#bitty reader

Horror hadn’t stayed the night and went home soon after, taking the leftover pizza home with him at killer insistence. It was early afternoon the next day, and almost a week since they had first come to stay with Killer.

..this is day 5 since they had last seen their owner. They are starting to wonder if maybe,, he isn’t going to come back for them? He said he would though..

They tried not to think about it too much but the thought just kept nagging at the back of their head bothering them. They also tried not to think about how part of them really hopes that their old owner never shows back up. They felt ashamed for feeling like that, he wasn’t a bad owner per say, all their basic needs were met and he never hurt them. It’s just,, they really liked Killer. He’s never locked them up in a cage, eats meals with them, even just talks with them like a person. They didn’t realize how much they had missed just being talked to. And just casual touch too, they didn’t know they wanted it so bad till they had it. It made them feel warm in their chest, like being full of soup but better perhaps. But still, they wondered about their original owner and felt bad for secretly hoping he wouldn't come back for them. They also tried to ignore the very possible reality that they had been abandoned. Like why else would he not come looking for them? Did something happen? Did he get lost or forget? ..did he really mean to leave them? .. maybe they were a bad bitty? Maybe that’s why they haven't heard anything from him. Maybe they just weren’t good enough for him. But if that were the case then now they have to worry about Killer getting tired of them to, and getting rid of them if they really were so bothersome.

All these thoughts made their head swim, to many options, to many unknowns. They didn’t know what to do, or if there was anything they could do about all of it. So they just tried to keep acting normally, until they figured some of this out. So they kept eating meals with Killer, watching as he fed his cats, riding along when he went for his walks, reminding him where he put things or if he’d already done something. Things just felt normal, , and that scared them a little cause they don’t know when this is going to be over and change.

—--

Killer had noticed that something had been bothering little bit for the last day or two. He didn’t wanna push, but if something was wrong then he’d like to know.

Maybe he could take them out for a treat and that would either cheer them up or get them talking about whatever it was. Yeah, that’d be the ticket! He had been sorting out the laundry when he had this idea, and he should probably finish it first. .. he dumped it in the drawers unfolded. There! All done, clothes put away. He dusted off himself and put the now empty bin in the corner.

He went off to the front room where they were on the couch. He had showed them how to use the remote yesterday and they seemed to delight in being able to choose what they watched and being able to turn on the tv themself. He leaned against the doorway, “ay small fry, i'm gonna run some errands, wanna come with?” They looked up from the show they were watching and nodded, “sure K, i’ll go” he had just gotten gorcherys day before last so they were a bit curious what he needed to get.

So he gathers up his keys and wallet and tosses on jacket. It wasn’t really cold out, but the hood helped them ride on his shoulder. Once they had everything and had the bitty settled on his shoulder they left the house. Killer made it about a couple yards away from the front door before they said something. “..don’t you need to lock the door K?” “I did,” he said. “I,, don’t think you did, but i guess i could be wrong” “I'm pretty sure I did. But i’ll go back to make sure and show you that i did” He turns back around and walks back to the porch. He turned the door knob expecting it to be locked, but the door opened instead. “Huh,, guess, I uh forgot. Good catch Angel” “No problem!”

He then locked the door and now they're on their way. He made his way down to the bus stop and sat down to wait. They chatted about the person across the road walking their dog. about the tulips that were coming up in the yard next to them, it was too early for sprouting plants, they’re going to get frosted. They scooted closer to the window once he sat down, they loved to watch out the window as the world passed by. It was one of their new favorite things they decided. ..they’ll miss it when their owner comes and gets them. But for now, they leaned against Killer’s neck, sat criss-cross on his shoulder with the edge of his hood covering their legs like a lap throw.

Streets and houses passed by, people going about their day. The bus stopped at different bus stops, some people getting on and off. Most of them they didn’t know, some were people that had seen before from other trips. At about the third stop a more familiar face came on to the bus, Vera! She walked on the bus, using the rails to help her up the steps. She still had that same bag that she had last time, it probably had her knitting in it for the ride. She came over and plopped down in the same spot that she sat last time with a sigh before settling in.

