Unlike with other people, Ash nodded to the woman in acknowledgement to her. The woman looked up, nodding back before returning to her work. She wore black pants and a yellow halter top, revealing the life sized tattoo of folded wings there. She had long black hair, and a golden yellow bang. Ash picked Laura up now, setting her on the dryer in front of him.
"Are you okay?" He asked gently.
Laura peered at the woman, through the hair that had fallen in her face. She had been distracted, squeaking a little in surprise when he picked her up. Though she made no effort to try and escape his hold.
"I- yes, sir…" Laura told him softly, tipping her head down a little.
Ash reached up, gently cupping Laura's cheek.
"That's the woman who isn't this place," he explained in a quiet voice. "And she won't talk to you until you're ready, just like I said before." He brushed the hair back out of Laura's face.
Laura looked at him, pulling her knees up to her chest. She nodded softly, taking in a deep breath.
"A-alright, sir…" She mumbled softly, leaning into his hand a little. "Do… do we want to finish the laundry?"
Ash nodded. He left his hand on Laura's cheek, opening the washer and dryer doors. He started pulling the wet clothes out.
"Can I help..?" Laura asked softly, watching him as he did so.
"Or… would I be in the way?" She mumbled a little, still leaning into his hand. It felt nice to be touched by him so gently. Comforting even.
"Hm… Why don't I get the clothes out, and you can put them in?" He offered. He held out a couple wet shirts for Laura, smiling gently. He rubbed her cheek with his thumb, glad to see it was helping.
"Alright, sir." Laura hummed softly, taking the clothes when given to her. Carefully she dropped them into the dryer, nuzzling into his hand when she didn't have anything else in her hands.
Ash smiled as Laura helped him, having her a pair of pants now.
"Thank you for the help," he said. He brushed a few strands out her eyes again, chuckling gently.
"How about again lunch I get you a head band to help with your hair?"
Laura carefully put it in the dryer, looking over to him when he started talking to her. She gave a soft smile at his thanks.
"I'm happy to." She chirped a bit, tipping her head back a little.
"Oh- um… you don't have to, sir." She insisted, hair falling back when she tipped back.
"It would help," Ash noted. He smiled gently, handing over the last of Laura's hair.
"And, there are plenty of them in this place we could use, so we wouldn't have to go out. Unless you want to eat out, of course."
Laura shook her head a bit, putting the last of the laundry in the dryer.
"I'd rather stay here, if that's alright." She hummed, her voice still pretty soft. "And if you're sure, that… that would be nice."
"Okay." Ash closed the dryer, starting it up. He picked Laura up from it, setting her down.
"And I'm sure." He offered his hand to her.
Laura gave a soft look, taking his hand. She had a little smile up as she held onto his hand.
"Are we going to make lunch, now? Or something else, first?" She asked softly, her eyes gazing up at his face.
"Lunch," Ash replied. He led Laura out of the room, keeping close. He glanced at the people there, then to Laura.
"Just let me know if your want me to carry you, okay?"
“Yes, sir.” Laura whispered, keeping close to him. She was still clearly nervous to be around other people, but didn’t seem as badly bothered by it.
As they entered the kitchen, Laura looked up to see a somewhat busy kitchen. She sucked in a deep breath, trying not to think much about it.
Ash looked around, still holding Laura's hand.
"I'll make something quick so we aren't in here too long, okay?" He moved to the side, finding them a free counter.
Laura nodded softly, keeping close to him. She had a hold on his hand, following him along when he started walked. She was trying not to let the rising panic in her chest get to her, and was doing a pretty good job at that. At least- she didn’t look too anxious.
“What are you gonna make?” Laura asked softly.
"Well, how does a sandwich sound?" Ash knelt down a bit, offering his arms to Laura.
"We can do most any kind of meat, or peanut butter."
When offered his arms, she immediately went in for his embrace.
"Sandwiches are fine… I don't really care which." Laura mumbled, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Ash picked Laura up, holding her close.
"Okay sweetie." Ash gently rubbed Laura's back, setting about making them some ham sandwiches. He held Laura to himself, gently humming.
Laura buried her face in his shoulder, keeping close.
"Thank you again, sir." She mumbled softly, resting her chin on his shoulder.
"You're welcome," Ash said gently. He finished the sandwiches up, putting them on their two plates.
"Would you like something to drink?" He asked.
"Yes sir…" Laura mumbled, realizing she was probably making things difficult. Even if he wouldn't admit it.
"Am- am I a bother to hold?" She asked weakly.
Ash shook his head.
"Not at all, I promise. I want to, Laura. Don't worry, I promise it's okay." He reached up, patting Laura's head lightly.
"How does chocolate milk sound?"
Laura picked her head up, looking at him meekly.
"Alright, sir." She hummed giving him a little smile. "And chocolate milk sounds good."
Ash nodded, moving over to get some. It wasn't exactly a small glass either.
"Here," he said gently. "You carry this, I get the plates?" He offered, making no move to set Laura down.
Laura's eyes seemed to grow at the sight of the glass, nervously reaching to take it from him.
"You sure I won't spill it?" She asked softly, holding it tightly with both hands.
"I'm sure. I trust you with this." Ash picked up the two plates, heading out of the kitchen with the food and Laura so they could have some privacy.
He brought them to the hall with their rooms.
"You're room or mine?" He asked gently.
"Ummm… whatever you'd prefer, sir." Laura whispered, both hands tightening on the glass as he started walking. She seemed to be a little nervous carrying the glass, but she'd be fine.
"I don't really mind either room…"