Relapsing [ Reader x Spinel ]

Chapter 4

You had taken Spinel out to eat at a local restaurant. It wasn't anything too fancy, but nice enough for you to let it roll. It had been your first time going here, as well as Spinels.

Your eyes glance to the menu before you, gently pointing at it. "Here, they have all the dishes they serve. If you don't want to eat, that's okay, but I'd advise you'd check it out." Her eyes glanced down at the menu, frowning softly.

"Ehmm.." she pressed her lips together. "I have no idea what this says." She studied it, squinting her eyes. "You don't know how to read?" You look at her in concern.

"No! Well, yes! But not this! We had Gem Glyph, but, it's far beyond this." She adverted her eyes and slumped her shoulders. You were completely unaware she didn't know how to read English. She spoke it so well it was something you'd half expect, but maybe years have worn it down or she just never learned it in the first place.

"Well, it's okay! I can just read it to you, Spinel. It isn't an issue." You smile willingly, and she seemed reassured just by your facial expression. "Or you can just look at the pictures and see what looks more appealing to you. That's what I usually do." You slide the menu over to her, pointing at it. Her eyes follow the tip of your finger, staring at the picture. "Hmm.." she wondered.

You watched as she seemed to have a growing interest and pulled your hand back. She picked up the menu and pulled it to her face, making you snicker. Your eyes look at your own menu, deciding what to order.

As you and Spinel tried to find something pleasing to eat, you couldn't help but to let your eyes catch something from outside of the laminated papers. A man. His eyes met yours and yours met his. You swiftly look away, tightening your lips. "Agh.." you mutter.

Spinel lowered her menu. "Huh?" She looked at your baffled expression. "What's wrong?" Her voice caught your attention and you pulled your head up. "Oh, um, nothing!" Your throat tensed at your lie that slid through your mouth. You flicked at your menu, adverting your eyes from Spinel.

She seemed curious, though, and didn't take the bait. "Are you sure? Your expression says otherwise." She pointed her finger towards you as her thick accent ran through each word. You knew you were a terrible liar, but Spinel wouldn't understand what trouble a particular person could bring. At least you thought. She didn't know the rules of Earth and you didn't want to make this experience stressful for her.

"Y'know what? How about I tell you afterwards? Okay?" You smile as she gave you a blank look in response. She seemed suspicious. "Uhh, okay, but, if anything is bothering you, you can tell me." Her tone was sweet, just as her soft reminder to you. It made your heart warm inside that the gem cared about you enough than you'd ever expect her to.

"Thanks. I really do appreciate it.."

You look back to your menu, a little less worried than you were before as your eyes glided across each word, deciding what you wanted. Once you did, you look towards Spinel, who still seemed like she was deciding what to get. You couldn't help but feel a smile.

The waiter comes back to your table with a notebook in hand. Spinel's attention turns to him when he clears his throat. "Have you guys decided what you'd like today?" He questions, his eyes glancing back and forth between the two of you. Your eyes guide to Spinel's face, and she seems unsure.

"Uh, can you come back in like, a minute? We're still deciding." You reply sheepishly, rubbing your shoulder as you didn't want to be rude. He nods, walking away to another direction. You watch till he is out of your sight.

"Spinel?" You turn over to her. You notice she was already looking at you. Her expression was filled with that of worry. "What's wrong?" Her eyes glisten with tears, and your mouth hung open like you wanted to say something, but nothing came out.