Re: [B&B: Nish & Atticus & Aiden]
All Atticus managed was a chuckle at Aiden's comment. "Tell Steve. Janus. One of them," he told the man. Wasn't sure if Aiden could talk to Steve. Janus was more likely. Janus was a demon, which had to mean mostly dead. At least to Atticus' thinking. Point was, Atticus didn't expect Nishka to be in any state to haul him to bed, which was all he really needed. Wasn't sure Aiden could manage it; noticed that remaining seen wasn't the easiest thing for Aiden. Atticus could see him, regardless, but he could tell when being visible was something Aiden was going for.
The interaction with Nishka and James was viewed through slitted gaze. Was trying to remain present. Tried to remain attentive, so that he could discuss this after with Nishka. Knew this was meaningful for her. Knew she would take it hard when James was entirely gone. Like losing James again.
"Make sure she has someone looking after," he managed. The words were spoken to Aiden. Knew he wouldn't be able to do it himself. In fact, these words were mostly a whisper. Only reason Aiden could hear them was because he was close. Was waiting for him to fall, Atticus suspected. Entertained him, but didn't have the strength to laugh.
The battery drained.
Witnessed the hug between Nishka and James, then Atticus blacked out. Slumped forward against the desk. Not to the floor. His last thought was that he wanted to apologize for giving them such limited time.
Unfortunately, the slumping and blacking out meant Atticus could no longer control which haunt finished draining the battery. James would have competition now, until the battery was drained entirely.