Compromise. We all (Ben, Lochlan, Caleb and I) had some chowder. Then Caleb sent them packing and we watched a movie. I drank too much wine and woke up to credits and Lochlan standing in the doorway saying my name softly. Caleb is dozy-light beside me but startles when Lochlan speaks. He sits up and looks down at me.
Let her sleep, Dóiteán.
I was planning on it. In her own bed though.
Caleb nods, defeated but politely-so and I sleepily stand and sway.
G'night, Diabhal. Thank you.
He kisses my forehead. No, thank you. It was nice to just relax for a bit. Then he kisses my lips. Sleep well, Neamhchiontach.
I nod and Lochlan pulls me out the door. I trip and stumble, half-awake, across to our house and then we are home and the lights are dim and the house is quiet.
I wasn't-
Just keeping the peace, he says.
Your peace of mind, I remind him.
I didn't specify.
Trickery.
Common sense, Bridge!
I know. I smile at him and my eyes close.
Narcohaptic.
Yes. That's what it can be!
Sleep, Peanut.
Been trying to.
(But it comes out Buntrwintoo! and this morning there was one simple message on my phone. I love you. Lochlan picks up my phone and whips it at the door where it hits and then lands on the floor.
I stare at him.
Whoops, he says. It must have slipped out of my hand. Sorry.
Let her sleep, Dóiteán.
I was planning on it. In her own bed though.
Caleb nods, defeated but politely-so and I sleepily stand and sway.
G'night, Diabhal. Thank you.
He kisses my forehead. No, thank you. It was nice to just relax for a bit. Then he kisses my lips. Sleep well, Neamhchiontach.
I nod and Lochlan pulls me out the door. I trip and stumble, half-awake, across to our house and then we are home and the lights are dim and the house is quiet.
I wasn't-
Just keeping the peace, he says.
Your peace of mind, I remind him.
I didn't specify.
Trickery.
Common sense, Bridge!
I know. I smile at him and my eyes close.
Narcohaptic.
Yes. That's what it can be!
Sleep, Peanut.
Been trying to.
(But it comes out Buntrwintoo! and this morning there was one simple message on my phone. I love you. Lochlan picks up my phone and whips it at the door where it hits and then lands on the floor.
I stare at him.
Whoops, he says. It must have slipped out of my hand. Sorry.