[109]

[urbandev]

Shit.

Cloud, I think you were infectious.

No point in moving to the tub. I've already wrecked the sheets.

I -- could someone check on Anita for me in the morning? I don't know if she's still a child or not -- she shouldn't have to see this.

[Private to Niko]

How are you feeling? Better?

Comments

Action

[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[shakes her head a little]

Nothing.

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

Anita.

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

No, Reeve. I'm not leaving your side.

[frowns]

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

Who's asking you to?

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

No one.

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

He wasn't born yesterday. He can tell that she's holding something back. But he's so pathetically greatful that he just presses closer to her, wrapping her up in one arm and continuing to scratch Arin with the other.]

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[Arin shifts and lays his head along Reeve's leg as she starts tracing aimless patters along Reeve's back.]

We should get you to the tub sometimes soon, so I can get this all cleaned up. I know you don't want to look at this all day.

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

I can clean it up. I don't want you to have to...

[At least he preserved the blankets and pillows by kicking them to the floor. It's just the sheets that are taking a beating.]

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

I don't want you to have to.

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

[Smiles a little, even if it is weak.] My mess, Anita.

I'll buy you new sheets.

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

You do for me so it's only right to do for you sometimes, so shut up, Reeve. You're buying me a new bed, by the way. I won't be able to get the smell out well enough to keep it.

[traces a finger along the smile]

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

[the smile grows a little and he reaches out to touch her cheek.] New bed. New clothes. Whatever you want, love.

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[curls her fingers around his hand as Smudge and Mercy creep into the room, meowing softly at the sight]

The kids are worried about you, hon.

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

Clearly, or they'd never be braving Arin so nobley.

[Extends a hand to Smudge, letting her sniff at the blood before she wrinkles up her nose and turns away.]

If they're our kids, what happens if we ever really do have kids? [He's just talking nonsense.]

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[Pauses, blinking a bit before murmurs something to Arin, who nods and climbs off the bed and starts from the room, the cats following him]

I don't think they're afraid of him because they can tell he's part of me.

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[urbandev.livejournal.com]

[Blinks as she sends Arin away and some of the warmth leaves the bed.]

What is it?

[He has a feeling he knows, but... he doesn't want to be the one to mention it can never happen. Not while he's like this.]

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[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[Smiles softly at him, shaking her head]

It's nothing. He's gonna make sure they're fed and he'll be back. I might be able to keep you company on my own until then.

[urbandev.livejournal.com]

[Dubious Reeve is dubious, but he lets his eyes close and his cheek against her hair.]

If you're sure.

[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[leans back against the wall behind them, pulling him along with her]

.... I am.

[urbandev.livejournal.com]

[He nods, settling in against her and stroking over her back gently.]

I love you.

[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

[Starts humming softly, hands stroking along his hair and shoulder]

I love you, too.

[urbandev.livejournal.com]

[Curls up against her, purring at the contact.] Mind if I sleep?

[browning-baby.livejournal.com]

That's the best thing you can do to pass the time today.

[keeps up the gentle strokes, not even looking up when Arin returns and curls up along Reeve's other side.]

[urbandev.livejournal.com]

Love you. [Softly, drifting off.]