Rufus Catch-All

[misstrust]

Comments

[soulus]

Their care is not the concern. It's their presence that is troubling.

[misstrust]

Their--

[ Rufus himself isn't bothered by them, that much is obvious. Then it has to be someone else, so either he has a client who can't stand wolves or-- ]

Your roommate doesn't like wolves? But one won't leave your side, so that's why Rupe was wandering alone.

[soulus]

I didn't realize this one was there until I sent him out.

If necessary, I will send them both away.

[Everyone will just have to deal with the new wolf's needy whimpering and scratching out in the hall.]

[misstrust]

I hope it doesn't come to that.

[ Let her rest. ]

Do you want me to take Rupe for the week, then? He's free to wander, but he can at least stay in my room at night.

[soulus]

[The creature's ears perk up at the offer, and her lupine gaze fixates on Dorothy.]

If you do, what should I do for you?

[misstrust]

Nothing. [ And she smiles at the creature. ]

I'm not offering because I want you to owe me anything. I just happen to be fond of him.

[soulus]

[The wolf lies down and rests her head on her paws, settling comfortably in place.]

I would prefer to exchange favors. What can I do for your time and lodging?

[misstrust]

... Do you really want me to come up with something or do you want to suggest something you'd consider equivalent?

[ He probably doesn't like the idea of owing anyone, whether it's true or not. ]

[soulus]

Would you like me to change your dressing for the week?

[misstrust]

...

[ Dorothy lifts an eyebrow and the horse suddenly shifts and stamps a foot, as though she's taken offense to something.

But then the horse resettles as Dorothy huffs out a sigh. He's probably not saying she's not competent enough to handle it on her own, as she has been. ]

Fine. I'll take care of Rupe and you can help me with the bandages.

[soulus]

[The wolf continues to lie on the ground as she blinks slowly, not startled in the slightest by the stomp.]

Thank you for your cooperation.

[misstrust]

You really didn't have to do anything... did you think I'd take advantage of it?

[ Well. It's probably a rhetorical question. ]

[soulus]

I just hate being in debt.

[The wolf's tail thumps once, then twice.]

[misstrust]

[ Is that a wag or an unhappy thump, she still doesn't speak Wolf-- ]

... Well, that's fair enough. [ It's not like she can blame him. ]

I suppose our relationship has been a series of exchanges, for the most part. But I do feel as though I'm getting the better part of the deal here.

[ She likes this standoffish little punk.

And Rupe, too. ]

[soulus]

[That's for him to know and for her to find out.]

Changing the dressing every day will hone my ability to do so one-handed.

[misstrust]

[ Rude. ]

Ah, I see. Training.

[ For some reason, Dorothy just sounds amused-- but then she shifts to her feet. ]

Would you like to start now, then?

[soulus]

Is that all right?

[This is the part of the bargain where she's on the receiving end. He'll start when she wants to start.]

[misstrust]

It's fine. We can work out a time of day that works for both of us this week, going forward.

[ Listen, Rufus still gets a say in this. ]

[soulus]

Do you have a preference? I can fit you in any time.

[misstrust]

In the evening, then? It should also give us a chance to discuss anything that might have happened during the day.

[soulus]

[He nods.]

I will be at the first aid station.

[misstrust]

All right, then. We have an agreement!

[ ... Yet again. But she offers her hand for a shake as she balances on her crutches. ]

[soulus]

[The wolf stays in place while Rufus reaches out with his bandaged hand for that shake. They'll meet in the evening, then.]

[misstrust]

Then, if there's nothing else you need from me... I'll come meet you tonight.

[ Which is just if we wanna timeskip we can-- ]

[soulus]

[Evening comes before long. True to his word, Rufus waits at the first aid station, where he grabs the supplies necessary to dress Dorothy's stomach wound. The wolf sits beside him, opposite of the side Rupe usually would be.]