Motley (#Wattys2016)

18: Ashes to Ashes

More than half a year passed. Satoru stayed in Nori's closet, which was awkward at first, but they adjusted to each other's habits patiently. During that time, Satoru had become and excellent cook. Nori had taught him all she knew, and now that he was doing the cooking, she had more time to clean and serve the customers. Ms. Todou was befuddled at how efficient her only worker had become, but she didn't ask why because she was so pleased. There had been a couple close calls when Satoru was almost discovered, but he always managed to stuff himself into the cupboard at light speed just before Ms. Todou came around the corner.

Satoru was making fried rice today. Since all the chores were done and the tavern was empty, Nori was in the kitchen with Satoru and his apron. Really, it had been Nori's, but she had bestowed it upon him like a noble sword because he had 'succeeded her in the kitchen'. "It brings out your eyes," she remarked, sniggering at him wearing the apron.

She now sat on the counter, watching him stir the rice in the pan and sprinkle salt and herbs in as well. "Cut up this beef, would you?" Satoru said, rummaging around in one of the cupboards and pulling out a hunk of meat. Nori hopped down and took it to chop up.

"You know," she said, taking out a knife and beginning to slice the beef, "I think we should have a party tonight."

"A party? Yeah, that'll go over well with Ms. Todou," Satoru said.

"Just a quiet party. Come on, we can sneak up some drinks to my room after you're finished with that rice. It'll be fun!"

"Why say that now?"

"You've been here a while. It's like an anniversary," she explained. "Of your running away. Ever miss your old home?"

"Nah," said Satoru quietly, tossing some soy sauce into his mix and stirring vigorously.

"So how about it? Think you can manage a party?"

Satoru grinned. "Yeah, let's do it!"

Once the rice was cooked and stowed, Nori and Satoru stole a bottle of liquor from the cellar and took it up to Nori's room. They each only had a little bit, to dare the other to drink more, then drank normally. Their voices were louder than usual from the influence of whiskey, but they didn't care. They talked and laughed as normal. As it went into the night, they heard Ms. Todou come up to see what the loud noises were. Out of routine, Satoru jumped into the wardrobe and Nori hid the bottle.

"Nori, what are you doing making such loud noises? Come down here. I need you to clean up."

Nori obeyed, running back downstairs. Amaya was there. "Hey, Amaya!" she said brightly.

"Hello, Nori," the woman said smilingly. There was a red scarf tied around her head and gold bangles dangling at her wrists. Her coal-black eyes sparkled with cleverness. "Hmm, you smell like whiskey," she said suspiciously.

Nori looked scared, but Amaya laughed. "Oh come on, you know I won't turn you in!" she teased. "Have you been practicing your fire magic?" Nori nodded. She made a flame flicker on her fingertip.

"It feels easier to control than the other magic," Nori said.

"Then you're like me; fire suits you better. But remember what I told you?"

"Yeah... Fire is dangerous, don't use it in haste," Nori recited.

Amaya beamed at her pupil. "That's right. Nobody is truly immune to fire, even me. Nice work! I might see you tomorrow. I'll just stay here a few more minutes so I can finish my drink, then I'm off."

There was a poke in Nori's back. She turned around in agitation to see Ms. Todou. "Don't converse with customers," she scolded. "Let's go upstairs to get cleaning supplies. I think there might be some in your room."