hatesthefood | (no subject)

I'm beginning to lose track of time here. That's a dangerous thing. Maybe it's because I can't keep myself as grounded now. I feel restless all the time. Even when I was in prison, I never felt like this. This trapped. There was reason for that, but there isn't for this. Being with Aya in England helped me to balance things. Being with Mamoru here did the same thing, even if things were strained sometimes. It still kept me from slipping like I had before.

The nightmares stopped for a while, thankfully, but now, I have them every other night or so, and I'm starting to worry that they'll end up affecting me. I still can't remember how I died, but in my dreams... so much pain... and flesh being torn away, but when I wake up reaching for them, there's no one to kill.

I'm afraid of the madness. What if it happens again? There's no one here to stop me again... -door chime ringing, then a click-

Ken waved to the customer leaving the store, calling out a parting farewell before he glances around the store again. While it was quiet thanks to him telling Umi to take a few days off, he almost missed the cheery chatter she provided. While he wasn't exactly alone, thanks to the attentive dog almost always at his side these days, he always seemed to hold himself seperate from others. Still, he always had a smile for those he spoke to or passed by, and only those that truly knew him well know those smiles were a little hollow.

Seeing no one else in the store, he padded back towards the scarred up table in the workroom he used to do arrangements, eager to find something to do to keep his hands busy.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

.. sure, if that's all you plan to do. No working.

I'll serve the plates and that's it. How does it sound? You could use the company!

I do have Bandit here with me.

...Riiiiight. How could I forget her. I'm sure she must be great at chatting.

[She's far more comfortable about her secret now she managed to share it with Fuu.]

She's a fantastic listener.

This is when I admit I don't know what that is. A supportive pet, I mean. This dumb ball of fluff we keep in the apartment just likes to chew on clothing.

Aya's cat used to like chewing on my boots. I think Bandit's like she is because Omi raised her.

Then that explains why Aska's lamb is so spoiled.

How have you been these days? [Sister senses tingling?]

She seems... nice, but a little... yeah.

I'm alright. Not as busy right now with SA, thankfully. You?

Who, the lamb or the Princess?

That's good to hear! [Senses tingling STILL.] Ehh, getting better, I guess: the arm feels stronger now.

The princess.

Good. Just give it time to fully recover before you start messing around with anything.

Right. But hey... I'm not made of glass, big brother. It's not like this place gives us long breaks, right?

I know, but even a diamond can be broken. Just be careful.

...You too. Actually, here's a deal: I'll be as careful as you are and the other way round. How's that?

Sneaky.

I just worry, silly. Don't tell me you don't relate to that.

Yeah, yeah.

Whatever. I hope you enjoy spicy things because there's one of those coming your way!

Sounds good. If I'm not out front, I'll be in the workroom or the greenhouse.

I know where to find you.

[ooc: Aaaaand IDK. This could be action if you like.]

Of course.

[ooc: Up to you!]

[It takes Umi only a brief while to get there: she knows the way by heart after all. And it doesn't really worry her anymore, the need to keep the secret.

The Water Knight understands she did the right thing and has no regrets, just like she told Fuu. She won't be nervous or skittery about it. Not enough to give herself away in front of Ken, now that she's determined to be okay with it.

Entering the shop, she does as she was told and heads straight for the greenhouse, a basket in hand.]

...Lunch's here. Special delivery!

And it smells damn good, too.

It better taste as much! ...Hey there, beautiful.

[And that, of course, is all for Bandit. Umi just beams down at her, making a note to pet her later on, after lunch. She moves toward the nearest table and sets down the rather large basket she's carrying with a little "Ooof" from the effort.]

Aw, and fair warning: your taste buds better be as strong as the rest of you. These Chizetian things are SPICY.