Black Sea (Steinbeck X Lovecraft)

Chapter Two

   I woke up surprisingly well rested, and quickly changes into my usual get-up. I opened to door and nearly walked into Lovecraft's back. I'd forgotten he was here, and I chuckled when I realized he was sound asleep. I nudged past him and got right to work watering my plants.

   "John... Are you ok?" Lovecraft asked as he blinked himself awake.

   "Thanks to you, yeah." I laughed.

   "What is that?" He slowly stepped closer, looking down at the potted flowers.

   "Oh, these are dahlias." I told him.

   "And those?" He pointed to a nearby pot.

   "That's a succulent." I answered his question.

   "This one?" He continued

   "Thats a cactus." I kept on answering. "I usually don't keep cacti, but it reminded me of you." I snickered. Lovecraft looked at me confused, and I smiled.

   "I should probably go get some plant food, this one ain't doin' well." I sighed, looking down at my struggling bright eyes. "You can come with, or stay here and hide, I don't care." I shrugged.

   "You're letting me stay?" He looked at me surprised.

   "Yeah, you're my friend, and you need my help, simple as that." I told him.

   "Ah... Friend... I've never had a friend before." He looked back at the cactus.

   "Ok, I'll be off, I'll be back soon with the plant food." I started towards the door, feeling eyes on my back.

   The rain was pouring from the sky as I walked down the street, umbrella in hand. The florist of this neighborhood was a nice older woman who'd started the store with her late husband, and now ran it with her grandchildren. I was looking at the different brands and types of plant food they provided and I was considering my choice. I didn't even notice the small boy at my feet until he was tugging at my overalls.

   "Oh, hello...?" I looked down at the boy. He was soaking wet and had frizzy green hair and big black eyes. "What's up little guy?" I asked him.

   "Are you Mr. Steinbeck?" He tilted his head and stared at me.

   "Yes, that's me." I smiled.

   "Can you give Lovecraft a message?" He smiled, and I froze.

   "What...?" I muttered.

   "Tell him father is waiting." He ordered, before walking away. I was confused and afraid but continued with my shopping before carrying the bag back home where Lovecraft was drinking the cold tea that was abandoned on the coffee table.

   I slapped the bag down on the table and sat next to Lovecraft. I turned him, and sighed. "I, um... I met one of your siblings at the store." I told him, and his eyes widened ever so slightly.

   "What did they look like?" He asked.

   "A little kid, male, green hair, blue raincoat." I explained.

   "Mmm... Dagon, my brother..." He nodded in understanding.

   "Wait... So if you're the youngest of your family, does that mean that little kid is older then you?" I asked him.

   "Not by much, but yes, he's older then me." He told me.

   "Fuck... You're family is confusing." I sighed.

   "I... I can leave... If my family is bothering you." He informed me.

   "No, no, Lovecraft, you're fine." I put my hands up and reassured him. "But, I do have one question..." I said hesitantly.