The mall had undergone some development since you were here last week, disappointingly they'd moved the fruit market to the far end forcing you to walk twice as far. With a bag of apples and a stop by the discount store you decided to head home before an annoying twinge in your hip gave you pause. You sighed, it was only a matter of time before age would catch up with you, but damn that didn't make the thought any less unpleasant.
You kept going a few more steps before the pharmacy window came into view. In one of the stands was a group of walking canes. One of those would probably help, with the added benefit of at least letting you retain some dignity. The day you needed one of the walking frames beside them would be the day you just lie down and die... You shrugged and walked inside with a strong stride, you were getting one of these to look fashionable, not because you needed it. As far as the clerk needed to know. You stepped inside and walked down the front aisle, picking out the best looking one. A rather stylish black glossed one caught your eye first with a stylized dragon's head as the handle. You weren't one for myths, but the imagery was suitably majestic.
Hellfire rains down upon the damned. They scream, some in defiance, some in despair. It matters not, the demon has already judged them!
You checked the price tag. Thirty pound. That was rather extravagant for a simple wooden cane, but taking a look at the craftsmanship you decided it was probably worth it and headed to the counter. You almost missed your step upon seeing the clerk, she was a young foxen. She had the typical orange fur and white belly like they all did, with brown fur and matching stripes up her arms. She sat with a bored look at the counter, but she perked up slightly when she noticed you step into view.
You composed yourself quickly enough and approached, placing the cane on the counter without a word. You took out your wallet with some difficulty, having to hold the grocery bag with your left hand put you slightly off balance and made your hip twinge again as you pulled your wallet free from the pocket. Hopefully she wouldn't notice. Or care.
'Trouble with your hip?' The foxen asked. Shit. 'Is it a regular thing?'
'No.' You muttered. 'This is just... now and then.' You avoided eye contact the whole time.
'Oh... okay.' She said, scanning the barcode on the hanging tag and ringing it up. You handed her the notes again without speaking and she simply managed a polite smile as she handed over your change.
'Thank you.' You managed to say quietly before picking up the cane and turning to leave. It was hard, but you managed not to look back as you left. You would rather not have known whether she took offense, or whether her shyness was just a typical case of an awkward teenager killing time at their weekend job.
The walk home was easier. You tried to avoid using the cane, it wasn't far after all but there was one case of having to rest. Once you were back inside you dropped the bag on your table, it would be safe there from micen until you were ready to unload everything into its proper places. You flicked out your phone, sending a quick text to Kre to see if he was still free today and took an apple out of its bag. The juicy crunch was a welcome novelty, it had actually been some time since you had eaten an apple. You were about halfway through when you got a reply from the landlord. Yes. He was still free and if you were any good at reading undertones he was actually eager for your visit. Two hours. Just enough time for a nap. You left the apple core on the counter top before you headed in to lie down on your bed. Micen may be food, but they can't say you're not generous.
Your phone buzzing woke you up. Feeling a little more refreshed, you rolled back out of bed onto your feet and performed your usual routine of stretches before pulling your clothes back on. A glance sideways to put your hair back in order and it was time to head up.
You noticed the apple was stripped down to the seeds on your way through the kitchen, and you grabbed your cane from its spot leaning beside the door on your way out. The stairs were the hardest part... Why did this old bastard have to live on the top floor? After longer than you would tell anyone it took you, you completed the climb and headed down the walkway to where you remembered Kre's apartment to be from your first day here. You had a view of the pool, two girls had gone swimming and were doing something with what looked like a toy boat. You turned your gaze back in front of you as you reached Kre's door, lifting your cane and using the head to give two short knocks.
You were greeted by the orange furred face of the old soldier you had known for years. 'Maron!' He greeted with a smile. 'You look fantastic.'
'You look like you've been to hell and back.' You retorted, smiling and shooting down his lame attempt to flirt.
'Well I have walked with a demon or two.' He replied, stepping aside and inviting you in. Your brow raised as you got a glimpse at his kitchen, it was fancy as hell and reminded you of an aristocrat's manor you'd seen once. Or part of once, before it had been leveled. 'I hope you like roast. I've had it in the slow cooker, really brings out the flavour.'
'Really?' You ask, now using a flirtatious tone of your own. 'I didn't have you pegged as the kind of man who cooks for himself.'
'Well, it's something of a necessity.' He shrugged, leading you into the kitchen where the scent of a lamb roast with a rosemary and garlic marinade wafted through the air. 'And besides that, the young man who just moved in down the hall is a chef by trade. I felt a tad inspired, and your message helped with that.'
'Smells wonderful.' You commented. 'All this for little old me?' An alarming thought flashed through your mind, suddenly this felt very much like a date.
'Little old you.' Kre remarked, pulling on a pair of oven mitts and opening the door. He laughed softly to himself as he lifted the delicious looking roast out, sitting the tray on a cooling rack before inspecting whatever was on the stove, two pots of something. 'Somehow that image just doesn't suit.'
'Might as well.' You replied. The table, a lavishly decorated mahogany piece with a fancy tablecloth, had already been set for two. Ohh crap, you sincerely hoped you didn't make a fool of yourself here. It was feeling like a fancy shindig now and you can't even remember the last time you used two utensils at once. You never felt the need to impress Kre, but he seems to have had this odd fascination with you ever since that... that day, years ago.
'Take a seat, it'll be ready in just a moment.' Kre said. You did so, seating yourself and trying not to look nervous. He took your plate, serving up a generous cut of the meat before a side of vegetables and a dollop of sour cream. Your ears flicked at a small sound nearby, before you noticed that Kre was shaking ever so slightly.
He was nervous too! Suddenly a huge relief flooded through you, if he was on edge then there was no need for you to be as well. A smile creased your lips as he served up his own platter, before pouring two glasses of wine and sat down opposite you.
'Here's to old friends.' You said, lifting your glass.
'Indeed.' He responded, lifting his own.  | Members who added to this interactive story also contributed to these: |
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