[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

 
Bazil heads towards the door of the motel room cautiously, hesitating to open it and step out entirely. Bucket had finished their shower only minutes before, the pair rushing out to catch up with their ride. 
  

BAZIL: Cmon. Let's go.

  
Bucket waits for him to open the door before following behind, luggage in tow.
  

BUCKET: Mmm, hurrying.

  
Check out is simple and straightforward, the money Rein gave Bucket more than covering it. Bazil avoids talking to the lady at the desk entirely, letting Bucket handle everything and not saying a word until they start heading back outside. 
  

BUCKET: Do you think we will be allowed to stop for lunch? We may be awhile on the road...
BAZIL: Not a clu- 

  


Bazil's voice stops short, all of the color draining out of his face. Just up ahead is a familiar, stationary snake, talking with Matthias.
 

BUCKET: Is something wrong- oh. 
BUCKET: Yes... well...I suppose I was mistaken on us being Rein-free. 
BUCKET: We must be due to update on our current status on things.
BAZIL: How does Chelsea usually act around it? 

  
He whispers hoarsely, swallowing.
 

BAZIL: I didn't know this was coming.
BUCKET: Minimize direct interaction with it, avoid eye contact. I did not know either....
BAZIL: You go first. I'll...hang back.

  
Bazil lets Bucket head forward, his grimace worsening as he hears more of the conversation. 
   

MATTHIAS: And I was just thinking to myself- Rein, you have yourself a lovely demon. 
MATTHIAS: I can only aspire to be as good as- and there they are now!

 
  
Bucket approaches as they normally would, trying and somewhat failing to appear confident. 
 

BUCKET: Is that a compliment? So early in the day?
MATTHIAS: I gotta get them in before you get up, you early riser! 
MATTHIAS: I wanted to make sure Rein here knew just how much you've been inspiring me. 

 
   

 
Matthias puts an arm around Rein, getting a polite but firm push back in response. 
  

MATTHIAS: I'm considering turning over a whole new leaf.
BUCKET: If you wish to join Rein's temple I am sure there's roster slots open...
MATTHIAS: Oh no, I'm considering talking to Spit and getting a complete overhaul of how we run things.
BUCKET: Oh?
MATTHIAS: I mean, if you and Chelsea can be so close, why can't I try to bridge the gap between our two religions? 

  
Rein says nothing as Matthias goes on, turning slightly to face Bucket. 
  

REIN: Mm.

  
Bucket makes psuedo-eye contact with the god. 
    

BUCKET: Do you have thoughts on this proposition?
REIN: I'm still forming them, but I suppose it's...a move in the positive direction. 

    

   
Even with the mask, it’s almost as if they can see its eyes narrow. 
 

REIN: Though I am curious as to what brought this up, what inspired him so.
BUCKET: I'm not certain myself really, first news of such interest I've heard.
MATTHIAS: Don't sell yourself short, Beatrice! 
MATTHIAS: You're willing to put your differences aside enough to share a room and everything. 
MATTHIAS: Why, I'd say the two of you seemed quite cozy, even!
REIN: ...Beatrice?

  
Bucket’s nerves feel like they’ve been hit with an atom bomb. Matthias says nothing, allowing the silence to seep in with a horrible smile.