[ Nix would kind of hope they would, if only for the kittens sake. He knows that kind of thing means problems with the baby's health eventually. But then he's not a vet, he doesn't really understand animals.
( Here he is, already thinking about the kittens' kittens. He's fucked. )
The majority of the cats are now being held by Dick, except the one who has gone to sleep right beside his thigh. Nix looks at them with fondness in his eyes. His mouth twitches slightly, his gaze settling. ] Maybe. [ He doesn't like the idea of leaving his warm bed to go swim around the lake. But maybe if Dick manages to convince him. ]
You know that might not be so bad. Maybe I could gather up enough supplies. Make a nest for myself in the bedroom. [ A snort. ] I don't know how to talk to babies, you know that.
(He is fucked, but Dick knew that he was fucked the moment he found them all in the barn, and saw the way Nix was trying to cradle and feed all four at the same time. He had mostly been trying to get Nix to admit that he wanted to keep them when he had originally asked if they should get rid of three of them, or all. Just to test what he would say.
It's funny, because while they've been together for as long as they have, there are some things that Nix does, some ways he looks at him, that still make his cheeks heat up and take on a rich, pink colour.) Maybe.
(He'd like it, though, if only so that they could spend more time together.
He laughs, and nods.) We'll give it a go next winter. The real question is, do I sleep with you still? SInce you're not supposed to poke a sleeping bear, and I'd hate to wake you up...
(Dick trails off gently, lazily reaching up to scritch one of the kittens.) Yet they like you so much.
[ He still struggles with telling Dick that he wants something. A kiss, a home, a cluster of kittens. Part of him thinks he'll always be a shady bastard because something inside of him is fundamentally broken. And it worries him too, because if he can't be honest with the literal embodiment of kindness that Dick presents, then who can he be?
But maybe it doesn't matter, not when he can make Dick flush like that, not when they spend their nights wrapped around each other with the world still and silent. ]
Why is that? [ Babies liking him. ] I don't even talk to them and they're all clamouring for my attention. It's like I'm a magnet.
(It's sad that he does, though, because there is nothing more Dick wants than to give Nix everything he does. It was why he had never said a word about what he hid in his footlocker, it was why he had never gone to any great measure of lengths to point out that he might have a problem with drinking, it was why he had given him first run on Göering's basement. It was also why he had never acted upset when they had briefly lost touch, because if it made Nix happy, then he was happy. He worries for him, he loves him, if he asked for the moon, Dick would try his best to get it for him.)
It's probably because you ignore them. Maybe they can sense it, like they say dog can sense fear. (His lips quirk.) Or maybe they like your eyebrows.
My eyebrows. [ So deadpan. Dick he was going to give you such a good night because of the cats, now he's not so sure. ]
You're the one who's the human climbing frame. If they had any sense they'd realise that. [ A huff of a sigh and then he's picking up the sleeping cat beside him. She mewls slightly in protest but starts purring when Nix beings petting her. ]
I'm not saying there's anything wrong with them. They caught my eye across the mess the first day I saw you. All across the way was the vague outline of facial features, and two of the thickest eyebrows I'd ever seen. (It's a gross exaggeration, but he likes the way it makes the other frown, and in turn the brows knit together.)
For cats, maybe. (Though for kids, too. He isn't quite a body builder, but his muscles were strong, The few kids who do come up to him, he's more than happy to hoist them up. He's done it, too, a few times. Neighbour kids who come to the farm to see the horses that stay with them for the summer, he'll lift them up easily to pet their noses, and sometimes he ends up with one on his shoulders.)
Kids are easy. They like attention, that's it. Almost like you.
[ He huffs and puffs like he's indignant over it, his brows knitting together even further. They become thick black triangles that scream with his displeasure. ] You make it sound like I'm a comic book character.
[ And for Nix too, considering how often he likes to splay himself across his body and fit himself in to all the nooks and crannies he can. ]
(The closer Nix's brows go together, the wider the smile on Dick's face becomes. But the time they're completely together, Dick is smiling like a ray of pure sunshine.) With that pair, you could be. Especially right now.
