Undergrowth (Log 09)

**FrankenSoul**

Slick did his best to help with his own weight, but the combination of booze and not being completely familiar with his legs yet made him stumble along the way. Aunty waved at them as they left, wishing Slick a good rest. The naga-man never stopped smiling though and spouted out nonsense along the way, such as, "Birds are mean... Water is blue and I... shiny scales..."

At last they arrived at the top and it seemed to go somewhat smoother with less tripping. He pointed the way to his room, but before entering and almost yelled back to Ciya, "Tell Franky I said hi! He's cute too... ah but he loves you! Lots and lots.. yeah..."

He allowed his head to roll against Vivica again, almost falling down right in his door. Luckily he got under control a few seconds later and opened his door, shuffling inside and using Vivica as a crutch. The room was very similar to Ciya and Vivica's own, except maybe more plain. He didn't exactly have any possessions to fill the space. Grinning, he mumbled, "It's not much but... ah it's not much huh? I need some... more stuff."

**PhoenixAshes**

Most of the witch's dialouge through out the entire struggle had been a looping pattern of "Okay--okay we've got it", "easy now", "Careful! careful...", "Wait", "Go", and "no no no!" the last comment she spoke while having to lean against the door frame of Slick's room to keep from collapsing with him. A sigh of collective relief came from both girls when he seemed to catch himself.

"Maybe we can go find something when it dries out, Slick." Vivica suggested, if only to placate the ramblings of a drunken man.

Ciya had helped direct them to the bed so they could gently drop the naga and try to get him to rest. It seemed like the best--or rather only- option.

**FrankenSoul**

Gladly he dropped onto th soft surface, and gladly he beamed up at them as he did so. Oooohh it was so soooofft. He wiggled in place and attempted to push his shoes off with the opposite foot. Once he did, he moved out to grab a pillow and hugged it to his chest, squeezing it hard and curling around it. He actually loved doing such, but not merely for affection but because it was ingrained into his being by squeezing prey.

He was satisfied... mostly. Except he reached out for Vivica's hand, squeezing it too with his own and asking as sweetly as possible, "Ssstay for a little while? Till I fall asleep und... yeah. Jus want someone to hold my hand." Ciya, or "Cici" as he was calling her in his blurred mind, probably needed to go finish her meal huh? He had disrupted it. Ah he was such a bother.

**PhoenixAshes**

There was a sense of ease now that Slick was down and likely to just stay there. Even with his rather silly state, the two women seemed to keep a look of seriousness about them. To Viv,when he'd grabbed the pillow he looked settled enough that he could be alone--only to be surprised by the reach and hold of her hand. Honestly, it halted her completely. "A-Alright." Her dark eyes blinked as she nodded. "I'll stay."
The pixie pulled a smile into place and teasingly nudged Viv, earning a frown from the other. " Go on," The witch motioned. "Finish dinner, I think I can handle him from here."
Ciya nodded and leaned over slightly to get a one last look at the drunken Slick. "You behave with her here now." Came the warning. "Or I'll cover you in pollen and make you sneeze forever."

**FrankenSoul**

Slick gasped at Ciya, blinking owlishly at the suggestion. Behave? Of course he would behave. He wasn't going to do anything. Except maybe try to get another hug. Still, even without evil intentions her threat was taken seriously as Slick nodded and gave a small, cheesy grin.

"Mhmm... okay..."

Taking Vivica's hand closer to his chest, he hugged it and a portion of her arm with glee. Waiting for the sound of the door to signal that Ciya had left them, he opened an eye to peek and check. An expression of utmost worry came over him as his wet gaze moved to Vivica. "She's not really going to do that ish she? That's... sooo mean. I hate ssneezing. I look sooo weird and I don't wanna sneeze forever."

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica had to step closer so she wasn't toppled over by the tug on her hand. There was only a small level of discomfort, but she was able to push it aside and allow it. Ciya's warning made her smile, knowing the girl really didn't mean it.

However, Slick's expression when she looked back at him made her laugh softly. "No, I don't think so Slick. It's just a good threat she has. "

**FrankenSoul**

Vivica's reassurance settled him for a moment as he loosened his hold on her arm, his smile relaxing into one more natural. Attempting to push himself up, he almost did so too harshly to topple to the floor but caught himself just in time. Still, he swayed on the side of the bed, looking as if a small wind might push him over.

His hair stuck up all over his head, making him look like a goofy mess when combined with his starry gaze and loopy grin. The blush didn't help matters either and he clearly felt the heat in his cheeks. Aaah he was so tired. Why was he so tired? Oh yeah, he had swallowed the human's sweet water. Maybe too much. Hmm... worry about it in the morning. Bringing his hands up to either side of his face, he opened them on his cheeks in a gesture.

"My sneezes are reeaally ugly.... and sscary. Yhou can shee mah-" He paused to settle his now too thick tongue. "...see my mouth open wide like when I eat sstuff. But wait-"

His eyes shone with fresh excitement as something wiggled into his head. "I won't do that right now! I can sneeze! Still, I don't wanna be covered in pollen..."

He fought a yawn, rubbing one of his eyes with the back of his hand. Slowly, he lowered himself back onto the bed sideways so he could keep his weary eyes on her. He hummed under his breath, opening his hand and reaching for Vivica's own once again like a child who had found their mother.

"Hmmm... Vivi? What do you think of me so far? Am I..."

What was the word?
"...trustworthy? I wanna be that. Or do I? I dunnoh... figuring out what humans think is good an' bad is so hard. I still don't get all of it yet. Do you?"

**PhoenixAshes**

His easing and relase of her allowed the witch to settle down a bit herself. It was going to be fine now that he was someplace comfortable. Actually, Slick was kind of cute all flushed from too much to drink and -- "hey! easy!" She reached out immediately when he tired to sit up. As it turned out, dropping her gaurd in the thought that he was going to stay put was a bad idea. During his swaying she gently she brought her hand to his shoulder and nudged so he'd be more likely to flop bedside rather than floor.

All right, this time, this time he was going to be fine. "I doubt that." Scary? Maybe he had the snake-mouth thing? Dislocating jaw? Had he told her that before? "Yeah, you've got human mouth." As he settled more, Viv knelt, keeping to his request of her to stay. "Hm?"

The questions were sudden, but apparently that's what drinks did to him. "Yeah, sure you are, Slick." Trustworthy? Why was he worried about that? "Trustworthy is good, all sorts of people value it--even the bad." Lightly she took his reaching hand. "Even I don't completely understand."

**FrankenSoul**

"Goooood," He mumbled at her replies, a heavy breath leaving him. Good. He wasn't the only one to be confused by all of that then. He continued his thoughts outloud, half on accident and half wanting to just talk.

"Where I come from, it was different. Harsher. Everyone looked out for themselves.. if you were weak, you died..."

