Safford Stories

But when Marian agreed to see her work, even suggesting that, perhaps her art could go in her office, energy unlike anything she had felt all day raced through her veins. Marcy quickly shoved two spoonfuls of chili into her mouth before making a scramble for her purse. The Prada bag sat on the table beside her but was quickly pulled down into her lap and shuffled through. The bag being particularly full and unorganized, items were placed on the table as she searched.

A bottle of peach juice was placed on the table as well as her phone charger, a small work tablet, and a black stuffed animal with a white skull face. It was roughly in the shape of a very fat wendigo--obviously meant to be a child's version of The Unholy God. Once it had been moved out of the way, the black worn leather of her travelers notebook was visible and the book quickly retrieved. Everything else was unceremoniously shoved back into her bag.

"Here it is! See, I have one just like Lord De Beaumont! Well, his is brown leather and very old but the premise is the same." Opening her book, four travelers notebook were slipped into the binding. "I have a book for work stuff, ancient languages, temple work, and my personal thoughts. I sorta doodle on the pages."

Turning the book so that it faced Marian, she popped an olive in her mouth and leaned forward to flip through some pages.

Marcy's art style was like if someone had taken the art from the original 101 Dalmations and had opted to make it darker, more traditionally gothic, but just as sketchy and elongated. Her topics, however, were ranged.

On one page of notes from a particularly boring meeting was a tall man in a suit, his skeletol hands coming up to adjust his tie, his head a stag skull with broken antlers.

Another page showed a man in a chair, head leaning back over one arm while his legs draped over the other. His arms were dramatically raised and a word bubble declared him sing/yelling "Yonkers!" The character appeared both effiminent and dramatic.

"That's Mr. Collins." Marcy laughed awkwardly, having forgot she drew that one. "He's obsessed with Hello Dolly."

Still, other pages showed small doodles. One of herself, her empty eyes drawn large and mismatched in circular size with curly hair exaggerated to large proportions. She had drawn herself in long dress, barefoot, and holding a headless teddy bear in one hand.

Another page showed a chibi version of Khaugesus, body fat and black with a skeletol tail and screaming stag head declaring "where's my tea!?"

Yet another page was a complete change of direction, not done at work, as a group of praying mantis sat around a table singing "Tell me more, tell me more, did you bite off his head?"

On another page was a grinning wolf face and, although just a simple character sketch, the emotion was that of an absolute skallywag; a complete likeness of Asim.

"I drew you too though!" Flipping to her book on temple work, her doodles were more refined. Beside words declaring spiritual thought was a version of Cassius more realistic to his godly form and less cartoony. He stretched long and curled along the page, reaching his hand out towards something not drawn. The page next to it was Marian doing the same. She was human in form, hair raised and curling as if she were in water. A Victorian dress covered her form and her hand also reached out. The effect was as if the two were Ying and Yang.

These were wonderful! As soon as she saw the skeleton in the suit Marian knew that had been inspired by Cassius. And then when Marcy explained that the next one was of Collins she gave a laugh along with Marcy.

The more she learned of that man the more it was no wonder that Chris was swept up by him.

The sketch of Marcy with the teddy and gazing out eyeless was so far one of her favorites. Marian wondered if that one would be one Marcy would be comfortable making into an art piece for her office. As well as the chibi of her husband into a sticker! The back of her phone case would be a perfect spot for that.

Then upon seeing the Grease praying mantis' Marian was unable to stop the snort of laughter. Chris would adore that one too if he were here she was sure of it. Taking a sip of her tea Marian smiled around her mug seeing the very much Asim like wolf.

The next two pictures of Cassius and her though had her placing her mug back down. Seeing Cassius drawn in his godly form reminded her of him showing it to her in the tea garden. That was how it should have been the first time around, but at least they were here with each other now. When shown herself on the next page only made her absolutely sure that this one was another that she might request for her office.

Marcy was absolutely amazing.

