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Jay: Despite the excitements and dismal news of the previous day, the night was unusually settled, and Leech sleeps deeper than he typically manages. The fact that it's nearly impossible to move might have something to do with it: pinned on one side by Timothy, and on the other by Kellen, the confinement is completed when Cat, discontent with the chill in the air as night rises, joins them and turns into a purring lump of fur between Leech's feet. This is how he wakes, and he checks his habitual morning behavior of stretching, yawning, and rolling into a ball, instead looking from one side to the other, and cautiously attempting to free the arm trapped beneath Tim's shoulders without disturbing him. Kellen is easier; aside from sleeping like the dead, he's not sprawled over Leech with such abandon, only tucked comfortably against his side.


Jackie: The rest of the night, for Tim, wasn't as uncomfortable as it probably could have been, but that doesn't mean he sleeps very well; even with his form pressed to Leech's, he's not entirely at ease, not after that discussion over Ruckus. So the rest is a welcomed escape, and even in his light tossing and turning, he's wound up half curled onto the older boy's form, his face pressed into Leech's chest, near his collarbones. And since his sleep wasn't very restful, he stirs awake for those movements, but he doesn't try to keep Leech close - knowing that Kellen is most likely still in bed with them. So instead Tim rolls more onto his back, eyes still closed as he parts from that warm body, and tries to tiredly find comfort in the pillow, instead.


Jay: When Tim starts to show signs of waking, Leech freezes tensely, but it's no good: the boy is moving away from him, obviously awake even if he looks like he'd rather not be. Sighing quietly, Leech utilizes his new freedom of movement to sit up partially, enough to reach over Kellen and snatch his cigarettes from the table. With one lit, he flops back against the mattress, resting the ashtray on his stomach for ease. He's aware that Tim is at the least feeling conflicted, and more likely a bit pissed at him, but as far as Leech is concerned it's too early to dive into the drama of that, so he smokes, staying silent, aside from a murmured greeting to the feline when she's roused by their movements and traipses up the bed to curl in the warm nook between his side and Kellen's shoulder.


Jackie: Although he moves to rest on his back, Tim keeps his face in the direction of Leech's body, still not too terribly far away to cause any question. He yawns quietly as he tries to get more comfortable again, not accepting the fact that he's half awake, but he does listen to Leech's movements, is able to ascertain that the boy is smoking from the grinding flick of the lighter and the deep inhale that follows it. It takes a few moments, but Tim gives in, fighting against his mentality of Jealousy Over Everything and he leans back in towards Leech's warm body. Now more flush against him, Tim moves to lean his forehead against the boy's bicep, not kissing the skin, but pressing his nose against it and willing the (completely unjustified) feelings to dispel from his insides.


Jay: Absently stroking the spot between Cat's ears, Leech definitely appears to be totally relaxed, but like always, he's acutely aware of the movements of everyone in the direct vicinity. A certain tightness in his chest releases when the boy to his right moves near again, and Leech retracts the hand petting the cat, sliding it around Timothy's neck to draw him in. He tilts his head to the side, resting his cheek against the top of Tim's head, and giving a lazy, subterranean purr of affection.


Jackie: Inhaling, Tim takes in that very distinct scent of Leech, mixed in with the cigarette smoke and the spilled wine that's soaked into the bedsheets beneath them. It's a comforting scent, something he's slowly growing used to, and as he breathes it in, he wakes even more. Similarly to Leech, that subdued sign of affection is enough to release some tension in his form, and Tim lifts his head back enough to blearily blink open his eyes and immediately focus on the boy's face. It takes a few moments to adjust, and his blue eyes look just as deep cerulean as ever. He glances over, across Leech's form, to see that Kellen is still very much asleep (lightly snoring, even), so Tim doesn't hesitate too much to lean up the short distance and place a very delicate kiss to the skin beneath Leech's lower lip.


