42;

[cruxified]

[Kratos isn't doing anything particularly interesting as usual, just sitting in the field under the stars with a fuzzy green and mint puppy in his arms. Occasionally, the pup gets a little tired... then perks back up and licks lazily at Kratos' face.]

... four thousand ninety-six... four thousand ninety-seven...

[ooc: Open post!]

Comments

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

[She smiles a little more at that, and gently pets the puppy on the head]

Didn't you know? Brooding isn't allowed, and if you wander off to be alone that must be what you're doing.

[cruxified]

Of course, of course. They don't understand that brooding is all old men do. [Iota leans into the touch.] Either that or complain.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Once you pass a certain age, I suppose, you're entitled to it. [she stops the petting to make herself more comfortable, sitting on the grass now]

[cruxified]

Not all young people can agree with that statement. [The puppy paws at her lap. You're not getting rid of him, now. Kratos doesn't seem to mind the invasion of space for once; Teresa's a friend enough.]

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

'Young people' will learn, sooner or later. [It looks like she tries to ignore it for a moment, but she goes back to petting him. Dammit B( ] There's nothing wrong with doses of solitude.

[cruxified]

[You can't escape the cute. Especially if it's green, fluffy, and begging for affection with big eyes.]

It keeps one sane, at times.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

[She nods, and keeps petting the puppy. Sigh.]

You mean this little fellow doesn't suffice?

[cruxified]

He tries a little too hard. [Especially when trying to lick Teresa's face, like now.]

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Hey, stop that. [But she sounds mostly amused as she shields her face with her hand!] I can tell.

[cruxified]

Iota. [Immediately, the puppy sits where he is and waits for pettings properly.] ... My apologies.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

[She blinks--damn, that's some good training there] It's fine. [She goes back to petting Iota, absently]

I never imagined you as one for pets.

[cruxified]

I had one a very long time ago... Despite looking like an animal, he was actually quite sentient. [He thinks of his behavior on that youth loss.] I suppose I might have lost interest otherwise; I was never allowed to have pets.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Neither was I. [Smiles a little more sincerely as she continues to pet~] Yet I seem to be making up for lost time, here.

[cruxified]

... As am I. I wonder if it can't be helped. [He pulls one knee to his chest and stares out toward the city.]

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Even if it could, I doubt I would.

It just tends to cut down on the time left for solitude.

[cruxified]

It does, but I find myself not caring much of the time.

[Iota flops onto his back and paws at the air. Belly scritchies?]

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Mm. Being a father must change things.

[She blinks a little. Oh--belly scritchies. She can do that. BRB Kratos, spoiling your puppy]

[cruxified]

[Ahaha, it's okay. Kratos doesn't spoil him enough. He watches Teresa out of the corner of his eye.]

... It changes everything.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

I see. [She's rather curious tonight, not really ever having the chance to talk to a real parent before :O] It must be complicated.

[cruxified]

[Kratos is sort of a fail!dad in his opinion, considering he was gone for 99% of Lloyd's life.]

Sometimes. At others, it seems the simplest thing, and there is comfort in that.

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

It must be instinct. [She shrugs a little, still petting the puppy]

[cruxified]

The first urge any father-to-be gets is to panic. [Iota's leg twitches.]

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

[That gets a small laugh out of her]

Followed by endless worry?

[Petting, petting...]

[cruxified]

Yes. I recall Lloyd's mother slapped me once or twice for not giving her enough space.

[Iota looks like he could blend into the grass.]

[ofthefaintsmile.livejournal.com]

Ah, painful.

[Teresa finds this fluffy thing adorable, and if she were the kind of person to do so, she'd kidnap him ): ]