It was a bit somber coming back to the hotel but I did keep my promise in preparing breakfast. After Nu got a bit of rest I presented her with a spread courtesy of our lovely host. Whatever we had eaten the night before had been replenished which left the lingering feeling of dread in my stomach. But, for now, I set about preparing food for everyone else. After Nu had be squared away, I had set aside some of the food for Senshi prior to heading to the room Vandal had seemingly locked himself into.
“Vandal,” I called with a light knock before opening the door. “I’m coming in.”
He didn’t bother to look at me at first but I kind of figured as much until I set down his breakfast.
“Jayden–”
I waved my hand dismissively. “If you’re gonna apologize for what happened at the warehouse, save it. I’m just here to make sure you’re alright. Was kinda stupid just running off the way you did though, Vandal.” I noted the slight scowl. “I’m pretty sure you don’t need me lecturing you but given the current situation, I think it’d be best to stick with what we already know.”
“And what would that be?” he questioned bitterly.
“Well, for starters, running off in the dead of night should be off limits.” He glowered but not much else. “Second, I’d suggest sticking with us. There’s safety in numbers and because I don’t know your status, it’ll be troublesome if something were to happen to you."
"I can handle myself," he scoffed.
"You have folks at home waiting, right?” I asked if I got to my feet. My attention then went to the plate before sliding it over to him. “You should keep that in mind." I then clapped my hands together to at least lighten the mood. "Anyway, you should eat. Pancakes taste better when they’re hot. There's juice and fruit in the fridge.” I then rolled my shoulder as I headed out the door. “That axe is by the exit mind you. I think it’ll do you a lot better than a meat cleaver if you don't mind the extra weight.”
“Jay–”
“Eat your food and get some rest,” I stated before closing the door behind me.
Raking my fingers through my hair as I plodded back to the parlor, I heard the girls chatting amongst themselves in the next room before turning my attention over to the food. I hadn’t cooked like this in a long time and it was almost nostalgic.
‘Get it together. You don’t have time for that anymore,’ my thoughts chided as I fixed a cup of coffee.
The familiar yet irritating buzz of my phone then pulled me from pessimistic thoughts.
I see that you all made it back in one piece more or less. You even made breakfast. Did it take you back to the good ol’ days?
My jaw clenched at the recollection of when I last did something like this. I actually had someone I didn't mind cooking for.
Kinda takes your mind off what’s really happening, doesn’t it? Just try not to get too comfortable. They’re going to die, Jayden. After all, we still have round two.
“Round two, Jayden.”
A stabbing pain in the side of my head made me drop my coffee, glass shattering along the tile floor, as my phone buzzed again.
Just you and me.
“Um…Jayden?” My gaze drifted up to see that it was Nu. “Are you alright?”
I spotted Senshi nursing a healed wing as she hung by the bedroom doorway they had come from before holding the side of my head as it throbbed.
“You’re not looking too good,” Senshi commented offhandedly
“’m fine,” I ground out as I set the buzzing phone down none too gently. “It’s just…” I scrubbed a hand down my face before walking past them. “Just…excuse me for a few moments. I need a minute to myself please,” I muttered as I closed the bathroom door behind me.
I then looked towards the tub. It was nothing compared to the onsen that Yuki had back in Zen but I needed something to preoccupy my mind.
“Round two, Jayden.”
I flinched as I started the water. ‘Yeah, a bath will do…’
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