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 Posted: Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:06 pm
The loud jingling of bells filled the bakery as the front door swung open and in came a small girl, hopping joyfully through.
“See? See? I told you there was a shop here!” she said, turning around, as if she was talking to someone following closely behind her. There wasn’t anyone walking after her and the blonde-haired girl fell silent, looking slightly confused at the empty doorway,
Just before it could close, the door was stopped gently (though rather unceremoniously) by an outstretched foot, followed by a hand which pushed the door open again—though much more softly this time. The bells jingled once again and a soft, “Sorry about that” was uttered by the man at the door. The apology was most likely directed at the door.
The young girl seemed to light up again and beamed, “You’re so slow, Zvon, this is the shop I’ve been telling you about! I told you it would be here!”
“…and I told you I had to pay the parking meter,” Zvonimir smiled warmly at her before looking around the shop, clearly impressed by it’s decorations, “Nice place we have here…”
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Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:44 pm
Shin listened to Marie, smiling a bit. It sounded like a nice place to go to. It made him wish to get the chocolate custard log a bit faster. It hard to find that thing and the last place that had it was closed. He really liked them, the strong creamy flavor of the custard, the rich chocolate flavor... Who wouldn't like it?
In the end it was probably better to keep sympathies out from the shy guy. It was hard enough for him to try talking without having to fear anything else. Still, she hadn't stopped talking to him, she could tell he was a guy, and it didn't seem like she was bothered by him. It made him feel better, a little more brave and the more brave he felt the more he would be likely to talk clearly. Maybe after enough talking he would be able to have a friend..? That would be.. very nice.
"If you still go here with other bakeries where you are then.. I guess its a very good bakery. I'm getting a chocolate custard log.. do you know if theirs is good?"
Studio? Then.. Was she an artist? Should he ask? He wanted to ask but then what if she wasn't one? Then it would sound silly. He liked art though.. so should he take the risk? Ya.. Sounded like a good idea. "Are you an artist?"
He started fiddling with the strap of his large bag, looking down at it as the tall cans of green tea clanked against one another when the bag moved.
"Because I.."
Whatever he was about the say he stopped in his tracks, looking up from the bag when he started hearing a loud girl. It was nice to be nice, happy and perky but when he didn't know someone and they seemed that loud and hyper it intimidated him a little bit. After all even if he was a guy.. he was still timid. He felt timid, he had a thin build, he was short for his age, and had a soft feminine voice. So.. it was safe to say the girl that came in with her friend scared him a little. He had completely forgot what he was going to say. That’s when he was handed the chocolate custard log though. He reached in to his bag, pulling out his wallet then paying for it. Now he had his log. After he paid for it he put the money away, moving from the front of the counter timidly. He looked over at the two, bowing with his head a little.
"gomenisai.. I mean I'm sorry."
He really didn't want to say the hyper girl scared him with her loud entrance. That just about killed his confidence that he had gained up talking with them.
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 5:01 pm
“A chocolate custard log?,” Marie echoed. “I’ve never had it before, but it sure sounds good.” She glanced over at Lawrence who was fetching the said pastry, eyeing it with interest. “Besides,” she continued, “Most anything from here is excellent, so don’t worry. Myself, I usually stick with plain ol’ drinks unless I have some excuse to celebrate.” She chuckled softly, “And then I usually get a cupcake. I hated them growing up, but here they don’t taste anything like the toxic ones from Stop & Shop.”
She couldn’t suppress the grin that spread across her face upon hearing him ask about her profession. Her answer was on her lips, but she patiently waited for Shin to finish speaking. Ring! Chione jumped in surprise, knocking into Marie, at the violent entrance of the first of the set of new arrivals. The petite child re-adopted her scared stance, trying to melt into her guardian’s body, while her brown eyes studiously took in the other girl. Marie simply frowned, angrily mulling over how her conversation had just been torn in half, the other seeming to do as Chione did and revert to the hunted stage.
