it, is not good for business and for me. But da, he is lookings into it. Have you met the man?" He speaks in a hissing whisper before pulling away, returning to his familiar approachable mask. I frown myself, rubbing at the pained shoulder as I look around the place myself. There's not many people that stand around here, and if they were further away, I can't imagine that they'd hear our what we've been saying over the din of the crowd.
Better safe than sorry, especially when it comes to secrets.
"Mhm, we've had a talk." Much to my displeasure, my insides still burn just that little bit as I recall meeting the bastard. I've no idea why he rubs me the wrong way, though I know it's not beneath him to pull at some strings should it be needed. Maybe it's just me still being pissy over his 'offer'. "How do you know each other anyways?"
Being offered a job here doesn't seem bad.
Not that one, the one where he offered to spill the details on why Edward loathes non humans. That certainly got me going.
"We have… coinciding goals, part for profits, but mostly for peoples." It seems like a noble enough reasoning, and I can already imagine what people they've talked about. From Geromes morals to the captain's attempts to subtly nudge his nephew into better territory, at least when it comes to relations with non-humans. Tsk, I feel like garbage that I'm somewhat glad about that too, I'd be missing a friend were it not for that bastard. At least now I know for sure that they work together, who knows how deep that rabbit hole goes. "Not to question young Zeke, but why the questions? Surely is not just for little Edward, da?"
"It's not just for him, although he's definitely a reason. I'm not exactly a person that can blend in here, you know? Whoever commands them probably knows that I intervened, and I'd like to stay on top of that so I'm not caught off guard from anyone in the future. I don't want others to be hurt because of association." I'm not sure why, but it feels rather, I dunno, odd to think about all this, a disgustingly familiar feeling of paranoia resting in my chest as the hair on the back of my neck stand on end. Fucking paranoia, I could've missed this feeling a bit more.
We both know who you mean by 'hurt from association', and your merchant friend here can certainly tell.
That he does, without a doubt. There's a knowing look in his eye as he nods, his face set to a determined visage.
"Oy, will keep up to date information. It's good to see young Zeke stepping up! Will not always be young forever." His laughter accompanies his warm sounding words, his hand clasping my shoulder and squeezing it tightly, in good faith I'd hope.
Wish it wasn't the shoulder he fucked up before, god dammit.
"Well, I've people I care about a bit more now. I don't want to faff about and let my friends be hurt." And her, but that's something that goes unsaid.
"Is good thing, that's for sure. Is there anything else Zeke needs?" I hum for a moment, pursing my lips together as I wrack my head for something.
"I don't think so, but it was nice to see you around."
"Young Zeke should be visiting some more, maybe buy something special next time?" I roll my eyes as he gives me a wink, his chuckle echoing in my ears as I turn my back to him.
"I'll see you later, Gerome." I bid my farewells to him as I wave, my eyes turned onto the crowd in front of me. I'm less than happy to have to go through these people again, maybe I could take the long way around instead…
"Oy, Zeke." My ears twitch as I hear the old man call out to me, humming aloud as I turn to face him. His normally happy looking face lacks its warmth, a serious glint of steel smothering it. "You should tell Anna sometime, she is good lady, will be upset, but would prefer painful truth over blissful lie."
What's he- Ah, right, the whole magic thing, he probably knows she wouldn't… approve of it all. I open my mouth to speak, although I can only gape for a moment, sighing to myself anr subbing my hand over my face.
"I'll think about it." He doesn't seem happy with that answer, but he accepts it with a nod, motioning away with his head before tending to his wares.
He's not wrong, not in the slightest, but I don't want her to worry about me so much. Not any more, she's done more than her fair share to help me. That's understandable enough, right?
She's a rather motherly person, from what I can gather, she'll worry for you regardless. Not entirely undeserved though.
I know, I know. I grind my palm into my eye as I sigh, shaking my head as I begin to march, towards Anna's house I go. The din of the crowd sounds muted on my ears as I pass through it, it feels kind of lonely without someone around.
And what am I, chopped liver?
Physical company, then, there is a difference between the two.
Even Lucy?
Even her, strange as she is, it's better than nothing. I hum to myself as paws pound against the stone, I feel like I'm forgetting something...
Fuck, I never poked fun at Edward for chatting up Lucy, god dammit!
Ugh, I can't believe I'm stuck with you.
…..
"Ka-kaaaaaa…?"
"Kaaaaaa?" Come on kid, you got this, you're so close.
"Caaaaaat?"
"Thata girl." Mabel's happy squeaks echo throughout the room as I rest my hand atop her head, digging my fingers behind her ears while I wrap my arms around her, a good job deserves some reward, right? The girl yawns and nestles her head into the crook of my neck, her hands still clutching at the children's book. Pride swells in my chest as I return the affection, resting my chin atop her head and squeezing around her gently. She's a surprisingly quick learner, though I suppose picture books might be better suited for a kid to learn from than anything else.
