(no subject)

[a_kindred_cub]

She knew 4 am was probably too early to really cook, but Ashley had taken over the kitchen anyway, after waking from a nightmare she didn't want to talk to Eliot about she had started cooking.

at 5 am, she had a traditional Japanese breakfast made, the table set for one, and was working on making lunch for everyone Eliot worked with, each lunch special tailored to the individual it was for.  Complete with deserts, Chocolate mochi for Parker, Orange for Hardison, Sophie's was green tea.  

Cutting some veggies her hand slipped, the knife cutting her thumb.  There was a string of Japanese curses as she went to grab a dish cloth to use to stop the bleeding for now.  Sinking to the floor she waited, she'd have to start Eliot's over since she had gotten blood in it.  

Comments

[retrieverchef]

Eliot woke to his ward's loud cursing. He rolled out of bed and ran toward her voice. "Reiko? What's wrong?"

It couldn't be too serious or she'd have been calling for him. He still worried. It was his job to keep her safe.

[a_kindred_cub]

She heard him and bit her lip. "Go... gomen, I didn't mean to wake you." She stood hiding her cut hand behind her a little.

"I wasn't... It was stupid, I'll make more rice and re do the bento I was making, I'm sorry." She didn't look up from the floor. She held up her cut hand. "It's not bad, but I should have been more careful. I had to take one of my pills, thought I'd be fine until it kicked in."

[retrieverchef]

"Hey," he said quietly, his hand catching her shoulder gently. "It's fine."

He took her hand, examining the damage. "This just needs a couple butterfly bandages an' ya'll be fine. If ya wanna redo your cookin', ya can. But ya don't have to,Reiko. Come on."

[a_kindred_cub]

She gave a small nod reaching up with her undamaged hand. "I'm trying to get back into routine after..." She bit her lip again. "Eliot, I know I shouldn't, but can you call me in sick at school today and can I hang out with you and the others? I don't want to deal with the other kids yet."

[retrieverchef]

"It'll happen." He smiled down at her. "Yeah, sure. Sophie'll get your homework."

He sighed. "Don't push things. Ya'll get a routine goin' again. Might not be quite the same but that's okay."

[a_kindred_cub]

"Sophie's better to ask than Nate or Hardison.... Last time Hardison was asked... he forgot one teacher is technophobic. And Nate insists helping me with it." She knew they meant well, but it was still annoying.

"Thought you liked how it was before." She gave him a puzzled look. Sorry Eliot, you're dealing with a little girl who's never been treated as one.

[retrieverchef]

Eliot had to laugh at her assessment. "That's why I asked 'er."

He hugged her gently. "Reiko, just 'cause I liked how things were don't mean that don't ever need ta change. We'll figure out somethin' that works now that we'lll both like."

[a_kindred_cub]

There was an ever so slight tensing of her shoulders at the hug before she relaxed. Eliot was one of the few that could get away with hugging her.

"Eliot... you think you can play your guitar for a bit? I like hearing you sing it's calming."

[retrieverchef]

He nodded, picking her up carefully. "Course I can, Reiko-chan."

He carried her into the den and set her on the couch. "Ya need a blanket?"

[a_kindred_cub]

She let him even though she knew she could walk it was her hand that had gotten hurt.

At his question she gave a small shake of her head. "The fleece one Parker got me is still on the back of the couch."

[retrieverchef]

He nodded and took his guitar from the stand. "What do ya want me ta play?"

[a_kindred_cub]

"The pretty stuff you play when you think I'm asleep." She smiled. "Slower songs, we don't need the louder ones, too late at night."

[retrieverchef]

He smiled and started strumming a few chords.

"Living with me, it ain't easy.
Hell, I do it everyday.
Sometimes, even I
I want to run away..."

[a_kindred_cub]

Rei snuggled under her blanket near him. She hummed along knowing the words, but not wanting to sing. Her head rested against his arm, it was clear she was fading, the medication she took kicking in. Though she was determined to try to try to stay awake long enough to hear the songs he picked.

[retrieverchef]

He smiled as he saw her fighting to stay awake. "Go ahead an' sleep. Ya know I can play 'em again later."

[a_kindred_cub]

"But I asked you to play." She pouted a little at getting caught, but snuggled in closer.

"Domo arigatou." She mumbled a little. This time she was using Japanese because it was just easier for her, not to mention to her it sounded a lot better than just saying Thank You.

[retrieverchef]

"And I'm playin'," he pointed out. "But ya do need ta sleep if ya can."

He smiled at the mumbled Japanese. "You're welcome, Reiko-chan."

[a_kindred_cub]

She nodded slightly giving a small smile as she tucked her legs up on the couch. "You'll be here if I have another nightmare right?" It was as close to admitting she was still scared. At least he hadn't said anything when she started sleeping with a lamp on lately.

[retrieverchef]

"Of course," he said as he strummed the opening chords to another song.

[a_kindred_cub]

She didn't even make it through the second song, the medication she took helping to pull her under, her head was against his arm, still out of the way as he played, but her breathing was slowing, as much as she hated taking them, they worked fast to at least put her under.