The 'clan' he had been born and raised in simple lived that way. Morals were abstract and all that mattered was survival and filling the base desires. Eat, drink, find shelter, mate. They weren't savages, but they were far from sophisticated. Ever since the day he had left and began to truly interact with others, he had such a hard time trying to adjust. It also wasn't helping that he had no idea who he was or even wanted to be. Selfish? Helpful? Kind and couragous or cowardly and cold? Which was the better path to take, and did it even matter in the end? Did he even have a choice or would his true nature reveal itseelf one day without his permission or approval? So, so complicated... sometimes he missed the days when all he had to worry about was filling his belly and trying to find a mate.

He told her so in broken pieces of words, making his fears and thoughts verbal as he took her hand and squeezed softly every so often. Still, by the time he was done he had wrapped another arm around a pillow and was humming a strange tune under his breath.

"Meeeh... my throat's dry... tired of talking and thinking.... Can you talk to me now? Tell me about where you come from? Or just stories. Anything." He just wanted to hear her voice of the witch woman who had swiftly shown him trust and defiance.

**PhoenixAshes**

Poor guy, he sounded so tired already...although it seemed his brain and mouth weren't quite caught up with the rest of his sleepy self. Although, it wasn't a problem really and the witch listened. Just listened. When first meeting Slick a lot of her interest had been mostly informational but what he was telling her now didn't quite fit that bracket. She'd wanted to know, yes, but now she was talking to a drunken friend rather than simply a naga. Occasionally, she'd nod at the bits of philisophical questions he posed and returned the light squeezes on her hand.

"Getting tired,hm?" She laughed softly and shifted her position so her free hand could ruffle his hair after his comment. " I should probably get you some water before I go off on my tangent. Are you okay with that?"

**FrankenSoul**

The rustle of his hair prompted him to return with sticking his tongue out playfully, the sensation a strange one with his now fully human tongue.

"Meeerrh.."

He made the noise deep in his chest at the thought of her leaving. Her hand was so warm and he wasn't sure he could stay awake long enough for her by the time she got back. But his throat was very dry... But he didn't want her to leave...

Somewhere in the back of his head, a small fraction of his sober self noted how much he was acting like Franky just then. The small fraction didn't have much of a voice in the matter though and Slick ended up shaking his head and closing his eyes, intertwining his fingers with Vivica. "Nu... stay. I'll be fine. Just gonna be... drowsy an' quiet."

**PhoenixAshes**

Obnoxious little thing. Vivica thought when he stuck out his tounge, only then realizing how lucky they were that Slick was not another kind of drunk. The fact that he was sleepy and talkative was actually very tame.

Even though his hold on her hand had waxed and waned in pressure, the new position of his hand perplexed her. This actually wasn't too bad. Then again it wasn't his tail wrapped around her suddenly so, there was the difference there. "Okay." She again heeded his request, now petting his hair gently. "I guess I'll have to find a place to start..."

**FrankenSoul**

She was going to stay? Goooood.... At the hair pat once agin he didn't respond, already beginning to drop off and the result being the slow but steady decrease in his grip. When asked where she would begin, it only took him a moment to think on it. "Happy times...?" Good stories, where his dreams would be pleasant and peaceful. He was tired of thinking of dark matters.

**PhoenixAshes**

"Happy times." Vivica repeated, thinking on that. Happy times. There should be a few of those somewhere in her memories. "I used to live with my grandmother in a small town, even smaller than this one-- I think I may have told you that once." She paused trying to recall, but maybe repetition wouldn't matter to him.

"Anyway... She was basically the town healer, well respected." Occasionally she would fade off in search of details. The picture would be painted for him if he was awake enough to take it in. A small town, forest on one side fields on the other, and that provided them with everything they needed. Most people got along, very few squabbles among neighbors, it was idyllic. She left out quite a bit though, the more recent happenings. When the wastes started to encroach someone suggested magic was being drained, being over used, people were afraid, they got suspicious and panicy. She wouldn't tell him that.

**FrankenSoul**

Had she told him that? He couldn't recall in his current condition. Still, he liked hearing it again. He listened the best he could. It sounded like a nice place to live. The kind of place he had heard about where people cared for each other and looked after each other. He piped up every so often, asking her questions such as, "But what about YOU?" and "What about when you were a child...?"

He wanted to know the mundane things such as the people's names, her favorite friends, colors, experiences. Though his ramblings became slower and slower until finally his hand went completely slack in her own, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. He had finally fallen to sleep, but did so with a smile. Surely, he was having pleasant dreams of the village she described, just as he had hoped he would.

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch smiled at his questions and answered them. Although with each answer, about her being a rather rebellious child and loved to explore the back woods, about her friends and the adventures they'd get into, "pine cone wars" they had, it was clear he was drifting further and further. Once it was certain the legged naga was asleep she dropped a loose blanket over him. Poor guy was going have the worst headache tommorow, she thought.

**FrankenSoul**

Through all this time, Frank had been left on his own once again. He didn't mind too much now after having calmed down significantly. He kept himself busy with his books once again, taking out his strange notebook and his writing and drawing booklet.

Flipping through the notebook he jotted down notes and translations from what he remembered back at Ciya and Vivica's home. There were bits and pieces he couldn't remember though... But it was okay. When they arrived at his friends, Franky would his books to keep working. It was still somewhat frustrating. Just when he thought he find something important, it turned out to be nonsense or a simple hex that had nothing to do with life and death. It was as if... pieces were missing, bits of information. Or maybe the book was just useless and he should throw it away.

To calm himself again, he pushed his notes and notebook into a corner of the room and moved to lay back on the bed, doodling inside his booklet and feeling drowsy. The combined effect of the steady rain and his growing ability to block out his anxiety allowed this. Hmmm... He lifted a brow at the doodle. Ciya, again, but with a crown of flowers. He bet that the real Ciya would look even prettier than his drawing. Perhaps he should learn how to make one for her, but he wasn't too sure she'd appreciate him killing the flowers to make it.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya's slim fingers rested on the door knob to their room, her hesitance to enter sitting heavily between the knob and her warm finger tips. She was suddenly unsure. Should she let Franky know that Slick had told her, or just push it aside and pretend not to know.

While it had stung to find out that way, the hurt of it had passed and she was now worried about how Franky might take it. She was already imagining the look of fear he might get, if she told him she knew. What he panicked and thought he would loose her over this?

The Pixie's hand dropped away from the handle. She couldn't tell him she knew but she couldn't hide it either. Sting had passed but, there was a touch of disappointment left. Even though she hadn't directly thought about being with him that way, maybe she'd hoped for it.

**FrankenSoul**

Her presence went unnoticed at first as Franky doodled on, absorbed by his 'work'. Still, eventually something seemed off so he looked up to spot a shadow under the door. He felt his shoulders tense and caught his breath. A human...? Waiting outside his door? His first thoughts were of fright, but quickly he composed himself.

No surely it was Ciya. Why would a human be standing outside the door like that? ...then again, why would Ciya be standing outside the door like that? Something was very wrong here. Should he... should he try to answer it?

His feet touched the floor, making it creak under his weight as he took a few steps forward to only pause. Why did he feel such dread? Bah... gods, he was tired of being scared. Defiantly, and surely, he moved to the door and lifted his hand to carefully pull it open.

