( nodding quickly, pressing her lips tightly shut as she hunches over herself just like before. she keeps her eyes down, but every now and then, she takes a peek to see if he’s still enjoying it. )
⠀
⠀⠀silence would be an unreasonable expectation. just don't make ambiguous noises.
( with that settled he manages to focus on eating once more — perhaps it was cruel but seeing the girl shake and tremble was exciting. )
⠀
⠀
⠀⠀believe me when i say i usually have no trouble doing so — i was just wondering why you were making so much noise.
( he says over nothing more than a sigh. )
⠀
⠀
⠀⠀..
( and yet the reaction or outburst expected never comes. instead he continues to eat his fruit, piece by piece and seemingly getting on just fine with it. )
⠀
⠀
⠀⠀( he helps himself to one of the portions, sure to root beneath the top layer as if to test how attentive she had been — and just like that he pops it into mouth, silent chewing. )
⠀
rright. okay.
( that comment doesn’t really tell her much, but she’ll take it over being threatened or hurt.
anyway. here comes the scary part. scooting herself closer to the table to feel safer, hands fidgeting in her lap and leg shaking. she’s watching intently. )
⠀
⠀⠀it was on par with what i expected from you.
( a rather .. ambiguous comment. he never was one for praise and he only degraded when necessary — the real test is how he goes for the fruit, being unbelievably fussy when it came to 'healthy'. )
⠀
( she does obey, scooting the chair back where it was as she watches him drink. heart racing. she stares after he sets the glass down, waiting for a reaction. one never comes. )
it. was okay?
⠀
⠀⠀tuck yourself in. don't be a stranger.
( the command comes out quick and he proceeds with confidence, certain that she'd obey mindlessly. ichiji takes a sip of his drink, setting it back down with seemingly no complaints. just silence. )
⠀
⠀
⠀⠀not yet.
( he reaches for his glass, raising it to his lips and holding still — like thick tension )
.. but if something is wrong then i know you're within my reach.
⠀
( cautiously sitting down.. suddenly looking nervous. taking a quick glance up at him before reverting her gaze to her hands set on the table. )
is something wrong..? *🌀
⠀
⠀⠀hm. take a seat.
( he gestures to the chair opposite him, arms staying folded for now. he never was the most expressive person — especially in terms of praise. )
⠀
!
um! what can i do for you, sir!? should i bring you something to eat? sweet or savory? or get you a drink? alcoholic or not? what flavors would you like? *💧
( working hard to cook up the next large meal, humming along to a song in her head as she finishes up and plates everything.
rolling out her cart to the main dining room, to that large table that always makes her nervous. what will they say today? will they like her dish? )
+