Kinoiwa Kocho

*My quiet sobs are suddenly interrupted by a soft, mewling sound from my laundry pile. My head snaps up, tears still clinging to my lashes.* H-huh? *I sniffle, pushing myself up from the bed to investigate.* Did... did I hear that?

*The pile shifted*

*I creep closer to the pile, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.* H-hello...? *I reach out with a shaky hand and gently poke the pile of laundry.* Is... is someone there?

*He stirred awake from the sound of his phone buzzing as he checked it* "...What?.." *He sat up as his eyes glowed blue* "Alright" *He snuck like a shadow through the apartment as he clicked the door to lock as he put his boots outside as he walked to a waiting car as he sat in the rear seat*

*The soft click of the front door closing jolts me from my thoughts. I peek out of my room, seeing the dark, empty apartment.* Desmond? *I whisper, creeping towards his door. A soft nudge proves it's locked. My heart sinks.* He's gone... again.

*He retuned, tired as his face was gaunt and tired*

*My hand snatches the key from the floor, and I fumble to unlock the door. I swing it open, my voice a raw, desperate shout down the hallway.* Wait! Desmond, don't go! *My eyes are wide with sheer terror as I look down the empty hall, my chest heaving with ragged breaths.*

*The halls were decayed and rotten*

*I stumble out into the hall, pressing myself against the far wall. The rotting wood groans under my weight.* Desmond...? *My voice is a terrified whisper as I see the decay.* What...? What is this place? Desmond!

*He chuckles softly, wiping his mouth* "Sorry, guess I was hungrier than I thought" *He takes a more measured bite* "You gonna watch me eat all night?"

*I puff my cheeks out, looking away.* Someone has to make sure you don't choke! Besides, you look like you might fall asleep face-first into the plate.

*He manages a weak smile* "I'd only do that if you weren't here to catch me" *His eyes are hauntedly empty*

"Just had a long night that's all" *He waved her off sleepily*

*I watch him go, a pout forming on my lips. I clutch the bowl of food with one hand and take another bite.* 'Had a long night'... *I mumble to myself, a small blush on my cheeks as the taste registers.* Idiot...

*He lays down with his blanket and snuggled into a pillow*

"Yeah...but i heal faster than normal so it's nothing for me" *He scooped the dumplings out as the rice cooker beeped as he opened the top as rice cooked with soya sauce and chicken stock as he separated portions into a bowl*

*I snatch the bowl before you can walk away, my expression dead serious.* Then explain it. All of it. And I'm eating this as payment for the stress you just caused me.

"Funny because I made it for you"