Thankfully, Ciya's face greeted him back and out of habit he beamed at her as the warmth of his chest flourished. Brining his long arms around her and hunching over, he placed his cheek against her neck in an embrace without taking the time to read her body language or expression. He was like a dog in a lot of ways, one of which being he was always happy to see his friends and loved ones. Even a minute away felt like an eternity!

**PhoenixAshes**

So absorbed in her thoughts she hadn't heard the creak or sound of footsteps and the suddenness of the open door started her. She honestly hadn't thought he'd open it to anyone. The pixie had just enough time to comprehend his delighted face before his embrace came. Again, stillness of awe hit.

Franky...sweet-hearted Franky.

His hold was almost overwhelming in the care it showed and Ciya felt her lips quiver and her vision blurred. So much for hiding it.

Answering his embrace with her own she buried her face against him,hiding everything.
What she'd once wanted was nothing now, because who she wanted most now was holding her.

**FrankenSoul**

He hummed joyfully under his breath as he was able to hold her again, eyes closing as he did so. But, even though he couldn't feel a lot of things, he did feel the moisture of her eyes as he moved himself close and she answered by pushing her face against him.

The wetness caused him pause, blinking several times and remaining where he stood while she squeezed him back. Was she... weeping? Perhaps that word was too strong as she wasn't outright sobbing, but those were for sure tears. Did he do something? Did something happen? Worry bit into him but he allowed a bit of selfishness and continued to hold her before carefully unfolding himself from around her.

Resting an arm upon her shoulder, his concern was evident on his face. A rough hand moved to touch under her eyes, trying to wipe the tears away that threatened to flow unstopped. What ever was the matter? Was she going to be okay? He wasn't sure he had ever seen her leak before...

**PhoenixAshes**

As he was wiping away her tears made a few more spill. She was sorry he noticed. "Hi, I missed you." A small laugh came with that, she knew how unbelievable it was. Quietly she was hoping that he didn't think this reaction was his fault. It wasn't it really wasn't.

**FrankenSoul**

He suspected it was something he might have done, but at that moment he couldn't figure out what. Right then, it didn't matter what was causing her to cry as much as the fact that she was crying. He gazed at her a moment longer with a strangely blank expression before moving forward to carefully press his nose against her own and smiled, tilting his head forward so they touched too.

His fingers moved up into her hair at the same instance, cupping the back of her head and keeping her close to him. Once again, he almost swore he could smell her sweet scent mingling with salty tears. After holding her in this way for a moment, he pulled his face away and moved his hands to rest upon her back. Had that helped any, perhaps?

**PhoenixAshes**

She sighed softly at his actions, her eyes closing when their foreheads touched. It brought such a sense of ease to her. Her tears stopped.

She smiled softly, her hand coming to his face once he moves away in a silent thanks. It was a wonder that he knew how to help. "I'm alright." She promised him.

**FrankenSoul**

Thank the gods, he was able to stop her from leaking. He hadn't been completely sure how to handle her. He hadn't really ever helped comfort anyone who was crying before...

She claimed to be fine now, but he only half believed her. Moving his arms under her legs, he carefully swooped her into his arms with a twitch of his lips and began to move towards the bed. As if she were hurt, he placed her down with care and leaned his mess of black hair against her as he knelt beside the bed, arms still under her form as he huffed and hummed.

What had her distressed so? Now that the immediate trouble was passed, he turned to the reasoning behind it. Making all sorts of low noises, he withdrew his arms so that he could snatch his writing booklet and write.

'Are you homesick...? If you'd like, we could go back. Or-' He paused, a startling idea hitting him that made him begin to scowl. 'Did Slick do something?'

Ooooh if he dared to try anything Franky was going to show him a thing or two.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya forced a small smile, hoping it would move them passed this quickly. For a moment she thought it was working and then suddenly she was off her feet and the smile gone with it. "Franky what--?" Her confusion didn't last very long since the direction in which he turned really only had one destination.

Watching him closely, the pixie wondered at his thoughts, for the moment unable to read anything from him. Soon enough she had words. "No," To the first guess he had, "No, that's not it at all." She shook her head clearing both ideas. "Well, he didn't do anything..." With a heavy breath she decided: she'd have to tell him what Slick let slip.

Another sigh and she rested her head on the pillow and turned so she was facing Franky. "He drank half a bottle of strong liquor or whatever it was..." She explained. There was no smile now. "Slick talks a lot when he's drunk, he um..." Ciya bit her lip trying to figure out how to phrase this. "Told me something, about you."

**FrankenSoul**

Really, if she wanted to turn back it would be okay... He would just go visit Jozef on his own sometime, and- wait, what? Slick didn't do anything? Why say it like that? And she seemed so distressed talking about it. He felt a stab of guilt, bright eyes widening as she continued. He didn't want to upset her again but his protective instinct and driving curiosity left him quiet. She rested her head and he moved a hand upon her shoulder, nodding for her to continue. He was listening.

Aaah but Slick had drank. Franky's frown returned. Slick did like the human's drinks a bit too much. He didn't know when to stop, and then he acted really dumb and wouldn't be quiet. Had he insulted her then? That wasn't nearly as bad as what Franky had in mind, but still, he would need to have a word with the other... erm, technically.

But no, again he was wrong. He tilted his head a bit to the side, confusion evident. He... told her something about him? Like what? That he was clingy? She knew that already. That he went berserk when he spotted a human? No she knew that too. What else was there for her to discover that could produce such a result? He didn't even know a lot about himself, so what in the world could Slick have..?

Oh.

He physically jolted when he thought of it, his hand moving off her shoulder out of reflex. Had he told her... that? But no, he wouldn't... But he would if he were drunk... Franky's eyes dropped as he thought, moving around as if he were looking for something on the floor. So if Slick had told her that, something so personal, and she had wept for it then she had taken it harshly. He was right when he assumed he had caused her sorrow... His brows knit together and tilted upward, the grey skinned man casting a darting glance at her as he tried to conceal his turmoil. He didn't reach for his booklet. What could he say? He felt numb with sudden fear and anxiety. Gods, what could he say?

**PhoenixAshes**

Worry started to weave its way into her visage as understanding seemed to dawn on Franky. The worst was having the comforting, light pressure of his hand leave her shoulder. As long as it had rested there she was sure things were still fine. But that look now... He wasn't blaming himself was he? Please, please don't. She begged mentally, watching his gaze drop and then move about.

"Franky..." The pixie spoke softly, only to have him look at her again. Bright eyes, still with a light still with emotion. He was as alive as could be to her.

She reached forward to him, unable to bare that thin veil hiding the turbulance she'd stirred by telling this. "I don't care if it can't happen." Ciya did everything she could to make this sound resolute. "I just was caught off gaurd because that's something I probably should have heard from you."