Jay: When Timothy lifts his head, Leech cuts his own lazy gaze to the side to look back at him, not showing much emotion in the way of leeches, but at the least seeming complacent in this position. After that quick kiss is bestowed, Leech's tongue darts out, so quick as to be barely visible, just touching the bow of Tim's upper lip before retreating. Then he grimaces faintly at the feel of drying saliva on his chin, and the way it makes the tiny hairs there prick up; raising the hand holding the cigarette, he brushes the back of a knuckle distastefully over the stubble under his mouth. "Damn...need to shave." As this is the first thing he's said in at least seven hours, it comes out even raspier and lower than usual, and he clears his throat quietly before taking another drag.


Jackie: Tim pulls back from that face slowly, appreciating, and while the tongue to his lip doesn't make him push back in and seek a proper kiss, it does halt his progression momentarily. And when he does pull back fully, he moves to rest his chin on Leech's bicep, peering up at the boy and then scanning over the skin on his face - there's visible stubble, and a little unexpected. Keeping his voice low, Timothy doesn't lift his head as he talks, and thus his head bobbles a bit as he speaks. "I kinda like it." Still keeping with the quiet voice, Tim's isn't nearly as raspy as the other, but it's definitely not at its usual capacity.


Jay: Leech gives a disagreeable snort, tilting his head back to exhale the smoke, so as not to blow it into Tim's face. "'s terrible; it itches." It's probably not too hard to guess that Leech just dislikes hair in general, given how much of his skin he keeps shorn; luckily, he's not by nature very hairy. Lowering his chin again, he looks Tim's face over, languid and indulgent. His left hand drops, ghosting lightly over the right side of Tim's stomach, the wounds there covered by blankets and t-shirt. "Y'arrite?"


Jackie: Tilting his head, Tim eventually makes it so that he's resting it sideways on Leech's arm, eyes starting to wake up more to show their alertness. His eyes scan over that face once again, and while he doesn't actually smile (still too sleepy for that), he does look a little amused, if nothing else. "It's a good five o'clock shadow." Yawning, he ducks it into Leech's skin and shifts again, moving so that he's more fully tucked up against the boy's side. While the hand ghosts over his side, barely inflicting any sort of pressure, Tim's hip shies away from it, since the wounds there are still throbbing and sore from his tossing and turning throughout the night. But Tim swallows that down and nods a little, flicking his attention down to his torso despite not being able to see the cuts. "Yeah, I'm fine." And then, maybe to change subjects and not dwell on how much it still hurts, he looks back up to Leech. "Sleep all right?"


Jay: For Tim's immediate wincing reaction, Leech narrows his eyes, but he merely resolves silently to get a good look at the wounds later, to make sure they're not in danger of infection, and goes back to smoking. He produces a noise in his throat, an audible version of a shrug he's incapable of making in this position. "Not bad. 's strange..." Turning his head the other way, he looks Kellen's form over, the boy still blissfully unconscious. "Usually, he tries to push me away if I get too close while sleeping; couple'a times he's even shoved me outta bed." But he doesn't sound all that bewildered; likely, the depression and simmering sense of injustice Kellen's been displaying, ever since his sister visited, and now more often with the visit to his father looming closer, has affected his subconscious behavior as much as that when he's awake, and this seeking of comfort in sleep reflects that.


Jackie: Thankful that his wounds aren't further questioned, because he'd at least like to take a look at them himself before committing to saying they hurt like hell, Tim rests his chin on Leech's bicep once more. He doesn't move when his gaze follows Leech's own, and he peers over at Kellen with his own analytical eyes. Probably now, more than ever, he sees the family resemblance, and while he's partial to the older of the two, he can appreciate Kellen's features. He makes a little humming noise for those words and very loosely shrugs, still keen on keeping his voice low. "He's seemed to be in a little bit of a funk, lately. Jess does the same thing." Case in point: how his best friend was very much a zombie for half a month after Thanksgiving. "I've heard cuddles help." And the words probably sound strange, coming from a semi-adult boy, but he sounds sincere enough.


