Orlando's kitten

[mute_clay]

Clay knocked. He still had the key but - he remembered, if vaguely, how scared Orlando had looked the last time he saw him. Knocking seemed more appropriate.

He was carrying a basket with two unhappy kittens, Darth Maul and Julie.

Comments

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando opens the door, then nearly crushes Clay in a hug. "You're home! You're finally home!" He hears a plaintive mew from the basket and he looks down in surprise. "And you brought Julie!"

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay smiled at him.

Yes. And David says hi.

That is stretching it a bit but still.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando guides him inside and takes the basket. "God it's good to see you. How've you been?" He looks inside the basket then back up. "There's two!"

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

The stripy one is for me.

Clay gives him a small smile.

Watch out for your fingers - she bites. Julie however seems to be very sweet and well-behaved.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando raises an eyebrow. "Somehow appropriate. I think David named her well!"

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

That he did.
Clay smiles.
David comes up with the best names.

He feels a little uncomfortable. Orlando seems happy to see him and he doesn't know if he should just not bring up the other night. He feels tempted not to.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando senses Clay's uncomfortable, and he reaches over and touches his hand. "Clay, it's all right. We can talk about it if you want to. There are some things that might help."

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay wrinkles his nose. I'd rather - not.

If it's ignored it doesn't go away. But at least it won't be as prominent.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando frowns a little. "Clay," he reaches out and cups his cheek. "I still care about you. I've told you before, and I mean it. Nothing, nothing you do, or that the... Other... makes you do, can change that." He kisses Clay's forehead.

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Good.

Clay smiles at him.

Now can we please talk about something else. Please?

He's getting edgy.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando nods. "Okay. So, David finally agreed to let us have the kittens? Will yours stay here too?" It's the most subtle way he can think of to ask if Clay still wants to live here.

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay shrugs.

I don't know.

He looks sideways at Orlando.

I thought that - maybe it's better if I stay a little away from people for a while.

Just in case.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando looks disappointed, but nods. "It's your decision. I'm not scared of you." I'm scared of what's living in you, but if you'd only let me help, we could beat it.

"So, where are you going to live?" He tries to act casual.

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay bites his lip.
I'm not sure. I guess I could always get a room at the place where Ranuccio lives. Or maybe - find someplace closer to the forest.

He sighs.

I miss the forest.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando nods sympathetically. "Maybe there are cabins you can rent or something. Or maybe Ran can help you with a room there. He seems to like you a lot."

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay smiles at him.

Yes. Ran - understands.

He frowns a little.

I should probably try to see if I can find a steady job somewhere as well.

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando nods, thoughtfully. "I'm sure there's construction work here. Would you like for me to ask Evan Kasparov if he knows of any? He's been very helpful to me."

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay looks at him, eyes wide.

Evan?

[orlandomuse.livejournal.com]

Orlando looks a little shamed. "Yeah, Evan. I know he associates with that... thing," he spits out, "but Evan is a decent person. He respects you considerably, and he's been kind to me. He just bought his lover a farm, and maybe they could use help on it."

He hopes Clay doesn't get angry with him for suggesting it.

[mute-clay.livejournal.com]

Clay looks away, eyes darkening.
I don't like him.

{- Ancient one. Yes. Knows. Yes.}

He looks back at Orlando. I'll think of something.