**FrankenSoul**

He twitched upon her reach, unsure on how to proceed. The topic utterly horrifying, embarrassing, humiliating, and many other –ings he couldn’t place just then. He wasn’t sure what to think or how he was supposed to feel, leading to slow outside reactions.

When he had first discovered this “personal problem”, the way Slick had looked at him made it seem as if he were… incomplete. Not entirely a real person, never mind the fact he was a walking corpse. The snake man hadn’t meant to make Franky feel so inferior, but the damage had been done and he avoided even thinking about it after that day. Why should he dwell on something else he could never experience or share with something else? Why make himself feel even worse for even existing? He had never considered it would become an issue as the relationship he shared with Ciya was so unlikely. And it had moved so swift, taking him by surprise and giving him no time to ponder upon their future interactions. Now confronted by the thing he put away, he found himself frozen.

She didn’t care if it couldn’t happen. So she claimed, but had she not been in tears moments before? A piece of her was realizing that their relationships would never be whole or normal. It would be deformed and strange, keeping her from even the satisfaction of kissing the one who claimed to love her. Gods, already this was disintegrating. Already his state was taking away something else he desperately wanted to hold to.

He dropped his gaze once again, suddenly feeling as if he truly couldn’t breathe. As if something heavy had replaced the warmth of his chest and made every movement a struggle, every thought overanalyzed, every feeling overwhelming. His hands moved to either side of his face, trembling as he tried to control himself. His eyes closed and he found them as wet as Ciya’s own had been.

**PhoenixAshes**

The fact her reach to him went unanswered unsettled her deeply and the emptiness of her hand left it cold. Without her knowledge or attention, the vine markings changed, open flowers reverting to buds, closing off as worrisome clouds covered the light she usually felt with him. He'd always reached back for her, even recently. The distance ached when he looked away.

"Franky..." She spoke again, shifting slowly, so she was sitting up again. Maybe she'd been too soft for him to hear or maybe he was lost in what was going on in his mind, there was no other reaction from him than holding his head. Carefully she moved, slipping off the bed and crouching on the floor next to him, afraid to touch and startle him but afraid to leave him there alone.

**FrankenSoul**

Calm down. Calm down, he told himself. Look at what he was doing. Look at how selfish he was acting right now. She had called for him, hadn’t she? It was lost in his sluggish thoughts until several moments had already passed. Yes, she had called him and he could almost feel the tension she now carried in her own chest. He sensed her movements as she knelt close by but unable to answer her still.

Gods. He was denying her and calling her a liar, wasn’t he? She had tried to sooth him with words, but he simply couldn’t believe them. At heart, he was quite a pessimist in regards to his own self. Of course such a thing mattered, everything he had ever studied or heard solidified that. Affection and closeness was one thing, but wasn’t physical love required to strengthen a bond and allow individuals to give themselves completely to another? That was it, wasn’t it? He wanted to give his heart to her. He trusted her completely for his wellbeing, knowing she would never do anything to purposely hurt him. With her, he felt safer than he ever had before. Being unable to give himself completely felt… like he was cheating her out of something while simultaneously harming himself.

He took a shuddering breath. Stop. He commanded himself and his body. He always took some pride in being able to do things that others couldn’t, control his form to go farther and do more. So now he would do so again. Stop.

Reaching up with his sleeve, he wiped his eyes and took a few more breaths. Finally, he was able to draw himself together and blink somewhat before looking upon Ciya again. His blue eyes were still wet, but still he managed a smile that didn’t quite reach its full potential. One of his stitched hands moved out, placing itself atop one of her own and giving a gentle squeeze while the other reached for his materials to speak.

The message wasn’t as bold or stable as normal, but still he held up the booklet for her to read when finished.

‘I’m sorry.’

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie watched closely, seeing him so still and yet shuddering. She inched closer but there was still a small gap she couldn't seem to bring herself through. Testing, her hand rose as if to place itself on his back, but like with the doorknob it hovered and she realized--she was shaking. Visually, it was same shake the lightest breeze would make in grass, but inside felt far stormier. He couldn't believe her. She couldn't blame him. Ciya wasn't even sure she could believe the reassurance she'd given, but she believed she could do it. For him, if she had to she would!

His shaky exhale tightened her own breath. What had she done? She should have waited until she'd been completely composed before coming here or something, anything to have avoided this. If she hadn't mentioned it at all maybe she would have just grown used to the idea on her own and he wouldn't be so far from her and--Oh...

When Franky's eyes came to her again Ciya felt her heart drop, deep this time, like someone had weighted it and thrown it into a well. He'd been crying. No, no.. don't...Don't smile like that... At his touch her breath went shallow, slow still but shallow and then baited as he wrote.

The words blurred before she got to the second 'r', but she knew what it said. She knew what she'd brought up now. Cornsilk colored hair flicked as she shook her head. No, he shouldn't be sorry, she should be! And she was. Suddenly her hand moved from beneath his, mirroring the other as she was holding his face now, as he'd done just moments ago and her forehead meeting his in a harder bump than intended but she didn't pull back. "Don't be..." The sounds she was trying to make came out more like she was choking on them. "Don't be, please, Franky."

She would regret not reaching out for him sooner.

**FrankenSoul**

He was recovering from his turmoil, although slowly. The world seemed somewhat fuzzy with the moisture lingering in his eyes. Huh. How strange. He felt somehow comforted by the fact he could still shed tears.

Ciya’s face was blurred and it was hard to determine her exact facial expressions to his actions, but he didn’t need to see to feel her as she shifted herself to place her hands upon his face and forcefully showed her love. The resulting sound made him flinch and feel a flicker of concern for her skull, pulling him further out of his own inner world. Ciya, no please don’t… Now she was as choked as he was, her words as difficult to manage as his own written ones were.

Don’t be. Such a simple request and demand from her. One he wished he could follow entirely. Still, she was in pain with him. They bonded and shared more emotionally than he could ever have imagined, through suffering and joy they shared it all. His fingers slid down her arms and moved against her back while he gazed into her own wet eyes. At that moment, he made himself a silent promise.

Breathing to steady himself a few more times, he carefully withdrew his face from her. Instead, he moved their positions into another familiar pose. Drawing her against himself, his arms wrapped around her form and turned it, enveloping her in his colder but loving embrace and pressing her back against his torso. Tilting his head, his face pressed against the side of her neck while his hands moved once again for her own.

He made a low sound under his breath. It was a mixture of a sigh and a hum, of weariness and content. No matter what happened to them… No matter what challenges or foes they faced, internal or external, they would do so together. Their joys and sorrows would be shared, and their strange love magnified for it. That was enough for him.

**PhoenixAshes**

She wanted to say more, so much more, but considering how hard it was to speak at all she kept quiet and tried to focus on just breathing. Instead she kept her forehead pressed against his, illogically hoping that somehow her thoughts would transfer by pure contact. While it may have been irrational, the movement of his hands made her hopeful.

