Re: [louis and atticus - out in the woods]
"Vittles. Sounds like I'm feeding him cat food. More like lobster and steak." Atticus grilled. Cooked often, but mostly grilled or broiled. Liked his food rich. Liked cooking. Something not too many people knew about him. "Will remember to send him your way for vittles." Chuckled. Shook his head. "Will owe you a meal for this. Take me up on it mid-month, when I'm not as bloodthirsty. Might impress you."
Understood about not wanting to examine things. Didn't judge Louis' desire to remain oblivious. Knowing things meant dealing with them, and dealing with things meant work. Atticus disliked work. Didn't dislike it as much as he disliked this walk and every painful step that came with it, but disliked it. Didn't dislike listening, which he did as Louis explained how it felt to have this entity inside himself. "Doesn't sound so terrible. Understand why you're willing to let it stay. Sounds like it might be less lonely than the alternative." Wasn't sure, but thought that was what he heard in Louis' voice. "If you're comfortable, if you share space comfortably, then there's no reason to risk something worse." Was a practical way of approaching it, but Atticus thought it made sense. The point of view could be blamed on his laziness, but he just thought it was sensible. "Me? Once-a-month for me, normally. Changed before the moon a few times, mostly during emotionally charged events. Know some of us can change at will. Once-a-month is a requirement, though. Not sure control is the right word for what I can do. Think you just lucked out with the timing of the sunrise, to be honest with you." Could've lied about that, but didn't want to.
"Seem the type to sympathize with Bosie." Atticus preferred American Literature, but had taught his fair share of British survey courses along the way. "Read Oscar's letters to him?" Assumed Louis had. "The man had a lot of feelings." Did enjoy Oscar's letters to Bosie. Atticus was a sucker for a good letter.
Then he was inside and clean and grateful.
Doctored his tea, making it sweet and pale. Didn't touch the bandages yet, though was definitely in need of them. Had bruises all over, scratches at the temple and along his forearms and legs. Was wrapped in the afghan, making the injuries less visible, but absolutely looked worse for wear.
The phone call was difficult.
Downed the scotch. Had an insane tolerance for booze since he was turned. Couldn't get drunk easily now, but still enjoyed the burn of the scotch. "Steve's coming to get me. Will like him. He's a good man." Didn't know if Louis and Steve had met, but trusted they would like each other. Steve got along with everyone. Was a good man. Took a sip of the tea, finding it cool now. Sweet. Liked the taste. "Having some trouble working our relationship out. Three of us. Doesn't exactly fit easily." Was more explanation than was probably required, but he could imagine what he'd sounded like on his part of the phone call. "Easy to feel like the others have a better relationship than you do with either of them. Makes it all complicated. Cautionary tale."