“Morning to ya Vera!” Killer said to her from the bench behind her where they sat. She turned around in her seat to face them with a grin, “K! Haven’t seen you most of the week. Well haven’t seen anyone most of the week, my back has been giving me trouble so i just been staying in. But, can’t stay at home everyday, a gal’s gotta get her fresh air you know! But that’s enough about me, what’ve you been up to ya scoundrel?” He nodded understandingly as she talked, that explains why he hasn’t seen her last few days. “Oh I've been alright Vera. a friend came over for dinner the other night, it’s always good to catch up with people. But just mostly been the same ol’.” “Oh yes, I need to have a few people over, it’s been too long since I've caught up with people. Well no news is mostly good news. How about you munchkin? How have you been?” They startled a little when she addressed them, previously having been kinda zoned out watching out the window while listening to them talk. “Oh I'm good ma’am! Thank you for asking. I haven’t been up too much, but a new cat showed up at the house this morning though!” She chuckled and eye’d Killer with a sly look, “oh another cat? What, did you not have enough K?” He shrugged with a grin, reaching up to pet a finger on Angel’s side, “ always room for one more. ”

The bus came to a stop again, pausing at the next bus stop. “Well Vera, sorry to cut this short but this is our stop. I’ll talk to you later hun” “Well alright, talk to you later dear” She waved them off as they exited the bus.

They looked around where they were and recognized the area, it’s the same area that he had found them in. He started walking towards the cafe that they had eaten in right after he had found them. The bell let out a chime as they walked through the door, the smell of fresh ground coffee and pastries wafted through the air. They made their way over to the counter where the teenager stood. “So the usual old man? “ “Hey, I don't have a usual. I order different things. I’ll have,, a caramel latte, but can you switch the caramel for chocolate?” The kid smirks at him, “so your usual then K, one mocha latte.” “..fine. So I have a usual then, smarty pants. What do you want Angel? “ “Oh, um can we get one of the cookies?” “Yeah absolutely. “ Once they had the coffee and one cookie to split they went and sat down at one of the tables. Killer sipped his coffee while gently bobbing his head along with the lofi music that played.

They mulled over their thoughts for a long time, trying to decide whether or not to ask. Maybe they’ll lead with a smaller question, but still one that had been on their mind. “K, um,, do I bother you? Like do you mind me being with you and all?” “What? No, of course not. To be honest, I kinda like having you around. It’s nice to have some company” “Oh ok. And,, I’m,, am I, a bad bitty?” they say the last part very quietly, looking down at the bit of cookie left in their hand. Killer seemed a bit surprised at that, his tone getting a bit softer. “No. no you are not a bad bitty. You are a very kind, considerate and nice person” They plucked the rasin out of the cookie while they tried to get the next question out. Killer knew this had to be going somewhere, so he took a sip of his coffee while he waited for them to get to the point. “If,, if I'm a good bitty then why did he abandon me? .. I know he probably didn’t just leave me by accident. It must have been something I'd done or or the way I acted? You don’t leave good pets beside the road.. “ Killer frowed his eyebrow in sympathy, was this what had been bothering them? Oh angel.. He wrapped a hand around them and rubbed their back with one finger, his voice soft as he spoke. “Listen, ok? You are a good bitty. You are a good person. What he did wasn’t your fault and you had no control over that man's actions. Sometimes,, people just do hurtful things to you. And sometimes you never get to find out why they did them. But it wasn’t your fault, ok? It wasn’t your fault Angel “

They look up at him with wobbly tear filled eyes but no crying yet. “...how do you know?” “Because I've spent almost a week with ya and I can tell. You’re kind, sweet, thoughtful. You’re not bothersome or annoying, you are not a burden ok?” They take a tiny shaky breath in and out, fists clenched.

They had made their choice. “ I know it’s selfish of me to ask, but I want to stay with you. You make me feel happy, you make me feel ,,safe. So let me stay with you, please? Please?” they pleaded to him “Angel,, you can stay with me forever and ever. I want you to stay, I was hoping you would.” They wrap their arms around his wrist in a hug. “Really?! Thank you! Oh thank you so much!” He didn’t know what to say next. He wished he’d known this had been weighing on them. He was planning on keeping them anyway if they wanted to stay. He just rubbed their back until they calmed down a little and let go of his wrist, wiping their eyes a little and trying to compose themself. He placed his hand right behind them, “I'm picking you up now, ok?” He gently scoops them up and brings them up to hold against his chest right over the sternum. He planted a little kiss on top of their head. He’s not normally this affectionate but he felt like they needed it right now. They look up at him surprised. “W-what was that? Did you just bonk me?” they asked. “Heh no, it was supposed to be a little kiss on the head but I guess I'm lacking in the lips department” he softly chuckled. “Oh,,” they flushed a little, no one had ever given them a kiss before. They lean forward and place a little kiss on a bit of exposed collar bone. “Now we’re even!” they grinned up at him. He was a little surprised by that but happily so, grinning back. “Guess you’re right. Say, you wanna take the rest of the snacks to go and head on home?” “Yeah, home” they leaned against him and smiled at the thought. Home. They have a new home now.