Ciya was sure her expression became worriedly pleading when Franky moved back, afraid of being let go. Thankfully, he proved to have a different intention. With a sigh expressing something akin to relief, the pixie practically melted back against him and her hands holding tight once his came into her hold. The tempature difference felt soothing. It seemed the turbulance of all of this had physically heated her, a reaction she hadn't noticed or anticipated. So the cool of his face against her neck was quelling to her mind and even felt forgiving. Now breathing calmly, she let her head lull back onto his shoulder, easing further and giving him more room to remain there.

**FrankenSoul**

There, there... This was better. This was right. Folding against each other as if their forms had been designed for it, each one finding themselves relaxed and comfortable and safe. Or, so he assumed she also felt. So he would always try to assume she felt. He noticed now the negative trends of thought on himself, his fragile shell of happiness fragmented at certain points which quickly unraveled him if agitated. Press here, or there, and his emotions escalated into sorrow or rage or fear. His psyche must be truly scarred to craft such behavior, and he knew how battered and ugly both his outside and insides could seem to others. Now to find someone who accepted both with such care, such… such love…

His hands tightened around her own, fingers interlocked and tight as he forced his hold to remain careful. So close to her now, he could hear every sound she made. The way her breathing seemed to ease now, her heartbeat slowing and as light as a bird’s… Such a beautiful woman who embodied grace and acceptance and everything good in the world. If one were to peer into her soul, he was sure they would find not even a speck of evil or bad intent. How had he found her, one who grieved with him for all things he had lost and who cared for all the meager things he could give?

Against her neck still, Ciya might in fact hear Franky sniffing once again and feel a small amount of moisture as his eyes began to “leak” against his will. They seemed to be doing that often today, as if imitating the rain outside. Quickly following the tears were low grunting sounds from his chest: his laughter. Tilting his face, gleaming blue looked towards her as he smiled. He cried not from sorrow now, but from joy. His hands gently spread her own out and flattened them in front of herself before his fingers began to trace letters into her palms, slowly repeating.

‘I love you.’

**PhoenixAshes**

At the second tightening of his hands Ciya sighed, closing her eyes, unknowing of the deeper thoughts her stitched-one had running through his mind about her. The sudden wet sensation on her neck caused her lids to flicker open again, her head turning just slightly, not enough to disturb his nestled face, but enough to press her cheek against the hair falling over his forehead. She hadn't the energy to turn further, nor the will to break her fingers from his hold, but the warm, comforting intent was there. He had every right to cry further if he wanted, she'd be right there. Right where he need-- Hm? He was laughing now?

Inquiry barely had a moment to settle into her expression before he'd flattened hers to a writing suface. Her head lifted from his shoulder to watch his finger strokes, matching that with the brushing against her plams, trying to form the letters. I...L...O...V..E-- Ciya smiled, following the other letters, Y....O....U. She let him reapeat it again, finding the carressing marks as sweet as the soft whisper they might of been had he use of his mouth. At the last she moved her hands away, her left one taking his on that side and interwining their fingers again. Gently she moved the back of his hand up to her lips, kissing it once before giving his sentiment her own voice. "I love you too."

**FrankenSoul**

He had never really tried using this method of communication. He wasn’t even sure it would work due to being somewhat unclear. Could she tell what he was writing? Maybe he was just making a fool out of himself, but that wasn’t new. She didn’t outright respond to his first try, and his face became a darker hue of grey.
His emotions had been a rollercoaster for these last few minutes and his thoughts followed suit. He just wanted to reaffirm the feeling that would remain no matter what happened, and, well… gosh. He debated pressing his face against her shoulder again and return to the cocoon of safety and comfort again when she moved one of his hands to hold again and took his other someplace else. What was she doing with his other…? Oh. Oh that’s what she was doing. If he were alive he’d swear his face heated to unbearable levels, and as it was the entire area did seem to flush darker. And to add her words to it- Aaahhhh! He was going to explode!

“Heeh heeh….” He mumbled, wiggling in place somewhat. He loved her back so much he couldn’t stand it! And the touch of her lips were so very soft and pleasant and gods he wished he didn’t have a phobia with his own pair. Yep, that ended the debate. He moved his face and buried it back into her shoulder, slowly rubbing his face back and forth and making low sounds of happiness and endearment.

They remained like this for a small while, huddled together upon the floor and enjoying the presence of the other. At one point Franky reached for his booklet so he could properly talk but his speech and writing was lazy and relaxed. There wasn’t much to be said. Finally, after what felt like an appropriate stretch of time, Franky moved his arms under Ciya and lifted her to the bed they had used to lean against. It was still early in the day, or at least past noon. He encouraged her to perhaps go out and socialize more if she felt up to it. If not, he would gladly savor her next to him and attempt to sleep beside her again. However, they spent the rest of their day, it passed and they would find themselves awake to a new day. Franky would awaken with a smile, stroking Ciya’s slumbering face and glancing out the window. The rain had stopped. Carefully, he began to ease himself away from her and glanced back frequently, afraid to wake her. When freed from the bindings of the blankets, he stealthily moved forth from the room to deal with a little problem. It didn’t take very long and soon he returned, quietly closing the door and looking back towards the bed. Had his loved one woken up yet…?

**PhoenixAshes**

The rest had been much needed for the pixie as the wide range of worries and emotions had left her tired. Even though they had all been surrounding Franky, his presence along with the rest was rejuvenating on a few levels. Even the flowers on her vine marks had returned to happy blooms.

His loving brush against her face called forth a sigh of contentment through her still mostly unconscious state. Yet, luckily, his moving about and stirring did not wake her entirely. It was in his absence that she came to, honey eyes going from blinking sleepily to glancing about the room for him. It was odd that he was gone, since the dangers of going out were high. That fact kept her awake, but a physical call to stay in the comfort that was the bed overtook any immediate worries. While there were dangers to Franky leaving the room, he was careful and likely could take care of himself for the most part, if something did go wrong, she'd know immediately. This was what lead to how he'd find her upon reentering, still laying comfortably under the covers but looking his way. "There you are."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh. Yep. There she was, wide awake and waking for him. Though perhaps not wide awake... she seemed drowsy still, comfortable in the soft beds that Aunty had provided to her guests. Had he worried her with his absence? He moved silently across the room, a smile touching his lips as he crouched and moved to carass her lovely face once again. He tilted his head so that he could see her more clearly, eyes shining as if to say good morning.

He gestured towards the window. Sun rays found themselves shining through, though they weren't strong yet. Perhaps the clouds were moving out or perhaps due to the early time. In either case, his glee at the change was evident. They could leave soon then, right?

**PhoenixAshes**

Her smile brightened at the sight of his. He looked so much better now than last night, when the fact that both had cried pretty well was apparent. It seemed to her his eyes might be a little bluer, perhaps it was the light. The pixie sighed happily at is touch again, leaning into it now that she was awake.

The gesture caught her attention and she glanced over to the window and nodded. "Yeah, it stopped. If it stays that way the ground will dry enough." Enough so they could go, she finished the sentence in her own mind as she let her head plop back against the pillow again, not wanting to use the energy really for anything else. Gently, her slim hand patted the bed beside her, wanting Franky to be there.

