18 Apocalypse Avenue, Thursday Afternoon

[jarodpretends]

Jarod came in the back door of the house, eyes dark with grief and red-rimmed with fatigue, not wanting to talk to anyone. He set his bag down next to the bed, cleaned the litter box, and learned the first rule of cat sponsorship

Comments

[mparkerceo]

Parker stopped by 18 Apocalypse Avenue to see M again, and check on how much food she needed.

Imagine her surprise to see a sleeping Jarod, with M curled up in his lap. She leaned against the doorway, needing the support. He was okay. He was okay. He was okay...

He was okay.

[jarodpretends]

Jarod had spent fourteen years of his life being observed. He sensed someone watching him, and woke up immediately.

"Parker," he rubbed a hand over his face.

[mparkerceo]

"You're back." Parker took a breath, and slowly walked forward, studying him. "You look like hell." She reached out her fingers toward M, but kept her eyes on his face. "Where were you?"

[jarodpretends]

He shook his head. The last thing he wanted was Parker getting involved. The Centre was very obviously playing for keeps. "It doesn't matter."

[professor_lyman]

Josh peered out the window.

He saw Jarod.

He saw Parker.

He went to get himself some popcorn and a beer. This could get good.

[mparkerceo]

Stalking back from Jarod's room, Parker paused then narrowed her eyes at Josh. "Popcorn?"

[professor_lyman]

Josh continued eating his popcorn. "My house, Parker. I eat what I want."

[mparkerceo]

Parker looked over her shoulder, to where Jarod's door was, then back to Josh, reddening slightly. "Payment for the entertainment? Please." She smiled sweetly.

Josh was *so* lucky he was a teacher.