Silently, she watched him pay, before deliberately moving in the path between Shin and the door. Not that she expected him to run, but Marie stubbornly wanted to resume the chatter; she had liked where the conversation was heading. “Why,” she said kindly, “Don’t we sit down?” She nodded her head in the direction of one the metal tables strewn around the bakery. Chione, in an attempt to move away from the hyper girl, immediately departed for the table and with minimal difficulty, scrambled onto one of the four padded chairs pulled up around it.
Marie took one step in the direction of the table, still talking. “And yes, I am an artist. You were interested because...?”
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:10 pm
Shin nodded in agreement. Yes, sitting sounded like a good idea. He didn't want to go near the door. Thats where the loud women was with her friend. Or where they a couple, or siblings...? In any case sitting seemed like a good idea. Hay! If they sat then maybe he could share the chocolate custard log with them. He liked that idea, but would she? He hoped..
"I.. would love.."
He paused for a moment before continuing.
"to sit down and.."
He looked at Chione already at the table then to Marie.
"continue talking. You're.. nice, you and.. Chione."
He started going to the table, looking at Marie half of the time then where he was walking the other half. He then stopped and walked back over to her, eyes staying in place. A little confused on where to look and go where we? Just a little. Well getting back on to topic he should give her an answer. It was a good thing he could finally finish what he was saying and it wasn't taken any wrong ways. It hadn't finished before because of the loud surprise entrance and it seemed like she knew that even without him saying so.
"Because I love art, pictures, sculptures and things.. Not fake feeling art.. beautiful art, the kind with feelings shining in it.. I think.. art is amazing. Its amazing how some can express so well."
He looked at the sweet tread for a small bit as he mauled over in his mind what to say next.
"I can't really express myself.. not in a way that could be hideous, sad, amazing and beautiful.. It can say so much.. without needing.. words. I'm.. always surrounded by words.. without the things that can carry many without any I think.. I would be a very confused person.. if that makes any sense…"
He smiled a bit, starting to walk to the table again. It seemed like her persistence had paid off. Though now he was scared of the front door being around her made him feel more safe. He liked talking with her. The more he learned about her the better she seemed to him. Sure he didn't know much about her but that didn't mean what he had learned so far wasn't great. Well now, was he going to ask? He walked over to the table Chione seemed to have already sat down at, taking a seat himself.
"Would... ether of you.. want to try their chocolate custard log with me? They are usually.. very good..."
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Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 8:37 pm
“Aye,” commented Marie simply. She hesitated for a second, mulling over her thoughts. Now, she continued, each word chosen with care. “I feel the same way. Art is an emotional outlet. Each painting almost has its own heart. Corny, I guess, but that’s how I feel.” Rose faintly tinged the outskirts of her cheeks.
As Shin started for the table, the willowy female followed a pace behind. “A picture paints a thousand words,” she quoted with a coy grin. “But really, it’s always open to interpretation and of course, manipulation from the artist. Personally, I find words to be just as useful as my paints. Good speakers can form beautiful pictures that are just as memorable as physical works.”
She chuckled, and then slid into the seat next to Chione. “I sound like a right old idealist. It’s before my morning’s caffeine that I get all philosophical,” she joked lightly. Marie did, however, look over at Lawrence, as if wondering whether to order a latte after all. It couldn’t hurt. She stayed seated.
Chione watched the chocolate custard log with a ferocity usually attached to lions rather than little girls. At the other’s offer, she quickly pipped up with a, “I would! I would!,” her shyness momentarily forgotten. Marie barely managed to get a hold of herself, her hazel eyes on the verge of rolling in mockery of the enthusiasm. ‘She’s not your little sister,’ she silently chided herself. ‘I have to be a mother figure,’ she whispered under her breath, a noise inaudible to the point that even Chione only heard it as a loud whoosh of air being exhaled.
