There's a great many skills that would have served the True Knot. The telepathy, the hypnotism, a mind like a steel ball, more strength and speed than someone so small should have, to be able tear any living thing apart by the very cells that compose it with a mere angry thought? One of the only two people entirely immune to the corrupting presence of a God none of them understood? What about that couldn't be useful? It could have been useful in the here and the now.

But neither of them are their full selves, are they?

Nigredo doesn't question her hiding the body, confident as if she'd done it a thousand times. It's... respectable in a way. 'Soothing' perhaps wasn't the right word, but there's something to be said about not having to hide behind a façade what violence they're both capable of. She did have her thumb holding open a wound, after all. It makes him genuinely wonder what she's had to do to survive, who she really is. Would she judge him if he said anything? If he asked? Nigredo certainly wasn't judging her.

Everyone has a story. Not every chapter of it is pleasant to read.

"--sure, mom," the word is still awkward. It's for appearance's sake. Nigredo doesn't trust this stranger as she make idle chit-chat about the best kind of products and techniques for stains, and he's used that 'M' word just enough to hold those appearances. He does as asked, dodging into the kitchen to snag the bucket, some gloves, sponges, and various cleaning products. Hot water in the bucket, he brings it back, holding gloves out to Rose.

All the while that friendly neighbor still just going on-- if nothing else that's what actually scares Nigredo. The life-but-not, animatronic, going through the motions...

Said woman beams. "What a helpful young man you have, neighbor! We'll be done in no time!"

It sends a shiver down Nigredo's spine.