Undergrowth (Log 08)

**FrankenSoul**

It was true. He had baby feet right then, soft in his grip as he held them protectively now once again. If she had done more than one swipe he might have rolled onto the floor. Then where would his dignity be? He hummed and rolled his eyes at her, trying to regain a bit of his composure. At least she seemed to enjoy it.

“Well, if you did that I would do it bac- wait a minute...” Lowering his foot, he narrowed his eyes and began to smile. “YOU’RE human with feet too. And if I recall correctly, aren’t human ribs also sensitive...?”

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch simply smiled now, although there was a small sound of amusement when he seemed to keep his protection up. Which was natural after suffering a tickle at the hands of someone else. "Only on some people." Vivica shrugged, the threat of being tickled seeming to not faze her in the slightest. "From what I know the most ticklish places tend to be vulnerable places. Like the ribs," as he mentioned. "and the neck and stomach--places like that." Maybe she could distract him from the idea with knowledge. "It's kind of a defense reflex."

**FrankenSoul**

Oh she wasn’t going to fool him. He had played these cards many times. Pretend you don’t care and the other will lose interest, right? Wrong. Not this time, after his body had been violated so! And now she was arming him with more knowledge about where to attack. Rookie mistakes Viv, rookie mistakes.

“How fascinating,” He murmured casually, his hands opening and closing as if they itched. “Say, Vivica, would you mind if I... demonstrated an idea?” He couldn’t keep his smile in check, eyes bright and wide.

**PhoenixAshes**

Here Vivica smiled again, nonchalantly and opened her arms. "Go ahead." He wasn't going to find hers. She was sure of that. Hers was in an odd place, not in any of the ones she listed. Slick wasn’t bound to find it unless he got mildly creative. Also, considering his reluctance to touch her, he probably wouldn't venture too far.

**FrankenSoul**

He really didn't like this game. He was at such a disadvantage in regards of the human body, wasn't he? His eyes narrowed and swiftly he glanced over her, trying to deduce where exactly she might have these strange ticklish spots. She seemed confident, so... He sighed and shook his head, a smile plucking at his lips.

"I suppose you're not bluffing this time, are you?"

And like she suspected, he would hardly attack her. There was still a longering wariness in his behavior still. Lingering and interacting for so long was new to him... He was just waiting for the moment he messed it up. He breathed and brushed his hair back once again, finding the wild mass mildly annoying. "And I suppose I should get going."

With a low groan he began to move himself to his feet, his hand reaching out and using the bed to keep himself stable. He wobbled but didn't fall, sliding her a mild grin. "I want to enjoy the warm water of the bathing rooms and catch some of that delicious human food. And maybe some of the human ale too."

**PhoenixAshes**

It seemed the witch's chin was lifted slightly higher as he faltered and lingered, trying to figure out where to start. "Nope." Her confidence began to wane at his next statement however. Was that just a decision not to retaliate or frustration in deciding or maybe an overall unwillingness? Her arms came back down, seeming to close up again in her uncertainty. " The first two are good. I'm unsure about the last."

**FrankenSoul**

"Awww, what?"

He gave her a wink, moving to gently prod her with his elbow.

"Not one for drinking? There's nothing like that out where I come from but I have had a few tastes of alcohol." His expression turned dreamy, his hands moving across his stomach as he remembered the few times he had been able to snatch human beverages. He loved the warm feeling it created in one's stomach that spread through the body. Yum.

But wait, what was with her deflation? Lifting a brow, he made a gesture.

"Come now, why not just a taste with me? Even if not, I could use the company... and help getting down the stairs."

**PhoenixAshes**

"Not really. There was a bit of rose wine I tried that was alright--it's the after taste that doesn't sit well with me." She explained moving slightly at his nudge. Her eyebrow raised at the expression which she could only describe as euphoric reminiscence. Did alcohol have a different reaction with him? "I guess I should." A smile came back. "I'll probably have to help you back up the stairs by the time you're done."

**FrankenSoul**

"Hue," He chuckled and shrugged. She was probably right about that, though he wasn't entirely sure he would allow himself to get that far under the influence. Then again, normally one didn't plan such things... And when it came down to it, he had poor self control when it came to taking the things he liked.
He would be glad for her company at least. Reaching for her hand, he tugged her along towards the door with a final flash of teeth. Perhaps it was too early for such activity, but he didn't really care. Why restrain oneself from the better things in life?

After Franky had spotted Aunty and nearly broken down, he had recovered remarkable well considering all things. He had been able to quickly retreat to the room which he had been sharing with Ciya, doing his best to keep his mind blank in regards to where he was and what had just happened. Pressing his back against the corner of the room, he tightly hugged a pillow against his chest and pushed the bottom half of his face against it. The soft pressure against his lips held a mixed result, but the "embrace" helped all the sime.
His eyes became lidded as he retreated into his thoughts, and he could have swore he felt as if his stomach were upset. Gods, where was Ciya? What was taking her so long? Without knowing he was doing it, he would utter a low whine every so often. When the door began to move, the tension of his arms almost tore the fabric of the pillow. He breathed a sigh of relief when it was the lovely one he had waited for.

Opening his arms, he opened and closed his hands and looked at her with wide eyes. Oh he was so so glad she was back.

**PhoenixAshes**

Vivica's smile held now, writing off the reluctance he'd shown as just wanting to move on to something else. At his tug on her hand she quickly untangled her legs from eachother, although it was almost hard to catch her balance. He was extra eager to experiance everything it seemed.

The pixie had been careful in opening the door, not wanting to startle him. Her worry turned to confusion when she didn't see him immediately. Her soft steps accompanied with a slightly wider gaze that melted the moment she spotted him. What was he doing over there? At the requesting reach she came willingly and knelt near enough that he could wrap around her and hold her close if he wished.

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, good. There she was. Now by choice he made a low pitched sound as he tossed the pillow aside and instead replaced it with her. Moving her close, he held her but was more careful then he had been with the other. A pillow could be replaced, but she couldn't be. He breathed through his nose a few times and closed his eyes, trying to calm himself further. Slowly, the tension of his bones began to melt away until finally he allowed himself to ease his arms and torso away.

He blinked a few times, sheepishness appearing upon his features as he gave his best imitation of a smile. Reaching into his jacket, he withdrew his writing booklet and took a moment longer to find the nubby pencil. Using the side of her as a temporary desk, making a low sound of amusement as he did, he wrote,

'I'm sorry. I just needed to calm down after everything that happened. If I didn't have a heartbeat, I swear it'd be racing from the...' His hand paused. 'Excitement.'

**PhoenixAshes**

She'd expected he'd take hold but not quite as dramatically. The pixie squeaked quietly, leaning heavily against him. It took a moment before she could wrap her own hold around him, but when she did she stilled and listened to his slowly calming breaths.