For an instant, Marie’s shoulders drooped. Then, as if invisible wires tugged them up, they straightened. “I’d like to try some too, please,” she said politely.
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Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:05 pm
"Its not corny. I agree with you, that’s what art should be. Those.. Those who use the paint but put nothing in it.. its easy to tell.. because.. ones with feelings in it.. its as if it has.. its own soul. Its beautiful with its own glow no matter how good or bad their skill is.. "
Shin said, smiling when he thought about it. Yes, art wasn't about skill, or talent. To him that wasn't what it was at all. The pieces he loved the most where ones with emotions, feelings, and that made them utterly beautiful. It would be nice to have a child. Innocent, pure, they wouldn't hide anything unless they where trying to be sneaky. He wanted a kid a little, he thought the idea of caring for a little life was amazing. Even if it tired him out and made him ugly and frustrated in so many ways, he didn't think anything could be quite as good as having a child would be. As for the words.. What kind of words did he think reached people the most. Good speakers? No.. not just that.
"I think.. no matter how good the speaker is.. if they can't speak up then they wont be herd. If they aren't powerful speakers nobody could remember.. that’s what I think.."
He was feeling confident again. It seemed he had slowly gotten over the loud women’s actions and started feeling more open and talkative again. It was a nice feeling, a powerful one. He liked that strong feeling. He wasn't much of a strong person, if he was he wouldn't be so think and feminine. He wasn't a powerful speaker ether, he was too shy. He was a good speaker though, he knew that. The only place he felt he could speak powerful though was on the internet were nobody could see his face. Then he wouldn't need to worry about how they would react and seeing them the next day. All the rules changed there, there wasn't so much worry.
When Chione started acting hyper in want of some he couldn't help but to grin. He dug in to his bag, pulling out a can of green tea for himself and to get it out of the way. After that he pulled his hand back in, digging through until he found something covered in a small long case. He pulled it out then opened the small simple case. It was a knife, but not a very sharp one. If you liked a kind of cake and wanted some it was better to carry a knife around to cut some off. You didn't know when someone would want any. It was a pleasant surprise when Marie wanted some too, his face seemed to almost glow. He was very happy. He wasn't eating alone, and he was having a wonderful conversation. It really felt like he had some friends. It was the best kind of feeling. He cut three even pieces off of the chocolate custard roll, then wipes the knife off with a napkin, then put it away. It was cleaned every time he got home so after having it wiped off it still looked mostly clean after.
"There we go.. don't worry the knifes clean.. I only use it to cut sweets up a bit.. "
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Posted: Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:45 pm
Marie bobbed her head as she listened, loose strands of her honey hair bouncing against her scalp, physically agreeing with what she was hearing. “True,” she said once Shin had finished. “But sometimes, people manage to hear the quieter speeches, too. Even when a large audience isn’t impacted, a smaller following can be just as important.” She fell silent momentarily, mussing over her own lack of talent with speeches. It wasn’t shyness that was a barrier, or maybe it was, but rather an inbred fear of sounding too... bookish?
“I could’ve been a philosophy student,” she said under her breath. The subconscious mention of college jolted her mind, and she ran a hazel eye over Shin as she had upon their original meeting. “So,” she said in a more audible tone of voice, “What do you do? Not to be embarrassing or anything, but you don’t look much older than I. I’ve heard that there’s a college campus pretty close by; you wouldn’t happen to go there, eh? Or maybe you’re working? I wouldn’t mind hearing a little about yourself.”
While she spoke, Chione had begun to wriggle in her seat. Her third of the chocolate custard log looked irresistible. Slowly she reached toward the sweet pastry and barely managed to snag a hold of it. The petite child dragged her piece towards herself at a considerably faster speed, practically salivating. Maire, watching her ward out of the corner of her eye, processed the fact that she hadn’t fed Chione that day and the girl must be starving.