They sat on the couch fiddling with a loose button they had found in between the cushions, Killer was in another room doing something. They hear two solid knocks at the door before it opens and a voice much raspier and lower than killers calls out “Kills, ‘m here” He steps through the doorway and they can now get a clear look at this guy. He’s big that’s for sure, a good head and half taller than Killer, much wider too. He wore an old hunters coat and some jeans and a flannel. He had a sickening looking hole on the side of his head and one large bright red eyelight.

..maybe they should hide and wait for Killer, something about him unsettled and kinda spooks them. He looked around for a few moments before his gaze zeroed in on them and they felt frozen. They can't hide now that he had seen them, what are they gonna do?! They feel a hot nauseous prickle of nerves go down their neck, back and stomach as his one pupil constricts to a dot as he looks down at them. They felt frozen under that stare.

And then Killer just walks right into the front room and goes over and gives the guy a hug, the two of them patting each other on the back. Once the attention wasn’t on them they relaxed a tiny bit but still kept an eye out. When Killer hugged him, his eye light dilates and the corners of his eyes crinkle up a little. And suddenly,, he doesn’t look so scary anymore?

Killer patted him on the back a few times, the way old friends do, before breaking away. “Horror! Good to see ya bud!” “Good see ya to” horror said, he talked slower and, for a lack of better words with more rumbler then Killer did. “Well come on in, sit sit!” Killer walked over with Horror to the couch.

Angel still being a little wary, scoots over to the side where Killer was sitting and climbs up on his lap. Killer halfway cups a hand around their back absentmindedly. If this is the guy Killer was talking about coming over then he should be fine? ..but that stare from before, It unsettled them more than they’d like to admit.

When this guy, ‘Horror’ killer had called him, sat down the couch actually creaked under his weight. Horror looked down at Angel on Killers lap, tilting his head slightly. “ ,,got an infestation?” he asked.

Killer chuckled a little, “no no, Horror this is Angel, and Angel this is Horror” “H-hi” angel piped up.

“Thought you didn’ wan’ a house pet?” Horror said with an almost teasing smile at Killer. “They're not a pet, a little house guest is more like it! Their staying with me for the time being”

Horror looks down at Angel, and really looks them over. Well, someone living with Killer could be good for him, and they look harmless enough. Alright, he’ll be nice he decides. Besides, what's the worst they could do, they're five inches tall.

“Well nice to meet ya bite size. “ He grins and holds out a hand for them to shake, partly just to see what they’d do. They look at him a bit skeptical, his hand is bigger than they are. But they hold one of his fingertips and shake his hand anyway. well , as well as they can anyway. “Nice to meet you to, um, Horror”

He gives them a nod before turning back to Killer.

“You been eaten? You get ‘round to tryin’ th’ soup?” Killer rolled his eyes good naturedly at him, “I'm a big boy you know, older than you, i can feed myself I promise. But yes, I ate the stew you left me. Little’n can testify for me even. We had it just last night, with garlic bread too, didn’t we Angel?” “Yeah! Oh, did you make that Horror? It was really good!” they brightened a little remembering the yummy food. Horror’s eye’s crinkle a little in the corners at the complement. “Glad you enjoyed it”

Killer tossed his feet up on the coffee table with a flump, before turning back to Horror. He idling rubbed his thumb up and down Angels back, he didn’t even realize he was doing it. “So! What should we get for lunch? We had kfc last week, I'm thinking maybe pizza this week? Whatcha cravin”?” Horror had been looking at the way Killer was idly being affectionate with Angel, that’s interesting.. He looks back at Killer, having to make a choice on lunch now. “ ‘ounds good wit’ me” “Aright, that sounds good to you Angel?” They nodded at him, pizza did sound good.

So Killer ordered in a couple of pizzas over the phone, and within 20 minutes they were all chowing down on the pizza. He had recut a slice into much smaller pieces so Angel could have slices more their size. They dug into their pizza with enthusiasm. the cheese, bread and grease tasting like almost the best thing they’ve ever had, lord.

