John and Alwyn

[petty_dabbler]

John had taken half the day off from cleaning to go to the children's ward to put on a magic show. He had his rings and handkerchiefs and disappearing balls and coins. Best of all, though, he had a tiny white bunny that was quite content in his pocket.

He started in the common room, then went from room to room to the kids that couldn't get out of bed.

"We appreciate you doing this, John," the head nurse told him.

"Don't mention it," he replied.

He was heading out to go home when he thought Alwyn might still be on the floor so he made a pass through neurology before catching the train.

Comments

[petty_dabbler]

"There's a story. Watership Down. I read it a long time ago. It's about rabbits. Fiver was my favorite," he explained.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Oh," he smiled. "I remember that story."

He gave the tiny animal a little nuzzle, then carefully held him out for John to take.

[petty_dabbler]

John took it and produced a bit of carrot he'd kept from his salad. It nibbled it up.

He'd noticed a little boy, weary beside his mum, watching the bunny. John smiled at him.

"Hang gon," he told Alwyn and went over so the boy could pet it. Then he produced a coin from the boy's ear and gave it to him.

He was alight as he rejoined Alwyn.

"He lost his coin," he explained with a smug grin.

[sweet_alwyn]

"You're sweet," Alwyn said, leaning over and lightly kissing John's cheek.

[petty_dabbler]

"Sometimes," he shrugged.

A;wyn would be so disappointed when he found out that John really wasn't.

[sweet_alwyn]

"No one is sweet all the time," Alwyn replied, practical as ever. "Right now though, you are sweet, John. Very much so."

[petty_dabbler]

John didn't know what to say for the longest moment.

"You're sweet all the time," he accused softly as he took his hand.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Not true, I can be cold. ...I know my faults," Alwyn said awkwardly.

[petty_dabbler]

"You're always sweet to me," he replied.

He carefully tucked the bunny back into the pocket of his coat.

"Maybe we just get the best of each other."

[sweet_alwyn]

"Perhaps," Alwyn agreed with a smile, giving John's hand a tight squeeze.

[petty_dabbler]

It wasn't long before their stop and John kept hold of his hand all the way to the top.

But then he let go and reached for a cigarette for the walk home.

""What sort of shore?" John asked. "Do you have somewhere you like?"

[sweet_alwyn]

"Not really. I've only been to the beach a few times, and that was with my family. It's not something I do on my own," Alwyn admitted.

[petty_dabbler]

"What about Blackpool? The beaches there are nice," he suggested.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I've never been, but that could be fun, I think," Alwyn smiled.

[petty_dabbler]

"There's loads to do. Tourist town, you know. This time of year the beaches won't be too crowded yet..." he rambled as they walked on.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Have you been?" Alwyn asked as they neared home.

[petty_dabbler]

"A few times, yeah. One time me and the lads got a car and drove up from Merseyside. Had a great time."

He closed the gate behind them and led Alwyn downstairs. On the table was a small cage which he immediately put the bunny into where it went directly for water.

"Do you gamble?" he asked. "Lots of places for that."

[sweet_alwyn]

"I never have before, actually," Alwyn admitted, wandering over to the cage and petting the little creature through the bars.

[petty_dabbler]

"It's fun," he replied, pulling off his shirt on the way to the loo.

"I'll teach you cards before we go. I think you'll like it," he called from the other room.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I can play rummy," Alwyn said absently, watching the rabbit a while longer, then wandering off to change into his pajamas.

[petty_dabbler]

"I'll teach you a few others," he promised, walking back out just in his pants.

"Have you ever played 3 card Monty?" John asked.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I don't know what that is," Alwyn said, sitting on the bed in his pyjamas as he flicked through his phone.

[petty_dabbler]

"Really? I'll show you in the morning," he promised, turning the bed down and flopping on it.

"I've made enough to eat playing it," he grinned. He made money conning people out of their money, he meant.

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn rolled closer, settling in against him.

"I just hope no one tries to call me in early tomorrow."

[petty_dabbler]

"Turn your phone off. Fuck 'em," he replied, only kind of joking.

"Stay in bed with me."