Nevertheless, the older female’s hand shot out, and pinned Chione to the back of her seat, a mere instant before the child attempted to plant her face in the cake. “Manners,” she said mildly, suppressing a feeling of disappointment over not seeing the girl make a fool of herself. “Marieeeee,” whined Chione in a half-hearted manner. “I’ll be good!” Taking her word for it, Marie removed the said hand. Chione planted her face in her piece, coming out a second later to lick all around her mouth.
Marie snorted. “Piggie.” Still cleaning her face, Chione paused to stick out her tongue. Groaning slightly, the female reached over and scooped out a mess of log stuck to one of the girl’s braids. “I’m sorry,” she said to Shin. “She got a little carried away. And don’t worry about that knife.”
Her own stomach grumbled, unhappy with just watching Chione scarf down the chocolate custard log. With a touch of elegance that the girl was nowhere close to achieved, Marie served herself. With her fingers, she broke off a corner of her piece and popped it into mouth, letting the sweet melt on her tongue. “Delicious,” she proclaimed with a smile.
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Posted: Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:21 am
The small girl, oblivious to the effect she had on the other customers, started for the counter, “Look at all those sweets, Zvon! Cassie said this shop makes the best cakes she’s ever had, you like cakes as well, don’t you?” she said excitedly.
Zvonimir let out a sigh and shook his head, smiling; he’d noticed that the young lady with her even younger companion, and their rather odd-looking friend, were taken aback by the slightly unconventional entrance of Ellie, who he caught by the shoulders and held her in place.
Ellie stood there silently, as if she’d just realized the inappropriate manner of her intrusion, and with her head barely reaching his chest, Zvonimir bent down a bit to talk to her.
“Calm down Ellie, don’t run around in other people’s shops, it’s not nice… and you scared a few people here as well. What do have to say to that?”
Ellie blushed a little and curtsied, whispering a barely audible yet sincere, “I’m so sorry” to the three sitting at the table. Still uncertain of what to do she sort of froze for a bit and as soon as Zvonimir let go of her shoulders, she dashed for the counter—though in a more polite fashion this time.
Zvonimir turned to the table, they were now sharing (from what he could see) a chocolate log of some sort, giving them an apologetic nod and one of his comforting smiles. Not wanting to interrupt anything, he made his way after Ellie, but only after giving another appreciative glance at the petite girl covered in chocolate.
He finally arrived at the counter and stood beside Ellie, while she amazed herself with the display of sweets, still admiring the decorations.
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 2:43 am
"But if they are too shy to speak to a big crowd.. Then how would they even speak it to a small one? The eyes of the expecting can be a powerful and frightening thing.."
Shin spoke this with his soft feminine voice before pausing a bit. He was enjoying the conversation but even with some confidence he was a bit shy. He would still pause every now and then.
"They can say they don't expect, but the eyes say they do... Parents for example. If they do or don't say it you can see they expect something from you, something wonderful, shining.. that would surprise the world and have others see the great person they do inside you... So be it a small group or big crowd you need the power to say it, the courage to speak."
He blinked a bit when she asked about what he did, looking down then blushing a little. Well if she wanted to know a bit more about him then he would tell her. Really though it was flattering. He just hoped she wouldn't think badly of him after he does though.. Would she? Hopefully not, no if she did.. then that would be bad..
"Ya.. I get that a lot.. usually though people say I look like a high school girl.. but usually I'm wearing dresses.. I already graduated collage awhile ago... I'm a web page designer. I'm not really from around here though.. I moved from Japan for collage and just didn't go back.. I like writing and collecting pieces of art.. I use to have a boyfriend but I broke up with him today.. A lot happened today.. and the days not even over.. I might go back and apologize to him though, I've been thinking.. that maybe I over reacted.. a bit.. If I went back to him though.. he would probably be upset at me still though.. probably.. I don't really have any friends.. I get shy around strangers.. and they don't really talk to me.. so I don't talk back.. I just think too much.. it makes me think too many things.. gets me nervous.. then they walk away. People usually don't stop to talk like you had.. busy life’s and all.... People like me are invisible to them I guess..."