The three of them ate their pizza, chowing down. Killer finished first, he noticed that Horror had only eaten 1 and a half. Hmm, normally he would eat at least a half a pizza.

“You doing ok Horror? Do you not like this type?” Horror looked up from slowly nibbling his way through a slice. “Hm? ‘M fine, just bad food day, can’t quite stomach it heh. Don’ worry, if i'm not feelin’ better by dinner i’ll ‘ave one of my meal shakes. “

Killer was a little concerned, but he knew that Horror had his good days and his bad days. That damned famine had done permanent damage to horror’s magic, and his mental health. So even though it had been decades there were still days where he couldn’t seem to eat, and other days where all he could think about and do was eat. This was just a bad day for him, and the most frustrating part is? there’s nothing he can do about it.

“Ah, ok gotcha. If you want any help at the house, like I could come over and cook or just hang out with ya?”

Horror shook his head. “nah , i’ve already had Paps and Night try to mother hen me today, i don' need you to as well. Was lookin’ forwards to comin’ to see ya, so i could ‘ave a while where someones not fussing on me.”

Killer chuckled as he nodded, understanding what he ment. “Oh Yeah i get ya, between the two of them they can be a bit much, even if they do mean well. Well, in that case feel free to not be fussed at here.“

Angel looked back and forth as the two of them talked, trying to follow the conversation as they ate their own pizza.

After a bit Killers phone buzzed with a notification. It was the pharmacy letting him know that his script was ready for pick up.

“ who’s ‘at?” Horror asked. “Oh it’s just the pharma down the street lettin’ me know my med’s ready for pick up. I can go by and pick them up tomorrow. “

Horror shook his head, “nah, why don't you go ahead and get them. Me and little bit can stay here. Go on now, we’re big kids and can watch ourselves” Horror made a shooing motion with his hands as Killer chuckled at him. “Ok ok, i’ll go then. I’ll be right back, you two play nice now ok?” “Yeah yeah, go on” Angel pipes up, “we’ll be fine!”

So Killer left the two of them at the apartment as he went down to the corner pharmacy.

They munched of thier pizza for a bit longer till they were full. They look to see what Horror was up to. Horror pulled out his phone to check something real quick, probably messages but they’re not sure. Now is a good chance.. The pizza had come with a couple of packets of parmesan cheese and a couple of single packets of saltines. Neither Horror nor Killer had eaten them so they're going to stash them under the couch.

While Horror was looking at his phone they slipped off the couch with the packets and ducked under the couch and deposited them beside the granola bar. With their stolen food tucked away they head back out from under the couch. Well was it really stolen, they wonder. probably not, Killer had gotten the food for all three of them and their just,, stashing some.

Once they get back out from under the couch they stand back up straight and dust themselves off. If they're going to be using under the couch to store things they really should clean up some of the dust. As they straighten their clothes they feel a prickle go up their neck, like they're being watched?

They turn back around to see Horror looking right at them. Their eyes widen as they realize that they’d gotten caught. Will they get in trouble? Are they gonna get kicked out? Is he mad? Thoughts race through their head as they stand frozen under his stare.

“..you should get a tin or somethin’ to keep the bugs out ‘o your stash”

…huh? “..am i in trouble?” they tentatively ask. Horror shook his head no, “nah, not en trouble. Let’s talk little fry, up on the couch?” he asks if they want back up.

They nod, he doesn’t seem mad so maybe everythings ok? They don't feel like they got much of a choice anyway.. They climb back up on his lowered hand so he can lift them back up on the couch. He sets them down on the couch and half way turns to talk with them.

“Im won’ make ya get into it, just got a question. K is feeding you enough right?” he asks with his eyebrows slightly scrunched together.

Oh! He thought they were hiding food cause of Killer? Oh no, Killer feeds them more than enough, more than they’ve ever had on the regular before. they just…

They shake their head no, and look down at the couch cushion. “oh yeah, he feeds me plenty! He feeds me more food than I've ever had on a regular basis. He feeds me enough, I don't think he would not feed me. It’s just, sometimes I still worry. It’s like,, I logically know I have enough food, and I'll keep having access to enough food. But some part of me still thinks maybe I won't? And stashing a little bit, well,, it makes me feel safer. Im sorry, I know I shouldn’t be hiding food or feel like that”

