Nameless Ghoul

Control

They sat side by side at the piano for a while. Sunshine played delicate melodies absentmindedly as they talked.

“It wasn’t you that upset me,” she said softly, still tinkering away at the keys. “But I can’t handle it when you run off like that. You never need to apologise for that stuff to me. I understand, and I would never think badly of you for it.” She glanced at him, then added gently, “I knew you needed space, so I left you to it. But next time? Please just let me know it’s heading that way, and I’ll back off. Okay?”

His mind snagged on two words: next time.

But he nodded.

“It happened so fast,” he said. “There wasn’t anything I could do. I’m sorry if I scared you... I think I pushed myself too much. It was going so well, everything felt perfect, and I thought I’d be okay. But my brain picks the worst fucking moments to throw shit at me. I hate it. Being triggered by the slightest little thing.”

Sunshine slipped her arm around his back and nestled into his side.

“It’s going to take time,” she said. “But that’s okay. Hopefully we’ll have time.”

Itzal wasn’t so sure about that.

Still, he pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.

“I’ve never done this before,” he admitted. “I’ve never had a real life where I had to navigate any of this. Santos summoned me when I was young. I never bonded with anyone except my family back home. Everything here... it’s all new.”

Sunshine gave him a soft smile.

“You’re doing a pretty good job of learning so far,” she said with a stifled yawn, then checked her phone. “Wow. It’s late. Are you hungry?”

“Yeah... actually.” He was, now that he thought about it. “Want me to make us something?”

She shot him a sideways look, grin sly.

“Am I safe to say yes to that?”

“It depends how much you like scrambled eggs and toast,” he said with a shrug.

They headed to the kitchen. It was empty when they arrived, but from the lounge came the faint sound of guitars and laughter. Swiss, Aether, and Dew were drinking and jamming. They raised their bottles in salute when Itzal and Sunshine passed.

“You joining us?” Aether called.

Sunshine shook her head.

“Maybe another time. We’re gonna eat and crash.”

“Okay, have fun, kids!” he said, earning a round of laughter from the others.

Sunshine sat at the breakfast bar while Itzal rummaged through the cupboards and fridge. He grabbed a pan, bread, butter, eggs, seasoning. Enough to cobble something together. He found plates and utensils too.

He could feel Sunshine watching him as he worked, using his very basic kitchen skills. It wasn’t much, but it was something. After everything she’d done for him? Putting up with him, looking out for him; he wanted to give a little back.

He found some apple juice in the fridge and poured her a glass. She smiled as she accepted it, her eyes twinkling.

“Look at you, Mr. Big Scary Ghoul, all domesticated. It suits you.”

Itzal glared at her over his shoulder, mock-offended as he stirred the eggs. He buttered the toast quickly and plated everything, sliding it in front of her along with a fork and knife. Then he brought his own plate over and sat across from her.