Jay: Leech nods slightly for those first comments, because he doesn't need anyone to tell him that Kellen's been intermittently down, nor the reason behind it. The following suggestion causes a corner of his mouth to tuck back in amusement, though, and his gaze returns to Tim. "Yeh? The school nurse tell ya that?" There appears to be some truth in the words, regardless of their provenance; while not waking, Kellen's subconsciously reacting to the sound of voices nearby, and he gives a sleepy sigh as he shifts to lie more on his stomach, cheek pressing to Cat's furry flank, and one lanky arm lifting enough to abruptly fling over not only Leech's narrow hips, but Tim's as well - luckily, the limb is low enough to avoid interfering with the sore wounds.


Jackie: Encouraged by that question, Tim actually does smile this time, but it's a lazy one - no teeth showing, but his entire face seems to be warmer, relaxed. "Yeah. It's scientific, you know." Surprisingly, he's able to look entirely convinced of this, because he's definitely felt better after a night tucked up against Leech's form, so surely the truck must work for others. And perhaps he'd continue, but then Kellen is sighing and flinging and cuddling in closer, and Tim's quick to shift his hips so that hand doesn't collide with his cut up side. That action doesn't seem necessary, seeing how Kellen's limb falls lower than Tim's tummy, but it does force Timothy a little bit more onto his side, still facing the boys.


Jay: There's a faint noise of amusement for that, and Leech reaches down, readjusting the ashtray before Kellen's convolutions spill it. "Ahh. Well, guess the sooner we get to Jersey, the better, then. 'specially if we can get ahold of Jesse - the two of 'em can keep each other from drownin' in despair." But he still makes no move to get up, only stubbing out his cigarette butt and cautiously reaching over Kellen's head to return it to the table. "Hope we can find a good hotel to stay, this time'a year. Might be all booked up. But fuck if I wanna stay at Nick's that long." There's a hint of despair to the last sentence, though it isn't too overwhelming.


Jackie: Tim snorts for that, amused, and flashes back to a few weeks ago, when Jesse would hardly get out of bed. It seemed like it took Kellen being sick, and the following snuggling (which Tim walked in to, once, confused) that seemed to kick his friend back to life. Certainly, getting the two together, outside of the school and away from rules, would be good for all involved. Now more on his side, Tim crooks his own arm out to Leech's chest, now resting his chin on his forearm, very near his own inked skin. "I'd think it'd be okay. Not like we're looking for a hotel in New York City. Might be able to get a decent deal, since it's last minute. Maybe snag up a cancellation or something." Shrugging, since he's not too familiar with these sorts of things, Tim seems to be much more awake than minutes before, his skin even brightening more as the blood flow recirculates more actively.


Jay: Leech nods in a distant sort of agreement, obviously still thinking even as he responds. "Mebbe. It's a family city, though; sure lots of people comin' in fer the holidays." Which only leads him to think, naturally, of all the people besides Nick that will be at Nick's house, and that's daunting as well, so he pushes it from his mind and inhales deeply, then turns his head to face Tim more completely, fingers moving lightly along the line of his back. "'s weird, I never thought much about Christmas before, 'cept for it bein' a break from the school. Or a helluva time to go to the store. I know people get together, an' decorate trees, but what the hell do they do?"


Jackie: Tim makes another noise, considering - since his entire family is in California, they never really had to deal with out-of-towners coming in, and making arrangements for their arrival. That noise eventually turns in to a very helpless, abandoned purr, almost like Tim can't even stop the noise in the first place, and his fingers flex against Leech's chest softly. Listening to Leech go on, Tim's back tenses the tiniest bit, since the conversation undoubtedly makes him think of his family, or his old family, and is a reminder of the meaning behind the tattoo that is currently so close to his face. It takes a moment, but Tim swallows down the emotion and tries to go for a more amused mood, eyes refocusing on Leech's. "They...eat. A lot. And at weird times. I don't really get how "dinner" takes place at like, two in the afternoon, but..." And he shrugs, unable to explain, so he continues on in another direction. "And watch sports on the TV. Or Christmas movies. And some families go to church at midnight. Or just sit around and talk." And he pauses, thinks about Christmases past, and perks up again. "And drink spiked egg nog."