He waits till they finish talking and get all of that off their chest before speaking. He lowers a hand beside them and rubs their back. “Hey, it’s ok.. I get it. I won’t tell, you can keep your little stash. You allowed to feel like that, it’s ok” They look back up at him, “really? “

“Yeah,, it’s ok, I promise.” He looks a little hesitant, “I don’ want ta really get into it, but I had a rough time with food to. Still do a bit. I’ve ‘ad times where i would ‘ide and stash food. So,, i get it. I get ‘ow it makes you feel safe to have a little, just in case. Im not gonna do anything that’s gonna take it ‘way from you”

They lean into his hand a little as they look up at him, relieved,, maybe a little teary eyed. “..Thank you.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle up a little as he rubs their back for another few seconds. “No problem cupcake. Tell you wha’, I'm gonna ‘elp ya with it even! Yeah, i got a couple ‘o ideas” “Like what?” “Well, for starters ‘ows ‘bout we get you somethin’ to put ‘em in? Like a tin or somethin’ so bugs or dust won’ get in ‘em. I don’ think killer ‘as mice, but still ya know.” “That sounds nice, I hadn’t thought of that”

Horror lays his hand down in front of them, “up?” They nod with a grin and climb up on his hand. He brings the hand with them closer to his chest to help keep them steady as he stands up and starts walking out the back door. “Kills has a bunch of tins, boxes and such in the shed. He can't stand to throw them out heh” “Oh yeah, I think I remember seeing some when we were getting the food for the cats. “ Horror raised an eyebrow at their statement and then at all the cat food dishes by the shed. He let out a chuckle as he shook his head and opened the shed door. “And he said he didn’t want any pets when he first moved out here heh”

He one handedly rummaged through a pile of boxes and containers till he found one he thought might work. It was a mini novelty lunch box with some cartoon characters from the ‘80’s on it. The four of them looked like turtles but they were standing on two feet and they had ninja weapons. Horror holds it up closer to them so they can check it out. “What do ya think? Here try the latch, wanna make sure you can get it open” They reach over and after a moment trying to figure out how it worked, they get the latch undone easy peasy. “Got it! This would work really well I think. Are you sure it’d be ok for me to use this? I don't want to make killer upset” “He won’ even notice it’s gone. An’ even if he did, i don’ think he would really care. “ “Oh ok,if you really think so then. “

Horror carried the box and them back inside and sat back down on the couch. He set both of them down in front of the couch.

“See if you can still open it ok while under the couch short stack” “Ok!”

They push the box under the couch, stooping a little so they don't hit their head. They undo the latch and open the box, it can open a good few inches just not all the way in this space. That’s ok, it opens enough that it will work for them. They go ahead and tuck the food they had stashed into the tin and latch it shut again, before coming back out from under the couch.

They wave back up at horror with a smile, “it works good!” “That’s good. You already put your stash in it?” “Yeah, i did” “Ok, good. Would it be ok if I saw wha’ you ‘ave tucked away?”

They hesitate, but he’s been so understanding about this so far,, it would probably be ok? They drag out the little lunch box out from under the couch. “,,alright, here it is”

Horror reaches down and picks up the tin, setting it on the couch, he also lifts them up beside it.

They fidget nervous with their hands as they watch him. “I ain’t takin’ anything, promise” he tried to reassure them as he opened the tin. He looked at the meager amount they had tucked away with a slight frown. He picked up the granola bar and saw it expired over 6 months ago, he gave it a sniff, yep it had gone bad.

“Little bit, the oils in this gone bad. eat this an you’ll get sick” “Oh,,” “You ok if I toss it?” “Yeah I guess. If I can't eat it, no use keeping it”

He looked at what was left in the tin, just a couple of saltines and parmesan packets.. Well this won’t do at all. He pulled out a couple of beef jerky sticks from his coat and set them in the tin. “Always keep a few on me. Gotta ‘ave meat, keeps ya strong heh”

They look up at him surprised, “oh, for me? thank you!” “I got an idea, can I show ya somethin’ ?” “Sure?”

He picks them back up and goes to the kitchen, throwing away the expired snack bar on the way. “You can’t open the cabinets yeah?” “Yeah, the latches are to strong for me to open” “Ok, look here. This cabinet door’s latch is broken and Killer’s too lazy to fix it.” He opened and closed one of the lower cabinets, it swung open and closed freely. “See?” He put them down on the ground next to the cabinet, “now you try”

They pulled on the cabinet door and opened it without too much trouble and smiled back up at him. “I got it! I can open it all by myself” “Yeah you can! Kills keeps some snacks down there, and since you can open the cabinet you can get to them any time. Here we can even get you a new granola bar“

He gets out a new granola bar and picks them back up. They put it in the tin, and he puts the tin back under the couch. With that all taken care of, horror leans back on the couch with Angel sitting on the couch beside him.

