How Green Becomes Wood

Xander considered the question. "Necessity, at first. There was that big storm, and leaving was basically death. Then stayed because... Well, here was as good as anywhere. Stayed in a lot worse places with a lot meaner people. If these folk turned out to be bad ones, we could just leave later. Wasn't any different than most of the rest of the places we lived."
 
"A bit, yep," Xander agreed. "Hmm. I think... for absolute certain even if sometimes my head got in the way, it was when our so-called dad showed up." He couldn't remember if he'd ever told Sloan the full story for that, but he figured she knew enough. Whatever she knew.
 
Xander's face crunched, and for a moment, he looked like his usual, moody self. "It wasn't fun. That's for sure." After a moment, his expression cleared. "Hey. Here's a question: If rabbits show domination by being groomed, and cats show domination by grooming, what happens if you put a cat and a rabbit together? Do they both think they're on top, or what?"
 
"It was great seeing you," She said, knowing she'd probably appreciate this afternoon for longer than he did, "I have snacks I brought over in the kitchen. You should probably have your dad or brother bring them to you..." She paused for a second and then pointed at him, "Do you know what this is the perfect time for?"
 
"It's your right as your older brother," Sloan told him, "by the time she's five, she'll be bringing you water. I remember, at some point, realizing that if I pretended to cry, I could get Benny to do anything for me, although since you're old compared to her it's probably not cool to manipulate her like that."
 
"Okay. Be safe. Love you," Xander said absently with a vague wave.

Alec told her goodbye and saw her off happily. It made him so happy they - especially Xander - had friends who could and would come see them when they were in need.
 
Sloan paused for a second just before she left, "Love you too, dude," and then went home, wondering how much Xander would remember by tomorrow.

A few hours later, Daizi came home a bit later than she had on Monday with a totebag full of groceries. The first thing she did, though, before she started to cook was go to the living room, "How are you feeling, habibi?"
 
Xander had taken a few short dozes and had, indeed, attempted to get Ivy to fetch things for him. He was laying on his back flat by the time Daizi returned home. He twisted around and looked upside down at Daizi as she came in. "Fuzzy. I'm not sure I'm properly relating to the world."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top