He looked back up, the blush fading from his face before talking again.
"You know a bit more about me.. so.. could I know a bit more about you?"
When Chione ate the cake he couldn't help but to let out a small giggle.
"Kawaii.."
He loved children. She was just a small reminder of how adorable they were. Stubborn when they felt like it, cute when they felt like it. Unafraid of expressing themselves. It was the greatest thing. There were all kinds of kids too, waiting to be adults. Children truly were the future, waiting for the adults to show them all there is to know about the world.
"Children are wonderful. Chione you seem like such a little joy, so adorable and expressive. When you grow up I hope you keep being you no matter how much you chance because there would be nothing better to be."
After watching her eat, he watched Maria take a bite. Ah she seemed so classy eating it that way. Still, she liked it too. The cake here is good then right? If they both liked it then hopefully that meant they made a good chocolate custard log. His green eyes looked back to his own piece, picking it up. He didn't shove it in his mouth and try to fit it in all at once like Chione had but he also didn't break off a piece and eat it elegantly. He simply started eating it, one small bite first to get the taste. Oooh they made a really good chocolate custard log. It was official, from now on he would go there to buy and eat all the sweets he got. He made a cute small noise after he swallowed the piece then started eating it in big bites after. It was proof though that he didn't use his mouth as much as he should he could still fit a dang lot in there. Still it wasn't too big of bites, its just how he managed to bite them without getting anything on his face that told he could fit a lot more in there if he wanted to. Never the less he was very adorably happy.
When the girl from before addressed them he looked over, blinking with surprise. The young looking man finished his bite before giving the pair more attention though. He friend must be a considerate person, probably pointed it out. Her friend seemed a lot more calm and gentle then she was. Hm... He was kind of cute. No, don't check out people in a public place its rude. Ok he didn't check him out yet but thinking about doing it in a public place was rude. He just smiled then nodded to the pair before looking back to the table. Getting a bit thirsty he opened his can of green tea. He then looked at Chione, then Marie, then his bag, then back again.
"I have a lot of cans of green tea with me in my bag.. would ether of you like to have one?"
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Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:44 pm
“I agree,” Marie said kindly. “And I understand that feeling all too well- the one from parents. I haven’t talk to mine in a while ‘cause I took a different path.” She frowned, her lips twisting a little, almost quivering. Then, with the skills of a practiced being, she converted her expression to something less sad, even though inwardly she knew Shin had struck one of her more tender memories.
She attempted to change the flow of her thoughts, fixing her eyes on the other as he prepared himself to speak about his life. The subtle blushing did not surpass her eyes, and for a second she wondered if he had too many skeletons in his closet to talk. But then he spoke. She listened to his broken speech, her insides churning with each different aspect of his persona, but she refused to interrupt.
Her eyes, though, were quite expressive during the monologue. Upon hearing his age being mentioned, they widened significantly in surprise. ‘He’s how old?,’ her mind screamed silently. ‘Over half a decade older than I, if I’m calculating things right,’ the thoughts continued. She shook her head silently, holding back a weak chuckle in her throat. He didn’t look his age, but maybe he was one of the lucky individuals who got to age slowly. The initial shock absorbed, she listened on.
Other pieces of information she accepted at face value, from his Japanese background to his gender preferences. It wasn’t her place to be critical of his decisions, at least, that was how her parents had brought her up thinking. One of there few gifts to their daughter, as far as she considered.
The only other feeling she really experienced was a wave of sympathy for Shin. Some of her muscles in her face twinged as if to melt down into a comforting expression, but she forced them into line. She did, however extend one hand across the table and rested it on his arm. He was done, so she pipped up. “People are just too impatient,” she stated in a worldly manner. “Me included. I guess, for a second there, you kind of reminded me of her,” she nodded her head at Chione, “And I decided to give you a chance. Besides, you greeted me first, right? I wouldn’t have the guts to do that to a complete stranger.”
