Ixodes moves toward me, and I am practically trembling with excitement. I’ve quite forgotten what I came here for, or how I got here – where am I, exactly? But it doesn’t matter! Because Roach isn’t alone anymore. And not being alone feels good. Roach only wants to feel good. She’s in the perfect position to block the sun from my face, and I open my eyes a bit wider than usual. Perhaps this is startling for her, I don’t know. I’ve never truly seen any part of me. Were I not so sensitive to the light I might catch a reflection in a still pond somewhere, but it’s just not that way. Not for Roach.
Perhaps it’s best. I’m not pretty. I know this because Exxie told me, and he never lies to Roach. Oh, yes. My Exxie. I remember now. But only for a moment. My companion is being interesting again. I tilt my head at Ixodes’ posturing; it’s familiar. I believe it to mean that she is above me in life, and this is true. It’s true of everyone, really. But this isn’t something I think about, and so I am blissfully unaware, and, for the most part, content with my place in the world.
Darkness falls around us. I am free to use my eyes now, and I do, blinking them rapidly as they adjust to actually being useful. Ixodes comes forward and presses her nose against my skin, waving her tail enthusiastically. Someone wants to play! I’m really excited. Stupid excited. I pounce forward, slinging my own tail from side to side, then bounce gracelessly back again. Roach so loves to play! I snap my jaws, whining quietly in the back of my throat, and flop heavily onto my belly before rolling onto my back.
PLAY!
r o a c h
flaming stealth banana |