Her bright eyes watched him when he moved away from her and she straightened to see him properly and waited patiently for him to be done writing. "I should have gotten in here sooner." The apology revealed the concern her honey eyes hand held earlier. How long had he been like that? She wondered, a thorn of guilt prickling at her.

**FrankenSoul**

He made a face at her reply and began to shake his head.

'No no, it's fine. I needed some downtime myself anyhow.'

He wouldn't have her feeling bad because of his own weakness. He moved his hands to either side of her face and moved to lean closer, tilting his head so that for a moment their noses touched. He smiled and held her gaze before drawing back. It wasn't so bad doing that, especially since the mouth could be angled away. He was just glad she was here now, and everything had turned out okay.

Drawing back once again, he made an ironic grimace.

'I'm okay. And Aunty is okay too, right? She yelled before I rushed downstairs like an idiot. I didn't get a really good look at her myself so...'

He didn't stare long enough to see if she were pale or bleeding or anything else.

**PhoenixAshes**

Even at his motion that she shouldn't worry, Ciya wasn't convinced. He may have needed her at least a bit sooner than-- All her thoughts broke off at the touch of his hands. She didn't pull away but simply blinked questioningly. Her breath catching a moment at the uncertainty at the movement closer, too lost in it for her to react before their noses touched. The pixie giggled softly, feeling her face go red. Well then! This was likely as close to a kiss as she'd get. His version of one.

The flush stayed as he asked about Aunty. "She's alright. It was a sharp pain she had, that's all. She says she'll be alright."

**FrankenSoul**

There it was. Her cuteness! That was much better then her looking so sad on his behalf. No lasting harm had been done, had it? No, he had somehow stayed calm with her help. A few more minutes of her time and he had recovered too. Huh. He never really questioned that, did he? Well, like he had always thought, she was his magical charm against all the bad stuff. There was no need to think further about it.

He hummed as she answered about Aunty. Good.

He shifted where he sat, his spare hand moving out and finding hers. His fingers moved between her own and he squeezed lightly, his expression falling somewhat. Something was still bothering him. Should he even bring it up? He had only just gotten her to smile. Bah.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya smiled softly, since it seemed he was doing far better than when she'd entered. She was glad of that and leaned against him again, her head nestled lightly against his shoulder when he took her hand. Returning the squeeze she looked up at him, holding the gaze and trying to read him. "Are you alright?"

**FrankenSoul**

Oops. He had been found out so quickly? He groaned and grunted in reply, the sounds hesitant and low. The pressure of her against him helped give him courage though. Wasn't it better to share with her instead of holding it inside?

Shifting himself so that he could use his propped up leg to write on, he continued to make low grumbling sounds as he did so.

'I've just been thinking about my past. Aunty remembered me so easily, and it was good to see her. I just...' Stopping, he frowned and tried again.

'-wonder what happened before she found me? I remember those people, I remember running, but before that? Why can't I remember anything?'

His shoulders rose and slowly fell in a small shrug, his brows pressing down in a low frown. He moved and placed his fingers back against his jacket, where he felt the hard cover of the other book he always carried. The strange notebook filled with so many symbols and secrets that could hold the key to his past.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya was getting accustomed to using every sense she could to gather what he was saying. The inflection of sounds he made, how fast his hand wrote, his expressions or the way he shifted could indicate something he didn't outwardly give. An unkeen observer might see all of this as fluttery and distracted, but she was listening.

Seeing Aunty and prompted more questions from him, that much was clear. Ones that were answerless and uncomfortable. The pixie had no real reply for the frown he had. She couldn't tell him it didn't matter, because it did to him.

"Maybe your mind blocked it out." She'd heard of that before. People loosing their memories or even any sense of who they were because they hadn't been able to accept or handle some terror or problem.
She noticed his shift to touch that journal again. She glanced down in thought to her empty hand that thumb brushed over the tip of her middle finger. The answers could be unlocked, at a price--how steep the price was became the question.

**FrankenSoul**

Yes, he had wondered that himself... Maybe whatever had happened to him before was just too awful for him to remember. So awful, worse than what those strange men were doing to him. Her own motion went unnoticed by him, as he was to absorbed by his trouble as he looked to the side and allowed his frown to deepen. He always found his mind wandering to these darker topics when he had a moment of peace. Maybe that's why he was so keen to always be moving?

The encounter with Aunty had made it all so real again. As if it had happened so long ago and yet only yesterday. Gods, how frustrating. He turned to look at her against his collar, his hand moving in long curling motions. 'Or maybe it's just a perk of being undead...? Something that happens to those brought back. Which brings up more questions. Such as....'

He faltered. No, that was too dark. He loved Ciya, he really did. But what if he drove her away with all this thinking? With all this despair? But this was who he was, under it all. So it was better to show her everything now, wasn't it?

Finally, in a small and decisive movement he finished. 'Such as how I died.'

Illness? Murder? ... Suicide?

**PhoenixAshes**

The price, the price. The idea swirled around her head like ravens waiting for the wolves to be done with their catch. Lifting her gaze to him seemed to swat it far enough away, although worry took it's ominous place. "Such as?" She asked at the pause, seeming to already know where he was going with this and her gaze lingered on the words. Those options seemed likely. Considering the look of his face, old age was not the cause of his death. Illness was likely. Many people got sick and couldn't be cured. Murder...the idea made her shudder inside, but maybe. The knot of stitches around where his heart should be might suggest that. Then again it could be from when he was brought back. Suicide....that one made her feel like she swallowed a pebble that settled in her heart. It'd be tricker to tell. He didn't really have any marks left over from a physicall way, but poision wouldn't leave anything.

She sighed heavily and moved to hold close to him. "Maybe--maybe it was something else...something easy?" Ciya held hope for that, but at this point everything was guess work for both of them.

**FrankenSoul**

"Hmmm," He hummed as she spoke and moved to hold him, moving one of his hands to move a finger across her skin. Something easy? What could be easy...? Maybe a simple illness then. Passing away in his sleep. But then why would someone go through the trouble of bringing him back...?

Guh! His chest gave a low throb and caused him to physically twitch and grimace. What in the world...? Casually, his fingers brushed up and pressed against the knot of stitches on his torso. He swore he could feel something... Or, perhaps not? After a moment, he moved his hand back against Ciya's arm and continued idly moving his fingers. No, nothing. He had just imagined it.

He made a low sound in his throat similar to that of a scoff. Moving his head, he positioned his head full of hair against her face and playfully nuzzled, giving a low grin. His hand moved without him needing to watch it.

'That's enough for today. I don't mean to make you so sad, Ciya. Such a perfect pixie doesn't need to talk about that stuff. I love you.' He squeezed her arm slightly and pressed further against her.

Teasingly, he added, 'Heck, if you want, I'll try wearing makeup and pass for a normal human~? One that just has a strange medical issue.'

