#30 - [Audio Post - backdated to just after midnight]

[totallyinaband]

[There's a clattering noise as Stephen fumbles his device before opening it. He's breathing heavily, and his voice sounds pretty near the edge of panic.]

Okay. What the FUCK what that?

Comments

[action.]

[illgrowoutofit]

[Neil hears the outburst around the same time he's jolted awake himself by some pretty horrible images. He considers saying something, or knocking on Stephen's door, but he opts to just wander out of his room and deposit himself on the couch instead.]

[totallyinaband]

[A few minutes later and Stephen wanders out of his bedroom in his pajamas, his hair mussed and dark circles under his eyes. He stops when he sees Neil there. Okay, so they still aren't really talking to each other at the moment, but...]

You too?

[illgrowoutofit]

[Neil fixes Stephen with a looooong, weary stare. And then, slowly, he nods.]

Uhmm. Yeah.

[totallyinaband]

Coffee?

[illgrowoutofit]

[Another weak, drained nod.

And a long pause.]

I was gonna play Timesplitters. In for co-op?

[totallyinaband]

That would be awesome, actually.

I'll just go put the pot on.

[illgrowoutofit]

[Neil fumbles with cords and discs and eventually manages to set up the game. It's just kind of dark, okay, his hands are not shaking.]

[totallyinaband]

[Stephen wanders back into the living room, his arms crossed over his chest a little protectively.]

So uh, what exactly did you see?

[illgrowoutofit]

I don't really wanna talk about it.

[totallyinaband]

Yeah, sure man. Whatever.

[He drops on the couch.]

Is this the one with all the time travel in it?

[illgrowoutofit]

Yeah. [He sets aside the game case with its exaggerated, cartoonish art. Probably the least terrifying shooter they own.]

At first I was thinkin' Resident Evil, but then I thought... maybe not.

[totallyinaband]

[/shudder]

Yeah, good thinking, man.

[Little Neil strolls across the back of the couch as they're speaking, and Stephen uses the opportunity to scoop him up. Not that he wants cuddling, or anything. He's just worried that he might have had cat!nightmares.]

[illgrowoutofit]

Yeah. Not really a zombies kinda night.

[He tosses Stephen a controller. And okay, furry affectionate company sounds really good right now, so he calls out 'Nymeria, to me' a few times. When that has no effect, he finally gives in and grumbles, "'Nym, c'mere.' At which the dog, who is getting to be pretty big now, wanders in and curls up at his feet.]

She only answers to that stupid nickname now.

[totallyinaband]

It's kinda more practical as far as a dog's name goes, though. Right, girl?

[He gives her an affectionate scratch behind the ears.]

[illgrowoutofit]

[He sighs.]

Whatever. I guess.

[He sets the game to arcade mode for multi-player, and flips through the characters a few times before choosing one.]

[totallyinaband]

[No talking then. Just gaming. He leaves Little Neil purring contentedly in his lap as he sets up.]