Red is Open today

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

More paperwork. More scowling. More angry pacing.

More fireballs in town. Fireballs fireballs fireballs and it was beginning to piss Red off to no end. There was no clue as to the identity of who was involved but Red had an idea.

Red wasn't stupid and this continued flaunting in his face, personal or not, was starting to stick in his fur.

The cubs, wisely so, stayed in one corner and quietly played.

Comments

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

Ben entered the shop and was loosening up his scarf when he noted Red's mood. Nothing like seeing a scowl on a very large red canine to make you think twice about getting too close. "'Morning, Red. I see something's got you fired up."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

Red stopped pacing and shook out his fur. He nodded and took the long way around the shop to end up sitting in front of Ben. "My town is getting out of control and it's making me cranky."

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

"That's understandable." Ben's hand drifted down to scratch Red's neck; he could feel the knotted muscles in Red's neck. While he wasn't sure where the pressure points were, exactly, in a non-human, he worked at kneeding the muscles. "I just stopped by to say hello on my way to town hall. They'd have all the forms you'd need to change your name, right?"

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

"Yes, the receptionist in the lobby can point you to the right window for the forms." His eye closed and he sighed. The muscles were knotted but they started to give under Ben's hand. "I'm glad you stopped by. I've been meaning to get out and see you and Michael at the store. Time just gets away from me."

His eye popped open. "You're changing your name?"

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

Ben grinned. "I figured after all this time, I should get around to adding 'Novotny' to my name. It's just starting to feel a little odd...both Michael and Hunter are Novotny-Bruckner, and I'm not." He paused, shaking his head. "I should have done it a long time ago."

As he continued to work Red's tight muscles, he added, "I really should have studied massage therapy and gotten my certification. I think we could use it around here these days." He chuckled. "Even though the anatomy lessons you have to take wouldn't be much use on a good share of the residents here."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

"Names are just what people call you," Red said, his head drooping lower as he relaxed. "But I think it's nice that you want to. And I don't know, you seem to be doing a great job so far," he grinned and sighed again.

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

Ben laughed. "Practice makes perfect. I'm sure you'd be happy to let me practice all day here, right?" He shook his head. "They may just be what people call you, but there's also connection in a name. It denotes family. Michael has done so much for me, it's only fair that my name reflects that connection."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

"You're right, of course," Red said. "About denoting family connection. And practicing too, but family. It does help to provide something tangible when we need it."

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

Ben nodded solemnly. "And in our case, with not being allowed to marry legally, every little bit counts." He glanced at his watch and gave Red's neck a final rub. "I'd better get a move on. Take care, Red. Stop by the store sometime, Michael and I would be happy to see you."

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

"Absolutely, Ben. If you have any problems getting the forms filed, let me know, I'll have Gladys handle it. She can wrestle red tape with the best of them."

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

"Thanks. I appreciate that."

[cabal-boone.livejournal.com]

"Mornin' Red," Aaron said as he pushed through the doors and shook the wet off. Noticing Red was busy, he began setting up. "Mornin' Ben."

[ooc: and if you love me, you will not drop the comment thread down here since I'm not getting notifies!]

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

"Morning, Aaron." Ben had almost forgotten Aaron worked for Red. It was good to see another familiar face. "How are you?"

[cabal-boone.livejournal.com]

"Doin' ok. A little wet, though, but hey, at least it's not snow. How're you and Michael? Your boy make it home ok?" Aaron asked while puttering around.

[mikeys-ben.livejournal.com]

Ben nodded. "Yeah, the boy got home okay. We're going to see him for Thanksgiving. It's snowing in Pittsburgh, and is supposed to be through the weekend. That's going to make holiday travel interesting." He shrugged. "Michael and I are doing all right. Considering all the things going on in this town lately, we're probably the most boring thing in it. Which, at the moment, suits me just fine."