Redreaper1951's World

OCs Playdate pt2

Playdate Pt. 2 2,000 words

Later in the afternoon, the storm outside has subsided to a distant hum. The rain trickles down the windowpanes, and the shadows create an ambiance of comfort. Chihiro and Nekokowa have migrated to Chihiro's bedroom. They are sprawled out on the floor, reading comic books. Blankets, pillows, and numerous stuffed animals are on the floor to lay on and among them. In between the girls, there is a plate piled high with crumbs and the remainders of chocolate-chip cookies and chewy double-fudge brownies.

After playing their balloon games and the tug of war competition, Chihiro and Nekokowa took a break. Their hunger leads them to the kitchen to bake the desserts. Chihiro pops the rest of a cookie in her mouth and licks her fingers before reaching to turn a page of Magi-Beauti Parasol, an adventure magic-girl comic. Nekokowa is reading a draft of Knights of Garbargia. Their boyfriend, Zhard, has been publishing comic books, so she is proofreading the new volume.

"Have you read this yet?" Nekokowa asks.

"Zhard's book?"

"Yeah."

"Not yet—how is it this time? Are there lots of garbage monsters?"

"You bet," Nekokowa answers. She frowns and closes the book in thought. "It's really good. The draft is better than normal. Usually, I have to stop and ask Zhard, 'where did this character come from?' 'How did that happen?' but it looks really good this time!"

Chihiro puts her book down and reaches for Knights of Garbargia. She takes it and flips through the pages. Anthropomorphic trash monsters and scrambling characters flicker between the fantasy world's panels.

"It looks great; he's so talented," Chihiro says. Nekokowa sighs with a smile. She agrees.

"It's so weird. Obviously, we both see Zhard all the time, but we have hardly seen each other," Nekokowa says, musing.

"You're right," Chihiro agrees. She puts the book down and takes a bite out of a brownie. A little bit gets stuck in her teeth for a moment when she flashes a giggly smile. "But this has been so fun hanging out with you."

"We should thank the rain for that."

"Definitely. And do this again. Maybe we should invite Zhard and test his cookie-baking skills too."

"And tug-of-war," Nekokowa adds.

"Oooh, of course!" Chihiro puts Zhard's book down and stretches. "Would you like some tea, Nekokowa?"

"Yes, please!"

"I'll get some green tea ready. Would you like to attend my special invite-only tea-party?"

"It would be an honor. But did you know, I'm also your tea party planner—I'll have the guests ready in a no time," Nekokowa says. They laugh. Chihiro gets up and goes to the kitchen to make the tea. Nekokowa picks up the comics and puts them aside on Chihiro's desk. Next, she straightens and puts away the blankets. She pulls a small drawing table at the end of Chihiro's bed to the center of the room. The pillows strewn around the room become seats around the table for their esteemed guests of teddy bears and one teddy cat. The leftover cookies and brownies are the centerpiece.

Chihiro returns with a tray of cups and a teapot. The teapot is pale yellow with white flowers rimming its middle. The woven wooden handle is stained a warm color and matches the light yellow and orange cups. Carefully, the cups are arranged, the steaming tea is poured once it has steeped into the strainers of each cup. For the teddies, Chihiro only pretends to pour the tea, remarking at its color and comforting aroma.

Nekokowa sits on her legs with her hands in her lap, as she watches Chihiro pour the tea. When she is finished, Nekokowa takes the pot, and with one hand on the handle and one on the lid of the pot, she pours Chihiro's tea. The crumbles of green tea leaves catch and pile in her strainer, swirling as the greenish-yellow liquid rushes past.