[Voice]

[espigeonage]

[Julien is being so careful to keep his voice light, but someone sensitive might pick up the sheathed edge. He's irritated.]

Okay, I hate asking this, but can I completely take over anyone's hot tub or like... small pool? Something not chlorinated. Or would help me set up and fill one of those largish inflatable pools on their property somewhere.

[Pause. Yeah, he probably should provide a reason.]

It looks like I'm molting. It's - annoying.

Comments

[espigeonage]

[Frustrated and upset, Julien stares at him through the screen. The feathers on his shoulders rouse and fluff, and smooth down again. Abruptly he looks tired. The suggestions of lines around his eyes that stress has left are clearer.]

I... yeah. So am I.

Sorry about snapping at you.

[thebalrogslayer]

It's fine, I've taken worse. [Gabriel's lips twitch into an affectionate smile as he waves his hand, brushing the apology off.]

I'm sorry there's nothing I can really do, though.

[espigeonage]

I don't want to be like this for months. It's like being a teenager or something. [He was trying to make a joke of that but it just sounds forced. Julien looks away.]

If I tell you something, can you just not laugh?

[thebalrogslayer]

I reserve the right to laugh if you're planning on dying your hair black. Or painting your room black. [Gabriel's tone is soft, though, gentle. He would probably hold back on teasing even if that's what it was. Until Julien's mood lifts, at least.]

[espigeonage]

[He mutters, refusing to look directly at the screen.]

Last year I thought I was going to- last year, I thought maybe the Apostle was an angel.