Jay: Belatedly, Leech notices the tense lines of Tim's face, and realizes that this conversation is probably not the most comfortable one for the boy to have. But he answers, and Leech's interest sharpens some, taking in all that explanation like irrefutable truth - though it doesn't make a lot of sense, and certainly isn't appealing. "Oh." That's all he has to say; blinking a couple of times, he narrows his eyes to think that over, and even his usually painfully acute senses don't give him any warning before Kellen abruptly speaks up. "Yeah, lotsa the drinking with our family. Sharon tries to get us to go to midnight mass every year, too...she doesn't always succeed."


Jackie: There's probably some sort of amusement behind Tim's eyes for the way Leech processes all of this, and for once the younger boy feels more experienced in something. Not that it's much to brag about, because clearly his family is all sorts of fucked up. He is about to continue, probably with a few other holiday activities that may help to calm Leech down - mostly, that holidays tend to be lazy, if nothing else - but Kellen's voice interrupts him. Tim is quick to check himself, maybe pulling himself away from the Leech, but it's slow actions, so as to not be caught doing so. He nixes his surprise quickly enough that when he responds, it's as if Kellen has been in the conversation the entire time. "Sounds familiar. The last midnight mass I went to, someone dropped their flask in one of the pews in the middle of the service. I think the priest even laughed. Or at least wanted to."


Jay: Kellen laughs for that anecdote, raising his face from the cat's fur and bringing his chin to rest on Leech's shoulder, instead. "Yeah, that'd be my dad's job, I'm sure. Last year, Jasmine spent so long arguing with her about how Christians stole all'a their holidays from the pagans that we actually missed going." Leech listens to all of this suspiciously, because everything Kellen tells him about the family sounds worse and worse, but he's only partially paying attention - he notes the way Timothy draws away, and in consolation, draws his hand covertly up to rub at the nape of his neck before the touch completely disengages. "I am not going to mass." This is said with such certainty that Kellen laughs again, shaking his head. "Of course not. God would strike ya dead with a lightning-bolt - 'least, that's what Sharon told Aubrey last time he came for Christmas and offered to go to church with her. I didn't understand it, then, but I do now, and yer definitely as much of a 'godless fornicating sodomite' as he is."


Jackie: Again, Tim snorts in amusement, this time more actively than the one prior - even thought last night didn't end in the most comfortable of ways, the morning is proving to be a lot warmer, both physically and emotionally. Tim acknowledges Leech's hand to his neck with a quick, noncommittal look to him, and when Tim resettles on the mattress, he's completely on his side, one arm crooked so he can hold up his head with one palm against his palm. "Fingers crossed that happens again, this year?" Referring to the missing of mass, of course. Still under the covers, Tim snuggles more into himself now that he doesn't feel safe doing so to Leech, and tries to tone down how wide his eyes go for that description-- surely, Timothy knows first hand how well that fits the parasite. So he tries to kind of change the subject, or at least the focus of the subject, and adds in like he's completely serious: "She sounds really nice."


Jay: Leech makes a strangled noise as Kellen goes on, something like a dying goose, and Tim's bland response gives him time to swallow the mirth back, but it's still fairly plain in his voice. "Given that we're all of us godless fornicating sodomites, I guess we don' needa worry about it either way." He shakes his head slightly, because what the fuck, people actually think like that?


Jay: Rolling onto his stomach and crossing his arms, chin propped on them, Kellen grins broadly. "'s true. I'm sure she'll have a lot to say about you being allowed to drag your students anywhere you want, including into yer bed. Or were you planning on coming up with an excuse for Tim's presence?" The grin switches from Leech to Tim, and Kellen raises his eyebrows, underlining the obvious assumption any filthy-minded Godfearing woman might make about this arrangement.


Jackie: Tim probably clears his throats for Leech's words, because it's one thing for it to be true, and another to say it out loud. Especially when the three of them are sharing a bed, suggestively close, and the throbbing of his cuts is reminder of Tim's whatever-relationship he has with Leech. Tim's hand not used to prop himself up picks at the seams of the comforter, for lack of anything better to do, and it serves as a decent distraction from this conversation because it's edging close to toeing the line. Kellen's words magically draw Tim's eyes away, and he looks across at the younger boy with slightly widened eyes - almost like he doesn't want to know just how much Kellen may know, despite not being told things. He holds that gaze carefully, and then tries again to be casual, shrugging a shoulder and blinking over at Leech. "He has a point. I didn't really think about it." Since maybe, he figured, he could be passed off as one of Kellen's friends, which is technically half-true.