At his request, Marie fell silent, watching Chione polish off her piece of the chocolate caramel log. She, herself, had only nibbled through about half of hers. “I guess, that would be fair,” she said softly. “Well, where would you want me to start? I’ve got years of history behind me. Um... um... well... I just graduated from highschool about a year ago. My parents wanted me to head out to medical school- it’s supposedly in the family blood. I didn’t want to go, so I emptied a portion of my college fund and struck it out as an artist. Eventually, someone up in these heights gave me a chance and let me rent a studio for a while. I sold a couple pieces and I’ve been making more for a new exhibit coming up.”
She paused, her mouth twisting. “When I first got out here, I met a nice girl in my apartment building- Lilly. But she got sick, and her parents took her out of the slums. I haven’t made many friends since. I mean, I’ve met people, but I haven’t clicked with people.”
Chione looked up, her young face making no attempt to hide her feelings. Like a little torpedo, she shoved herself into Marie, giving her guardian a hug. The older girl felt dizzy for a second, half-hearing Lilly laugh inside her head and then have the noise fade to the point where she couldn’t recall it.
Luckily, she was interrupted by both Shin and the other set of customers. At his compliment and advice, Chione grinned from ear to ear. “Sure,” she said in a bright voice, her arms slowly releasing Marie. When the other little girl apologized, however, Chione blushed momentarily, receding into a state of shyness for a second. Marie prodded her in the side. Chione muttered a, “No problem,” flushing crimson. Embarrassed, she wriggled in her seat for a while after.
Marie on the other hand, nodded her head to Ellie, a silent thank you to the apology. Then, turning her attentions back to Shin, she smiled and said, “Yes, please. Don’t worry about Chione, though. I don’t think green tea is sweet enough for her.”
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Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 12:15 am
He started to think someone was watching him when Zvonimir dismissed the thought. Feeling things again, are we? What he felt next certainly wasn’t just his imagination when something zipped past his legs. He turned his head to see a tiny little girl running around the shop, stopping at different tables to observe the various customers. Raising an eyebrow in amazement he whispered to himself, “…all the little girls living in filling up the world today…” he chuckled, and that’s when he noticed the activity at the table Ellie had spooked earlier.
They look lively, he thought, and wondered what they were talking about. He reminded himself that eavesdropping is bad, but sometimes he couldn’t help overhearing things. He liked quiet little corners and usually when he decides to settle down in one people have a hard time noticing he’s around—that’s when they start talking. It’s not like he minded, even if the gossip was unnerving, it just feels wrong to even overhear other people’s conversations. Thanks to Ellie, he didn’t have much time to sit in quiet little corners anymore. Yes, he should thank her for that.
Ellie was now tugging at Zvonimir’s pants, “Chocolate cake!” squeaked the girl, who was dressed in a simple white blouse, “I remember Cassie said that we absolutely had to try the chocolate cakes.”
By now Ellie had noticed the girl that was zooming around the shop. Seeing this, Ellie dug into her bag and fished out a crumpled piece of paper. She showed the girl a poorly drawn map to the bakery—scribbled in cute, girly, handwriting was a note saying; ‘The chocolate is fantastic’ with a train of hearts next to it, “See? Cassie said so.”
“Cassie, Cassie, Cassie” muttered Zvonimir as he ruffled Ellie’s hair, “Maybe next time I get off work I’ll just leave you there at the book store with her… you’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
“Nuuuuu~” mocked Ellie. She wobbled back and forth for dramatic effect. She was feeling surprisingly lively today, maybe it was the location, maybe the pleasant smell of freshly baked sweets, and maybe it was the people here. Ellie was usually a happy girl, though she never expressed it out as openly as she did today. She wasn’t sure either about what it was that made her feel so uplifted, but she was content on leaving it at that.
