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]

"I can work it out. Don't worry," he assured him. "We need to be more concerned with when."

[sweet_alwyn]

"Hopefully in a month or so?" Alwyn offered. "I'll let you know as soon as I know."

[petty_dabbler]

"Leave it to me, then," he grinned.

He picked at his salad a little more, picking out the good bits. Then he selected a carrot and snuck it into his pocket.

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn watched, slightly baffled as he sipped his water.

"I don't think I can finish mine. I think I might take the rest home."

[petty_dabbler]

"I'm done," he nodded in agreement.

He picked out a few more carrots and a bit of cucumber and wrapped them in a paper napkin.

"That'll do for me," he said.

[sweet_alwyn]

Alwyn put the lid back on his little bowl to carry out with him.

"I'm looking forward to bed," he admitted. "I don't have to be in tomorrow until the afternoon."

[petty_dabbler]

"I'll take the morning," he smiled. "We can lay about all morning."

That seemed like a luxurious way to spend his time, all sleepy an tangled with Alwyn.

[sweet_alwyn]

"I'd like that. We can have breakfast in bed," Alwyn decided as they walked.

[petty_dabbler]

"I could do up breakfast," he nodded.

They only had to wait on the platform a few moments for the tube and then they were racing home.

"Want to see a magic trick?" he asked when they were on the train.

[sweet_alwyn]

"Yes, alright," Alwyn nodded, turning slightly to face John. "I enjoy tricks."

[petty_dabbler]

John began to talk, keeping up a string of conversation as he moved his hands, magically producing coins and balls. Then he cracked a joke and the next time he produced something, it was a tiny bunny.

"Ta da," he said dryly with a lopsided grin.

[sweet_alwyn]

"You've had a rabbit with you this whole time?" Alwyn asked, looking startled. "...May I hold it?" he asked.

[petty_dabbler]

"Of course," he replied, answering both at once.

"Take it like this. Support its feet and bum," he said, nestling the little kit in Alwyn's hands. It settled in comfortably.

"I named it Fiver," he said.

[sweet_alwyn]

"It's lovely," Alwyn said softly, stroking it gently. "Why Fiver?" he asked, admiring it as he stroked it between its ears.

[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?"