**PhoenixAshes**

Staying as close as she was helped. The physical reminder that regardless of what happened he was here, right now, was enough. A soft sigh left her at his touch and a smile was begining to pull at her lips just as he twiched. Slightly,she lifted her head. That out of place spasm didn't seem quite right.
She watched his hand come to the knot. Maybe there was something still there? Still, even as his affections were brought back to her, she watched him expectantly, only to smile at his nuzzling. To think, this had been strange to her not so long ago, now she enjoyed it.

"It's not sadness really I'm just worried for yo--" She stopped short, seeing his next suggestion and burst out into a small fit of giggles. "I don't think makeup will really suit you, Franky."

**FrankenSoul**

"Hmmm?" He questioned her lovingly, nudging against her as she laughed at her. Whaaat she didn't think he could pull it off? Surely he could! He hadn't seen any in the flesh, as normally such things were reserved for wealthy humans, but had heard about it. With some lip-stick and some blush on his grey skin, suuuurely he could pass for a human right?

She was worried for him. Well there was no need to worry. He was sure physically he was set for a long, long time. He didn't really seem to rot and any gashes could be switched up. Emotionally and mentally he did question it though. As long as he didn't torture himself about it. He just... couldn't help it. It was like he was forgetting something important. Like it was DIRE that he remembered, or something very bad was going to happen. That was what drove him most of the time to try and learn more, the strange feeling that he needed to dig up the past. Though he would try to tone it down when Ciya was around so that it wouldn't cut into their time alone.

He moved to trace his fingers back on her arms, looking at them closer now. He had seen the patterns along them before but never had he really paid any attention of them before. His own mistake. Turning his attention to them now, he leaned down and carefully plucked it up. His fingers moved to trace across the patterns of vines, feeling for a deeper texture. He hummed questionably, glancing at Ciya and giving a smile as if to ask, 'Tell me about these?'

**PhoenixAshes**

Even at his sound of insistence and nudging, she stood her ground at the opinion. "There's just a lot of logistics involved," She spoke as if she knew but really she hadn't seen any either. Not well made anyhow. When she was younger she'd take berries and squish them and use the sticky pigment as color but that didn't really count.

Franky was very good at making her forget her cares when he wanted to. Even when he was carrying her home he'd distracted her from her hurt leg. If there was a way she could return that, either by lifting his spirits or by helping him find the frightening answers, she would.

Noticing his examination of her arms, she turned to look as well. The vines were very green, little white flowers blooming in a cluster here and there. They did that when she was well and happy. "Only my kind has these." She started giving into his seemingly happy curiosity. "There's other kinds of pixies, and fae and that sort of thing that have something like this, but my family and I have plants." Well, had plants. She ignored that as she continued. "It's interesting. They change depending on my health and the seasons, sometimes my mood if I'm feeling something strong enough."

**FrankenSoul**

Ooohh! He made a sound of exclamation, continuing to run his cold fingers up and down the curling vines. He loved the flowers. They were so pretty... Only her kind? So pixies then? Wait, fae too? He didn't know that such things even existed! He had so much to learn still, didn't he?

So just her and her fam- oh. For a moment he realized what that meant and slid her a quick look to see if she was okay. She seemed to be. But it changed with her mood then? Then the white flowers were a good thing. He was suddenly struck with the strange urge to run his lips over them. Huh.

Instead, he moved to grab his pencil instead. Extending his arm, he moved to begin moving it over his grey skin. The dark material showed up decently against the surface of his skin, though it wasn't exactly paper. After a few moments, the pattern of what he was doing became more prominent and obvious as he continued to trace and redraw. Finally he showed her, giving his version of a grin. Dark lines that resembled those on her own arm had been copied, complete with a few black flowers and leaves. Now she wasn't the only one around with them, huh?

Ciya smiled softly at his wonder. She loved that about him. Really, it was one of her favorite things. Franky just seemed to love learning, regardless of what it was. If it was interesting his face just seemed to light up.

When his gaze turned to her, she recognized the expression immediately. Considering that it was the same look she had on her visage just a few moments ago. A small smile reassured she was fine. Even if the subject was still tender, she was alright.

Suddenly his pencil was moving and interest crossed the pixie’s face. “Franky what are you--?” A little laugh left her as she shifted to get a better look at his drawing watching the lines become darker against his skin, until he revealed it.

He’d done rather well and the thought that seemed to be behind it, made her smile very tender towards him.

**FrankenSoul**

"Hee," he beamed back at her, glad of his handiwork. She really seemed to like it, didn't she?
Dusting his hands, he debated copying it to his other arm. Perhaps later. For now, he moved to grab his writing booklet, now excited to show her something else. Opening it and flipping through the pages, he seemed to be searching for something. His eyes scanned the pages with a mild frown until- hah!

He paused a second before he showed her though, and his face seemed to grow a tad darker. Wait... He pressed the book against his chest, suddenly embarrassed. Wait no, maybe it was a bad idea to show it.

**PhoenixAshes**

For a moment she felt like she could cry and spent it going back and forth between smiles and biting her lip to focus on something other than the somewhat watery feeling that she kept blinking away. He really was a sweetheart, wasn't he?

By the time he'd dusted his hands and flipped through a few pages she'd some how been able to hold herself together, the new actions bringing attention away from the sweetness and to the new action. He wanted to show her something? Oh...guess not? Why was he hiding it now? "What is it? You started now, don't stop." Ciya teased and poked his side gently.

**FrankenSoul**

He grumbled in response, looking up at her bashfully past his dark hair. He hadn't noticed the deep emotiosn he had inflicted on her, and if he had he might have stopped to hold her and wipe her face. As it were now, he weighed his options before moving the booklet to show her.
He had been practicing. Ciya would look upon a pencil drawing of herself in the book, sketched in by his normally clumsy hands. Through rigorious willpower and careful practice, he had disciplined himself to get better. Mostly he did so when he was alone, or when the others were sleeping. In any case, the drawing of Ciya was moderately welldone. He had stressed certain areas of her features, mainly her eyes. He loved her eyes.

He had even sketched in what looked like a halo of sorts around her head, trying to assimilate the glow he felt near her into it. His face felt darker even to him as he showed her, slowly grinding his teeth and looking off to the side out of embarrassment. He had finished this one up last night while she was sleeping and he was taking breaks from his book. Did she like this one?

**PhoenixAshes**

She bit back that warm, bubbly giggle she had when she was amused, since she didn't want to discourage him from showing her whatever it was he had drawn.

Ciya seemed to freeze in examination for a moment, only her bright gaze moving across the details, surprised to see herself. "Wow..." The sound was soft and barely audible. Her hands came up to her cheeks and felt the shape there, as if trying to measure the accuracy but only came up with one statement. "I didn't know I was that pretty."

**FrankenSoul**

"Meerrgh!"

He let out a loud protesting sound at that, moving over to gently tap and nudge her shoulder with a smile. She wasn't allowed to say stuff like that! Of course she was that pretty, and more so! He just couldn't capture it very well on paper. But she liked it then. Good. He was glad to see it, and felt the said warm feeling spreading through his torso once again.