They look back and forth between him and their lap. After taking a deep breath they climb up onto his lap. They have a pinch of trouble with it, but he sees what they’re trying to do and gives them a hand. Now that they are all situated on his lap they look up at him to make sure they have his attention.

“,,i wanna, thank you. For being so understanding, and so nice. Your a really nice person,, thank you, for all your help” They lean forwards and try to hug him but they just spread their arms out and press against his tummy.

..oh, he wasn’t expecting this.. He see’s why Killer is so attached now.

He gently runs a hand over the back of their head and over their back. “Aw geez,, it was nothin’ angel. if,, if you ever need ‘elp or want to talk ‘bout this type o’ stuff, then ‘m your guy. I got chu, don’t worry” “Thanks, I do appreciate it. You know, when I first saw you I thought you were kinda scary, but I like you now, you’re not scary at all. “ “Oh,, well i like you to peanut”

The two of them talked for a while longer and then, somehow Angel ended up curled up on his chest with his hand cupped around them as they were fast asleep.

He just watched as they took tiny breaths in their sleep. ..how could he care so much already about someone so small, and someone that he’s only known for a day? They’re sure are a little heart thief, that’s for sure. Endearing little thing..

The front door opened as Killer finally got back. “Hey, I'm back! Sorry it took so long, you would not believe the waiting line!” he called out.

Horror shh’ed him, pointing to the sleeping Angel. Killer looks between Horror and the bitty and chuckles as he leans on the doorway with a smile. “Well, you two got along well it looks like” he says in a much quieter voice.

They sat on the bench a few more moments till the bus arrived, and then he loaded up both of them and the bags onto the bus and sat down on one of the empty seats.

An older lady who had some knitting and a sandwich on her lap called over to the both of them. “K! Long time no see you rascal! What’s that little thing with ya? You didn’t bring a squirrel on to the bus, now did you?” Killer waved to her from across the aisle, “Vera, it’s good to see you! No no not a squirrel, meet my new little buddy. Their names Angel, found ‘em just this morin’ ” “Oh well let me get a look at ‘em!” she says.

Killer takes the bitty off his shoulder where they were half hiding in his hoodie. They look real nervous about this. “Now angel this is Vera. She's nice, rides the bus with me all the time. “ They look a little reassured at this, and killer holds them up a little in front of him so she could see them a bit better.

She squints a little at them and then looks surprised. “Well goodness they’re just a little ‘en! Not a critter at all, i thought you had some type of animal with ya K. well! I have never seen a tiny person like you. How do you do? K said your names Angel, that right?” They look back and forth between killer and vera uncertain, then works up the gumption to answer her. “Y-yes ma’am, my name's Angel. Im fine, thank you for asking” Vera grins at them, delighted by the bitty. “Well ain’t you just the cutest little thing! So polite too, where did you find them again K?”

“I found them by the bench down on third, you know the one next to the Wilson's house” killer said, bringing Angel back closer to his, putting them back on his shoulder so they could go back to hiding in his hoodie.

“Oh yes I know the one. Tell you what, I’m not one for gossip but i brought Miss Willson a pie almost a month ago and she Still hasn’t brought back my dish! Why if it was me I would brought it back within the week. I don't know about that family sometimes. And they planted red tulips next to their orange marigolds! Who does that?” Vera goes on, despite saying she wasn’t one for gossip she tells him about all the things she, in her personal opion , think people are doing wrong. And killer drinks it up, he loves petty trash talk like this, finds it very entertaining.

Angel sits on his shoulder, listening to them talk back and forth about people they don't know, they relax a bit when the attention isn’t on them any more.

