I Am Noman

[plaguedrat]

He's always preferred to own his books, but his refusal to seek out work and forge any real ties to the city have forced him to budget, to compromise. It's what takes him to the public library today. Signing up for a library card is different, he tries to convince himself. It's not as if it requires money, nor does he have to maintain it. It's different.

It's netted him a thick stack of books that he's negotiating into a bag while he sits on the steps. The acetate-bound copy of The Odyssey rests on his knees, the one he plans to read first.

Perhaps he's like Odysseus, trapped for years on an island and prolonging his foolish journey.

Comments

[silenttrainbaby]

The words and Rat's delivery makes Grey relax more.

It is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. When he finally thinks he should go to get the cat some food and water, he touches Rat's hand in thanks.

[plaguedrat]

The shadows have grown long while he reads and Rat passes it, absorbed in the dwarves' journey and the quiet warmth at his side.

"Hungry?" he guesses. Now that he's paused, Rat realizes his throat as gone a bit dry.

[silenttrainbaby]

Grey hadn't even been thinking of himself, but he nods and he points to the cat, too; he needs food and maybe a visit to the litter box.

[plaguedrat]

"Back to your place then?" It's amazing what Grey can communicate once others learn to listen.

[silenttrainbaby]

A nod, yes. His apartment, then they can perhaps go get something to eat. He has more face paper; he isn't sure why it just appeared, but he doesn't refuse it. He waits until Rat has his books, then he starts to walk.

[plaguedrat]

If he keeps going for meals with Grey, he's going to have to buckle and get a job, which means accepting some level that he will be here for a long time. It's not exactly something he's sure he's comfortable with, on his own. But it looks like he's not really isolated.

[silenttrainbaby]

Neither is Grey. Somehow, they've found a way to make a connection. It wasn't even sought; it seemed to happen.

THe cat is fed and left in the apartment, Grey leaves behind, too, the sling and he gives Rat an almost shy smile.

[plaguedrat]

"Leaving your guard cat behind?" It's a gentler tease than he might use on someone else, but he does smile a little.

[silenttrainbaby]

Not for long; Grey doesn't like to leave his cat alone. He holds up his face paper, though. This meal will be his treat.

[plaguedrat]

"Yeah, okay," he agrees easily enough, letting Grey lead the way then. His call on where they eat.

[silenttrainbaby]

Well, that's letting the blind lead the way, isn't it?

But Grey looks up one way, then another, finally deciding on one way, looking into windows.

[plaguedrat]

It's a simple-looking place but the air around it smells good, which Rat takes as a good sign. "I think they have pasta."

[silenttrainbaby]

A food Grey hasn't had yet, so he carefully opens the door with his bandaged hand and he leads the way inside.

It smells remarkable.

[plaguedrat]

"This place then?" He can see the look on Grey's face.

[silenttrainbaby]

Swallowing because of how his mouth waters, Grey nods dumbly. Yes, this place.

[plaguedrat]

They're given a table for two near the window, letting them watch the passersby. He likes that.

"It smells good."

[silenttrainbaby]

It does; an entirely new set of smells.

A loaf of bread is set in front of them and a bowl of seasoned olive oil. Grey doesn't even bother with the menu, it would be all foreign to him.

[plaguedrat]

Rat tries to think of what he knows Grey likes. That croque-madame sandwich he'd had while they were waiting for the vet. Egg, salt, ham. Creamy texture... "Try the risotto. Or the spaghetti carbonara," he says, reading the descriptions.

[silenttrainbaby]

Grey doesn't know; he will most likely like it. He takes some bread, though, smelling it before taking a big bite.

[plaguedrat]

"What did you eat...on the train?" Obviously not much. He's asked before, but how little Grey seems familiar with amazes him.

[silenttrainbaby]

It's only after he's swallowed that he tries to figure out how to answer the question. Finally, it's just easier to reach for Rat's hand, spelling words on his hand.

P-R-O-T-E-I-N B-L-O-C-K-S.

[plaguedrat]

Rat tries not to dwell on the intimacy of this form of communication.

"Protein blocks? That's all?" For his whole life? Rat can't even imagine that it kept people healthy or full.

[silenttrainbaby]

That was all. It was all Grey had known and everyone was always hungry, yes, but he'd grown used to that, too. As he reaches for another chunk of bread, he shrugs. It isn't in his nature, after all, to feel sorry for himself.

[plaguedrat]

At least it wasn't people. Rat tries not to let the memory rise up, that burning flesh smells like a roast. He hides it better, at least this time.

"Must be nice, having all these things to try, then."

[silenttrainbaby]

It is, even if it makes his stomach hurt.

It occurs to him to drag his bread through the seasoned olive oil and --

Oh.

That is so good.