"Oh don't you dare apologize! These are wonderful. And if they only get better from here then i think they are terribly special indeed. I would love it if you would create something for the office! And maybe in addition the one of little Cassius demanding his tea made into a sticker if possible?"

What Marcy said about not knowing what she looked like popped back into her thoughts though. Did Marcy mean she didn't know what her godly form looked like? Or did she by chance draw that before they had met in person and that she didn't know either form? Marian wasn't quite sure.

After sitting, Marcy opened the brown bag that contained a takeout container of vegetarian chili and a separate container of black olives. After opening them, she closed her eyes, bowed her head, and clasped her hands in prayer.

"I receive this food in gratitude to all beings who have helped to bring it to my table, and vow to respond in turn to those in need with wisdom and compassion. May the Merciful Wife guide us and the Dark Lord protect us. In Their name and grace, so be it."

Finished with grace, Marcy set about ripping the plastic from her utensils and looking over at Marian with a smile. "When I was little, I lived in Temple housing with my mom and all the plates and cups were mismatched there as well. They were just random donations collected over time but I had this one very favorite cup that was one of those vintage McDonald's cups. You know, the ones they sold forever ago that were limited edition? Well, this one had some sort of mayor guy on it but his head was a hamburger. I was completely obsessed with how weird he looked and whenever it was meal time, I always hoped I would get that cup." Marcy took a bite of her food and, without thinking, tucked her food into her cheek and continued speaking. "Mayor McCheese."

She swallowed.

Listening to the story she told of the Mc Donald glass had brought a smile to her face, and made her take mental note that if she ever came across one of those glasses to snag it quick.

She had never seen any of their temples now that she thought of it. Chris had mentioned that he had visited one of their buildings while she had been away in France, but she herself hadn't visited yet. There was also the one in Cadenworth that she knew of, but that one would hold rather bittersweet memories Marian imagined.

Using the tea pot Cassius had gifted her she turned her head back as Marcy thanked her again and smiled. Instinctively she went to say that Marcy didn't have to give her anything. But then Marian reminded herself that she promised Cassius to be more receptive to gifts.

'Having you here is an absolute joy, so i should be thanking you back. But if you wanted to draw something i would be more than happy to see your work if you're comfortable sharing anything!"

A thought came to mind.

If Ash wanted to be, as his sister would likely put it a ‘drama queen’, he would have been content to just lay there for hours. Part of him knew that his dad was suspicious of something going on. Whether or not Kim would be as well was anyone’s guess. God just the thought of going home to face any questions made him groan out loud. The last thing he wanted to talk about was what had happened during his last competition. 

At the sound of his cell ringing though he moved his arm and turned his head towards it. That was Kim’s ringtone. She should still be getting up for the day, so maybe she just wanted him to pick up something on his way home. With a sigh Ash picked himself up off of the ice and skated towards his bag. A quick step over the barrier and guards snapped on the blades of his skates later he was popping down on the bench and hitting the pick up button. 

“Hey Kimmy what’s up? You out of your favorite coffee creamer or something?”

Some part of Ash had hoped that if he had left before Kim woke that maybe she would be too tired to notice that he had left. Or maybe that she would just think he was trying to get some extra practice in for the upcoming year. From the sound of her voice she was still waking up, so maybe she would go for the later. 

“Yeah no you’re right, i usually do. But i got so close to gold this year that i thought i’d get a little extra practice in and go right into the swing of things! You know? Besides, i didn’t want to bug ya and get the glare of death again from waking you up.” 

Fingers crossed now. Because if she didn’t go for it Ash really didn’t want to think about what would happen if she decided to confront him about it when he got home. Or worse if she decided to beat him to the punch and come here herself. What if she brought recruitment? Jack was not one to let others dwell in self pity. And Mark... Regardless he very much did not want to face questions and looks of pity just quite yet. 

Her eyes scanning over Marian's home were as wide as her smile as she eagerly took in everything within. It wasn't that the home was particularly grand. On the contrary, the appearance was rather ordinary compared to the other homes she had been in. But that was what was wonderful about it. It wasn't stuffy, it wasn't polished and grand and it didn't scream 'look at all I possess.' No, instead it was lived in and loved and so comfortable it could have been the house equivalent  of fuzzy slippers and a snuggly blanket on a rainy day.