He turned the booklet around, shaking his head while retaining his smile. Reaching down, he neatly began to tear the drawing out from the booklet, the material making its steady sounds of complaint as the paper gave way to force. Before she could protest he was done, and moved to offer it out to her with a glint in his eyes. He wanted her to have it. He couldn't give her much but she could have this at least, right?

**PhoenixAshes**

His reaction immediately made her grin. "Whaaaat?" Came the protest to his nudge. "I didn't!" She was glad to see him happy at her liking the drawing. Honestly there was a lot to like, he was pretty good! It was for that reason that when the sound of tearing started, her smile dropped and for a moment a look of horror crossed her face. Wait--what was he?! No! Franky! Leave i-- too late... Aw, but that face, that proud, happy face offering it to her. How could she say no? It was clear she couldn't, so gently she took the now looseleaf page from him. "You want me to keep it?"

**FrankenSoul**

Wha-? He tiltd his head at her strange, fleeting expression. Did she not want it then...? No, she did! He beamed at her and nodded, adding in a verbal, "Mhm!"

Of course he wanted her to have it. He had made it special, and if he kept it it would only end up being destroyed due to his harsh style. He placed it into her hands and moved his own larger ones around her own. His grasp was rough and gently, blunt and delicate. How he managed to even hold a pencil was anyone's guess.
Still, he gave his best grin at her and gave a light squeeze before allowing his hands to fall away. He wasn't sure what to say or do now. Perhaps- Wait... He paused, his eyes narrowing. Once more he tilted his head to the side as he attempted to listen.

Did that sound like... raindrops?

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie smiled brighter at his energy. She would keep it. She had a box in her bag she could out it in. It'd be safe there and it wouldn't get smudged or crinkled. Then when they got back she could probably pin the drawing up in her room somewhere. "Okay. I will." By the time she replied his hands were on hers. There was something urging when he made contact, maybe it was the control he had with her. He was always very easy on her,despite the strength he could have.

"Franky?" She asked, noticing his silence and distraction. Then the sound reached her: the soft pattering of raindrops against glass. "Rain again?"

**FrankenSoul**

Franky groaned lowly under his breath as he nodded, glancing at the window to confirm. Soft drops of rain tapped their window, but the steady sound was growing faster. The sunlight had also begun to grow darker and greyer. Another storm?

He released Ciya, moving forward to look out but paused. No, bad idea. What if he saw someone, or they saw him? Taking a step back, he flashed Ciya a bashful look and gestured. Could she look out for him and see...? His chest felt heavy though as he already guessed at the answer of what the weather looked like.

**PhoenixAshes**

She nodded, smiling softly at his bashful look. He was so on gaurd here. Not that there was anything wrong in that, since his reaction could be devastating. Shifting to rise from the floor, she gently placed the drawing down on the top of the nightstand on that side. It'd be safe there for now.

As she passed him to peer out the window, her hand gently patted his arm. "It is...Rain." The pixie sighed, "It's not too heavy, but it's going to make the ground wetter."

**FrankenSoul**

He didn't try to muffle his loud groan. Meaning, they would need at least another day before they could leave. That was if the rain stopped by tonight. If it kept going it would be longer still. Reaching up, he pulled at his hair in semi-mock frustration. It wasn't that he didn't like this place, especially considering that his old friend was here and he was in the room with Ciya. But he didn't want to stay in this human village any longer than he had too. He couldn't do much outside this single room anyhow.

Turning, he moved towards the bed and flopped forward. It protested somewhat at the sudden inflex of weight, but he couldn't care at that moment. Pressing his face against the sheets, he gingerly moved his legs up and down one at a time. Slowly flailing it seemed, expressing his frustration while entertaining himself as he would most likely have to do for a while longer.

**PhoenixAshes**

The sky was actually really lovely in grey cast, Ciya noticed as she leaned closer to the window. She'd heard Franky's groan and was trying to judge the clouds. They weren't too thick, thankfully, and the drops were small. Coming fast and in good waves but small. It should clear up by tonight. Just as she turned to tell Franky this, he wasn't where she expected, then the bed squeaked.

It hit her then. He was couped up in this room if it kept raining. Couped up with potential danger, or more likely things that would trigger his fear and rage at humans. Yet, his motions seemed contrastingly childlike.

Her steps were light as she crossed and slipped onto the bed. For a moment she just sat there, legs crossed, her hands on her calves where they touched, then lightly, she reached and placed her hand on his back.

**FrankenSoul**

"Hmmm," He replied to her touch, turning his face and smiling at her from where he lay. His face pressed that way, one cheek was squished against the fabric of the bed and gave him a forced pout. It fit his mood decently though. He blinked at her a few long times before he reached up for her shoulder. Playfully, he began to ease her down next to him so that she could see his face from the same level. He smiled once more, though it seemed more tired.

He wasn't used to staying in one place for so long. Normally he had moved on to find something new and exciting. His attention span was bad like that for certain things, and in some ways he supposed he did act like a child.

Rolling a bit so he could reach his journal, writing proved somewhat difficult without something solid under it. Still, he turned his writing booklet around for her to read.

'I guess we're stuck here again, aren't we? Sorry. I'm just restless.'

**PhoenixAshes**

At his prompting she plopped over, the bedside hand reaching forward to lightly brush at his hair and then his forehead. It was good he was smiling, but he did seem frustrated still. Maybe there was a way to make it so he wasn't couped up? They could make a quick shot to Viv's room. That way the little group could talk and everything. Slick would be very diverting--Wait, did she tell him Slick was here? She couldn't remember.

His roll moved him away from her hand, but the departure was fine because of communication. "It's likely that we will be."

**FrankenSoul**

He made a low moaning sound once again, parting his lips slightly to puff and huff slightly. Darn. He had thought so. He could try looking at his notebook again he supposed.. maybe ask if there were any books close by for him to read besides it. He didn't want to think on the notebook too much right now. Even the casual brush against it now caused him to tense. If he continued this streak of stress, his stitches were going to get loose again from sheer use in keeping his knotted muscles together.

He moved to touch her hand, placing it against the side of his face. The smooth texture of her fingers helped soothed him, and he could feel his body respond and ease against the bed. Aaah he'd move and put his face on her neck if he could. But that would make talking difficult. Instead, he wrote once again.

'Okay. Well, why not go and talk to the others more? Just because I'm here doesn't mean you have to be. Too much time with me and you'll get sick of me.' If he could have, he might have stuck his tongue out playfully at that moment.

**PhoenixAshes**

"I could never get sick of you." The pixie reassured, sticking her tounge out since she knew he couldn't. Her nose wrinkling in a silly way as she did. "Besides," She started again once, her expression easing again as her thumb traced along his cheek, happy to see him eased and trying to induce that rather than his stress. "We should go talk with them, not just me. " Them. Right! Slick! "Did I tell you Slick ended up here too?" As soon as she asked she was sure she hadn't. She'd been too concerned about him when she entered and she'd forgotten all about it. "With legs! He has legs!" She made a point not to make her exclamations too loud, since she wasn't sure how thin the walls were. They seemed pretty solid but, sometimes walls had ears anyway.

