milliways_bar | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Anthy is watering the roses. Humming. It's such a lovely day! The sun is shining, the flowers are growing . . .*

And a rusty fork.

With a jaunty puppet perched atop.

*At that point Iris enters the greenhouse, looking around. She almost steps on the fork but stops just in time.*

Hm? What's this?

*Anthy stares at her with big scared eyes.*

*Iris looks at Anthy, concerned.*

Are you okay?

*She looks down at the puppet again, then looks around the greenhouse. Something isn't right.*

*Anthy smiles weakly.* Yes, I'm fine.

*She looks at the puppet, too. Something looks different.*

I was just finishing up.

Hubert Cumberdale stares back. His hat is tipped rakishly over one eye.

*Iris looks at the puppet, and narrows her eyes at it briefly. She looks back up at Anthy, frowning a little and not saying anything.*

I see.

*She looks back at the puppet, eyes narrowing again. But she doesn't go to pick it up.*

*Anthy has to walk past Hubert to leave the greenhouse. She stands uncertainly, the shredded rose dangling forgotten from one hand.*

The black stitches of Marjory's mouth stretch in a crude grin. But no one sees.

Something is buzzing.

*Iris rubs her ear, then frowns even more.*

What are you?

*She's talking to the puppet.*

Hubert Cumberdale doesn't move.

Because he is a puppet.

It's a finger puppet . . .

*Anthy is sweating, even though she's dressed for summer.*

*Iris looks back at Anthy.*

Then why are you so scared?

Because Hubert can smell her brain.

Scared?

*She eyes Hubert in a distinctly fearful manner, and swallows.*

*Iris also eyes Hubert, then cautiously leans down to pick him and the fork up.*

Stitches stretch.

Hubert Cumberdale likes fingers.

*She pulls her hand back quickly.*

What the...

*Anthy takes the opportunity to flee. Once she's outside the door, she turns back, looking considerably less unnerved. Then blinks.* -- What?

*Iris studied the puppet, then standing straight up, turns and also leaves the building, shutting the bar behind her, sealing the puppet in.*