Day 328, Friday, November 28th

[papalobo]

[It's weird, to end up at a home that's not home. He's spent more time there than anywhere else this year, but that says more about his transience than anything. If told five years ago he would live such a lifestyle, he'd have believed that, but not the part about most of those multiple places being not just six but seven, eight figure abodes.

And yet it's Jessica's home (still probably the nicest one he'd lived in as an adult, before Ash swept in) they're doing Thanksgiving in. Maybe it's a fear of being upstaged on her part if it's in such a house; such a naive thought is, while unvoiced, just more proof of Ash's suspicions, that Max's mind is on something, something Ash had likely been trying to put his mind on for months. Because with even half of his braincells to put to it, he'd suspect the worst sooner.

It's not until they're pulling up to the house and there are two other cars there that he remembers the hell of Thanksgiving is not only family, but family you don't normally have to see. And thanks to Michael, Jessica's family is still his family.


And their ride is a taxi. It's not like they can turn around. Though Michael coming out to greet them right away in a hurried excitement would've made it impossible in anything.]

...Maybe she decided to start investing in cars. But not especially good ones. To be more undercover. As a journalist.

Day 375, Friday, December 14th

Comments

[papalobo]

[Max nudges back with an elbow.]

Gonna wash my back this time?

[jadedlynx]

I don't have a knife so just turn around already.

[papalobo]

This's you, you could make one out of soap on short order.

[jadedlynx]

[ Reaching for the soap that was used on his body just minutes before, Ash pokes an end into Max's stomach. ]

Did it hurt?

[papalobo]

Uhng! You got me!

[jadedlynx]

But no penetration, just like you want it so turn around.

[papalobo]

[Just a little smug--he's going to get that backwash after all!--he finally obliges.]

[jadedlynx]

[ Max is right. Partially. Ash's hands are soon on him but instead of trailing down the broad expanse of a wide back, his fingers entangle in the short strands of dusty hair. In the beginning, there's only the slight dig of short nails, but if Max allows the wash, one hand retreats to grab the shampoo. ]

It's not uncommon for some people, especially girls, to wash their hair twice in the shower.

[ It's normally to help remove product, but. ]

[papalobo]

[Max's head tilts back, trying to turn his eyes in surprise. He'll allow it, but.]

I dunno if you can tell through the shower steam, but I'm not a girl.

[jadedlynx]

'Especially' and 'only' aren't the same words, Mr. Wrtier.

[ The real purpose is the fingers that press down against Max's scalp and massage in a firm, relaxing motion, ]

Have you never had your hair washed?

[papalobo]

[He tries, consciously, to relax, but it's not a familiar sensation, admittedly.]

Nhnh.... Can't say I have, to recent.... memory...

[It probably happened in the hospital, admittedly.]

[jadedlynx]

[ Unfamiliar and unpleasant aren't necessarily acronym. Many find the massage relaxing, but it isn't one-size-fits-all. Ash watches and listens for cues; if it isn't working, his pride will still allow him to stop. ]

Nonrecent memory?

[papalobo]

[For now, it's unusual, but hey, if Ash wants to do something for him, even the thought's pretty nice.]

I don't remember if I had enough hair as a baby to wash, but probably then.

[jadedlynx]

... If you're comparing those two things, I'll take admitting I'm worse at this than I thought over assuming you were really into your mom washing your hair.

[ After all, it's not the harsh thoroughness that comes with ensuring a thorough wash. His finger are too tender for that and glide between spots. ]

[papalobo]

I'm trying to answer the question, sue me.

[It's not as 'obvious' an affection thing to him as a backwash; if anything, he thought Ash's pride wouldn't let him do that now. But it's not bad.]

[jadedlynx]

[ Part of a relationship is exploring likes and dislikes. Ash enjoys the pampering of a hair wash from a trusted pair of hands, but it seems like Max isn't into the affectionate act. It's a short process so he finishes it up and files it under the 'not again' category. If Max doesn't actively enjoy it, their time can be used in better ways. ]

If I took you to court, the judge would send you to jail on reflex.

[ Rinsing out the suds, Ash steps back. ]

But at least you'd have the prettiest hair there. All clean.

[papalobo]

You'd come with me and wash my hair there?

[jadedlynx]

My experience in prison is a lot different from yours, but I'll write sometimes.

[ He grabs the towel just outside of the shower.]

If I remember.

[papalobo]

[His hand runs through his own hair, as if remembering the experience, or maybe just pushing his wet bangs back.]

You would. You love me.

[jadedlynx]

I'm really busy. It's almost Christmas, but maybe after the holidays.

You staying in?

[papalobo]

Huh?---Oh.

[He finally stops playing with his hair to turn the water off and holds out a hand for a towel.]

Nah, I'm ready.

Speakin' of that, any Big Asks for Christmas this year?

[jadedlynx]

[ Ash knows that the answer to that question should not be 'Blanca also wants to know'.

Fresh from the shower, he's still nude and wet enough that thick droplets fall to the floor. He focuses on drying off, but Ash still tries to think about the question again. ]

It's pretty hard to say. I don't really deny myself something if I want it.

[ At least not things that can be bought with money. ]

[papalobo]

So somethin' you can't get for yourself...

[jadedlynx]

Isn't that the usual goal of a Christmas present? That's why it gets harder when you're a billionare.

[papalobo]

I don't think most people are buying something outside the other person's price range unless it's a literal kid.