Shady

“Mm.” Jerica wandered over to the cot nearest her, still well away from him, and sat down. She pressed her back against the headboard and pulled her feet up to ...

“Thank you, sir.” Tadaaki ducked his head and stepped inside quickly, every instinct within him wanting to hold the door for Ash instead. That’s how things should be.

“No, no.” Jerica shook her head, waving away his apology. “It… no, it’s fine. I guess… well, you knew me as a kid. And I’m not a kid anymore. It’s… ...

Tadaaki followed behind, this time risking glances around. He’d mostly been keeping his eyes on the floor since the moment he entered this Keep. At least when they were out ...

“Why wouldn’t I?” Jerica looked bewildered. She was bewildered. “Yeah.” Ky nodded. “But… a long one. I just… I don’t wanna risk having to explain it, you know?”

Tadaaki nodded. He had no defense. Or commentary.

Jerica furrowed her brow, both confused and slightly hurt. He really thought she’d lost all her humanity, then? “Why?” “I imagine so,” Ky agreed with a nod, watching her closely. ...

Tadaaki grimaced. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Jerica smiled at that. “I’m glad to hear that.” Ky glanced around to confirm they were alone, then hesitantly pulled it out and held it out to her. (Oops I ...

(Turns out my food standards can always get lower) “Definitely.” Jerica helped. “She seems chill.” “Yeah. She gave me a bone.” She patted her chest pocket. “The ghosts can touch ...

“I…” He didn’t know what to say. He ducked his head. “I… appreciate that, sir… and… I… it’s… understandable. I-we- were…” he cringed. “…lying… and… I can’t imagine

(Bruh I was in the lunch room eating and my boss decided on an impromptu meeting so alllll of my coworkers converged on the room and it was good info ...

Jerica nodded. Then hesitated. “…are they being good to you here? Treating you well?” “No… well… no. But… I don’t know. It’s getting unsettling, you know?”

“…I’m glad you’re free now. You didn’t deserve that.” Ky sighed again. “…I don’t know…but… I don’t know.”

He resisted the urge to apologize for apologizing. Barely. “…yessir.”