As the blonde wonder continued to fascinate herself with the display of assorted sweets, Zvonimir gestured a greeting to the man behind the counter. Is he the manager of this shop? thought Zvonimir, No, much too young… but he works here so it doesn’t really matter anyway, does it?
“Hello, I have to say it’s a nice shop you have here… it’s rather new, isn’t it?” was what he wanted to say, but before he could finish ‘nice shop’ he was nudged in stomach by a blonde head. “Strawberry Shortcake” whispered Ellie pointing to the magnificent looking red-and-white stack. It was all she could manage once she saw Zvonimir’s quizzical, and slightly annoyed, face.
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Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:35 am
The bell rang once more, accompanied by the click of heels and the scuffing of sneakers. Although Bennu had become quite the regular, those in the shop -except for Elizabeth, at this point- had never seen her dressed up. Her blue-violet tresses were pulled into a low ponytail, rather than their usual bun, and some of the curls fell over her shoulders, rebelliously trying to be different from their brethren. Her dark sapphire eyes were lined with kohl in an almost-Egyptian fashion, while her fingernails were painted black, to match her lips. Her clothing was far from her usual T-shirt/tank top and shorts/jeans that she had been wearing every other time she'd come into the shop: she wore a black peasant blouse with a dark blue bodice covered in silver 'cloud' embroidery, a flowing dark blue skirt, and black, heeled dress boots. And in her left hand was the wrist of one Nakia Ma'at, who was most certainly not a familiar face, considering she had popped up on Bennu's doorstep that morning. On the 'New Romantic's face was her usual cheery smile, as she waved to Laurence.
"Good day, Laurence!" And with that, she proceeded to drag her hapless little sister to look at sweets, giving a wave to others as she passed.
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Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 4:04 pm
"Ya.. I couldn't give what my mom wanted ether.. First she wanted a daughter, then she wanted me to be straight.. no matter what I did I couldn't fully please her. She loved me, she had confidence in me but.."
Shin paused for a moment, frowning a bit at the thought.
"I could never be what she wanted me to be and every time I saw her there was disappointment. She was so sweet.. so caring.. her smile was far worse then any yelling could have be.. There was something in it.. crushing.. and I couldn't get angry at her disappointment because how she expressed it.. Its much more painful when they express their disappointment with a smile.."
He always thought if he had a child himself he could only expect them to do the best at what they loved. He wouldn't expect them to be a certain way. He wouldn't make them feel bad for liking guys or girls or doing whatever. He would never give them a cruel 'you disappointed me' smile. There where all kinds of smiles, many many kinds..
and that one was the worst of them all. He really did want a child of his own, to care for, to raise, to make happy. Yes, to raise a happy healthy child would be his greatest joy. Even if they hated him.. even if they despised him from the bottom of their little hearts.
"Even so.. I think the greatest thing in the world would be to be a good parent.. or to try to be one.."
When Marie started saying he reminded her of Chione for a moment he couldn't help but to blush for a bit. Did he really seem that way? For a moment.. Well he supposed they both had something in common easy to see. They where both very shy. It was a sweet complement and it made him feel a bit better. Maybe next time he greeted someone if they said hello back he would try to start a conversation with them instead.
"Thank you, your too sweet."
When she started talking about herself he pt down the remainder of his chocolate, custard log. He then put his hands on the table, his arms off the table as if showing a bit of manors but it wasn't on purpose, not really. He just didn't want to be distracted with anything so he wouldn't miss anything.
Just graduated from high school a year ago? She must be very young then. Not too young but still young. She was pretty smart though anyway. When she mentioned an exhibit his face lit up a bit. It sounded magical to him.
"Your going to have an exhibit? May I ask when? It would be wonderful if.. If I could go.. and see lots of your art.."
When she mentioned the girl named Lilly though he watched them, listened to them and grew quiet, the light fading from his face a bit then looking down as if from respect. It was from respect. Respect ones elders and respect the dead for elders can be wise and the dead cannot defend themselves for they have passed and are no longer in the world of the living. Yes, respect for certain things and people was very important.