(They fit together beautifully. It's one of Dick's favourite things, the way they so easily mould against each other's bodies, it's almost as if they were made for each other.
[ He rolls his eyes, his forehead smoothing out. It's not like he was even truly angry, because all of Dick's teasing is so often sweetly given. He would go to hell and back for Nix and he knows it. ]
I can't even fight back, I love your freckles and your stupid hair. [ Glancing at the ceiling of the barn. ] What did I do to deserve this?
Because no one else would during OCS, and after that you just couldn't shake me. Or I couldn't shake you, I'm not sure which it started with.
(Even when they argue, Dick is always trying to salvage what he can of their relationship. He doesn't want to lose Nix. Ever. He would rather give his own life if it meant protecting him, and that was something he had thought of too many times during the war. Just how much he would be willing to sacrifice if it meant keeping him safe. Maybe it was a little too sentimental. A little too much caring, but here they were. Safe and sound and teasing about kittens.
He pauses for a moment, and then gives a playful frown.)
Nothing. That's the whole problem. [ Nix flings one hand in the air in irritation, his eyes as wide as anything. ] I should hate your damn hair. But I don't, it's charming and you're charming and it's damn annoying, Winters.
[ Despite everything, he's so very happy. He's got a life and a love and it's so good, it's better than anything he could ever come up with. ]
I'm still not sure what my hair should have done to offend you. Unless it's the typical thing that it's red. (Dick can't help the burst of laughter that comes from him then, even if it also means that one of the kittens startles slightly and mews, and Dick has to bring a hand to it to soothe it gently again.) I'm sorry my existence offends you, Nix. I'm not sure I can do anything about it.
(Dick's shoulders shrug just a bit.) I'd cleared my schedule for the rest of my day to comfort you after the kittens left, but now that they aren't, I have nothing to do but spend it with you.
[ Nix's eyes crinkle a little when Dick laughs. He likes the sound of it, the sheer joy and freedom it brings. ] You could put your damn head in a bag. [ But that wouldn't actually make him less charming so essentially Nix is screwed. ]
Yeah? [ That brings an added light to his expression. ] I'd like that.
Plastic, so I suffocate and you're rid of me at last?
(Dick's eyebrow raises slightly above the other, though it's a struggle to try to keep his face remaining passive, when a wide smile is threatening to crack through. He reaches over with his leg to gently toe him in the thigh.) Let me write you out of my will first.
(Dick nods.) Of course. Whatever you want to do, we do.
I was thinking paper so I didn't have to look at you any more, but okay. [ C'mon, as if Nix would ever truly want rid. He lasted what, six months before he turned up dripping wet and in miserable need of his friend. He couldn't last the rest of his life. ]
What do I get if you die? The farm, right? Are you sure you wanna leave it to me? It'll be wrack and ruin in no time. I don't even know how to mow the grass properly.
Maybe I should just shave my head so you wouldn't have to see the hair if that's the issue, but I can do with paper. Do I get holes for the eyes, at least? I think I should get that much.
(Dick snorts with laughter this time around, and clicks his tongue against the top of his mouth.)
Technically the farm is half yours, so I can't really give it to anyone else. You might want to sell it, then. Move into the town house.
Maybe we should have a lesson in lawn mowing this weekend. I'm quite the expert.
That's what Nix's expression screams anyway, all startled eyebrows and mouth in a straight line. ] You know what, this conversation is depressing me. You're gorgeous, you don't need a bag over your head. A gag to stop you talking, maybe ...
[ That's true. ] Nah, I'll just let the lawn grow over after your passing and then tell all the kids that you're haunting the place. I could make a killing come Halloween.
That's what Nix's expression screams anyway, all startled eyebrows and mouth in a straight line. ] You know what, this conversation is depressing me. You're gorgeous, you don't need a bag over your head. A gag to stop you talking, maybe ...
