10.) [video.]

[ijustlivehere]

[Neil's face is seen for all of two seconds before the device is knocked to the ground, landing instead on an awkwardly-angled view of the underside of a table. A good deal of shuffling can be heard, and the clinking of pet collars.]

Stop-- No! Off the-- Okay, Nymeria, to me! And little dude, you need to-- no, no, guys! Okay, c'mere.

[There is a small crash, and an indignant-sounding meow.]

Nym-- Gods. Nya, to me I said!

[When the device is righted and set back on the table, Neil has his husky puppy in his lap, and is holding her tightly by the collar. Resident cat Little Neil is slinking away in the background, looking offended.]

Sorry 'bout that. Anyway, uhmm.

I mentioned to a couple people that I might do like a belated birthday thing? 'S not really a party, but if anyone wanted to stop by today... there's, y'know, snacks. And you could meet the new puppy. [He pats Nymeria on the head, and she tries to nip at his hand.] It'd just be like, a really informal deal, so you could come by whenever.

[Neil's face falls, and he looks somewhat forlorn.] Stephen is... not here right now. So.

[Nymeria chooses that moment to slip out of her collar and bolt. Neil shoots to his feet, and frantically turns off the device before going after her.]

Comments

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

She's adorable, man.

It'll be great! Happy birthday, again.

Oh! If you need dog supplies, I have A LOT of extra stuff.

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

Thanks! And that'd be awesome. Also, I dunno if you know how to get her to... not chew on stuff? And people?

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Well, how old is she? She could be teething or something, which would explain the chewing...

Otherwise, you might wanna get a chew toy for her...?

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

Chew toy, right. 'S a good idea. I think Stephen's running out of old shoes he doesn't wear anymore.

[His voice cracks a little on Stephen's name, but he's quick to smile like nothing's wrong.]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Are you okay...?

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

Huh? Yeah. Sure. [By which he means no, and it shows on his face.] Why wouldn't I be?

[Private]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Dude. I can see it all over your face. You're not okay, so tell me what's up.

[Private]

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

I... okay, yeah. I-it's not really that big a deal, but it's just... weird to be here by myself. Kind of reminds me of, like, not-good things. From before I came to the City.

[Private]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Are you absolutely sure that Stephen is gone, though...? I mean, sometimes people go away but they come back...

[Private]

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

No, yeah, I mean, he said he's coming back. But I don't get why he had to leave in the fist place, and why he didn't take me with him.

[Private]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

I dunno...sometimes these things happen. But if he's coming back, then at least you can hold on to that.

If you don't like being alone in the apartment, though, you can come stay with me till he gets back.

[Private]

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

...Really? Y'mean that?

[Private]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Course I do. We're friends.

[Private]

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

That... that would actually be awesome.

Re: [Private]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Good. Then you can come over whenever you want!

[Private]

[illgrowoutofit.livejournal.com]

I'll bring the Wii!

[Private]

[manofgnee.livejournal.com]

Kick ass! I'll clear anything breakable out of the room.