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

That's right. Really something, huh? They're both from Cephiro's neighbor countries. I think you know the cute little one, but not the weirdo.

[Here is the curry, all hot and yummy-smelling. Umi prepares two neat portions and sits down after laying out the spoons. It's wonderful to think Ken can now enjoy this. It makes her decision feel all the more right.]

Ready, now! Let's see what you think.

... the weirdo? The one with the long hair, right?

Red and long and wavy. That's her! She's... uh. Well, you have to meet her to see.

[Umi herself -- sick of mutton curry as she is because WHO ON EARTH would want more sheep in their lives after that hellish week -- digs in rather happily, inspired by seeing Ken enjoy the food so much.

Then she gazes down at Bandit and frowns in thought.]

I don't know a thing about dogs. Could she have some and be alright?

Edited 2010-05-20 19:29 (UTC)

She sounds kinda... scary.

[Every few words is muttered between bites, as eager as he is. He hadn't realized he was this hungry!]

.... I doubt it'd be a good idea, but I have treats for her in the back. She can have some when we're done.

That sounds safer. Besides it looks like there won't be a lot left: geez, talk about sucessful cooking! I think I envy Tatra a little.

[She says this with true happiness. It's the first time Umi's seen Ken enjoy a meal this much! As far as feeling like her trade was justified goes, this just about made her day.]

I'll have to bring more of her cooking over if she continues to be on kitchen duty.

[Ken manages a tiny, sheepish smile as he finishes off his helping. Hearing her tease him brought back memories of Omi doing the same thing back in the day.]

I'll be more than happy to help consume whatever she fixes if it's anything like this.

[Come this point little sister here knows Ken as much as to guess at these moods. Maybe not at the reason, of course. But she certainly doesn't want to stir melancholies when her friend was just feeling so at ease.]

...Good timing. This is when I twist that and turn it into a perfect excuse to invite you over for dinner.

[Ken chuckles and leans forward a bit, patting Bandit's head idly.]

I'd be happy to, but most evenings are taken up with training or Police stuff.

Most, but not all. Right? So we'll use those free ones.

[Umi doesn't finish her plate, but sets it aside for a drink of tea. Truth be told so many days straight of mutton curry have her a bit jaded about the stuff.]

They better not be overworking you or they'll hear from me. It goes both ways, you know? Syaoran and I aren't the only ones who need rest.

You've got first dibs on my free evenings.

[Smiling, he leans back to peer lazily at her.]

We lost someone recently, but thankfully, SA hasn't been too busy. Granted, that can change pretty quickly, but for now, not so bad. Being in charge of it makes a ton of paperwork for me and all, but I can do a lot of it at home, so I promise I'm getting at least six hours sleep a night.

...You mean Mister Kurogane?

[It doesn't sound too much like a question, more like a safe bet. But Umi can't be sure. Really, crowds of people are leaving lately.]

He's Syaoran's good friend. I think Syaoran's feeling his absence more than anyone.

Ehh. Well YOU BETTER get sleep. Sleep's necessary! And not all the coffee in this stupid place can replace that.

...Don't forget I live next door: I'll NOTICE if you're up and about at weird hours.

[Ken sighs and glances down.]

I know. That's part of the reason I made him take a few days off. I know he's still not resting, though.

He's not--- What makes you think that?

[Now there's concern in her voice. If Ken's her older brother figure, Syaoran is definitely the little one she feels responsible for, after a fashion. Nevermind the boy's actually a couple of years older than she is.]

Syaoran's the type to go out of his way to help others, but...

He just seems so worn out.

...Must be because of the people who just left. I bet it is.

And I can understand that. Far as I know? Mister Fai and Mister Kurogane are like family to him. Same goes for their Mokona...

[Ken grunts softly and pushes away from the makeshift dinnertable, already moving to help clear things away.]

It's never easy to lose family, but I don't want him to do what I would end up doing. Keeping busy is one thing, but working yourself sick isn't gonna work.

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