Event Twenty-Three.

[awashmods]

Hickety pickety, my black hen, She lays eggs for gentlemen; Sometimes nine, sometimes ten, Hickety pickety, my black hen.

t's a beautiful day today. The sun is shining, the Town is peaceful...and there's a new fluffy (or scaly or slimy or who knows what) friend living in your home, staring at you. One moment they're gone, then next they're there, staring at you with bright, inquisitive eyes. At first, everything seems fine -- they're friendly, and cute, even, and very helpful. But... well, as per all things in the Town? It can't ever be that easy. Take care to watch out for what these Cute Animal Companions are going to do, because it's not going to be pretty. Welcome to Awash's Twenty-third event log, everyone! Further information on this event can be found here at the OOC post. You are welcome to make your own logs and posts for this event! If there are any questions, please ask them here. Thank you!

Comments

[espritdecorpse]

[ This puppy is still in Cute Phase ^TM, so when it's lifted up, it doesn't protest, as it can still see the object of its affections. Its little feet paw the air and it lets out a few excited yips, its tail wagging happily.

Wei Wuxian relaxes visibly, exhaling with his shoulders slumping. He looks up at her, eyes brimming with relief and gratitude. ]

Oh. Thank you. H-how can I ever repay you?

[neronian]

You can start by telling me why you seem to fear these canines so, even ones as small and cute as these.

[ She picks up the puppy, and giving into temptation, holds it close to her face. So fluffy. So cute. ]

Do you even know? Or is it instinct, instilled into your very spirit's origin?

[espritdecorpse]

Hah...

[ He massages his forehead. He could just make up something or stonewall; but his roommate knows enough of his secrets already. Besides, she's holding the puppy (now happily licking her cheek), and might possibly let go of it, if she thinks he's not being honest with her. ]

When I was a kid, my parents died and I ended up on the streets for a while. I had to fight dogs for scraps of food or whatever.

[ He smiles, helplessly. There are many. many more gory details, but he hopes that's enough for her to get the jist. ]

So... yeah. You could say it is instilled in my very spirit.

[neronian]

[ Nero listens quietly, processing the information. She knew he did not have the best background, given his admission of what happened to him and the people he loved, but she wasn't exactly aware that it started so early. The puppy licks her cheek, but her brow is slightly furrowed in thought for a moment. Hm. Now she feels kind of bad for the previous urge to tease him by holding the puppy to his face. She's a tyrant, yes, but not a jackass. Or at least, she tries not to be, but it surely happens sometimes.

Finally, her expression relaxes. ]

I see. And you associate all canines, even smaller ones like these, with the ones that you fought in your childhood. Hm, you may be stronger than I gave you credit for.

[ No pity, no condescension, no waving off. ]

1/2

[espritdecorpse]

[ Still tense because the puppy is in sight, he nods, sheepishly... ]

[espritdecorpse]

[ ......and then stops, mid-nod. ]

Huh?

[ Did he hear her right? ]

Wait, stronger?

[ He expected she'd say he was weaker than what she'd given him credit for. What's strong about being afraid of dogs? ]

[neronian]

Yes. Hmph, do not make me repeat myself.

[ It'd be kind of embarrassing!! She carries on, seemingly unperturbed by his sudden pause. ]

I see that you have been through much since you were young, so it would be unbecoming to laugh at such scars. Do not mistake this for pity, however. Think of it as a form of respect, for the fact that you have fought and clawed your way to survive against beasts of all sorts.

[ Besides, she feels comfortable enough with him that she feels she can extend this courtesy. That's all. ]