**FrankenSoul**

If he could purr, he would. As it were, he did make low sounds akin to that of a feline, closing his eyes for a few brief moments to enjoy her touch. Even if he couldn't really feel her temperature, her fingers left "warm" trails that mimicked that of his torso. Heh, she had looked so silly with her tongue sticking out. Now that he thought on it, her tongue was normal colored then? He had thought it might be tinted green at least. Huh. He wondered at the state of his own tongue, since it was locked up in his mouth. Or worse yet, his teeth. Yikes.

Listening to Ciya, he opened his eyes and moved his tongue around his mouth, feeling what he assumed was his own set of teeth. Yes, this one was fine. And this one. This one didn't feel like it was rotting...
Wait, what? His eyes widened at the news of Slick. The snake man was here with them? So he was safe from the storm then. Good, Franky had been worried about that. And he had- ooooh that explained it. Franky did his best imitation of a grin at her reaction. He made a low chortling sound, writing quickly.

'Oh yes, his leg magic! He told me about it but I never got to see. He can give other people tails too if they want~'

**PhoenixAshes**

Her small caresses stopped for a moment when she read the bit about Slick giving other people tails. No! There was no way! "You're teasing me aren't you?" Honey eyes narrowed suspiciously, a few quick and light brushes tapped Franky's cheek as she asked. If he could, Ciya had a feeling that Vivica might want to give a tail a whirrl. Considering how interested the witch seemed to be in Slick's kind. Still, Franky had to be teasing.

**FrankenSoul**

Hehehehe, look he had gotten a reaction out of her! So this is why Slick did this so often to people. It was really fun to see their faces! He wasn't practiced in doing such things, but still he pressed his lips together and widened his eyes as much as he could. He even threw in a few rapid blinks, before writing and turning,

'What? What's this teasing you're talking about! I don't know it, must be a pixie thing!'

**PhoenixAshes**

He wasn't going to fool anyone like that. "Franky!" She held out on the last syllable, giggling as she brought her other hand against his cheek, both hands cupping his face now. "You need to work on your ignorantly innocent face." He wasn't wrong about teasing being a pixie thing, but that wasn't exactly important to the moment. Right now it was just fun to lay here and laugh at where the conversation had gone.

**FrankenSoul**

Darn, he had been found out so quickly! She cupped his face and for a moment all the tension from before came rushing back- before vanishing again. The surprise got him for a second, that was all. He felt like a child with his face touched so, but did little to combat it except try to smile as wide as he could. He was a bad liar. He had always been that way. Heck, lying was a newer concept to him than fire was. He didn't like it too much, even if he was just teasing, so he was glad he had such a bad lying face.

He had only joked about not knowing what teasing was, though. Did she take him seriously? Well with him one never knew what he was ignorant of. He liked to her her laughing, though, and did his best to chuckle along with her. Stretching for his journal again, he did his best to write without seeing before then lightly tapping her leg with it so she would read it.

'Yes I was just teasing you. He can't do that, but it must be neat to see him with legs. And weird. He's not gonna steal you away now that he's human, right?'

He waited for her to finish reading it before then adding a wink after the last statement. The best he could do to convey a 'playful tone'.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya smiled warmly at him, moving his face back and forth gently while he smiled so widely. His mouth stitches got tighter when he did that, and she was always silently concerned that he might accidentally pull or tear his lip or something, but she loved that silly smile too much to keep him from having it. She let go for only a moment, releasing his face to her one hand could go and play with his hair as he wrote.

The tap got her attention and she nodded slightly at the leg thing. "It is weird." The next sentence made her smile drop a little. Was Franky really that worried she'd want to--oh! Nope, not at all. Giggling again the pixie shifted across the bed a little closer to him. "Nah. He's alright on the eyes and all, but you're cuter."

**FrankenSoul**

Ah ah aaaah don't let herself get sad- ah there it was, she spotted his wink. And once more that sound that resembled bells ringing, light and pretty and perfect. She moved a bit closer and her face did too. He paused in his thoughts to listen to her and couldn't compress the high-pitched noise he made or the way his face somehow turned a bit of a darker grey. Wait, he was what now?

"Nmnmm," He protested kindly, tilting his head into her remaining palm. Tease and love all she wanted, he could easily compare himself and Slick and see who was more attractive. Obviously, the one who's body was alive without gross black stuff and stitches.

Still, he moved his blunt hands to either side of her face and moved his own closer, angling his mouth away before gently pressing their noses together with a mental 'boop'. Gods, was it possible to love another this much?

**PhoenixAshes**

She giggled again softly at his protest. It was easy to guess what was going on in his mind. Comparison, maybe a little bit of self depreciation, but she wasn't going anywhere. Ciya hoped he knew that. His lean into her touch had her believing he knew. Soon enough it was her turn to have her face held and she sighed softly at his actions. "I mean it." The words came with her leaning forward slightly, keeping their noses touching and now pressing her forehead to his. His dark hair tickling her skin a bit.

**FrankenSoul**

Of course she meant it. Somehow. That was just the person she was. He didn't doubt her words, as like him she seemed to almost be unable to tell lies. She truly believed what she told him and did it with such devotion and care. He loved her for it, but still he could mildly disagree with her.
She moved into the touch and once again he wished desperately that he could regain his sense of smell. So close, he could almost imagine it. Flowers. She would smell like flowers. He was unsure how he even knew the concept of scents and could compare her to a flower, but it nagged at him from the back of his mind. She would be sweet and lovely, just like her personality. The warmth of his chest positively made him feel toasty, the "glow" spreading all through him to the tips of his fingers and toes. How wonderful. He only hoped he sparked a similar feeling for her.

He lingered there for a moment longer, eyes closed and savoring their closeness. Eventually though, he withdrew and allowed the ends of his lips to tilt upwards. Briefly, he wondered if she ever grew frustrated with him. Their faces had been so close, and yet the thought of their lips brushing sent an unpleasant shiver down his spine. Perhaps one day he could simply train himself to ignore the sensation of terror that sparked from contact with his mouth. Part of him hoped that if he unlocked the mystery of the book and maybe his past, just maybe he could understand what he was and work around it. To "cure" himself and at least make him feel somewhat more normal.

His mind flickered to the tome once again, heavy in his jacket. Hmm. He reached for his writing booklet, turning it for her to see after a slow moment of writing. 'But really. You should go enjoy yourself. Go interact with some new people. Go keep Aunty company perhaps, or see if there's anywhere in the town you'd like to go. It's not often you get to go to a town like this, right?'

**PhoenixAshes**

Sighing softly while the moment lasted, the pixie felt a pull to follow when he moved back. It was hard to find ways that she could communicate her affection for him. It seemed easy enough when they were close but she was never sure he really knew the depth of it. There was only so much words could communicate and an embrace never seemed to be close enough. It was like trying to get their souls to touch--that felt like a silly metaphor even to her mind, but that was the feeling.