[ That's true. ] Nah, I'll just let the lawn grow over after your passing and then tell all the kids that you're haunting the place. I could make a killing come Halloween.
(A wide grin spreads across his face at the other's reaction to his suggestion. He'd had his head shaved once as a young boy. (His sister had gotten gum in it, he'd been fourteen and furious with her, but it was the easiest thing to do.) But he knew that he didn't look anywhere near decent without hair. But Nix' reaction was well worth the threat.) You know, whenever you've mentioned gagging me in the past, it's been in a different context.
(He drawls out the words, and then laughs.) They know I'd be a nice ghost, they wouldn't be scared.
Don't make me think about that in front of the kittens. [ They're practically his children now, Dick. ] Anyway, can you blame me when you're saying all kinds of crazy things? I'm of a delicate disposition you know.
[ Or so say half the nice old ladies who've fallen for Nix's dark looks. ]
Nah, nice in real life means you've got all that pent up meanness to come.
Have you taught them to speak english, or are they mind reading kittens? (Dick looks down at the ones sleeping in his lap, and runs a hand over one, a small smile appearing at the way it shifts towards him more.) You're about as delicate as a concrete block, Lew.
(And he says that with all the fondness in the world.)
Why would I want to be mean to the neighbour kids? They're sweet.
[ He pulls a face. It's a pretty childish face. Never let it be said that Lewis Nixon is a mature man. ]
You know what, I was feeling pretty loving towards you today. Because of the kittens and all. But you're killing the buzz. Maybe I would thank you in the best way I know now.
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( Here he is, already thinking about the kittens' kittens. He's fucked. )
The majority of the cats are now being held by Dick, except the one who has gone to sleep right beside his thigh. Nix looks at them with fondness in his eyes. His mouth twitches slightly, his gaze settling. ] Maybe. [ He doesn't like the idea of leaving his warm bed to go swim around the lake. But maybe if Dick manages to convince him. ]
You know that might not be so bad. Maybe I could gather up enough supplies. Make a nest for myself in the bedroom. [ A snort. ] I don't know how to talk to babies, you know that.
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It's funny, because while they've been together for as long as they have, there are some things that Nix does, some ways he looks at him, that still make his cheeks heat up and take on a rich, pink colour.) Maybe.
(He'd like it, though, if only so that they could spend more time together.
He laughs, and nods.) We'll give it a go next winter. The real question is, do I sleep with you still? SInce you're not supposed to poke a sleeping bear, and I'd hate to wake you up...
(Dick trails off gently, lazily reaching up to scritch one of the kittens.) Yet they like you so much.
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[ He still struggles with telling Dick that he wants something. A kiss, a home, a cluster of kittens. Part of him thinks he'll always be a shady bastard because something inside of him is fundamentally broken. And it worries him too, because if he can't be honest with the literal embodiment of kindness that Dick presents, then who can he be?
But maybe it doesn't matter, not when he can make Dick flush like that, not when they spend their nights wrapped around each other with the world still and silent. ]
Why is that? [ Babies liking him. ] I don't even talk to them and they're all clamouring for my attention. It's like I'm a magnet.
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(It's sad that he does, though, because there is nothing more Dick wants than to give Nix everything he does. It was why he had never said a word about what he hid in his footlocker, it was why he had never gone to any great measure of lengths to point out that he might have a problem with drinking, it was why he had given him first run on Göering's basement. It was also why he had never acted upset when they had briefly lost touch, because if it made Nix happy, then he was happy. He worries for him, he loves him, if he asked for the moon, Dick would try his best to get it for him.)
It's probably because you ignore them. Maybe they can sense it, like they say dog can sense fear. (His lips quirk.) Or maybe they like your eyebrows.
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You're the one who's the human climbing frame. If they had any sense they'd realise that. [ A huff of a sigh and then he's picking up the sleeping cat beside him. She mewls slightly in protest but starts purring when Nix beings petting her. ]
This is why I don't understand kids.
