CoTE ff

Chapter 2: Living in a Mansion. Socialisation Lesson I

*****

Pov: Ayanokoji.

It was evening and night was falling on the town. A knock on the door woke me from sleep.

- Kiyotaka-sama is about to have dinner. Change your clothes and come down to the dining room.

- I will. Matsuo-san.

I got out of bed and went to the wardrobe. There were clothes in a box. I quickly changed my clothes and tidied up. Well, I'll be living here for a while now. Until my wings are cut off again.

(A/N you've seen or read it, you'll know what he tell it's about.)

- Good evening Kiyotaka-sama. Did you have a good rest?

I am asked, "Did I have a good rest?"; an atypical question for me, as I, and the rest of the objects, in "this place", have not been asked that.

- Yes Matsuo-san. I'm rested.

- You can just call me Matsuo Kiyotaka-sama. I've been assigned to teach you socialization lessons. So tomorrow, we'll start classes.

- I understand, Matsuo.

- I see. Let's eat. Itadakimas.

(A/N *Itadakimasu (itadakimasu - いただきます) last letter "u" not pronounced, means "thank you for the food" or the like; detailed description available from "Internet-chan")

I repeated the same steps as Matsuo and proceeded to eat. When I tasted the curry I was surprised by the richness of the taste, though it was most likely due to the one-size-fits-all nature of the food in "that place".

- It was delicious. Thank you Matsuo.

- Thank you for your words about my cooking.

I noticed from the corner of my eye that Matsuo was a little worried, probably because of the taste of the curry. But there was also something else in his gaze that seemed to be sadness, but about what?

- Is something bothering you, Matsuo?

- Oh. No, young master. It's all right.

- I don't think so. Tell me, what's troubling you?

- You're perceptive, young master. I'm concerned about what's happened to you in the last 16 years. You've been through so much. It makes my blood run cold to see what they've done to the test subjects.

I could tell by his facial expression that he wasn't lying. He's really sorry about the ones who "didn't pass". It's very striking to see Matsuo worrying about those he doesn't know.

- You shouldn't beat yourself up for that Matsuo. It's not your fault. If you could, you probably would have done it.

I don't know how to cheer up, but the psychology class gave me a little something I can use now.

- Thank you. For those words Kiyotaka-sama, but I don't think I'll be able to forget 'that place' for long.

With those words he took the dishes and left for the kitchen. I went to look around the mansion. I have some time before sleep, so looking around here would be a good idea.

*****

Pov: Matsuo.

- Itadakimas.

- Itadakimas.

I and the young master proceeded to eat. When I saw the look on his face, it was clear that this was the first time he was eating this kind of food. I was saddened by the conditions he and the other children in the 'institution' were going through.