As she took off her shoes, she noted a pair of Lord De Beaumonts sneakers. The ones he wore when gardening. It was so odd to see them set by the door as he had certainly never done that at the Country Home or the office....There was something about the sight that felt more domesticated and almost funny and caused Marcy to offer a softly amused 'hmm.'

Once her shoes were off, she followed Marian into the kitchen, eyes darting over ever available surface to take in the details. Every homey touch from the bread box to the tea pot was adored absolutely. She loved it here. It felt easier to breathe here. The very atmosphere of the home felt the way her mother's hugs had felt. It was something she couldn't explain but also knew she didn't want to.

"Oh, I'm not allergic." Marcy smiled, ignoring the way the action pulled on her stitches. "I've never been around cats much before. Lord De Beaumont didn't allow pets other than the geese and those just sorta showed up one day and never left." She began to make her way to the cupboard that contained the cups. "There was a stray cat that hung around near the temple. It was nice and the priestess would-- No way!"

Once the cupboard door was open and the mugs visible, Marcy erupted into delighted giggles. None of them matched! Not a one!

She couldn't explain why it was funny to her without going into detail about her life with Lord De Beaumont. He detested when things didn't coordinate and the thought of him selecting a novelty mug for his morning tea was like hilarious irony. Marcy took a moment to glance over the mugs: one shaped like a cookie and another with pumpkin at the dentist. When her eyes landed on one--gray and decorated with tombstones--that proclaimed 'not a mourning person,' she had no doubt The Dark Lord selected that one more than others.

But if anything she always wanted people to feel comfortable and at home here.

"You're very welcome, and welcomed to come over again anytime you feel like you need a bit of a break. I truly mean that. While Cassius and the others have their strengths, it can be nice to just have a little one on one girl time in my own opinion. Worst case scenario you would have to deal with a cat on your lap"

Taking a moment to stand, brush her hands together to get rid of any cat hair, Marian thought over what drink she would like herself before deciding on some of the tea blend Cass had made for her. Reaching into the cupboard she grabbed one that was a dark green clay mug with red roses on it and set to brewing. Admittedly this one was one of her favorites. She had found it by chance at a thrift store and knew in an instant if she left it behind she would regret it for a very long time. It had a nice weight to it too that felt comforting at times.

"Admittedly the mugs started out because of that one there that's designed to look like a ball of yarn. When i first moved in i had a matching set. But between a certain cat that likes to push things off table edges, and the set chipping rather easily, i was getting a bit put off by it.

Then Chris brought me that one as a souvenir and it grew from there ever since. It feels rather nice to not have to worry if i have a full matching set or not. That and it always makes me smile or laugh a bit when i get to see peoples' first reaction to seeing them. Also if one of them happens to break, then worst thing is  i might miss that particular one for a bit. I also have a big soft spot for puns."

For a small moment Marian wondered if Cass would mind or be upset if she was to offer the tea he had made specifically for her. But then again if there was anyone she could think of that he would be okay with sharing, she felt he would be okay with that person being Marcy. Plus it was her tea. If she wanted to share she could very well do so.

But Marian was...she was different. Every situation Marcy had been with her had shown she was the sort to think of others before herself. Marcy wasn't certain if it was because The Merciful Wife was both human and divine or if it was for some other reason altogether but she did know she appreciated it.

Feeling her eyes well, Marcy fanned her face with her free hand in an effort to keep from crying.

"I apologize. I just..." She cleared her throat. "Thank you."

"Of course dear. Anything else with it? My treat."

Once at her home Marian made sure the bag of food was well secure in her arm before unlocking her door and letting Marcy in, following behind her and toeing off her shoes. Looking over she would see a certain black and white tail poking out from underneath the couch and slowly swaying back and forth. Of course he was still pouting. Marian knew he would get over it soon though, especially if there was someone here he could gain attention from.

