[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

 
Bucket tries to grin and bear it. 
 

BUCKET: I'm halfway there.

  
The flashes continue, increasing in intensity with every second. One moment of Bazil trying to fight back turns to many, all blurred together. Bucket’s effort to keep cool slips, their facade visibly broken. Bazil grimaces, picking up on it immediately.
 

  

BAZIL: What?
BUCKET: You've been hurting for a long time...
BAZIL: Yeah. What of it?
BUCKET: I wish I could have helped you a long time ago.
BAZIL: Too late for that kind of talk now.
BUCKET: Is it at least helping?
BAZIL: ...stings less.
BUCKET: Where?
BAZIL: Everywhere, I guess. 
BAZIL: It's fine.

   
The dog flops back, already drained. 
 

 

BUCKET: I hope it was not too difficult on your end.
BAZIL: I'll manage.

  
No one speaks for a few minutes, the silence deafening.
  

BUCKET: ... Would you consider being friends? 
BUCKET: Genuine question.
BAZIL: We literally just met.
BUCKET: Eventually.
BAZIL: I can't predict eventually.

   

  
Bazil grabs his pillow and turns away from the dog, laying down and wrapping himself up in blankets.
  

BUCKET: I don't want to make you feel worse, and I’d rather not be fighting... I do hope it's possible.
BAZIL: We'll see. 

  
He hesitates before closing his eyes and settling in. 
 

BAZIL: ...thanks.

 

 
Bucket's already fast asleep, leaving Bazil alone with his thoughts. Eventually, sleep comes for him as well. 

This time, their sleep is dreamless.