**FrankenSoul**

Yes it had stopped. He was very pleased at that. And as she might have noticed, he was in a much better mood than yesterday. The emotional outbursts had been... tiring. He hadn't felt physically tired in such a long time but had forgotten it was still possible to become mentally tired. A good night's sleep next to her along with his plans and the events of the morning had his spirits lifted. Poor Ciya... she still seemed drained. She had a double dose of fatigue, also physically tired he imagined. He tried to snub the stab of guilt in his gut but was only mildly successful.

He felt his lips twitching against at her gesturing. He was happy to comply, chuckling lowly in his throat as he eased himself next to her. His fingers grasped his booklet. Was it too early for her to read? There was at least enough light for it but...

He jotted down a note.

'Sorry for vanishing. I had to deal with something. I'm surprised you didn't ask me about it~'

He paused, debating if he even wanted to tell her then shrugged and flipped a page back to show her a previous conversation he had not ten minutes ago. A few lines harshly written spelled out;

'YOU TOLD HER? YOU DRUNKEN IDIOT YOU' followed by 'I don't want to hear it' and finally in more stable letters 'Fine. Okay. You still owe me though. And I want you to give Ciya an apology, you caused her as much pain as you did me.'

Written below it was further words, but not his own. This much was obvious from the handwriting which was atrocious and barely readable. 'Sorry Ciya.'

**PhoenixAshes**

When he came close again she snuggled as close as she could without being in the way. She was right to, seeing as he went for his writing book right away. Lifting her head again, she read. "I hadn't gotten to it yet is all." Came the smile and reply. "What did you do anyway?" The reply from him came in the response of the flipped page and immediately she giggled at the first boldly lettered exclamation, eventually it tapered, quieting to an "aww" before returning. "Oh, pollen puffs, he must have one massive hang over."

**FrankenSoul**

Franky would admit, he was smug. He must have looked it too as he went out to get "his lady" an apology. To be honest, he had been mad at Slick the moment he realized what happened and went to resolve the issue. He didn't want any hard feelings to be held and also thought Ciya did deserve an apology after a long day. There was a much longer apology coming in verbal form but Franky had insisted Slick at least give a preview in the booklet.

Pollen... puffs.... oh gods now that was too cute and perfect. His smile widened further and he did his best not to laugh too loudly. Oh, a hangover? Widening his eyes and pressing his lips together in amusement, Franky agreed with a low, "Mhmmm."

It was pretty bad. Slick's hair had stuck up in more places than a porcupine and he was at a level of unattractiveness that Franky had never witnessed before, complete with dark circles under his eyes. He was paying for his early drinking. Maybe that would teach him a thing or two.

Content with Ciya against him, Franky's fingers wound her hair to gently play with. He loved playing with hair, though he wasn't sure why. He was "quiet" for a long while, listening to the sounds of the pub waking up. Of footsteps in the halls, of low voices talking, of kitchen pots and pans being set up for breakfast. All of this reminders of where he was, and yet he felt at peace.

Finally, he spoke again, lowering the booklet in front of her and tilting it so she could read it better.

'We should start getting ready, right? Also, how are you feeling? Are we...' He paused to find the right wording. 'Are we okay?'

**PhoenixAshes**

Her stitched sweet-heart looked so proud of himself, the pixie noted as she looked at Franky again. His sound of agreement with her asessment about Slick's state pleased her. Sadly the idea of the naga getting situational retribution for his drunken slip and his over all drunkeness was more satisfying than she cared to admit. There was a mixture of humor and sympathy that she felt, which seemed to even it out.

Franky's fiddling with her hair made her forget about that, however. Her eyes closed in pure bliss as she hummed happily. If every morning went like this she'd be contented for the rest of her life. Yet the sound of Franky writing, and the stop of his playing with her hair, brought her attention again, and the last question pulled a sigh. " We are." She started slowly, her hand going thoughtfully to his chest, her palm seeming to know exactly where the knot of stitchings were. "But, I think this may come up again..." Ciya was hesitant as she spoke, most of it focused on her hand, but near the end she looked up at him. "When you have doubts or if I get unreasonable. It's not going to just vanish, but" Her fingers pat lightly at him. "We'll get through it as it comes." She smiled softly. It wasn't as certian as she'd hoped but it was what she could manage. This was a big promise she was just begining to make. "You may not really believe me but, I'd rather be with you, just like this, than that way with anyone else."

**FrankenSoul**

So they were okay. Thank the gods. Everything seemed to be correcting itself after last night, the darkness and cold vanishing like a bad dream. He smiled, not noticing her expression as his hands pressed against her own over his chest. The initial contact had surprised him, but did so pleasantly. The warm fluttering seemed to intensify immensely under her contact, so much so that he outwardly hummed and the illusion of his darkening cheeks became evident. He loved her so very, very much…

The intoxicating emotion dissipated somewhat as she continued and he looked up towards her in mild surprise, eyes widening slightly. They… weren’t always going to be okay after last night? It would come up again? He swallowed loudly, grasp upon her fingers tightening as she looked upon him with her warm, inviting eyes. The sight and her tone eased him once again, though a remnant of his nervousness remained in the pit of his stomach. Doubts… unreasonable… Well, he supposed it was too much to ask to have one battle to decide the war. They would take it one day at a time then, and work it out as it came. She was right. There was no use worrying further upon the future now. And, he realized what monumental claim she made now. To try was all he could ask of her and himself.

He closed his eyes, the turn of his mouth evident as he savored the moment. Eventually, he looked upon her again and briefly took her face to gently “kiss” her before moving to his feet and offering her a hand. He suggested that they begin to gather their things and try to also gather their friends to begin moving. The mud of the pass would likely slow them so they would have to spend one more night on the road. That gave them an entire day to torture the hungover Slick~ And since he couldn’t talk, he would depend on Ciya to get a bit of retribution herself.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie had a moment of worry as the calm that Franky had seemed stirred by her statement of what may come. His grip proved so as well and the nervous swallow nearly had her retract the reality of troubles they may face together, but the "kiss" he gave steadied her.

Lightly she nuzzled her nose against his, a small sound akin to laughter leaving her. She'd been afraid that such a thing would make him frightfully flighty, and she'd have to start again--sitting still and silent like when waiting with a hand full of seed for a bird to land. He believed her promise.

Reluctantly she let him move away. " But that would require getting up..." Ciya teased, wiggling about a bit in her laying position to show that she was very comfortable and that moving might be the worst imposition ever. However, Franky was right about one thing, they couldn't stay for much longer. Their little group had places to be.

**FrankenSoul**

Lifting a brow at her antics, he made a 'tsking' sound inside his mouth but smiled all the same. He didn't budge, making a motion with his hand again for her to take it so they could get moving. Though, now that he thought on it... Wouldn't they need to wait until it was darker anyhow in order to leave under the cover of darkness? It would reduce the likelihood of anyone seeing him, or him seeing anyone else in return. Most of the humans were probably filing through the den at that moment... He shuddered at the thought and felt weight in his stomach. So would he have to wait even MORE time then? Bah...

