The Devil's Love

||. Chapter 9: Up Close .||

Ansel woke up to the scent of medicine lingering in between her nostrils. Turning her head to the right, she let a soft satisfying sigh escaped her lips. The pain on her shoulders lessened. She tilted her head to get a clear glimpse of Jiang's favourite goldfish swimming in the aquarium freely. A soft giggle left her throat when she saw the goldfish blew bubbles at the top of the tank. It seemed to be searching for food. Sitting up, Ansel ran her fingers across the bandage and recalled what happened last night.  

Tons of emotions were pouring through her systems. She missed Annika's welcoming home party, returned with a wound and for sure brought a stranger into their house. He was counted as a stranger to her. She was certain he was the man who had been following her around due to his features. However, she found it amusing that she couldn't forget those black eyes and porcelain skin. Heading over to the fish tank, she fed the adorable goldfish with some pellets.

Trying to make up for the welcoming party she had missed, Ansel decided to replace the party with a delighted breakfast when she noticed the unused ingredients on the shelf. She allowed soft instrumental music to fill the kitchen, filling it with joy while she laid out the ingredients in order. This was something she did not want to mess up for the day and a good start meant a good omen for her. Laying the pan out on the stove, she turned the gas on to heat the pan before drizzling some oil on it. The sound of sizzling oil joined its congenial company as the smell of bacon filled the house.

Ansel reached up the cupboard to get the coffee powder, ready to brew herself their favourite drink. While she worked her magic on the food, her mind was tossed into another dimension she did not want to forget. Everything she had buried so deep in the dark is now resurfacing like a dead body being drowned decades ago. Picking up her cup, she poured fresh coffee into it and sniffed at the scent before sipping contentedly. Nothing felt more comforting than the touch of warm drinks with caffeine circulating her system. She wondered if it would be possible if the only cure for a diseased apocalypse was coffee.

Everything felt comfortable as she began rocking her body at the upbeat instrument and hummed at the melody. Her fingers drummed at the corners of the sink before she gave a tender massage to the chicken she had cut open earlier. Ansel settled them comfortably in the pan letting them sizzle while she added some garlic and rosemary. Throwing her thoughts away, she turned behind only to jump at the sight of Jiang standing there with his white robe over his head.

"Goodness gracious!" hissed Ansel as she reached out to get the plates. "Since when have you became Towel the White?" Ansel groaned.

Jiang chuckled, tossing the towel to the side. His hair was damp and the scent of his lavender shampoo filled the kitchen. He adjusted his shirt before heading towards Ansel, taking over her work. He found it amusing to see her jump at his scare. It always amuses him. Since she had the one hard to scare, Jiang often took some time to search for ways to prank her at the least predicted hours.

"Since I start binding your wounds," answered Jiang truthfully as he swatted her fingers away. "You never knew the meaning of pain, do you. Sit down. I am doing the cooking. How's your wound feeling? Does it hurt?" Jiang questioned as he flipped the chickens before heading to chop some string beans.

Ansel made a small squeaky sound from her lips as she pouted, watching him took over her work to chop up the beans. Clearly, she could see that the elder was deciding on making breakfast. She stood by the sink, her palms wrapped around the glass of coffee and hummed.

Well," uttered Ansel. "As a matter of fact, I don't. I am feeling better, thanks to that skilful hand of yours. I am really sorry about yesterday. You should let me make the breakfast, it's the least I can do to repay your kindness and Annika's welcoming party."