She blinked in surprise, looking at her hand tattoos. “You didn’t?” *** She laughed, slipping an arm around his waist. “Yup. All kinds of pressures.” *** “Hush,” he said, shaking his head as he cleared their plates. “Don’t even say that. Do you want dessert now or do you want to wait a bit?” *** “What a good boy,” Ellis praised, scratching Moose’s belly.
"Well.. Your tattoos, yes. But this kind of painting, I mean. This is the first time I've seen something like this." *** He chuckled, kissing her cheek. "I see." *** "Hm.. I'm okay with either, but we can have it now, if you'd like." *** "It was inside when he did that."
"Oh... well, yeah. I paint quite a bit. Ellis gave me a set for my 13th birthday." * * * She grinned up at him before looking ahead. "It should be soon." * * * "Let's take a break. They need to set a little more." * * * "Gooood boy."
He looked back at the mural. "You're good at it." *** He nodded, watching ahead. *** "Okay," she said warmly, taking a sip of her wine. "What should we do in the meantime?" *** She squinted at him. "Ellis."
"I'm glad you think so," she said smoothly. She was quiet for a moment before looking at him. "Can I give you a tattoo?" * * * They approached a large clearing, where piles of materials stood in the late afternoon sunlight. Lucy brightened, but her face fell slowly. Something was wrong. Plaguers, shown from their unfocused, hazy eyes, moved over top of the mounds, watching them. * * * He considered her for a moment, raising one eyebrow before standing up and offering her a hand. "Well, we have options. We could go on a walk." * * * "What? He's a good pee-er!"
He tilted his head in interest. "A tattoo? What of?" *** Jaz squinted. "Hrm.." *** She took his hand, standing up. "I'd like that." *** She folded her arms. "Ellis."
"I'm not sure. You can decide." * * * "*squee!*," Lucy said, her voice hushed. "*squee!*, Jaz. What are we going to do?" * * * "Or we could stay here and make out," he volunteered. * * * "Moose." Moose barked.
"But I want you to pick..." *** He scratched his chin. "Well we didn't come all this way for nothing. How many are there?" *** She flushed. "Oh.. They both sound like very good options. Why don't we go on a walk and then make out after?" *** "Don't encourage him."
She grinned. "Is that a yes?" * * * "There's, like... a lot, Jaz," she said, sounding like she was on the verge of panicking. "We can't take all of them." * * * "You're the boss," he said, taking her hand. "Let's go." * * * "He's a good boy! Right, Moose?" Moose rolled on his back again, exposing his belly.
"Yes, it is. I would like you to give me a tattoo." *** He rested his hand on her shoulder. "We'll be okay. Let's just drive by and see what's there. They can't get us in the car." *** She grinned, following him along. *** She sighed, joining him and petting Moose.
She brightened, taking his hand. "My stuff is back at the base." * * * She looked freaked out. "Jaz, they are looking at us. They know we're here. We have to run." * * * They started walking as he led her to the outskirts of camp. * * * "Good boy."
He grinned. "Okay, let's go." *** He nodded slowly, looking back at the car. "Okay. Let's go. I'll be right behind you." *** She followed him, her hand in his. *** "Good, good boy."
(Zoop?) * * * She turned to go and the Plaguers attacked, sprinting at them at full speed. * * * "Has this camp grown on you?" * * * "Hear that, Moose? We convinced Mama!"
(Yoop!) *** He kept right behind her, making sure she was safe. *** "It has," she admitted. "It has a proper greenhouse!" *** "Shush. Don't listen to your dad. I just think you're cute."
She turned on the tattoo pen, looking over at him. "Okay," she said, brushing her fingers over his skin. "Ready?" * * * They got into the car and Lucy locked the doors as the Plaguers started pounding on the windows, screaming. Lucy's hand were shaking as she took out the keys and turned on the car. There was a splintering sound as a crack formed on her window. * * * "Do you like it more than the city?" * * * Ellis scratched Moose's chest. "Don't listen to her. She's too proud to admit that you convinced her."
He hesitated. "All I'll ever be." *** Jaz looked around, trying not to let the panic slip through his demeanor. "Go fast." *** She looked thoughtful. "I like anywhere where you are. You bring out the best parts." *** "Evil, evil man."
She gave him a small smile, planting a kiss on his bareback before beginning. * * * "I'm trying!" she replied, turning on the car. The glass by her head shattered and she screamed as hands reached out, pulling at her hair and neck and face. She stepped on the gas, running over a few Plaguers who were trying to get through the windshield. * * * He flushed, looking over at her. "You're silly." * * * "Don't call me that in front of our baby."
He blushed, but said nothing, going silent. *** His eyes widened and he looked back. "Lucy! Are you okay?" *** She returned the gaze. "I'm serious, Aidan." *** "I wouldn't have to if it weren't true."
She began to work, her hands gentle. "Tell me when you need a break..." * * * She didn't reply, looking at the road, her eyes wide with fear as she drove. * * * He laughed slightly, kissing her temple. "You're sweet." * * * "I'm not evil."
"I can ask for a break?" *** He frowned, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Lucy.." *** She grinned, taking his arm. *** "Malicious."