Jay: That interjection makes Leech's remaining amusement fade, and he sighs softly. "Yeh, he does. Beyond my reputation, prolly it wouldn't be good for Nick to think that security at St. U's is so lax, since he's expectin' us to reform his wayward son." This is said with a pointed jab to Kellen's ribs. "I'll think on it; don' think anyone'd believe I suddenly decided that bein' a foster father would complete my life."


Jay: Meeting Tim's eyes, Kellen grins just that bit wider, then rolls to the side to hunt down a cigarette from Leech's pack. With it lit, he resumes his previous position, casually suggesting after a moment: "Ya could just say you're lovers." When Leech's gaze cuts to him suspiciously, he endeavors to look innocent and earnest. "Well, really. You look about the same age, and it'd distract attention away from yer job."


Jackie: Laughing for Leech's words, Tim seems to brighten up the tiniest bit, but he keeps it in check-- although the mental picture of Leech fostering a child (specifically not Timothy) is way too amusing to ignore. Perhaps Lint following them to Jersey isn't the greatest idea, because it relies heavily on some sort of back story for Timothy's presence, and he's about to suggest to maybe he goes elsewhere. But as is typical, Kellen beats him to the conversation, but takes it in a direction Tim wasn't at all expecting. Initially, Tim splutters out and looks at the younger boy like he's crazy, then shakes his head. "Yeah. Because that'd go over well. I'm sure Aunt Sharon would have zero qualms with that." And then he looks over at Leech, to see how he takes the suggestion - truth be told, Tim doesn't hate it, but probably is over compensating so that Kellen doesn't get any ideas.


Jay: Leech continues staring at his brother for a long moment, but is finally drawn away when Tim rejoins the conversation. "From the sound'a things, Aunt Sharon's gonna damn me anyway; I'm not much worried 'bout that." He shrugs, reaching over to steal Kellen's cigarette briefly. "But, even if yer willing to condescend to pretend to be involved with me, Keiran's arready met you; she knows yer one'a the students."


Jay: Taking the cigarette back, Kellen waves a hand in airy dismissal. "That doesn' matter. I'll talk to her beforehand, she'll play along." For whatever reason, the boy seems pretty intent on this idea being put into train - possibly because it will give him even more opportunities to make Tim uncomfortable.



Jay: Leech gratefully eases into the parking lot of the hotel, finally allowing his shoulders to untense. Driving through the blizzard that caught them outside of Boston was not relaxing; while the interstates were reasonably clear of ice and snow, due to the heavy traffic, some of the other drivers were not as cautious as they might have been, and besides, a sports car isn't made for driving in a storm. Once parked, he takes a moment to just relax and blink rapidly to soothe his tired eyes. Kellen, not yet of an age to drive and not understanding the tension, pops up from where he's been lounging (as well as one can) in the backseat, peering out at the very bland-looking hotel. "Ahhh, we're here. That took forever."


Jackie: In most situations, Tim would curl up against the car door and fall asleep for the extended ride; however, the weather conditions and Leech's obvious discomfort in driving keep him awake, even tense as they trek out of the city. The car ride is fairly quiet, but not unpleasant in the silence. As they pull up to the hotel, Tim exhales in relief, but doesn't make a move to get out of the vehicle-- the blustering snowfall outside isn't something he wants to venture in to, at all. His face clearly shows his disdain for this weather, and he glances over at Kellen while tugging his jacket a little tighter around his body. "This weather is stupid. Certifiably so."


Jay: Belatedly noting the demeanors of Leech and Tim, Kellen rolls his eyes and snorts. "You guys hate the snow so much, why don't you go live on some tropical island? It's not like ya don't know it'll happen." Not giving much time for reply, he grabs the back of Leech's seat and shakes it, a form of persuasion that works admirably: Leech opens his eyes and gives a perfunctory growl, but opens the door to roll out, immediately hunching his shoulders as he heads to the lobby to secure a room. Flipping the seat forward, Kellen hops out as well, taking the opportunity to stretch langorously.


