Amidst the shadows and the secrets

Night Seventy-Six

"What with the noise?" Shu noticed the fallen tray by her feet. "Chisana?" 

Laito came in next. "What was that... Chisa-chan?"

Swallowing for being alone, she knew what it could possibly mean. Oh no, they might try to bite me, and with Reiji not here, he won't be able to help me. Or that he would bite me so one gets the chance. "Do you know where Reiji is? He didn't tell me he would be gone, and I thought we could finish our game from last night."

Seeing opportunities, Laito pulled her to him. "Play with me, I'm right here."

Shu peeled the girl away from his brother. "Satisfy my thirst first. I haven't bitten you in quite a while."

"No." She managed to push them away. "I made a mess and if you make a mess you have to clean it. That's one of the rules." She grabbed the trash bin and started to clean up.

"Oh, but the one who's insisting on the rules isn't even here." Laito wanted to pull her away.

She didn't let him. "Just because he isn't here, doesn't mean you go throw the rules out the window. It still needs to be cleaned up." She was careful enough not to cut herself. Otherwise, she would be bitten by one of them. I don't know what happened but maybe he had to leave fast for something without the chance to tell me anything. So, I just have to stay away from the others somehow. "This could leave stains. Laito, could you get me the baking soda, please."

"Fine." Laito hopped back and forth with a few things for her to clean and disappeared. 

*** 

Can I stay in your room, darling? Will they leave me alone then? Chisana stared at the chess board with their play on it. She made her move but so far still no sign of Reiji anywhere, and she had no intention of looking elsewhere. No, he won't be anywhere else. Maybe that's why I got along with you. I could always find you here. Here or in the kitchen and helping out so we have a variety of food on the table for something to eat. Hold on, Yui and I have to eat. Even if I want to stay here and away from the others, I can't just abandon her! What the hell is wrong with me? Bracing herself, she left to go to the kitchen after seeing what time it was. It's time to eat something, anyway. You did order the groceries last night, as you do every Saturday so that order should come in tomorrow or Tuesday. Maybe I have to set my alarm sooner. Not that he should be away for that long. Reaching the kitchen, she let out a relieved breath and found some ingredients to get started.

"Mhmm smells good... Chiwa?" Ayato was surprised to see her cooking something. "What are you cooking?"

"Chicken satè with vegetables and rice." She answered and had to push him away. "Do you mind? Yui and I need to eat." And if Reiji isn't here, we have to do it. "Do you know where she is?"

Lifting the lid, Ayato saw the sauce and dipped his finger in it. "Nice, just a little spicy but that's enough..."

"That's our dinner, Ayato, move. Your family dinner is thirteen days away from now." She pushed him out of the kitchen. "Can you find Yui for me, because I wouldn't know where to look? Dinner is ready in about ten minutes."

"Geez, you're almost as annoying as that Four-Eyes." He crossed his arms.

"Are you calling me that too now? I have reading glasses after all." She returned to the stove when Kanato showed up again.

"Smells amazing, Chisa-chan, what's your cooking?" Laito wanted to lift the lid but was moved away.

"Move, out of the kitchen, this is for Yui and me," she reacted. "We are the ones who have to eat every night..."