First Bowl

[ricebird]

Sender: Little Girl (Sweet Porridge) | Kotori Iida
Recipient: Everyone

Hi, there! I hope that everyone’s okay after the Story Eater attack. That was… really intense.

Anyway… I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately, and I think I’m going to go home for a little while. I want to get stronger at cooking, and that’ll take some time and practice. [And she wants to strengthen her relationships with her friends and family there…] I don’t know how long I’ll be in my world, or how much I’ll be able to remember this time, but I’ll ask to Storyteller to bring me back in a few days by Index time.

Before I go, though… what are some of your favorite foods? Are there any recipes from your homes that you miss here? What about birthdays, or holidays that aren’t celebrated in the Index?


[For almost everyone, that’s the whole message. But then Kotori adds another, more private question to a certain someone.]


Sender: Little Girl (Sweet Porridge) | Kotori Iida
Recipient: Roxas

Hey, Roxas-kun? Are you free today? Can we talk in-person for a bit?

Comments

[ricebird]

Maybe... I think he also said something about not being fun, having me caged like that? Some of the details are kind of fuzzy still.

[chippedsoul]

Not fun. Sounds like him. [Without much context, it's hard for him to know what he was thinking. Then again, that freak can be rather spontaneous in his actions.]

Regardless, I'm glad that you weren't harm.

[ricebird]

Me too. And... I don't know if I can forgive him for everything else yet, or if I should... but I am grateful that he helped me with this at least.

And you too, Kazuma-san.

[chippedsoul]

I wouldn't be so hasty to express such gratitude. [He's rather quick to write this.]

His interest is only for himself. That much I can grasp of his despicable character. You don't owe him any thanks.

[ricebird]

[In contrast, it takes a minute or two for Kotori to respond, her words VERY slow and deliberate.]

I know you're just trying to protect me, Kazuma-san, and I really do appreciate that... And it's true that I don't understand why he saved me, and that I don't owe him my gratitude. But with how badly he's hurt my friends or me in the past? Hasty is the last thing I feel, acknowledging that someone like that actually did something to save me, when he didn't have to at all. Even if it the reasons were bad and confusing.

[Because yeah, it ISN'T easy for her to admit this. But it's the truth, and Kazuma deserves to know it too.]

I'm definitely not going to let him lord it over me... but I can't just brush it aside hastily either, if that makes sense...

[chippedsoul]

[He sees what she's writing, but that doesn't mean he could understand her insistence. He sighs as he eventually responds.]

You're too soft. [There's no point in arguing over this. She's set on her decision.]

[ricebird]

Maybe.

[But... she's made it this far with that softness. And she's finally starting to see that as a strength instead of a weakness.]

Anyway... have you been alright aside from that, Kazuma-san?

[chippedsoul]

I'm fine. Just trying to catch up on what I missed and then move on.

[He's understandably frustrated that he had been caught in that nightmare, unable to regain his conscious and letting Hyde wander freely for so long.]

[ricebird]

I see. Well... let me know if you need anything.

And I'll find a good beef curry recipe for you. How spicy do you like yours?

[chippedsoul]

[Oh. He can decide the spiciness. Hm...]

Whatever you think is sensible. I can handle spicy just fine.

[ricebird]

[Medium spice, then.]

That sounds good! Take care and see you soon, Kazuma-san.

[chippedsoul]

[. . .] Be safe.