Welcome to Gaia! ::

Though the frame bequeathed one of the few photos the little apartment had, it was faced down by none other than Lenore herself, who refused to look at the dazzling eyes that stared back at their viewer and the three faux smiles that persuaded the viewer to think they were once a happy family. Lenore, however, knew the truth behind that picture which failed to convince her that those memories of back then were any more cheerful than a fish gasping for air. Those times were exasperating for Lenore, which led her to believe that if she faced the photo down everyday, even though her mother continued to face it back up whenever she came home, she could dismiss such recollections and eventually forget about it. That, by forgetting such bitter thoughts she could find a much warmer hearth and move on with her days.

Lenore peeled off her damp and uncomfortable clothes, searching for warmer and dryer clothes to pull on. Once satisfied with comfy attire, she tried to find something universal for Nicholas to wear. After finding nothing to no avail, Lenore gave up and walked down the hall to her mother's. She found something, even if they were a feminine blue color, but they were sweats and elastic. Nicholas was too big so she figured they'd fit. Lenore found a fluffy pink towel and tucked it under her arm. She closed the door behind her, returning to the lighted living room. She lifted the blue sweats for Nicholas.
"It's just my mother and me here. So I couldn't find a fitting shirt. But I found some old bottoms," she offered, walking over to him. "You can change into these and I can dry the rest of your clothes in our drier," she added, handing him both the towel and pants.

Surely, he must've been curious about her little abode. The walls were plain, besides the framed paintings and photographs of landscapes that her mother continued to buy at thrift stores and junk sales. The fitted kitchen was homey, entailing a comfortable lifestyle. The living room was a little more bare, but provided suitable laze. It appeared that the apartment wasn't well lived in; her mother was working a lot and Lenore was left to live by herself most of the time. Therefore, the apartment looked a little empty: the cabinets and fridge only held dinners and food for two, dust accumulated on some of the smooth surfaces, and the curtains looked like they hadn't been opened for some time. Nonetheless, the apartment was clean and tidy, which both her and her mother made sure of.

"The bathroom is down that hall, the first door you see on the right. Don't mind all the products, those are my mother's," she commented. Surely, because the bathroom housed two females, the bathroom would scream femininity. Hair products, hair dryers, curlers, make up, and etcetera organized themselves on the shelves and sink. The bathroom was clean and sweet smelling, lingering perfume and candle scents haunting the bathroom. The shower curtain was drawn back, the toilet seat covered in a cute cover with a fluffy rug that covered the floor.

Rosco sat on top of the counter, licking his paws and musing to himself, his tail twitching and waving to and fro with disinterest. Lenore would go to make some hot cocoa while Nicholas would change.

Lenore put a little creamer in each, liking to use a little tinge of flavor in her cocoa other than chocolate and milk. It made it taste much more homey. She sniffed her mug, a dark red color, and sipped it tenderly. Yet it proved to be too hot for comfort and she settled with letting it cool for a moment. She brushed back her long, dark hair and set to put everything back into their place.

"The drier?" She watched as Nicolas came out wearing their clothes. She smiled slightly, breathing out a small laugh before pointed to her left. "In the closet. Past the table and it is the only door there." She then turned to dig through the fridge for something to eat.

Lenore pulled out some nutella, settling to make a sandwich. She turned to look at him, looked away, before looking at him again, a much more...open look than her usual drab. "No. It's fine since I have other laundry to do. Just dry your clothes." She turned, grabbing the bread and peanut butter out of the cupboard before making sandwiches. She bowed her head, her dark hair covering her face.

"You...Really are too nice, huh? I guess that's why everyone loves you." She didn't look at him as she spread the condiments on the slices of bread. She was just offering him some conversation, she didn't know how he would react. He surely know of his popularity. But she had a feeling that he hated being put on a pedestal like that. But in all clarity, he was appropriately appointed. He was likable, and even though many people only liked him for his surface, the fact that he could attract so many with only such a small amount of his exuberance was amazing. She commended him for that, but knew she was the exact opposite. While she didn't want to get involved, she at least wanted to offer him the kindness he had given her. Which was probably why Lenore felt comfortable around him, letting him roam around in her home and letting him even enter her private space. She didn't think he would try anything because she knew he was too nice for that.

"Embrace it," Lenore murmured. "People won't change, even if you don't like it. You'll always have your integrity, so don't let a little popularity bother you." She finished smearing peanut butter on the bread and slapped on the other matching slice. They fit hand in hand, which made Lenore smile a little. She cut the sandwiches in half before crossing the kitchen, to the other counter, sliding them over the bar. She slid over the hot mugs as well, tapping the counter.

Rosco meowed and hopped down from his place on the couch and up onto the counter, sitting there as if waiting for Nicholas to come.
"It's a good thing. Your personality. So don't think it is a curse for attracting so many unwanted people," she consoled. Lenore then attempted to sip her cocoa again, finding it pleasingly warm.
"It's funny at how ironic that is. Is that what you're writing your book on?" Lenore leaned on the counter, plucking a slice and biting the sandwich mindlessly.