Jackie: Tim snorts for that response, but doesn't voice any sort of retort; currently, the idea of being somewhere warm and sunny is distracting enough that he only stirs more awake when that door is opened. He immediately sneers for the rush of cold, and tries to turn in his seat and block out the flurries that enter the car's body. But the attempt for protection is futile, so Tim eventually gives in, barreling out of the car much like Leech did, and making quick movements to follow the older boy inside. Now in the lobby, he rubs his hands in front of his face and breathes warmth in to them, voice muffled from behind their blockade. "We can't just escape to Florida for the holiday?"


Jay: Fully stretched, Kellen doesn't follow into the lobby, but goes around back to start pulling luggage out of the tiny trunk. Leech, negotiating with a tired-looking middle-aged woman, glances at Timothy when he enters, looking fairly unenthusiastic, himself. "Florida'd be a lot farther drive. Prolly we'd get there an' have to turn around right away." While the woman taps at her computer - and once it's apparent Kellen isn't following Timothy - Leech reaches over to snag the boy by a hip and drag him closer. "We can just turn the heat all the way up an' refuse to leave the room, an' pretend it's Florida."


Jackie: Although it's much warmer in the lobby, Tim can't stop his body from shivering, and he looks all the more pathetic in the east coast weather. He doesn't expect a lengthy answer from the parasite, since he seems a little preoccupied with the hotel staff member, but cracks a small smile for the response - certainly, that's a better option than taking the time to trek south. Even more, the tug encourages Timothy to press right up against Leech, and he uses Kellen's distraction to his advantage to brush his nose into the older boy's shoulder. "...I guess that'll work. No beach, though.:


Jay: Once Timothy is closer, Leech winds his arm around his hips to keep him there, tilting his head towards Tim's. "'s okay, I don' like beaches anyway. Ticks." The hostess seems to finally get everything arranged, and offers Leech a couple of keys with a vague smile, apparently neither caring about nor noticing particularly the snuggling going on. "Here you go; fifth floor, all the way to the back." Taking the keys, Leech shoves them into a back pocket and nods his thanks, then reluctantly heads back to the car to find a suitable parking space.


Jackie: Tim sneers into Leech's shoulder for that, wrinkling his nose and making a small groaning noise. "Don't ruin my favorite place in the world. There are no ticks. At any beach. Anywhere." As if that settles it, he lifts his head to peer over at the lady behind the counter, looking vaguely appreciative, but more like he's ready for bed. When the older boy retreats outside, Tim reluctantly follows, going to help with their baggage before heading back indoors and to the elevator. The three fit into the cramped lift with no other passengers. stopping on the fifth floor and then making their way down the hall. Trying to sound a little helpful, Tim speaks up from behind the two boys. "I saw a sign for a pool, in the lobby. And a sauna."


Jay: Leech gives a quiet laugh for that, clearly relaxing more the longer he's off the road, but - as requested - doesn't respond otherwise, though he might point out that several beaches on this coast seem to have ticks, or some form of disgusting bugs, living among the sand. "Pools are okay; no ticks in them, far as I know. There's a jacuzzi in the suite, too." Naturally, that perks Kellen right up (not that he needed perking). "Really? That's awesome!" He even does a little skip, an impressive feat for someone in combat boots carrying two large duffel bags. "We oughta get some champagne, to go with. It'll be hella sophisticated." Leech laughs again for this, because that would be Kellen's idea of sophisticated, and weaves around the younger boy to unlock the door and push it open.


Jackie: Still making his way down the hallway, Tim slows as they approach their assigned room, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder. "Sounds like a trashy romance novel. Lars'll love it." Smirking, he makes way into the room once the door is opened, immediately slugging his bag off to the side and proceeding further into space, scoping the area out. Much like Leech promised earlier, the room is a full fledged suite, with a mini kitchen and lounge area, and two bedrooms flanked on either side. The couch in the main room is a fold out bed, so certainly they won't be lacking in space, but Tim does pause to watch where the boys go-- not certain of where to go, himself.