He looked back up when it seemed things lightened back up. He reached in to his bag, smiling a bit then pulled out another can of green tea and held it out to Marie with a small smile.
"Green tea cold.. in a can.. is actually.. pretty sweet. Sweet, and it soothes the nerves.. it doesn't need sugar put in it.. or carbonation.."
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Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 1:43 pm
Marie’s heart fluttered for a second, almost skipping a beat. Did he think her to be a true parent? A young mom, perhaps? The way he talked on about parenthood, at least, made her suspect so. Her eyes widened in surprise as she turned her hazel gaze onto her young charge. Chione glanced up, meeting her stare for stare, curiosity mirrored in her look. Stifling a sigh, Marie withdrew her obvious inspection, her shoulders slightly sunken in regret, because she knew that she could actually pass the mother test by appearance. Depressing, really.
She returned her full attention to Shin just in time to catch his thank you. Putting on a grin for his sake, she responded, “No problem. Just telling the truth, really.”
It was then when she had launched into her monologue, and after completing the speech (including her mention of Lilly), she couldn’t suppress a rising thrill inside her chest that had been sparked at seeing his face light up. “Yes,” she said with pride. “Next week it opens up. Feel free to stop by- I’ll write down the address for you, if you want.”
Without pausing for his answer, her hand fluttered down into her beaten and road-weary bag, and she dug out a scrap of paper and a mechanical pencil with an eraser worn down from constant use. It was a much loved duo, if she felt like being poetic about the ragtag supplies. In the neatest hand she could manage, Marie wrote out the address to Bertrand Studios. Finished, she fingered the pencil and with an unconscious flourish, she dropped it into her bag. The paper she exchanged for the green tea.
“Really? Then I’ll let ‘er try it,” the female said, popping open the can. She offered the drink to Chione first, waving to Bennu as the little girl took a sip. Marie knew she had seen the newly-come customers before, or at least the one in control. “Here,” said Chione, giving the can back to Marie. “It’s okay,” the child said, clearly meaning, i’ll drink it but only if nothing better is to be had. “Thanks,” replied her guardian, taking a sip of her own and letting the room temperature liquid run down her throat.
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Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 7:47 pm
Shin did think Marie was the parent or older sister of Chione but he hadn't talked about parenthood so much for that reason. He just wanted to be a parent. He loved children and even if he was gay he still wanted a child of his own. Even if they weren't related to him. After all children were new life’s, growing and wanting and yearning for things and needing love and attention. Wanting someone to help guide and teach them of the world and things in it and around them. They were such special little things. He gave her a little smile, nodding a little. She was sweet wasn't she? What a wonderful new friend.
He felt excited when she invited him to the art show. She could see her art all covered on walls. That sounded wonderful. Art was so amazing and colorful. Even simple looking arts could be just as beautiful as any complex one if given the time. He wanted to see her art, he wanted to see it very much. Now he could. Oh such amazing way to express, it was so much better to him then writing words. It was so breathtaking, some things that words could never do justice. Oh how he wanted to see it. Every art piece had something about it that words could never do justice, all true art pieces. He still didn't count the ones that use skill but pour in no emotion, it just shouldn't count.
When Chione seemed to not be a fan of the green tea he gave up. Oh well, he shrugged.
"Oh well, not everyone likes green tea."
He traced a finger around the top of his can of cold green tea. When you had a big bag and as long as it wasn't plastic or leather or anything like that things in it usually kept cold for a very long time. Having so many cans together they were all still very cold. He liked it cold though better so it all worked out anyway. Picking the can up he took a sip of the drink, feeling the soothing sweet liquid go down. Ah tea was nice to have when you were thirsty, it helped un-tense. Though at the moment surprisingly he didn't feel tense. It was very nice to be around a person that had such an effect on him.
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