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For cats, maybe. (Though for kids, too. He isn't quite a body builder, but his muscles were strong, The few kids who do come up to him, he's more than happy to hoist them up. He's done it, too, a few times. Neighbour kids who come to the farm to see the horses that stay with them for the summer, he'll lift them up easily to pet their noses, and sometimes he ends up with one on his shoulders.)
Kids are easy. They like attention, that's it. Almost like you.
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[ And for Nix too, considering how often he likes to splay himself across his body and fit himself in to all the nooks and crannies he can. ]
Oh. You're full of the compliments today.
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(They fit together beautifully. It's one of Dick's favourite things, the way they so easily mould against each other's bodies, it's almost as if they were made for each other.
He snorts.)
It's the truth.
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[ He rolls his eyes, his forehead smoothing out. It's not like he was even truly angry, because all of Dick's teasing is so often sweetly given. He would go to hell and back for Nix and he knows it. ]
I can't even fight back, I love your freckles and your stupid hair. [ Glancing at the ceiling of the barn. ] What did I do to deserve this?
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(Even when they argue, Dick is always trying to salvage what he can of their relationship. He doesn't want to lose Nix. Ever. He would rather give his own life if it meant protecting him, and that was something he had thought of too many times during the war. Just how much he would be willing to sacrifice if it meant keeping him safe. Maybe it was a little too sentimental. A little too much caring, but here they were. Safe and sound and teasing about kittens.
He pauses for a moment, and then gives a playful frown.)
What's wrong with my hair?
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[ Despite everything, he's so very happy. He's got a life and a love and it's so good, it's better than anything he could ever come up with. ]
What's the schedule for the rest of the day then?
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(Dick's shoulders shrug just a bit.) I'd cleared my schedule for the rest of my day to comfort you after the kittens left, but now that they aren't, I have nothing to do but spend it with you.
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Yeah? [ That brings an added light to his expression. ] I'd like that.
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(Dick's eyebrow raises slightly above the other, though it's a struggle to try to keep his face remaining passive, when a wide smile is threatening to crack through. He reaches over with his leg to gently toe him in the thigh.) Let me write you out of my will first.
(Dick nods.) Of course. Whatever you want to do, we do.
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What do I get if you die? The farm, right? Are you sure you wanna leave it to me? It'll be wrack and ruin in no time. I don't even know how to mow the grass properly.
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(Dick snorts with laughter this time around, and clicks his tongue against the top of his mouth.)
Technically the farm is half yours, so I can't really give it to anyone else. You might want to sell it, then. Move into the town house.
Maybe we should have a lesson in lawn mowing this weekend. I'm quite the expert.
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That's what Nix's expression screams anyway, all startled eyebrows and mouth in a straight line. ] You know what, this conversation is depressing me. You're gorgeous, you don't need a bag over your head. A gag to stop you talking, maybe ...
[ That's true. ] Nah, I'll just let the lawn grow over after your passing and then tell all the kids that you're haunting the place. I could make a killing come Halloween.
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That's what Nix's expression screams anyway, all startled eyebrows and mouth in a straight line. ] You know what, this conversation is depressing me. You're gorgeous, you don't need a bag over your head. A gag to stop you talking, maybe ...
[ That's true. ] Nah, I'll just let the lawn grow over after your passing and then tell all the kids that you're haunting the place. I could make a killing come Halloween.
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(He drawls out the words, and then laughs.) They know I'd be a nice ghost, they wouldn't be scared.
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[ Or so say half the nice old ladies who've fallen for Nix's dark looks. ]
Nah, nice in real life means you've got all that pent up meanness to come.
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(And he says that with all the fondness in the world.)
Why would I want to be mean to the neighbour kids? They're sweet.
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You know what, I was feeling pretty loving towards you today. Because of the kittens and all. But you're killing the buzz. Maybe I would thank you in the best way I know now.