"If you wouldn't mind terribly leaving your shoes at the door dear, thank you. Do you have any preference in drinks? I have teas, coffee, hot chocolate, and juices if you would like anything. Cups are in the cupboard above the sink so please help yourself." she offered as she toed off her own shoes.

In the kitchen Marian placed the food on the kitchen table and set to getting Frankie some dinner as well. Who, at the sound of the can opener going, soon came running and meowing into the kitchen. Whenever he got his claws trimmed Marian used the treat of wet food instead of his normal dry to 'make amends'. Kneeling down to place his bowl in front of him Marian gave him a few pets before turning to Marcy.

"That makes sense." Marcy replied thoughtfully. "I imagine being like Delores would be terrible. Hearing everything....I bet even whispers would sound like screaming." She tisked her tongue. "I bet hospitals and funerals would suck..."

At the question of adjustment to leisure, Marcy sighed heavily and sunk a bit in her seat. She debated putting on a brave face and promising everything was fine but lying to a goddess seemed like bad karma waiting to happen. Especially since being truthful was held in such high esteem in her religion.

"I'm not adjusting well." She admitted. "I'm trying. I really am but I'm not. I miss the country house because it was my first home after my mom died but I also hate it because of what happened to me. And I can't forget what happened....it's just....always in my head and it plays when I'm sleeping. I thought I would just work and study and stuff and I would be too tired to dream but Lord De Beaumont won't let me. He says I need to rest but resting means I have nothing to do...I've always worked. Ever since he started fostering me he gave me things to do and so I've started associating my tasks with evidence of fondness and if he doesn't need me does that mean he doesn't want me? And so I'm dealing with that and I'm getting messages from Mr. Watson asking about things and I hate him. I know we aren't suppose to hate but I do. I don't know why but I do. He's just awful. Have you met him yet? If not, you'll know what I mean when you do. Or maybe you won't and this is all in my head because of my own jealousy."

By the end of her rant, Marcy felt out of breath and it was now she realized how much she divulged. She was never like this around Lord De Beaumont...Was this the pull Marian mentioned? That some people were more receptive? If that was the case, Marian had just pulled a trunk load of emotional baggage out of her in one question.

By the time Marcy finished she had pulled to a stop at a red light. Reaching over she gave the girl's hand a soft squeeze and a gentle smile.

"Don't apologize. A lot of people seem to forget now a days just now helpful it is to simply vent to a willing ear. And besides, didn't i once say that we shouldn't be afraid to question things even to the gods?" she said before the light changed and she turned into the parking lot of the restaurant.

"If it makes you feel any better, i hate asparagus. Silly thing i know but i despise it. The taste, the texture, the smell, everything about it. Hated it as a mortal, and hate it now as a goddess. Hate is natural a part of our lives regardless of who we are or what it's caused by."

Marian also hated a few people, but the reasons why were not appropriate for Marcy right now.

Divine beings walked among us whether or not anyone wanted to acknowledge it. And perhaps, Marcy thought, the reason why most don't like to acknowledge it was that it was easier to think of gods being distant rather than see them in the eyes of a beggar.

Or the in the green Lamborghini that cut you off.

The sight of Marian caused Marcy to smile brightly. Dressed in jeans and a baggy black Jack off Jill shirt, she shifted her pink prada bag on her shoulder and quickly walked to the truck with a spring in her step. After pulling herself into the passenger side, she adjusted her purse on her lap before reaching for her seatbelt.

At the question though it did cause her to pause for a second and glance back over at the girl. Only Chris had ever asked how she seemed to know what people needed, and hearing the question again brought a smile and a small laugh.

"You're very welcome, it's my pleasure really. As for the prayers, not quite either of those actually. Although i have to say it would be interesting to see how it would be different if i did hear them like Dolores. In reality though it's more like... an instinctual pull. Like when you see a crying child your first thought is to pull them into a hug and reassure them. Or you see someone searching for something and know what it is and where to help them find it.

