accidental video/open action

[hatesthefood]

The Koneko might be closed, but there's lights on in the workroom of the shop. Just off screen, a low voice hums off key, soft scraping noises and the low whine of a dog marring the offset tune. Off to the side of the table lay several colorful flowers; purple hyacinth and amaranth, plus a single red carnation tossed on top of the pile along with some assorted greenery. Every now and again, a hand moved into sight and deftly snatches up a stem here and there, shifting through the stems to find the right one.

Comments

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

... I'm not sure I can be the one to give her that help anymore.

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

Maybe you can help each other. [That's the ideal formula for a successful relationship, right? At least Umi thinks it should be.]

...You love her, don't you. I mean-- I never saw you as happy as you looked when you two were doing good together.

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

... I don't love anyone, Umi.

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

Ken... I know you don't mean that.

[She's felt herself loved and cared for by him. She's seen how he'll always stand by Aya. That's something she just can't believe.]

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

[...This is when she wishes, not for the first time, that she had Aya's knack for saying just what those she cares about need to hear.

As things stand she doesn't know what to say. She just hopes her being there proves it doesn't matter if he wants to believe that right now. She'll still believe in him and how he loves her. They're family.]

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

[Umi strokes her absently, smiling sadly down at her. See, Ken... so many care about you so much. Bandit's concerned about you too.]

Just say the word if you want me to fetch any more flowers or anything...

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

[All he does is shake his head minutely, his hands still busily working on the arrangement.]

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

...That's fine.

[Meaning everything: that he doesn't want any more materials and that he doesn't feel inclined to talking.

Umi pets Bandit, taking her paws in her hands gently. She quietly remembers when Omi brought the dog home the first time. BOY, how she misses living next door to them.]

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

... Aya hasn't said a lot to me, either. I'm not sure what to make of that.

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

...Aya isn't as fretful or annoying as I get sometimes, over those I care about.

[Certainly so. The redhead just has a way to be there while being subtle and unobtrusive, which is something Umi wishes she could manage. She lets Bandit hog her lap, looking at Ken with affection.

Don't look worried, Aya said. Well, she's going to try this. Care, but don't worry.]

He's just giving you time, I bet.

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

Yeah. Sure.



Time is just what I need.

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

...I'm sorry I can't be more like him for you, Ken. [In a way that's silly to say. This is her nature. Umi just shows she cares in a different way and that doesn't usually suit Ken the most.]

But that I'm like this still means I trust you to handle things in your own time. I promise you that.

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

It's okay. You know, I think I'll be alright on my own now. Thanks, Umi.

[He's still smiling, even if it's not exactly an honest one.]

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

[...She has way too much practice with those smiles, Ken. She appreciates the gesture, but... not you too. Way too many of the most important people in her life smile when they're hurting.

Still, give him time Aya said. So that's what she'll do. Ken is strong. And he's not alone: he'll always have her and Aya with him. So she'll prove she trusts him to deal by just letting him, now.]

...If you ever want to talk about anything, or just hang out... you know that already.

[bladed-siberian.livejournal.com]

I know where to find you.

[soulofocean.livejournal.com]

[Umi nods, getting up carefully so Bandit slips gently out of her lap. She pets her one last time before she heads for the door, just pausing once to smile back at Ken.]

See you tomorrow or something, big guy.

[Holding her breath, she walks out of the shop's workroom. It takes less effort than she thought it would.]