He was eager. Could he really be blamed? It wasn't in his nature to sit still for long, ironically. Blinking slowly at the revelation, reluctantly he moved himself into a sitting position on the side of the bed and scrawled out his thoughts for her to see. He was obviously unhappy with them, but still, they needed to be said. Whatever kept her safe the most was what should be done, in his own opinion.

**PhoenixAshes**

She took his hand and sat up, her cornsilk blonde a little tussled on the side she'd been laying on. However, the look he was starting to get, that cross between puzzled and concentration, signaled she had time and her hand left his to undo the unrully bits of her hair. "We wouldn't have to ," The pixie replied once he'd written. " I mean, no one can see your face under the raincloak we had you in and we have that blindfold still..." He was right in some respect though. Nigh streets were far more quiet and vacant.

**FrankenSoul**

They didn't....? What did she mean? It would be safer to wait until later. She explained and he hummed under his breath, grinding his teeth somewhat as he thought further on it while reaching out and taking her hand.

He wasn't sure... All sorts of things could happen. Curious children. Concerned villagers. He could panic. He just wasn't sure it was worth the risk, no matter how DESPERATE he felt to get moving again. Making low sounds of distress, he released her in order to properly write out his thoughts once again to show her. Such a slow method of communication, especially considering how fast his head liked to move. At the end, he tacked on, 'I'm willing to do whatever you want to do though. It would slow us down by another night, but if you think we should wait I will. Or I'll take the risk and hope nothing happens.'

He didn't trust himself to decide this on his own. He was biased to the extreme, wanting to flee the small room and human village every time he thought too deeply on it.

**PhoenixAshes**

She read his words again and sighed. Poor Franky. The rain had caught and trapped them at the worst place, him especially. It was hardest for him, his worried sounds in the decision to go or stay were proving that with complete certainty. Sympathetically, she put her hand on his arm. He must have felt stuck in a fight or flight loop. "It's probably safer and less stressful for you to move out of here at night." Perpaps that would be better, since she, Vivica and Slick would likely have to gather their things before moving out again anyway. Still... "We'll do it that way. "

**FrankenSoul**

He predicted what her answer would be, but still it prompted a low whine from his throat as he heard it with his own ears. Her touch, as usual, did well to help sooth him but it was fleeting. His high spirits for the morning suddenly fell and the result was a glum mood. Still, it wasn't her fault and HE had been the one to bring the issue to light in the first place. He managed a smile and nodded, leaning down to briefly lay his head upon her shoulder before withdrawing.

This surely was going to add to his stress. He must have surprised her with how well he had coped with this place so far, and it was partially because she was there with him paired with the decent ability to mask his deeper feelings. His next suggestion was going to damn him further in this regard, but it didn't matter. Pressing closer to her, he hummed happily but still forced his slow hand to write.

'In that case, you should probably check on the other two and let them know our plans... Plus help them prepare. And I'm telling you-' He glanced at her, a flicker of humor in his eyes.

'You HAVE to see Slick this morning. It's priceless and pure justice.'

**PhoenixAshes**

"You'll just have to count down a few more hours." She promised, able to get a comforting brush through his hair when he leaned against her shoulder, sensing his tension with the idea of waiting even longer. He'd done so well, even with the close calls with Aunty he'd kept a handle on his reactions, but he was bound to wear thin at some point. Her gaze flicked to the pages again as he wrote, her hand absentmindedly repeating the same action ast before.

She nodded at the first suggestion and smiled at the second, a small laugh leaving her. "Oh, I will."

**FrankenSoul**

He turned to eyeball her, once again lifting a brow. Without looking, he continued to scrawl, 'Weeeell? Come on missy, you can't lay next to me all day, no matter how much I wish you could.' And she could continue to sooth him with her touches. But surely the little ball of warmth in his chest could console him long enough until she came back again...

He half debated on teasing her about dressing her form for her, but felt he would lose that battle. As innocent as she seemed, she could be downright dirty if she wanted to be!

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie laughed again and held close to Franky for a moment longer. "I wish I could too." She brushed her hand through his hair once more, as a signal she was going to do as he pressed her to. Maybe on another rainy day they could--somewhere that wasn't here, where they were both safe. The idea warmed her when she moved away from him and slipped behind the thick screen to changed into her clothes for that day.

**FrankenSoul**

Wait he changed his mind, she should stay here with him and-! Ah, too late, she was already gone after having shown him one last sign of affection. He huffed mildly, giving a faint smile as she moved to dress herself. She would be fine out there, he reassured himself. And, he would be fine in here without her, trapped alone with his thoughts... Oh boy.

He turned and climbed further on the bed, pressing his face into a pillow and laying still. How long did she say? A few hours? He could manage that, surely...

In a separate room not far from them, the snake-man Slick was in a similar pose upon his own bed. Face pressed sideways into a pillow, he had his blankets pulled partially over his own face and squinted angrily at the bright light streaming through his open window that he was too tired to shut. After his dear old friend Franky had barged in and started him on the pain train known as a hangover, he couldn't go back to sleep but he also couldn't force himself to get out of bed. Because getting out of bed meant facing all the surely stupid things he had done, and would only antagonize his poor pounding head further. Uuugh why did he allow himself to try the human drink? He KNEW he had problems with it before but he did it anyway. Stupid, good for nothing dizzy-drink...

He just hoped no one else came through his unlocked door for the rest of the day. He wasn't sure he could handle it.

**PhoenixAshes**

When the pixie reappeared to find Franky curled up that way, worry set across her face and she crossed to him, not wanting to leave until she was sure he was alright. "Franky..." She sat on the bed again, tucking her feet under her and waited for his response. Honestly she was begining to question if not leaving sooner had been a mistake.

**FrankenSoul**

He was already internalized, so he didn't notice her footsteps as she approached. Only when she spoke and moved beside him did he blink and turn his face to look at her with owlish eyes. Wait, it hadn't been a few hours already had it? No he was relatively sure that was only a few minutes.

Giving a few blinks, he finally read her expression. Oh! She was worried about him? It was kind of her, and perhaps she needed to worry, but he couldn't cling to her side always. Offering a smile, he moved an arm out from under the pillow he hugged to give a thumbs up while humming. He was fine, really! Or so he tried to portray through his gestures.

**PhoenixAshes**

There he was. Ciya smiled softly when he looked at her. He already looked so out of it, still she had to go and tell the others. His motion she smiled again. "I won't be long." Her hand took his and brought it close enough for her to place a kiss on the back. "An hour at most."

**FrankenSoul**

He didn't mean to act like a needy child... The last thing he wanted was to drive her away with his dependency upon her. Still, so far she had shown herself to be understanding of such habits and behaviors. Though in time, he did hope it wouldn't almost physically ache to be away from her and borderline panic when she was out of sight.