There's a tugging on my mind to get my attention, and once they have it i have the knack to know just what they seem to need. There have been some that are more... resistant to it. But those have been mainly among followers of other faiths and the odd one here or there."

The odd one mainly being her brother Marian noted to herself.

"How have you been adjusting though? I'm a bit of a workaholic myself so i know what it's like trying to make yourself stop and relax for a while when you're not used to it."

Marian hoped that Marcy wasn't doing too terribly. Being Cassius' assistant and foster daughter it wasn't hard to imagine how much Marcy had been involved in the mans' life. That on top of taking time to physically heal.

To be honest, the medication she was on made it difficult to feel hungry but there was something about being offered that felt welcoming. "I haven't eaten yet, no." Briefly she considered protesting dinner but logically she knew she should eat. "Maybe we could swing through a drive through? McGregor's deli has really wonderful vegetarian chili."

Marcy ensured the cap of her peach juice was tightly sealed before setting the bottle into her purse. Grabbing the bag by the handles, she made her way back to her bedroom.

She wasn't entirely certain how long Marian would let her hang out but grabbing her medication and protective mask for her nose seemed like a safe idea.

"I can meet you in the parking garage so you don't have to come all the way up. I'll see you soon. Thank you, Marian."

Hanging up the phone, Marcy glanced around her room in search of any needed item that was best not forgotten. Her phone charger, travelers notebook, and medication was thrown into her bag. The protective mask for her injury was slipped on her face and briefly she thought of Hannibal Lector before pushing it from her mind.

She pulled her bag up onto her shoulder and paused once more, eyes going to her bed. She hesitated briefly, mentally weighing options before reaching under her pillow and grabbing her switch blade.

The question did pop into her head for a moment if Marcy was vegetarian herself or if she simply liked the chili. She couldn't remember off the top of her head if she had heard one way or the other, but it was something to keep in mind if she ever had the chance to bring over food. Marian would have to ask if she had any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Giving Marcy a "See you soon." back Marian set to slipping her jacket on, making sure Frankie had his own dinner in his bowl (the wet food this time to soothe his grumpiness), and head out to her truck. The drive over to Marcy's building wouldn't take long at all. Buuuuut Marian still took the time to go through her music and slip in an Andy Williams cd.

"Falling in love with love, is falling for make belieeeeeeve! Falling in love, with love, is playing the fooooooool!"

On the ride over Marian's fingers tapped on the steering wheel in beat with the songs as she thought about what sounded good for a late dinner. That and what she and Marcy might do while she was over. First thought was to make a pot of tea or coffee and just chat, seeing how she didn't know too much about Marcy and she would indeed like to get to know her better. Marian also did have some nail polish tucked away if she wanted her nails painted again. She would have to see how the teen was feeling when they got back to her place.

By the time she pulled up in the garage Mr. Williams was singing about how he left his heart  back in San Francisco. Looking around only took her a short while to spot her and come to a stop near her and rolled down her window.

Making her way into the kitchen, her purse sat atop the counter: a Prada leather top handle tote in the color blush. It had been a gift from Lord De Beaumont for her past birthday and she both adored the item and was intimidated by it. A coworker had once looked up the price tag: the equivalent of a used car. It was one thing for The Dark Lord to buy himself expensive items but, whenever she received them, she felt torn between gratitude and considering how much good that money could have done if given to the poor or a charity. She felt undeserving and it was always a humbling experience. Fetching her headphones from one of the pockets inside her bag, she offered Marian a 'one moment, please' as they connected. There, that was more comfortable. She slipped her actual phone inside the back pocket of her jeans and walked to the refrigerator.

"Asim isn't here and I haven't adapted to my new residence yet. Not that I'm not grateful. I'm eternally grateful that you and Lord De Beaumont would think so highly of me." Peach juice. Peach juice sounded amazing. She grabbed a bottle and uncapped it. "I suppose it just takes a bit of adjusting. Especially when healing." She took a sip of her drink as discreetly as possible so as not to be rude. "In time I will adjust."

