[PUNCH CLOCK ANIMAL] ASHTRAY

[skinstealer]

  

BUCKET: You have such confidence?
REIN: I don't know what I would do if I didn't.
BUCKET: But why?
REIN: Do you have a reason for me not to be so certain?
BUCKET: Hand holding.
REIN: Mm?
BUCKET: I was holding hands.
REIN: And will you dare to do that again, with anyone but myself?
BUCKET: Not if you hold mine first.

  

It reaches for one of their hands, taking it in its own, its porcelain skin uncomfortably cold to the touch. 
  

REIN: Like so?
BUCKET: You're cold.
REIN: No colder than usual, my Judgment.

     
Its voice is smooth again, almost echoing in Bucket’s head.
     

REIN: I thought you liked it.
BUCKET: It does make you stand out... 

   
They give its hand a squeeze, getting nothing but hard ceramic in return.
  

REIN: Only for you. 

 

 
It withdraws its hand, giving them a stiff pat on the head. 
   

REIN: Are you soothed enough, my dear?
BUCKET: For now.
REIN: And how will you behave around your...travelling companions?
BUCKET: I trust Chelsea to prevent an incident... I cannot promise the safety of Matthias if he were to continue doing what he's doing in a setting where there is a glaring lack of crowd.
REIN: I don't want you fighting him.
BUCKET: Would you forgive me if it came to such?
REIN: Mm.
BUCKET: I will only do so if the situation becomes dire. I promise I will not strike first.
REIN: As long as you don't make the first blow, I suppose I can forgive it...but I'd like you to avoid it under all circumstances. 
REIN: Do I make myself clear?
BUCKET: I understand. If it comes down to it I will take responsibility for treating injuries.
REIN: I trust you, my Judgment. 

    
It withdraws entirely now, pulling back. 
  

REIN: You may return to your travels. 
REIN: I'll be speaking with Matthias myself after this whole trip is over...see how he explains himself.
BUCKET: Of course. 
BUCKET: You do take care dealing with Spit.
REIN: I can handle myself, as always.

  

 
It starts slithering away, its masked gaze lingering on Bucket for a few moments more before it turns completely.
   
Bucket makes their way back to Chelsea and Mattias, the haze slowly fading from their mind.
 
 

Matthias has Bazil in a headlock, letting go with a sheepish grin as soon as he sees Bucket coming.
  

BUCKET: What were you doing just now?
MATTHIAS: Oh, nothing! 
BAZIL: ... 
MATTHIAS: Tell 'em, Bazil. 
BAZIL: Nothing. 

  
Bazil rubs his cheek a bit, covering it with his hand. 
  

BAZIL: Nothing happened.
BUCKET: You are on thin ice.
MATTHIAS: From the sound of how things went over there, so are you. 

    
Matthias taps one of his ears. 
   

MATTHIAS: Good hearing, unlike horns here.
BUCKET: I assure you, you would not get off nearly as easy.
MATTHIAS: Looks like I did just fine.
BUCKET: Define fine.
MATTHIAS: As long as I don't touch you, you can't do shit to me- unless you want your little trips with your lover taken away.
BUCKET: You are odd...
MATTHIAS: Oh?
BUCKET: I don't understand what benefit you get out of throwing yourself in hot water.
MATTHIAS: Everybody's got their reasons to do things.