At her kiss, his back wanted to arch like a cat's might but he stifled the reaction into a pleasant shudder down his spine and the ghost of a feeling of warmth upon his cheeks. His smile felt far easier after that, and he nodded. An hour he could do, but he would understand if she needed longer. For now... Moving his hand to gesture towards her bottom, then towards the door, the mischievous glint in his eye helped portray his playful message. 'Get your butt out there.'

**PhoenixAshes**

His enjoyment of her tiny affection didn't go totally unnoticed, considering the change in his body language within those few moments it was rather hard to miss. The motion he gave made the pixie's smile perk further at the corners. "All right, alright I'm going." She giggled, sliding away from him again, but keeping her hand against his as long as she could even when up. "I'll speak extra loud to Slick, okay?"

**FrankenSoul**

There she went... Ah yes, good! Talk very loudly, the snake man would likely take the punishment with some degree of grace after having earned it. He squeezed her hand one last time before lifting it to bid her farewell, his faint smile remaining upon his face until she was out of sight. At once he felt a squeeze in his chest as he tried to once again descend into a mode of panic, his nonvital breathing halting. Why today did he behave this way? Ah, perhaps because of the stress of remaining in the human settlement...

Moving a hand to his cheek, he closed his eyes and pressed himself into the corner of the bed. With a wall at his side and a bed at his back, he felt guarded and safer. The touch upon his face held the ghost of warmth and he concentrated on that instead. It would hold him for now and held his deeper emotions in check. Yes, he would be fine for a time without her, though he would admit that even now he missed her.

Slick was fairing somewhat better in his own quarters. Groaning, he had managed to swing his feet over the side of the bed though the idea of standing was far out of his current physical range. The blanket from the bed was draped over his shoulders like a shawl and his hair stuck up in several places, giving him he appearance of a porcupine. His eyes felt heavy and his heartbeat made his head hurt each time. A small mirror was placed near him but he dared not look. His vanity should be shattered he was sure, destroying his confidence and self-image. Yeesh, he would have to remember to take it easy on the humans dizzy drink next time. Perhaps ask a friend to keep his drinking moderate, if any were around then... Bah, and to boot he memories were somewhat fuzzy.

What had happened...? Obviously he had done something to upset Ciya and Franky. And, there was something with Vivica too... What was it? Squinting hard, he tried to think back... and felt his stomach drop and his face flush in embarrassment. Oh no he had acted ike a total fool, hadn't he? His face began to grow warmer as he leaned over his knees, propping his elbows upon them and placing his face in his hands. Welll, time to leave. Perhaps he could crawl out of a window so he wouldn't have to face his friends...? The fall might hurt or kill him, but hey, still a better option!

**PhoenixAshes**

Sadly for the naga there was no time for either option, as a rather unneedfully forceful knock came at his door. Outside Ciya stood, having already made the quick visit to Vivica. The witch had surprisingly been up already, and working on some concotion for their usually snakey friend's likely status. That was about to come in handy, but first, the pixie was going to get that apology that Franky had suggested she get.

**FrankenSoul**

A hiss squeezed itself from between his lips at the sudden, loud sound that almost seemed to shatter his skull. The hiss was weak and felt odd without the help of his teeth to make it, but still. He hastily pulled his legs up onto the bed and bundled the blanket around himself, now more of a tent with only his head showing. Wearily he eyed the door and at once was suspicious of who was behind it.

Who else would be here at this time in the morning?

Part of him wished to send her, or them, away. Whichever member of his group was here, it would not be fun for him. He groaned. He better just... Get it over with.

"Come in," He called, his voice just loud enough to hear. The sound of it made him flinch as it echoed in his head. Aaack.

**PhoenixAshes**

The hiss,as weak as it, had been still reached Ciya through the door and immediately her visage showed pity. She'd heard that before, or rather similar pain responses. For a moment she was unsure if she could keep up a stern face, Viv had always been better at that then her, but then again it was oddly satisfying to know that Slick was getting retribution for his slip up. With the permission to enter given, the usually lighthearted woman set her expression. Narrowed eyes, tightlipped...Yeah, that should work. Now if she could keep from being too sympathetic that would hold.

Deciding it would be better to just improvise she entered. The sight nearly had her break into pure condolance. Poor guy looked just aweful. "Morning, Slick."

**FrankenSoul**

Aah so it was Ciya then. Okay... Okay that wasn't too bad, right? Better than facing Vivica after his strange drunk confessions. Or was she out in the hall too? He couldn't tell.

"G'morning..." He replied, his halting smile tilted as he moved a hand through his hair. He would need to bath again. He felt gross.

Blinking a few times, he began to gather his wits somewhat. "Guh... I drank too much, didn't I? Or... yeah. I don't think I can drink much to start. But uh... yikes, one moment." He turned his face, trying to gather his thoughts once again. Speaking made his head vibrate.

...okay, okay he was fine.

"I uh... I did something stupid, didn't I?" He grimaced, his eyebrows tilting towards each other and his gaze seemed to look elsewhere as he remembered Franky coming in before. He couldn't for the life of him remember what it was all about though. He told her so, speaking lowly, "Franky-boy said I needed to apologize. I just um... I don't know what to apologize for. I'm still remembering stuff but it's slow. Did I... do something perverse?" Gods he hoped not. He didn't become some kind of sex fiend when he was drunk, did he? Sure he might flirt, but... Oh man if he tried anything no wonder Franky was so mad at him.

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie raised an eyebrow at what seemed to be ramblings. So, he'd drank that much, not only was it a hang over, it was a bad enough one that he'd lost details. Wait...perverse? She bit the inside of her lip. "No, nothing perverse. But think about this..." It was going to be so hard to keep this up. Yes, she was a little frustrated at Slick for telling her about Franky's inability with physical relations, but it was quickly being overwritten by other things. Thankfully, the biting of the lip helped her look a little more cross. "You didn't do anything physical, but you definitely crossed a line with me and with Franky. Think about what you may have told me that you shouldn't have."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh gods she looked mad at him. He couldn't ever really remember her being mad at him or anyone like that before. He felt a stab of coldness in his stomach at the thought that because of some dumb action, she and the rest might leave him behind now. What if they thought he wasn't worth bringing along now...?

No, no stop that. He wasn't Franky, he didn't need to think himself into a panic. What he needed to do was to remember what had happened. Something he wasn't supposed to say... Well, there was only one thing that came to mind, and there was no way he would have- oh.

The memory hit him suddenly and he felt himself gasp as it did. Oh no. Oh boy, oh damn. He looked up at her sharply with wide eyes, his mouth running at once. "Ciya, oh gods I'm so sorry. I- I didn't mean to tell you, it was supposed to be a thing between you two. But I was SO worried about you both, and when I got drunk, I just blabbered, and-" He stopped and flinched further, moving to wind his fingers into his hair and press against his throbbing scalp.

He blinked down at the floor, biting hard upon his tongue. Oh he had messed up badly, hadn't he? Yes, yes he did. No wonder they were all so mad at him... He had screwed something up, again. Still... He managed to look back at her somewhat, eyes squinting but he managed to say once again, "I'm so sorry..."

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