This was said more as a personal affirmation rather than something she knew for fact. She certainly hoped she would...she was optimistic. But there was also a twinge of doubt. Perhaps she wouldn't. Perhaps she would be locked away in this condo like a princess in a tower and watch Mr. Watson take her place. Incompetent brown nosing Mr. Watson...The peach juice suddenly tasted sour on her tongue.

Looking around the house Marian hoped that Marcy wouldn't think too little of her home. It wasn't as grand as Cassius' home outside of the city, his one at the top of Brendles, or Marcy's own place now. Books were always scattered across just about ever surface,  most appliances in her home were second hand, and in general the whole place had a well worn in feel to it. Like a stair banister that had had generations of families running their hands down it. Either way though Marcy had requested her company, and Marian was more than happy to give that.

Then there was the comment that Marcy had made about her new place, about not having anyone there at the moment and nothing to do while healing. The memory of the first time she had been brought to Cadenworth. The nerves that came with being in an unfamiliar place on her wedding night had left her shaking at times. Sunlight the next day had made it a bit easier, but the evenings still took time getting used to. The thought of having to live in a new place by yourself while injured though sounded awful lonely. And if Marian was picking up the tone of Marcy's voice correctly, it was very lonely indeed.

The poor girl. She really have ought to have given Marcy her number earlier now that she thought of it. With all the male gods surrounding her life how many female friends did she have to turn to?

Keeping the phone tucked against her shoulder the tea was placed back in the fridge and Marian instead made her way over to the table where her keys sat in a shallow dish. Shoes were by the door and would be grabbed there. It took a moment to locate her jacket though, finding it hanging on the corner of a bookshelf.

"I certainly know what it's like trying to get used to a new place. Especially if you don't have any work to keep your mind distracted. Although i do insist that you allow me to either give you a ride or walk over with you. It's a bit late in the evening to go walking by oneself. Have you had dinner yet by the way? We can grab something if your hungry at all."

Marcy's scream of terror caught in her throat causing her to choke and shoot upwards from where she lay along her couch. It took a coughing fit and short gag before her breath made it back into her lungs but this relief was accented by pain. Her face throbbed in agony of the previous action and, realizing everything had only been a nightmare, she pressed her fingers gently against her cheeks in an effort to soothe the ache.

A nightmare....only a nightmare. But, gods, a realistic one, at that.

On the far wall of her living room, the television was stuck on the title menu of Shrek. Donkey jumped up and down on the screen pleading 'pick me!' To the point of annoyance. Marcy had fallen asleep watching the movie and, for how long she was able to sleep through Donkey shouting the same sentence, she hadn't a clue. Sighing through her nose, she fetched the remote from the coffee table and silenced him.

Now in the quiet stillness of her condo, she lifted her wrist to check the time on her watch. Seven. Too late for dinner but too early for bed. She wasn't entirely sure how long she had napped but something within her mind told her it had been about three hours.

"Asim?" Marcy called despite knowing he wasn't there.  Asim was a god fond of humans. If he was in the condo, he would have been at her side when she awoke, assuring her the nightmare was just that and nothing more. Still, part of her--a good chunk at that--wanted him to be here.

If she were very honest, Marcy didn't like the new condo. It didn't feel like home. Granted, she wasn't completely certain if The Country House felt like home either...Not after the attack; but this place really didn't feel like home. It was too...her. Collins had done such a near perfect job designing the place with her own style that it felt foreign. She had grown up bouncing among Brendles', The Country Home, and the temple. All of those places were designed with The Dark God in mind. Finally being in a space completely her own, she felt distanced from him and hated the feeling. This was only emphasized by the fact she could see Brendles' from her living room window but was told not to be there. And then there was Mr. Watson.

Ugh.

Drawing her knees into her chest, Marcy sat her chin atop them and found some strange comfort in the way her face lightly throbbed from the pressure. Her eyes focused on the blank television screen before her while her thoughts focused internally. Lord De Beaumont had forbid her from work other than light clarification Mr. Watson may need. She couldn't drive so going to the temple would need an Uber and she had donated her last check to charity. Still, she felt restless and the walls around her uncomfortable. Maybe she should pray...

