Work Text:
“Book club would be more interesting with a clwon around,” Brightney remarked.
Looey perked his head up from the box he was packing. “Really?”
“Mhm.”
The two had agreed on Looey helping clean up after book club. After all, he had gotten help from Brightney so many times, why shouldn’t he return the favor?
In the current moment he had been sorting through previously read books to put them away. Brightney gave him gloves so he wouldn’t pop upon contact with the cardboard.
“What makes you say that?” Looey chuckled.
They had a few good conversations about the books Looey found, namely ones titled Watership Down and Flowers For Algernon. Brightney was more than happy to talk about the books and Looey was more than happy to listen.
“They’d probably appreciate the positive presence of a clown!” Brightney explained.
“Hm. S’pose so!”
Their talks were short and sweet, nothing more. It was at least sort of enjoyable, for Looey. But he couldn’t tell what Brightney might think of it. Did she like the smaller chats? Did she yearn for something better? It worried him.
“Would you appreciate the presence of a clown?” Looey questioned, perhaps half-jokingly, but even he himself was not sure. He did not know what he felt.
“I think I would!” Brightney giggled. But it was clear she was serious. “Perhaps you could show me what to appreciate?”
She held forth a box of deflated balloons.
Looey was.. shocked? Gleeful? He still didn’t know. What was all this?
He was still quick to pluck specific balloons, though. Red and green. He knew why he wanted these colors.
He turned away, balloons in hand, and began his craft. He was quick with his handiwork; he was skilled in things such as this! He always made balloons animals for the kids visiting Gardenview. It was among his very favorite things! Although, they weren’t always animals; sometimes he made flowers or more abstract things.
Speaking of flowers - Looey looked over his creation a couple times to be sure it was perfect. It was a simple rose. He knew a real one would pop him instantly..
“Aaand voila!” Looey exclaimed, handing the balloon rose to Brightney. She gently took hold of it, cautious as to not pop it.
“Wow, Looey! This really is great! The others in the book club would love this!”
Did she mean that?
“Ah, it’s a nice thought, but I’ve got Yatta and Blot to deal with!! Heheh…”
That whole statement was impulsive. What else was he to say? He’d been invited to Brightney’s Book Club!!
“Aw, that’s a shame. But you’re always welcome, Looey.”
As he was leaving, his heart was aflutter. Damn it.