V & V - Rageous Rageon Rise

Dividing Work

Kid Ritz POV:

I slice the fig into individual slices and hand them to Midori and Rollie. I hold the first slice out to Jewels, watching as she enjoys the fruit. Rollie, Midori, and I feed her down to the last slice. 

I look at Dom, seeing that he's trying to make it look like he's not watching. I bring Jewels over to him and hand him the last slice. Dom looks at me, then at Jewels.

Dom: "She won't bite me, right?"

Kid Ritz: "No, she won't."

It feels weirdly.... good to hear him call Jewels she instead of it and see him getting used to her.

Dom takes a deep breath and holds his hand out to Jewels. She sniffs him and licks his fingers, searching for the fig. He slowly gives her the fruit slice, and she takes it calmly. She eats the last piece happily and licks her little fingers once she's done.

I smile down at her and pet her, encouraging Dom to do so as well. 

Dom: "I'm glad she got her fruit."

Kid Ritz: "Me too."

We pet Jewels for a moment until I notice Ven watching us. I had no idea he was already out of the shower. 

Kid Ritz: "I grew Jewels her food."

Ven looks at me, then at the tree. He nods and walks to the kitchen. I feel bad. I shouldn't be so nice to Dom. 

I grab Jewels and take her to the conversation pit where Fred and Roman are.

Roman: "Saw your tree. Great job, Ritz."

Kid Ritz: "Thank you."

I notice Fred keeping quiet, his green eyes tired. Jewels hops over to him and puts her hands on his chest to get him to look at her. He pets her head and back absentmindedly. The weight of the ring pops grows heavier in my pocket the longer I'm sitting here.

Ven did mention he stole more, but I failed to ask him about that. I sigh, feeling a bit more stressed about my friends' health.

Rollie: "Ok, everyone. Dinner will be ready shortly. Midori made us soup, so when you're ready, take your place at the table."

Roman gets up without a problem and walks to the dining room. Fred doesn't seem to hear it, his face lost in thought.

Kid Ritz: "Freddy."

He blinks and looks at me.

Fred: "What's up?"

Kid Ritz: "Dinner is ready."

Fred nods and looks down at Jewels. He plays with her in a way that looks like he's procrastinating joining the table for dinner.

Kid Ritz: "You're still not feeling good?"

He shakes his head and sighs quietly.

Fred: "My stomach just... hurts. My head does as well, but... it's nothing new."

Kid Ritz: "I'm sorry. Do you want me to try to wash it away?"

Fred shakes his head.

Fred: "Maybe after we've eaten and if I'm still feeling poorly. I appreciate the offer, I really do."

I nod as we stand and pat his back as we walk to the dining room. Dom passes by me as everyone mulls about the table, and I hear the sliding glass door open and close. I guess he's staying outside. I don't blame him; I wouldn't stay if I weren't fully wanted.

I help set the table and grab bowls for everyone. Once everyone is seated, Rollie stands at the end of the table.

Rollie: "Hello, everyone. I'm so glad we are all- where's Dom?"