Marian!

Uncurling from her position, Marcy squirmed on the couch in search of where her cell might be. She had been playing Disney Tsum Tsum before taking a nap and didn't recall putting it away. Finding it beneath a couch cushion she grinned in triumph before seeing a text on the screen.

Edgar Watson: How does Mr. De Beaumont like his morning coffee?

Marcy's eyes narrowed. There was so much about the question that aggravated her. 'Mr.' was one. It was Lord. Not mister. And morning coffee was another. LORD De Beaumont preferred morning tea unless the night before had been restless. And then there was the thought of Mr. Watson asking her that question. She imagined him and his stupid face trying to brown nose his way into favoritism. He was temporary. Temporary.

She wondered if The Great Collett ever had to-- Oh! She had almost forgotten!

Unlocking her phone, Marcy ignored Mr. Watson's text for now to search through her contacts. Marian....It would be her first time calling her. Still, The Merciful Wife spoke the truth and she had said she could call anytime...Gods, why was she so nervous? Just dial. Just hit dial. It will be fine.

Just.

Hit.

Dial.

Frankie honestly meant the world to her, and she planned on him being with her for quite some time. However... if there was one thing she could live without was how loud he became when she had to trim his nails. It was the only time he ever became loud. Even during rare baths he hardly made a sound, resigning himself to glaring at her as Marian scrubbed him down and commit to hiding under the bed afterwards. Moments ago though he had been yowling his head off as though she was goddess of torture instead of mercy, and desperately trying to squirm out of her arms. One wouldn't guess it seeing him normally. But he was an absolute baby about getting this particular type of grooming done.

Currently he was sulking under the couch as she cleaned up the bits of trimmed claws.

Once the clippings were thrown away Marian checked on her arm that had been holding him. Couple scratches, but no cuts or bleeding. Marian poked at the scratches. No pain, just the tingle of nerves. It was a bit odd now remembering her past life. She knew what it should feel like, the light sting that should have been felt when she got them, and the compulsory urge to poke at cuts and bruises just to see how much they hurt. For her though it was just nerves. It was a delight when it came to Cassius and their 'romps'. But here it almost felt out of place.

Not bad. Just... different.

When her cell started ringing and she was brought out of her thoughts. Pulling it out of her pocket she noticed the unsaved number and debated on not answering for a moment before remembering she had given her number out recently, and that she was applying for a job at Brendles. Pressing the answer button she gave a quick "Hello?" and smiled when she heard Marcy's voice. Thank goodness she had answered! Marcy was one of the last people she wanted to miss a call from at the moment.

"Marcy dear, no trouble at all! I just finished something up and Cassius is currently out of the house so you called at the perfect time. What did you want to talk about?"

kimberlytarvona​:

cassiusdebeaumont​:

HAZELNUT SOUP

Kim had an excited look as she followed Mr. Hughes into the kitchen and was standing on the chair to help make the hazelnut soup and potato bread. Throughout the entire ordeal Kim was paying attention to Mr. Hughes instructions and helping him measure and mixed the ingredients to make the potato bread and soup. Luckily Mr. Hughes was skilled with a knife since Kim wasn’t allowed to hold sharp objects yet but was having a great time being a good assistant to fetch the stuff, while fending off her papa from trying to take a nibble of some the ingredients.

After a few hours later, the food was prepared and Kim’s stomach was growling at the delicious smells the hazelnut soup combined with freshly baked bread. It smells realllly good.” Kim sighed happily as she grabbed three bowls for her, Mr. Hughes and her papa and carefully placing them one by one in reach for Mr. Hughes to ladle in the soup and grabbed the spoons to put in. Carefully, Kim carried her soup to the couch and placed it on the little table, while getting her potato bread with a napkin and sat on the floor before digging in.