Jay: "Yeh? Was your relationship like a trashy romance novel, too?" Kellen actually looks genuinely curious about this. Entering the room, Kellen peers around, dropping both duffel bags on the floor before starting to roam and check it all out. Leech sets the cat carrier on the couch and leans down to let Cat out, and immediately she starts following Kellen's example, sniffing and pawing at every bit of the room. Leech himself doesn't seem terribly interested in the surroundings, only diverting to one of the bedrooms to leave his backpack on a bed then go to the bathroom. Kellen exits the small room as Leech enters, having of course been inspecting the reported jacuzzi. "Dude, this is sweet. Now I know why they call it that." Leech groans for the awful pun, shutting the door behind himself.


Jackie: Snorting for that, Tim snaps his head back to glance at Kellen, rolling his eyes. "Definitely. Red roses and vanilla scented candles, all of the time." The sarcasm evident in his tone shows Timothy's bluff, but he doesn't crack for it-- rather, he goes to lounge himself on the couch, not bothering to take his shoes or jacket off since he's still so cold. As the others inspect the room, Tim watches them vaguely, very much noting which room Leech disappears into, but blinking his attention away when Kellen reemerges. "And I thought Jesse's jokes were bad. When's your friend joining us?"


Jay: Kellen grins widely, obviously unrepentant about the awful joke. He sweeps Cat off the tiny counterspace of the kitchenette, and the cat - plainly used to this treatment - promptly crawls up to perch on Kellen's shoulder as the boy makes his way back to the center of the room. He pulls himself over the back of the couch to sit up on it, only his feet on the cushion. "Ahh, I dunno." As the bathroom door opens, he glances over. "Can I call Jimmy, Leech?" Leech shrugs, not showing much enthusiasm for the prospect, but not showing much expression at all, anyway. "If ya want. Where's the fuckin' heater in this place?" After a quick search, he finds the thermostats in each bedroom and turns them up considerably, leaving the doors open so the heat can circulate.


Jackie: Tim adjusts his body when Kellen joins him on the couch, making room for the lanky body even though it only curls up on the back of it. The way that Cat rests so nonchalantly on Kellen's shoulder makes Tim snicker in amusement, but he doesn't pull himself up to pet at the creature - instead staying lazily slumped into the plush cushions. "Give Jesse a ring, too. I told him we'd call once we were in, and then he'd head out." Sounding relieved that his friend will be back with them, Tim cranes that neck to look over at Leech, amusement evident in his eyes when the older boy looks around for the thermastat. "Too bad there's no fireplace. Sounds nice, right now."


Jay: Nodding once for those directions, Kellen rolls off the couch once again - the cat digging her claws into his hoodie to stay attached - and hunts down his cellphone, then ambles into the room Leech chose to make the calls. With the heaters both going, Leech settles into an armchair and curls up as he waits for the heat to spread. "Guess we'll have to give away the great secret when Jesse gets here, let 'im know Kellen's related to the beast in the basement." He rubs at his face, still not totally unwound from the drive, then glances after his brother, lowering his voice. "Then, there's prolly things I oughta let Kellen know about...jus' not while they're here."


Jackie: Still keeping to his lax state, Tim shifts to lay more fully on the couch, then tilts his head to watch Leech settle on to the arm chair. He studies the boy's face as he speaks, can see the tension still evident there, and nods silently. He waits a few moments to respond, listens as Kellen starts speaking in the other room, then hushes his voice. "I could probably sneak them away, if ya want some alone time with Kellen."


Jay: Leech pats at his pockets to hunt down his cigarettes, lighting one once they're found and narrowing his eyes, either to avoid the smoke, or in thought. After a moment, he shakes his head, glancing up to briefly pin Timothy with a look that says quite clearly that it isn't Kellen he'd prefer alone time with. But he looks away before it has much time to settle, tilting his head back to exhale smoke. "Nah, I'll figure it out."