"No, not often." Not at all, actually. "But I don't want to leave you alone and it's cozy right here." Her hand tapped at his shoulder lightly.

**FrankenSoul**

To have their souls touch. If only Franky could read minds, he might have made his strange squall sound and once again pulled her close. That described it perfectly.

She answered his questions and he nodded, eyes narrowing somewhat at her reply. He just didn't want to restrict her. He cared for her too deeply for her to sacrifice anything for him, either it be time or effort. A deep chuckle emitted from his chest at the tap. Okay then, for now he wouldn't complain. Pressing his back against the wall, he reached for her and pulled her close to his side while winding an arm around her. For a while he would simply enjoy her company. At the same time, he heard the raindrops growing in strength and breaking down upon the inn.

The day passed in this way, and he "talked" to Ciya while at the same instance cracking open the strange notebook. He even discussed a few of the symbols and passages with her, trying to understand what they meant. They seemed to hold a code within a code, written in strange languages and then further written in poems and riddles.

Further time passed. He continued to prod and bother her to go and see others, especially when he heard more voices coming from downstairs near the dinnertime. Surely she was hungry? He didn't want to move from the room himself, too paranoid of going out yet. There were too many humans wandering about. He had already almost had an episode already, and didn't want to risk it even to cross to the Vivica's very close quarters. Slick did drop by himself, and the snake and undead greeted each other with a brisk embrace, both grinning and smiling respectively. Franky told the snake himself to talk to aunty on his behalf; tell her how happy Franky was to see her again, and that before he left they might try to talk again, somehow. Though he gave a half playful warning to not even think about hitting on her. Franky had known the woman as a child after all, he wouldn't have the "snake man" hitting on her.

Slick faked innocence and agreed. He offered a hand out to Ciya, making a motion. "Come on then. I might not be able to flirt with Aunty, but-" He paused at the slight glare from Franky. Heehee.

**PhoenixAshes**

The time she spent with Franky was well cherished. Although there was a few moments regarding the notebook that seemed to frustrate him. The pixie had noticed but neglected to mention it and attributed it to the layering of secrets within the contents. It was a baffling thing for all, she was sure.

Slick's arrival had been a relief of sorts as well as a reminder that she did need to tend to the hunger feeling accumulating. She'd been denying it until now, even at Franky's insistence.

Attention turned to her and she laughed softly. "You can't flirt with me either, Slick." While the sentiment was firmly spoken, Ciya said it with a smile. Since for her this wasn't so much a dismissal but more a statement of fact. "Not successfully anyway."

**FrankenSoul**

"Awww shot down everywhere I go!"

He exclaimed, placing his hands upon his chest as if he had been shot. Still, he was smiling. Yes yes, he knew better, but he still liked to tease and play. He wasn't going to try and get in the way of true love, or some variation of it. He saw the way these two were looking at each other. And he knew Franky long enough to see that even now, while Ciya's back was turned and she was moving to obtain life-giving food, Franky was trying to not reach out and pull her back. The poor boy was hopeless, wasn't he? Trying to balance out his intense need to cling and love with the need to protect and provide. He fell back against the ball, clutching one of those books to his chest as he did so. No doubt he would sulk the moment they left, at least having the manners to mask it now.

Slick reached out and took Ciya's hand; strictly out of politeness, of course. With that he began to escort her, giving one last wave to the grey skinned man.

Once outside the room, he deeply breathed the scent of the downstairs food. "Hmm! This Aunty sure can cook! And," He began to move, tugging her along and looking back at her for a devilish smirk. "Afterwards, she told me she'll lend me a bottle of drink. I tried to nab one before, but the woman forbid me so early in the day. Apparently, humans have certain times they can and can't drink. Fascinating, eh?"

**PhoenixAshes**

"You'll get over it." The pixie teased the now legged naga and then looked back at Franky as if asking if he'd be okay when she was gone. Even though she knew he would be, she gave a small smile his way for encouragement before having to follow Slick out. It was a good thing he was escorting or Ciya may have never left the room.

"Considering the smell and how the breakfast foods were, she can." The aromas were tantalizing, that was certian. Her mouth was actually watering from them. "Yeah, usually drinking is at late afternoon or night." She was surprised Slick didn't know this, but then again she'd been living with Vivica and learned quite a bit that way. It didn't strike her as strange now but when she first heard it, it had.

**FrankenSoul**

"Yes, as I've learned." Slick agreed, shaking his head. He paused to push his hair back out of his face. Gah, how annoying it was to not be able to keep it back... He moved a bit slower on the stairs, his free hand tightly gripping the railing. He tried not to show his fear and kept his steps even on the way down, his suave expression barely holding. Just keep calm, keep calm, don't stumble... Luckily, he made it to the bottom without incident. Whew.

The smells were much more intense now that they were on the bottom floor. The large open area was now filled with people who had since emerged forth from their room or more recently entered the inn. Aunty was busy behind the counter, stirring and chopping and cooking while moving back and forth to usher plates and bowls to different tables. Her selection consisted of several variations, including stews, soups, meats, and even what looked like a salad. Though the last item was set aside, away from the rest.

The moment they entered, the movement caught her eye as she turned and spotted them. Smiling, she waved them over to the counter where many seats were open. Releasing Ciya's hand, like a true gentleman Slick slid her chair out for her before placing himself into his own. Aunty beamed at them, pausing to face them fully. "It's good to see you both again! Hungry for anything specifically...? Ciya deary, I wasn't sure if you would eat meat so I prepared a few vegetables and fruits for you."

She gestured towards the vibrant salad and other assorted items around it.

**PhoenixAshes**

Easily, Ciya slowed for her escort on the stairs and pretended not to notice his hesitance. Poor Slick, he must still be getting use to his feet. Thankfully they made it without incident into the bustle, scents and the warm smile of Aunty.

"Oh," The sound of slight surprise was clear in the pixie's voice at Aunty Anne's consideration. It was sweet, incredibly so. Had she noticed that she'd been sticking mostly to fruit and nonmeats at breakfast? "Thank you!" She'd definately take that option now. While she could, and would on occasion, have meat, it wasn't usually good for her to have it frequently.

**FrankenSoul**

Gladly, Aunty reached for the food and passed it along with a smile. Her lapse earlier didn't seem to hold any lasting effect over her, she was as chipper and light on her feet as ever. She eyed the bronze skinned snake man as he sat alongside Ciya, beaming from ear to ear with a twinkle in his eye. Giving a teasing sigh of exasperation, Aunty shook her head.

"Yes yes, I know what you want you terrible man. Very well, but don't say I didn't warn you."

She vanished for a moment as she crouched under the counter and reached, emerging moments later with what Slick had been waiting for. A big bottle of booze! He wasn't even sure what kind it was, and it didn't really matter. His hands were out and ready to take it before she had even fully stood up straight again. Shaking her head with a light laugh, she placed it in his grasp before moving away to tend to her other customers.