Once she scooped up the content of the soup and blew on it so it won’t be too hot for her as she took her first bite and her eyes went wide. The taste was something quite unimaginable as Kim scooped up more of the soup. Even though she had seen the different vegetable ingredients as well as the hazelnuts and how it was blended, it was amazing! She stopped a bit to take a bite of the potato bread and Kim went starry-eyes as the bread was fluffy and soft. Soon she was done with her soup as she looked down with a sad sigh that it was gone before looking at Mr. Hughes and holding her bowl out to him with puppy eyes. “Can I have some more please? It was really good. Why didn’t you tell me it was this good?”

Gods help him if it weren’t for the fact that his own child was in the same room, Chris might have made a number of comments to Collins wanting him more. 

In the end however once he parked himself at one of the spare chairs in the kitchen, the chair flipped around so that he could rest his arms and chin on the back of it, Chris found himself going into a calmer lull watching the two of them work and prepare dinner. It was a bit different this time. Last time he had watched Collins cook the god had been in his own kitchen and knew where everything was, at times seemingly moving without any thought about what he needed. 

Here though… Kim was here to help him find the items he needed, and he showed her how to properly use them. He was positive that he had a sappy soft smile on his face. But in all honesty he couldn’t find it in him to linger on that thought for too long. He was enjoying the scene before him and 

At one point though he spotted a particularly good looking chunk of cooked potato that was in need of some taste testing. Kim however stopped him with a spoon to the back of his hand, something Chris highly suspected she had learned from her aunt. 

As Kim and Collins were plating up Chris set to getting the movie ready and had the main menu up by the time they were getting settled. Once his own food was in his hands and they were settled Chris was finally able to get a bite in, and gave a low moan around the spoon. Gods he thought the bananas foster had been toe curling before. If Collins’ cooking continued to get better each time he had it though Chris worried he might end up gaining a few pounds. Seeing Kim all but inhale her food caused him to pause for a moment. He already knew he was rubbish at cooking. But seeing this before him did bring a glimmer of hope for her dietary needs and caused Chris to give a chuckle. 

“I just might have to find some way to pay you to cook for us each night now, if it means Kimmy eats her veggies this eager and willingly. Especially so if i.. we.. get to get to see you around more often.”

Chris’ words brought the softest blush to the bridge of Collins’ nose. His eyes glanced over at the other as a smile simultaneously slipped around his spoon. His boyfriend really was a sweetheart…Such a romantic. 

Removing the spoon from his mouth, Collins’ set it back in his bowl and spoke in a tone he hoped conveyed a flirtatious confidence. “I certainly have no object to seeing you more often…” Feeling his blush deepen and his confidence beginning to melt into a puddle of sentimentality, Collins opted to clear his throat and shift focus to Kim. “Of course, Princess. Let’s get you another bowl.”

Sitting up, he carried his dishware to the sink as she followed into the kitchen for seconds. Honestly, this experience thus far had been wonderful. Very domestic but refreshingly so. He got to wake up next to Chris and also share his passion of cooking with his chosen youngling. Had even managed to potentially broaden her palate when it came to food. He wouldn’t be against doing this again….

"I don't know if we can steal every evening from him. But... maybe we could make it a once a week kind of thing. I'd like to suggest next time Princess and the Frog?"

The thought of Kim perhaps learning about gumbo was a fun one, and the possibility of Collins making beignets pleased the sweet tooth junkie in himself.

Kim asking if they could keep Collins though. That... Chris admittedly liked that thought more than he would admit out loud. In the future of course. There was still a lot that he had to learn about Collins, and the gods in general, before that. But if this continued the way it had so far Chris liked the idea a lot. Especially so if he felt this happy again around him just with the time they had spent together so far.

Some small part in the back of his mind was still whispering that this was all too good to be true. But then again why shouldn't he hope for good things?

As the movie played and Kim started to nod off, Chris looked over when she slumped to the side and landed on Collins. Fuck that was adorable. Checking the time on the clock in the kitchen he did note that it was getting close to her bedtime. He would need to get her teeth brushed and into pj's soon. Careful not to make too much noise Chris began to gather up there dishes.