The Animal of The City

V

  The time read 8:37 am, as Aerith turned to look at his clock and phone. He stretched and let out a yawn as he got up out of his large king size bed. Out in the kitchen stood his sister, making some coffee and a breakfast burrito. Her hair was somewhat messy, as two eyes, gold in color landed upon her younger brother They met in a gaze and smiled softly, as his own emerald green eyes darted around the somewhat messy living room. The dark leather sectional had a few blankets and pillows, while the dark steel blue glass table had a few cups and a bowl. It looked like it had ice cream in it, stains of chocolate and strawberry.

“Taking a guess you slept out here?”

    Aerith addressed, as he picked up the bowl and cups, taking them to the sink. He took out two mugs, one decorated with bright fiery colors and one with some noir like style artwork. His sister nodded, while she groggily walked to the fridge to grab coffee creamer. She went with irish cream, and grabbed a bottle of irish whiskey she bought from the nearby pub. For him, he went with french vanilla, with some chocolate syrup. His sister took the fiery mug, while Aerith was happy he got a favorite of his. Turning the sink on, he ran the hot water and began the dishes. The tv clicked on, as his sister turned on music.

    “I’m sorry Rith.. You’ve had to clean up my mess lately, tonight, I’ll make dinner alright?”

    She replied, finally breaking the silence between them. Aerith turned the water off and sighed softly, walking over to his sister and hugging her.

    “Invana, It’s alright, I don’t mind makin’ dinner. You just got fired from your job at th’ diner, and you recently got dumped by that asshole boyfriend you have, which I’m lucky I didn’t knock his teeth in. Take the time to yourself, you need it”

    Aerith replied, as he went back to the dishes. Picking up his coffee cup, he took a small sip of it before putting it down. To be truthful, he hated seeing his older sister so beaten up and depressed because of what her boyfriend did to her, cheating on her with a whore he picked up. Although his anger did make him upset, he took enjoyment in cooking, it gave him practice, and a way to cool down. Finishing the dishes and turning towards his sister, he smiled softly.

    “Iva, why not come work with me in the studio? I got some ideas for some tats, maybe you can help me with a paintin’?,”

    Aerith offered, knowing his sister would find the deal undeniable. She looked up at her younger brother and nodded, hurrying into her room to change into some worn jeans and a old shirt. She tossed her dark burgundy red hair into a ponytail, and followed Aerith with his mug of coffee, her own in her long smooth hands. It wasn’t often her brother had time to do art anymore, so she was happy for him since he had time. He took the dog tags around his neck off, only a few keys and a lil wolf eye were on it, as he unlocked the door to the studio. He placed his coffee on the island table, and started to get paper and a canvas, he sat and drew out designs, it was his way of thinking, brainstorming about the crime. While he drew out tattoo designs, his sister took the canvas, and began to draw a landscape, a city alleyway at night. Occasional small talk about the artwork or critiques on the designs happened here and there.

Aerith was starting to paint, but before he continued he turned his head towards his sister, thinking about how to tell her.

“Sis?.. When I was out yesterday.. I came across Crowblood,” he muttered, as his sister only stared in shock.