The bus ride lasts around maybe 15 minutes, the route taking them through residential neighborhoods and by a few more stores. A few people get on and off at different stops. They bus stops at another residential neighborhood and Killer starts gathering the bags and standing up to get off, telling Vera bye first. “This is my stop you know Vera. always a pleasure talking, you always have the latest. Be seeing ya!” She waves at him as he gets off the bus, “be seeing ya! Bring around your little friend with ya, their nice enough”

“Sure thing, later!” he calls as the door to the bus shuts. He hold the shopping bags looped over his arms , and Angel on his shoulder. “My house is just down the street a little.” “Alrighty”

They were quiet, nervous. They were going to a new place with an almost stranger, and they didn’t know what to expect. Killer had been very kind to them so far, but would he keep being like this? Or would he start being more like their old owner? Guess they’ll find out. They don't have much of a choice, either go with him or stay by that bench and probably get eaten by an opossum or something. But even though they were nervous, they were also a little excited. He had been very nice to them. Bought them some clothes, was careful when he was carrying them and hadn’t grabbed them at all. Even got them a sweet roll, their old owner had never gotten them any sort of treats. Killer is more like what they thought having an owner would be like, like what they had heard about what a caretaker was supposed to be like at the center. He even talked to them like they were a person! Like just, chatted with them. They had never had someone do that.

Killer walked up the steps to his house, shuffling the bags to one arm so he could hold the banister for balance. Digging his keys out of his pocket to unlock the door and going into the house.

“Welcome to scenic my house! I'ma put away the food, they I’ll give ya the tour Angel” “Ok, can I help any?” Killer got to the kitchen and put the bags down on the table, and lifted the bitty off his shoulder and set them down on the table as well.

“Appreciate the offer small fry, but you can’t reach the cabinets or open the fridge. Don’ worry, I got it. You can keep me company though” “Oh, ok. Sorry” They stand on the table, rocking back and forth on their feet a little. “Nah, no ‘sorry’ s. You can’t help that your small so don't apologize for it” “Oh sorr-” They stop themself mid sentence, about to say sorry again. They flush a little, a bit embarrassed. Killer chuckles a little at that as he put away the food. and they join him to letting out a little relieved laugh once they see he isn’t mad or anything.

“Well I got everything put away, let me show you around now Angel” He lays his hand flat on the table next to them and hold it still waiting for them to climb on.

Once their sat down on his hand and have a hold of one of his fingers so they feel more secure he lifts his hand up in front of his chest and starts walking through the house. “Alrighty, so this is the kitchen obviously. And connected to it we have the living room” He walks into the living room. It has a couch and tv, and a few dead houseplants on a bookshelf.

“And then down this hallway we have my room, the bathroom and the guest room. I would let ya stay in the guest room, but it’s kinda permanently reserved for a few people when they visit. We’ll figure out your sleeping situation in a little bit, don’t worry”

They nod along with what he says, looking at the different rooms. “That’s alright, I wouldn't want to take someone else's room from them anyway. Also i don't think i’d even know what to do with a full sized room” they joke a little. “Yeah, like you should have your own space but a room that size would be,, a lot of space heh. Anyway, this here is my room. Feel free to come go into any of the rooms, except the guest room when we have visitors”

Killers room was messy, but like an organized type of mess. There were just ,,so many socks on the floor, why does one person even have that many? There's a bookshelf with a handful of books and some nick-nacks, and then a couple fancy looking knives. And then what must be at least 8 blankets on the bed, and an occasionally used walking cane next to the bed. They were surprised when he said that they could just go basically anywhere in the house. That’s just so much more free roam then they used to have, it just feels wild to them.

They look up at him, “really? I can just go anywhere in the house?” “Sure thing, don’t see any reason now to. Now, where you wanna be sleepin’?” “I don't know?” “Well, how about you crash on the couch for now, and then we can get something better set up later on?” “Ok, that sounds alright. Thank you!” “Sure thing, you hungry Angel?”

They were hungry, the ham an cheese roll up and sweet roll were nice but they were both little snacks. Before that they hadn’t had anything while they were waiting for their owner to come back.

“If it’s not a bother, then I am hungry yeah” Killer nods and starts walking towards the kitchen with them in hand. “Yeah i’m getin’ a bit peckish myself bud. Hm, what should we have for dinner? Lets see we got in the fridge. “ Killer sets them down on the counter top as he starts to rummage through the fridge and cabinets. “Ok,, it looks like we got some rice and veggies I could cook up, or I got some left over stew from last time big H was here, and then there’s some 'rritos in the freezer. What sounds good?”

They didn’t know who ‘big H’ was, but stew sounded pretty good. All warm and filling. “Stew sounds good” they tell him. “You read my mind half pint! I was feelin’ lazy and was thinking the same thing. All we gotta do is reheat it, it’s still in the pot it was made in and everything.”