Her first word is cat, and hopefully, the first of many. A part of me still worries about this… odd connection between the two of us, though for the moment at least, it's smothered by the joy of the moment. It doesn't matter for now, right now, she matters more than it. My lips curl further upwards as she purrs aloud, ears twitching happily as the rumbling of her chest reverberates into my side.
I'm proud of her for managing to survive her shitty upbringing, I'm proud of what she's done so far, and I'll be proud of what she does in the future, and that's something I can say with absolute certainty. Her yawning brings me out of my thoughts, it's a gentle squeaking sound that sounds absolutely delightful, the girl mumbling something underneath her breath.
"You feeling okay, kid?" I ask her in a low tone, a delighted spark flickering in my chest as she nods into me, my fingers ruffling the back of her head.
"Mhm, m'just sleepy…" She responds with a yawn, her eyelids drooping as her book slips from her fingers. I can't help but chuckle at the sight, slowly taking the book off of her with a spare hand.
"You wanna get some sleep then?" She answers with a hum and a nod, a gentle sigh escaping her maw as her eyelids flicker open and closed. I chuckle and scoop her up in my arms, the tired girl doesn't even have the energy to let out that squeak of hers as I shuffle across the bed, gently lowering her head atop the pillow and dragging the bedsheets upwards. She nestles herself into the pillow and yawns once more, her head lolling to the side before looking up to me.
"A-are you going out again?" My ears almost feel strained to hear the girl whisper, a sad smiling forcing its way onto my face while I rub a thumb across her cheek.
"Mhm, I'll be gone for a bit, but I'll be back when you wake up."
"D-do you promise?"
"I do, kid, and I don't break my promise." That seems to placate her somewhat, though she still squirms beneath the sheets, her half hidden eyes does more than enough. "What's wrong, kid? Are you okay?"
"...D-did I do a good job?" She barely speaks above a squeak, just like before, half lidded golden eyes shining in the darkness as she looks up to me. The light of her eyes is clouded with worry, the girl's unrest seems to rise even further after she asks the question. I can feel my heart yearn and twist within my chest at the sight, she looks as if she's on the verge of breaking down.
"You're doing a fantastic job, Mabel, and I'm proud of that, proud of you." I answer her truthfully with an honest smile, gently cupping her cheek as I lean down, pressing my lips against her forehead. She stiffens for a moment before letting out a shuddering sigh, the girl melting into the bed below. I linger for a moment before pulling away, a bright smile on her face as she finally closes her eyes shut.
She's a child, just a kid, one seeking validation and approval for doing something right. As lovely as the sight is, I can feel lingering rage bubbling in my veins. What sort of things would she have been 'approved' of before? I think it's best that I don't know for now. I want to cherish this moment, where she's happy, where she has someone approve of what she's done and what she's learnt.
...I also don't think I have the heart to pull away just yet, I'll wait for a while before leaving her, just to look over her for a bit longer. The coloured meld of the fur on her cheeks feel soft to the touch, a happy trill escaping her lips as I continue to caress it.
I'm surprised that you haven't piped up yet, Adrian.
While I don't agree with what you're doing, you're a stubborn bastard, and I know that this isn't something I can change your mind on. That being said, I'm rather enjoying the emotions you feel at the moment, it's… pleasant.
You know, you could just say that you're enjoying yourself, Adrian.
Blow me.
A soft throaty chuckle stirs in my throat as I look down on her, her breathing slowing down into a crawl as she stills. She's a good kid, and deserves some good sleep. Maybe I should look around to buying some thick bed wraps for her if we ever move around, it'll be far better than nothing. I still linger for a while before pulling away, my claws tapping against the wood as I slink around, reaching down to the chest and pulling my gloves back on. My sight lingers on that chest for a moment, pursing my lips together. I should find a use for that charred shit, maybe the Templar emblem could convince a few people to fuck off.
That aside, I'm ready to go. I don't want to leave Lucy waiting after all.
That's something I've wondered about you, Zeke. Why do you hold yourself to promises like that? Realistically, you can't keep every promise, nor would it even matter, it's not like there's a divine law to hold you to it either.
I'm not sure, really, I like to think it grounds me, even for a moment. It gives me a goal to keep in mind, as shot as my memory is, I'd like to remember some things. I probably can't keep every promise to the very letter, but that won't stop me from trying anyways. There's nothing holding me to my promises beyond myself, and you know just how stubborn I can be.
Much to my displeasure. What about the girl, then?
I pause for a moment, my hands wrapped around the knob to leave the room, my neck twisting to check on Mabel. Still unmoving, her chest rising and falling beneath the covers, lips still curled up into a foxy smile.
She's a very important promise indeed, to myself, to her, and to whoever else I might've met. I'll do everything in my power to keep that promise from being broken.
And I won't break promises.
Authors note: There's probably gonna be a small hiatus from this chapter to the next, unless I crank shit out real quick. I'm visiting family and such, it's the season after all. Merry Christmas, reader.