Twisting the lid off, Slick inhaled the scent and slid Ciya a beaming grin. Before he soiled it with his own mouth he tilted the substance towards her to offer her a taste of the amber liquid. "Want a taste before I go at it? I'm not sure exactly what sort of human drink it is, but even with these dull senses it smells delicious."

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya smiled gratefully for what Aunty had passed her way. Even for a salad it looked very good. She was also glad that Aunty seemed alright. The look however that was passing between her and the now legged naga was quite funny.

The Pixie leaned slightly to see when she ducked. The reveal of the bottle made her eyes widen. "Bumblebees,that's a lot!" She shook her head quickly at the offer for some. "No thanks."

**FrankenSoul**

Slick gave a sly smile at that, swishing the liquid inside the bottle. "Well I don't think I'll be emptying it all tonight, if that makes you feel any better. But ah, suit yourself."

Throwing his head back to make the dark hair move suddenly, he took a long drink before pulling away with a satisfied, "Aaaaaahh." With a single swig and several gulps he had already consumed a decent portion of the bottle. Licking his lips, he placed it down and smiled again; it was more dreamy than before and his eyes were already starting to cloud.

A hand moved to his stomach as he mumbled happily, "The best human invention. I love how warm it makes you feel. I love warmth normally, but this is different... like a happy warm, you know?"

He hushed to drink for a long moment again, then pushing it away somewhat and placing his face on his folded arms upon the table. He was having a hard time looking at Ciya directly now. Strong stuff.

"Aaahhh.... Ciya..... I wanted to ask, or erm, talk to ya about Franky-boy. Ya know... cuz I really care about you two and I noticed your chemistry and stuff."

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie couldn't help but stare as he drank, and occasionally shared the baffled glance with Aunty. She'd seen people drink before, but this was new.

She'd barely gotten though any of her meal by the time Slick seemed thoroughly drunk and asking about... Franky? "Chemistry?"

**FrankenSoul**

Aunty glanced over as she worked and did indeed share looks with Ciya, though her own were more amused than baffled.

And though Slick was damn tipsy, he wasn't drunk. No not yet, despite that wonderful woman having gave him the good and strong alchohol. His lips curved up. He continued to sip at his drink every so often, adding to the degree of his clouded mind. No not drunk, but it was only a matter of time until it hit his bloodstream.

"Yesss, chemistry." He slurred his the s accidentally now it seemed, similar to the slurred speaking of normal intoxicated men. "You and Franky... love each other, right? I've sseen love before and... and the way you two look is that look. You're not gonna deny it now are ya?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya blushed. She'd be more than happy to admit her love for Franky,but the way Slick was asking was just too much at once.

**FrankenSoul**

 His smile returned, and he moved his hand over his face for a moment to peer at her from between his fingers. "I'm ssorry Ciya. I didn't mean ta.. pry or anything. I just want you two to be sssafe. Cuz I love you guys, ya know?" He felt his own face begin to grow warmer under his fingers, mirroring her own blush. "I haven't know.. you guys for long but you're both... really good people. You and uh... Vivi. I already kinda see you as a little sis a bit... is that um... is that ok?" He paused as he suddenly wondered if that was insulting, his eyes widening.

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya was slow to response. The tipsy and slurred way which he was relating everything requiring her to translate. Safe. Franky had been concerned about that too. Some of the dangers that the grey man had mentioned had been vague at best, but in the moment she'd gotten the gist, and now with Slick's worry she was begining to wonder if the specifics were more concerning than she'd thought.

There was something funny in the way Slick was postured and his actions that blew it away, that along with the lengthened S sounds. "Yeah. That's..actually great." The pixie nodded in reply to the last, sweetly sentimented, question. Maybe she should reply to the others. " and I do love Franky." Her blush which had slightly faded suddenly renewed at this admittance.

**FrankenSoul**

 Oh good. The tenseness of his shoulders went away as he visible relaxed. He was terrified of hurting their feelings somehow and then earning hate from his words and actions. He didn't want to cause any more hate. There was too much of it in the world already. He moved to shove his loose hair out of his face, brushing it back and away from his head to resemble how it had been before he had gained legs. It was a fruitless task though as the strands stubbornly resumed their messy state.

He huffed, only to pause when she contined on with her next bit. There was no hiding his grin now, cloudy eyes lit. "I knew it." Reaching forward, he took her hands and squeezed them. "You two would make the... cute - hic - the cutessst little babiesss. But oh.... oh..." He made himself sad, his smile suddenly dropping as a new thought entered his head.

"You... oh I'm ssso s-sssorry I didn't mean to uh... You can't make kidss."

How stupid of him. Even if they weren't completely different species there was still the fact that, "Franky can't make love." He finished the thought outloud without really meaning too, blinking and looking at something that wasn't quite there. How sad. Or was it? He wasn't sure. He supposed it didn't matter sometimes, but sometimes it did huh? Wait... oh shit. Oh shit, Ciya didn't know that did she? He turned his eyes back to her and they were once again wide, but this time in surprise and intense worry. Gods damn his slippery tongue, he wasn't supposed to say anything yet, was he?

**PhoenixAshes**

The pixie laughed softly at Slick's attempt to fix his hair unsuccessfully. Poor guy needed some grease or whatever he'd been using. Suddenly he'd taken her hands, which now sadly couldn't bring her supper to her any more. And at the comment of kids well, it was way too soon for that. She laughed a little more, starting to worry about the legged naga. "Slick, you should probably stop drink--" Wait...what? Can't? Confusion immediately sliced through her visage. She could, she was sure she could. What-- oh. More confusion.

"That doesn't...." She blinked, looking away for a moment. The statement not registering in her mind fully. Sure Franky could! There was more to making love than the reproductive aspect. Oh what was she thinking? She shook away that part of it. But that was what Slick was talking about right? Something hit her then. "Well...I guess he can't..." After all, Franky was technically dead.

**FrankenSoul**

 He couldn't tell what was going on in her head. Normally he could at least guess, but in his state it was impossible. He simple held her hands tight as worry gripped him, waiting for her to say something. Maybe she wouldn't understand what he meant? As she stuttered it seemed that way... but wait. No. No she understood. Damn the gods, or damn his own stupid self. One of them was to blame.

Slick paused a moment before leaning closer and putting his hands upon Ciya's shoulders. He looked into her eyes, a grim and determined look on his face. "He lovess you back tho... you know. And I think he uh.. wants his passt back for more then one reason. Like... erm - hic - oh gods... I'm dizzy." He released her and moved back to the counter, placing his head upon his arms and peering at her sideways. What had he been saying? He didn't know. He was starting to get tired. "Like... you and... alive and... stuff... hey where's Vivi? I want her to help me get to bed..."