Killer takes the pot of stew out of the fridge and puts it on low heat on the stove, stirring it a little.

“Now the real question is do we want cheese and garlic toast with this?” “If that’s an option, then yes!” they grin up at him. “You're so right, why wouldn’t we want cheese and garlic toast! Now do you think you’ll eat a whole slice or a half?” “How big is the bread?” Killer holds up a bread slice for them to see. “ I dont think I’ll eat even a third of that. Maybe like a ⅕ or ¼ of it.” “How bout this, I just make two slices. Cause I know i’ll want a whole one, then you can just eat what you want and I’ll just eat the rest. I love me some garlic and cheese toast”

Killer buttered two pieces of bread and sprinkles some garlic, rosemary and shredded cheese on them. Then put them into the convection oven, setting the timer for 7 minutes.

He had found a small teriyaki sauce bowl to use for them, all the other regular bowls are too big for the bitty. he didn't remember where he got it though, probably nicked it from the local chinese place down the block at some point. And he had found a small novelty spoon that was just the right size for them.

Once the soup is hot, and the toast is done he sets the food down on the table. “I cut your slice of toast into quarters so you could pick it up easier. Eat as much of it as you want, if you want more stew just tell me Angel” They looked over the food, eyes wide with excitement.

The stew had carrots, potatoes and corn floating on top and some beef, steam coming off of it in curls. And the garlic bread was warm and buttery with the edges crispy.

They dug into the food with enthusiasm, almost burning their mouth on the stew. Killer chuckled as he ate his own food, watching them demolish the garlic bread. they only ended up eating one quarter of the slice but they were really going at it. Killer let out a hum of contentment as he ate the stew. Man, he’ll have to try to remember to ask horror for the recipe cause dang this is good.

After the two of them finished eating, and killer had put the dishes in the dishwasher, it was now getting pretty late.

“That was really good, thank you K” the bitty says. “It was good wasn’t it. You wanna watch a show before we get around for bed?” They stretch their arms above their head as they let out a big yawn as they tell him yes, they have had a big day and now they are full of warm food. Killer smiles down at them, they won’t last through a episode before the go to sleep, best get all the sleeping things taken care of before the two of them even start a show. “Tell ya what short stack, how bout you go ahead and try on those new pj’s of yours and we’ll get your sleeping area set up, then we can watch a show” “Ok, sounds good to me”

They climb back up onto his hand as he carries them back to the front room to get the pj’s out of the shopping bags. Once the pj’s have been gotten he carries them to the bathroom to change. “I know you can’t open the door by yourself but I wanna give you some privacy to change. So I'm gonna leave the door open just a crack so you can get through and I'll go back to the front room, that sounds ok?” “Yeah! That sounds just fine” Killer sets them down on the ground with the bundle of clothes. He wets a washcloth with some warm water and gives it to them as well. “Heres this if you wanna wipe off any, call me if you need me Angel” “Ok thanks!”

Once he leaves the room they strip out of their old clothes and start wiping off, very grateful for the washcloth. They had felt kinda crusty from sleeping outside. Once they felt cleaner they put on the new pj’s, surprised by how comfy they are.

“Hey K? What should I do with my old clothes?” they ask once they get back up to the front room. “Oh I can just throw those in the wash, I need to start a load anyway” he holds out his hand for the clothes. He takes the clothes and puts them in the wash, starting a load of clothes with it. It was so small, it looked like doll clothes.

“Already, got that all squared away hun. I got a little sleeping area set up for ya while you were changing. It ain't much and we can get you something better in the future, tell me what you think?” He lifted them up onto the couch where he had put a pillow there to use as a mattress, and took a smaller throw blanket and scrunched up one end for a pillow and folded the rest over for a pillow. He set them down on it and they looked over it, it looked a lot more comfier than what they were used to. “It look great,, thank you” “Not a problem” he takes a finger and rubs the top of their head, messing up their hair.

Once the both of them are situated on the couch, killer starts flipping through different shows on the tv till he found one he liked. They ended up watching old star trek reruns.

And just like killer thought, they didn’t even last halfway through the episode before they fell asleep. They look peaceful while they sleep, that's good, they look nervous most of the time. And they somehow look smaller? Probably because they are curled up a bit. He kinda wishes he could just stay here and sleep on the couch with them, but it'd make his back hurt for the next few days.

He gets up and shuts off the tv and looks back at them. There is a bitty he found, sleeping on his couch. goodness, what has he gotten himself into.