22 Howls

[coyote_walking]

Anyone up for a good run?

I'm looking for one - either form is fine. Just, the crisp fall air, makes me want to be out in it!

Comments

[justashow.livejournal.com]

He stiffened at the contact, but relaxed a fraction of a second after and rolled into the sofa cushions.

"I'll be eternally indebted," he said with a delicate snort and roll of his eyes.

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

She noticed him stiffen and wondered, but didn't comment. "I should hope so," she said lightly. "After all, I'm giving up brownies and hot chocolate for you tonight."

[justashow.livejournal.com]

"There's nothing preventing you from making some for yourself," Kyle pointed out, voice muffled from where he had his chin buried in the cushions.

"Brad will still have the abs on display after you finish putting them in the oven, I promise."

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

"Seriously?" Mercy asked, brightening. She tossed him the bag of popcorn. "Stick that in the bowl and I'll go throw a batch together."

[justashow.livejournal.com]

"You can make anything anytime you want, Mercy. It's your kitchen too."

He caught the bag and ripped it open, fingertips heating up from the steam escaping.

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

She shrugged uncomfortably. "Maybe someday I'll feel that way. Right now it's Ianto's and everyone else's and I can use it sometimes. I know you want me to think of this as my home and I will, eventually." Probably. "But for now... I still feel like a guest. A welcome one, but a guest. So I try to be really respectful of everyone's spaces."

[justashow.livejournal.com]

"Well when Jack's not a mouse, maybe we can ask about the logistics of an additional kitchen," Kyle sighed.

He was at his wits end about what was left that he could do to make Mercy feel at home in what amounted to her home.

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

"Oh, heavens, Kyle," Mercy said, turning to stare at him. "A second kitchen? Don't do that! I just have to... get used to being in someone else's house. I've lived alone forever and you know when I've lived with other people it's always been awkward. I just... I need to find my way."

[justashow.livejournal.com]

"It's everyone's house, Mercy." Kyle reiterated this gently. "Yours too."

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

She shook her head at him, chuckling softly. "I'm fine, Kyle. I'm adjusting, okay? Don't forget you've had a lot more time to do that and get to know all these people than I have. Seriously, short of actually finding a way to send me home you've done everything in your power to make a home for me. Now just give me some time to find my way."

[justashow.livejournal.com]

"All right," Kyle murmured, closing his eyes. The sounds of battle from the television faded into background noise along with the sound of Mercy in the kitchen.

Kyle nestled deeper into the sofa and curled his arms around his body, like a shell. He thought of Warren's jacket hanging over his bedpost.

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

Mercy wandered back in, kitchen spotless, brownies neatly tucked into the oven and baking. She watched Kyle for a moment wondering what was wrong and if he'd ever tell her what it was.

But this was Kyle and he did things in his own way and his own time, so the best she could do was make sure he knew she was there when and if he was ready.

[justashow.livejournal.com]

Kyle hovered between sleep and consciousness, eyes opening periodically to catch a glimpse of bronze skin, red banners, the screaming armies of Greece. He was tired enough that it was a little surreal. Here in the City, what happened on movies screens didn't always stay behind camera lenses.

He curled lazily on his side and blinked up at Mercy for a moment before tucking his feet up to make room.

"That was quick. You're like a speed baker." He frowned a little. "Unless I fell asleep."

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

"They're still baking," she said with a smile, sitting down. "But I don't need to stand and watch them."

[justashow.livejournal.com]

"A watched brownie never browns. Or something like that."

[coyote-walking.livejournal.com]

"Exactly. And there's nearly naked Brad in here." She set the timer on th side table and curled back up on the couch.