**PhoenixAshes**

The realization shouldn't have bothered her like it did, it just felt wrong. Maybe it was hearing it from someone other than Franky that hurt most, or that he hadn't brought it up. How could she blame him though? He was already afraid of so much for them, that this one thing may have seemed minor. So, the fact that she felt heaviness in her stomach and heat of possible tears behind her eyes was completely irrational, wasn't it?

The weight of Slick's hands on her shoulders and how serious he looked silenced her thoughts there. All right...the naga was officially drunk. Still, scattered as the words were--they felt genuine. Of course Franky loved her. Who would know better than Slick? Drunk or no. ...And dizzy... Oh boy.

"Okay," The pixie took the opportunity to get the bottle away from him. "Slick you, just rest here. I'll go find her. " A brief glance away and around let her gaze land on the only person she'd trust with this drunken naga. "Aunty!" She called desperately to the woman for assistance, the recent revelation making it sound more urgent than what it really should have been.

**FrankenSoul**

He made a low whining sound as the bottle was moved out of his grasp. Noooo it's sweet stuuuuuff. He didn't notice the tears in his state or her expressions or he'd comfort her at once. Of course, if he was in a better mind he wouldn't have brought it up to start with. Wait... She was going to go find Vivi?

"Yaaaaaay," He spoke lowly, closing his eyes where his head lay. "Bring the.... other pretty lady.... kisss her...." And hug her. He just really wanted to hug something right now. Just squeeze it and never let it go.

Aunty had been joking with an older woman when she turned at hearing her 'name'. She spotted the poor drunk bastard of a snake, already crashing as the alcohol worked through his system. But something worse had happened. Aunty could sense it, in the way she had been called and the strange way Ciya's face struggled to contain several different emotions. At once, the woman made her way around the counter and moved towards them, concern in her eyes. "Whoa, wait a moment..."

She looked at the other, hands pausing as if she wished to bundle her up in a protective embrace. "Deary are you okay? You sounded scared. Did he do something?" She turned to glare at the not-naga, who didn't seem to notice as he tried to sleep and drool on the counter she had just cleaned.

**PhoenixAshes**

Kiss her? Wow...he was out of it.

She was relieved to have Aunty coming over so quickly, but immediately she began to realize her mistake in not regulating her voice before calling. "No, it's not him. Sorry. I've just never delt with someone this..." Ciya turned and looked at Slick, waving her hand about over him. "this." Everything tumbled from her so quickly she was worried Aunty might believe she was lying. Although it was true. "He asked to have Viv help him back to his room so I should probably find her. I can't really hold him up alone, but I dont' want him tumbling off while I'm finding her."

**FrankenSoul**

Aunty began to relax at Ciya's assurances. At her gesturing, Auncy look a closer look and stiffled a small laugh against her hand. Oh wow, he had hit that bottle hard. She had warned him earlier to be careful! That was strong alchohol, especially for someone who wasn't used to it and help a small tolerance. Ciya seemed to be overwhelmed by Slick's state, speaking so swiftly. Would she be alright?
So the drunk snake man wished for Vivica specifically? How odd. "Well, in his state I don't think he can tell. I'll help you and-"

"NU."

Slick lifted his head at that, dulled eyes narrowing. "Vivi! Or no one..."

Oh boy. So he was going to give them trouble if they didn't fetch Vivica? What a drunken mess he was, and Aunt was sure to give him a light scolding the next time he was sober. Huffing somewhat, she crossed her arms and shook her head but did so with a mild smile.

"Hmm... Okay, go send her down while I deal with this mess. He shouldn't be too hard to manage. I've had much more violent drunk men to deal with before, so this idiotic sweetie isn't a problem." She said so kindly and teasingly.

**PhoenixAshes**

The suggestion to move Slick on their own sounded reasonable and then-- "Okay, okay Slick, I'm going to get her." Ciya replied quickly to the demanding Slick, hoping to quell that before he decided to get active and hurt himself due to the inhabilitation fo drunkenness. Aunty seemed to sense this too and thankfully seemed to be able to hold the situation down here.

"Thank you, Aunty." The pixie said gratefully and slipped off her chair to get Vivica.

**FrankenSoul**

"Not a problem dearie. But please hurry before he ends up doing something foolish." She smiled once more as Ciya moved away to fetch Vivica, and Aunty slowly rubbed Slick's back. In response, he merely hummed and did his best to keep his eyes open. He seemed to have a very strange reaction to alcohol. Was that due to not really being a true human? Perhaps. In any case, soon enough as Ciya returned with Vivica following behind her, Slick smiled widely as he spotted his witchy friend.

He began to push himself up, a deep blush upon his face as he almost fell right off his stool. "Theeere'ss Vivi... There'ss her face. Didn't I tell ya she would come...? Hmmm..."

Opening his arms, he beamed towards the woman as he opened and closed his hands, obviously wanting a hug. He paused moments later though, a look of mild horror crossing his features. "WAIT. I forget. Can I touch her? I dun't... remember." He squinted his eyes towards Ciya, real concern and heartbreak in his voice. "Ciya can I hug Vivi?"

**PhoenixAshes**

Ciya's worried face and very rushed explanation had called Vivica to action immediately. Although she was not remotely prepared for the sight she saw when heading down the stairs. Slick looked about ready to just melt off the stool.

The pixie seemed to notice this too, commenting, "Good thing we got here."

Both girls reached out at the unsteady Slick when he'd stood. Although, Viv's arms dropped at the slurry words spilling from the naga. "Oh...my gosh...How much did he drink?" The question was directed at the pixie, who shrugged innocently. Dark eyes flicked back to the open armed Slick and his confused questioning. "I'll make an exception." The witch answered instead of her pixie friend and made a motion for Slick to come the two steps to her.

**FrankenSoul**

Slick openly gasped and leaned heavily upon Vivica, grinning widely. "Yaaaaay," He whispered, eyes half closed.

How much did he drink? Aunty picked up the half empty bottle and swirled it about. "Enough," She answered with some humor.

"Especially considering he doesn't have a tolerance for this stuff. Can you two bring him upstairs and put him to bed before he hurts himself?" Poor guy was going to have a terrible hangover tomorrow.

But just then he seemed extremely pleased, rubbing his face against Vivica's arm and clinging onto her almost as much as Franky did to Ciya. He even reached out to twirl Vivica's hair around his finger, giggling like a schoolboy as he did so. Later when sober, if this was ever mentioned he would practically bury himself from embarrassment.

**PhoenixAshes**

The witch had to brace herself to keep from collapsing under the sudden slackened leaning that Slick brought with the embrace. "Okay." She spoke quietly, awkwardly patting Slick on the back, only for her expression to turn to one of shock at the bottle Aunty held. Half?! He had half of that?! "Absolutely, Aunty, we'll get him out of your hair." Vivica promised tensing ever so slightly at the very, very affectionate drunken naga.

A little bit of adjusting and they were on their way out and back up the stairs.

7  ↤ ❖ ↦  9