[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

 
Bucket scoots onto their belly and strikes a pose, hoping a cute gesture would put her at ease. It gets her to smile for even just a moment, that alone making it worth it.
 

CHELSEA: He...kind of thinks telling you is dangerous.
BUCKET: You're already halfway there.
CHELSEA: Yeah, and he doesn't like that.
BUCKET: There's no harm that could come from here on.
CHELSEA: He thinks our whole relationship is just as bad, that we're risking too much for not enough reward- you know I don't think that myself!
BUCKET: We are getting out of this one day together, the reward will be more than enough.
 

 

CHELSEA: Well..he got pretty heated earlier because he thought you were being too careless, with taunting Matthias and all... 

 
Her posture droops, clearly embarrassed.
 

BUCKET: If I allow Matthias space of any kind, he'll take it.
CHELSEA: I- 

 
She shakes her head, overwhelmed. 
 

CHELSEA: Sorry, he's getting kind of loud...maybe we should just go to bed.
BUCKET: Ah... are you certain?

 
Chelsea nods, looking as tired as she felt. 
 

CHELSEA: Sleep's the only way to get some quiet when it gets like this.
 

 

BUCKET: .... Can we hold each other for this?

 
She hesitates for just a moment before scooting in close, laying her head on Bucket's chest.
 

CHELSEA: Tuck us in.

 
The dog pulls the blankets over the two of them before curling up. 
 

BUCKET: Is this good?
CHELSEA: Yeah...is it okay that we keep the light on?
BUCKET: Yes... go for it.
 

   
She gives their cheek a kiss, closing her eyes. 
 

CHELSEA: Thank you for listening to all this...I love you. 
CHELSEA: No matter what the asshole in my head says.
BUCKET: I love you too, I don't want any of you to be scared to talk to me.

 
She can’t help but smile. 
 

CHELSEA: Good night, Buck.
BUCKET: Good night! 
BUCKET: Tomorrow will be a better day.
 

  
The two of them drift off in each other’s arms, the noise in Chelsea’s head finally settling down, leaving both of them to dream.