Home (Mat and the pups) - Mat & Ren's Haven

He nodded, grunting at the dogs. Matty tried to race Roux, who was eager to show off his new strength... into a wall. Zydeco pranced past her litter brother, scoffing at him as her much more nimble steps took her up the stairs after their smaller cousin. Mat would of course let the Waif mount the stairs first, making a subtle stop first at the front door. Retaking his key. Putting it back where it belonged - in his pocket.

Then, so armed with the few items he treasured, he would head up to the attic. "I will find a way to be able to hear the waves better and still remain safe... somehow."

She pulled out her phone, sending a text to her boss, before she made it up to the attic. The pile of pillows and blankets was still there. The little den they'd built at the top of their house.

"I wish she would open the windows during the day."

"We can, if you wish. I'm pretty sure the Pups could scare off anyone."

"More concerned about the sun." Roux was scary, but not that scary.

"Well, we could open the downstairs windows." it was better than nothing. "And I could tact the blinds in place so the breeze won't move them."

"I used to love sleeping in, the sun hitting the foot of my bed and moving up until it was in my face and I had to get out of bed to avoid it."

"I only got to sleep in if I was sleeping in a cave - and even then, the Bears tended to start moving earlier. Otherwise, we were up before the sun rose, to prep the boats." he certainly had a different life than most.

"Hard to sleep in now." Almost impossible at times.

"Well, are we really sleeping? That's the question. I don't dream, so, I don't know." it was one of those metaphysical questions Mat asked every now and again.

"I dream every day.

He looked at her, as ever surprised and in awe by her. He smiled, shaking his head. "Further proof of why you are special, Duckie..." since they were being 'civilized' and actually sleeping indoors, he started 'undressing' - which just meant removing his boots and the chain belt.

Ren removed her weapons and her boots.

Maddy began to make excited sounds. "Sleep with mommy and MatMat?"

Mat was about to lay down when the words from the small dog reached his ears. And he froze. "Mommy?" he was shocked out of French, as he looked at Ren.

Maddy looked confused, and worried. Poor puppy.

"Grace spent some time training her...I guess Duck Lady was one of the things she trained out." Her voice was painfully neutral.

"Have you told her how much you dislike that?" he returned to his normal French after a moment, kneeling down to ruff up Maddy's girl.

"I've been trying not to rock the boat with my Elders ever since the Sam thing."

The worried look was wiped off Maddy's face in an instant. She loved her MatMat.

He reached out, to bap her on the head gently. "Silly Duckie." he looked back at Maddy.

She is still Duck Lady, little one. I still call her that.

Maddy looked back and forth between the Kindred, clearly torn on the issue.

"It's been bad, Mat. I went into hiding..." She'd never hidden after killing someone. Never.

He sighed, growling softly. "Well. You have me now. I'm here. I'm here for you." he smiled in the darkness. "And you know I remain for more than just a pretty face." She seemed so tired. He would have to do something for her.

She curled up against his side. He always made her feel so small.

"I'm glad you're here."

His arm went around her without thinking, without needing to be told. He put the hat over his eyes. "Me too." He gave her a squeeze - never gentle - but a squeeze none the less.

"Me too."

Her eyes closed as she felt daybreak nearing. "Sleep well, Mat." Her voice was sleepy soft.

He joined her in the 'sleep' of the undead, eyes shutting, and body becoming truly dead for the duration of the day, blood becoming inactive and numb.

(( and scene, glorious scene... ))