chippedsoul | The Journal (Inbox

Huh? [He has to think for a moment.]

Ah—yeah. Was just wondering if there was anything else we needed to do. Think I cleared out everything I could, anyway.

...Right. Something to temporarily cover the opening. [He'll wander off to go get something for that. It's just a large piece of fabric and some rope, but it's something.]

Help me get this up.

Sure.

[He'll take one end and the rope and help tie it up. He'll even use some of the smaller pieces of rubble to keep it in place, pushing it against the fabric edges.]

[While he puts on the weights, Kazuma can focus on tightening up the ropes until the opening is at least covered from the weather.]

That should do it. [...] I'll go get my things, and then I can send this report.

I'll wait by the front then, unless there's something else I can do.

[He shakes his head.] You've done plenty already. Thanks.

[Off he goes to gather his things, even if Shizuo insist he can do more. He'll be packing light, some clothes, his journal, just the bare essentials. He's used to having much less. He'll come down to locate Shizuo a few minutes later, bag in one hand, an envelope in the other. ]

[Now that he's just standing without much to do other than grab his coat, he starts to feel a dull ache near the base of his ribcage and unconsciously places a hand over it, frowning a little. It's not bad, but it is a reminder that he might have overdone it a little back there.

Seeing Kazuma approach, he removes his hand and looks at the envelope in curiosity.]

Letter for the repairs?

Yes. [He didn't seem to have notice what Shizuo was doing. Once they were outside, he'll lock the door...although it's probably pointless with that gaping hole.]

Just a quick stop. It shouldn't take long.

[He'll fix it later........................]

S'fine with me. Should probably pick up a few things in town, anyway.

[He nods, stifling a yawn. No trouble came up when he reports the damage, other than haggling for a lower price.]

That's a scam. [He says with such confidence, even to go so far as to show his the calculations he's made when the employer tries to argue back. Eventually they end up giving in, he can make payment and then check on Shizuo.]

[Most of the "things" he's picking up are some usual daily life necessities. More toothpaste, shampoo, soap, things like that. But since Kazuma is staying over, he's also going to pick up some more food. He needed to stock up a bit, anyway, but if there's going to be two people in the house, better to have more.

Not that...he really cooks much, but having extra bread, eggs, cheese, milk, etc. is always good to have.

So by the time Kazuma is done, Shizuo will have finished wrapping up his own errands and will be carrying a few bags.]

How'd it go?

Fine. [He couldn't help, but notice how many bags Shizuo was carrying. That seems more than just basic necessities.]

...I can help with cooking.

You can cook?

[THIS IS A NEW REVELATION TO HIM...]

I had to learn. [Barok ain't here to order people around for his meals.] It's nothing special, just the basics to get by.

Makes sense... I usually end up breaking the pans or whatever if I get too rushed, so I can't really do much other than the basics, too.

Can make fried rice and curry—that's about it for anything "special."

...At least that sounds something like a dish. [He just, cook things until edible.]

But really, I can help with the more delicate process of cooking if you like. Or assist in anything. [He really doesn't understand the concept that staying at a friend's home, doesn't mean he needs to return the favor in some way.]

I don't wanna make you do anything since you're a guest... But it would probably help.

You're not making me do anything, I want to do something. I get restless when I'm not doing something productive.

Then I appreciate the help. And if you need anything or whatever, just let me know. Ah, I didn't really know if the spare sheets in the house are that good, so I went ahead and bought some new ones. Everything else should be fine.

[Oh.] You didn't have to. [This man will sleep anywhere. In fact, he may just collapse on a couch the moment he has an opportunity to rest.] But... thanks. You're doing more than enough by giving me a place to stay.

[He looks Shizuo over for a moment.] If there's one thing I would like to do, I'd like to examine you when we're back.

[Just a dismissive wave of the hand.]

It's fine. But when you mean examine...you're still worried about my injuries? I told you it's fine.

The way you walk, you're putting more weight on your right side.

I am?

[He didn't even realize until Kazuma pointed it out.]

...It'll be fine if I just lie down or something.

Good idea. Then I can examine you. [He's not letting this go as he starts walking.]

....................You're really not going to let this go... All right, fine.

[BIG SIGH. What a mom.]

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