Making food and friends!

[onethirdthesoul]

[Over in the home economics room Ryou was cooking up a small feast. After the bitterness of the snow-in had left them, he was feeling more energetic than usual, and what better way to put that energy to use than making a meal for as many of the denizens as he could?

It was all Japanese dishes of course, lots of rice and vegetables adorned with traditional Japanese seasonings, slices of fish, chicken, and beef. There was nothing particularly fancy about any of it, but it all tasted good!

He makes sure the doors are open to let the aroma waft out into the halls, and just to be extra safe he tapes some arrows on the walls to lead the way.

...And yet, despite his outgoing attempts to be social, Ryou's still feeling increasingly shy for every person that enters.]

Comments

[onethirdthesoul]

Eheh, well... I just wore a lot of layers.

[That laugh is definitely awkward.

He might have huddled together with his roommate when they played games, so what...]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[He pauses, looking at Ryou intensely for a moment. Don't tell him Ryou actually got laid or something to keep warm...

Well, it's not his business, an amusing thought though it is.

Come to think of it, Ryou does look a little odd today.]

Oi, Ryou. Something's different about you.

[onethirdthesoul]

[Ryou blinks, tilting his head at the observation.]

Uh...really? [As he does, his ponytail hangs off to the side, quite a few inches above his shoulder.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

...?

[Setting the plate aside, he steps over, staring at Ryou with a curiously look. Lifting a hand, he reaches out to tug at the fastenings of Ryou's ponytail.]

The hell happened to your hair?

[Don't tell him the kid was less sensitive about it in whatever crazy world he came from...]

[onethirdthesoul]

Ah! [Ryou brings his hands up to try and catch his hair, but then, realizing he wasn't cooking anymore, just lets it fall.]

I-I had to cut it, okay! [His brows knit uncomfortably as he becomes self-conscious over it all over again.] But it's growing back...

[fluffydeathdealer]

...'had to'? I'd ask if someone had been bullying you, but I don't think 'he' would let them get away with that unless you pissed him off hardcore.

[Compared to his own hair, which by now goes right down his back, Ryou looks like a totally different person... Hm. His own host was probably going to fuss over him once he found out.]

If you need me to kick the shit out of someone for it, let me know; I've been restless enough that I might even do it for free.

[onethirdthesoul]

No, no! I don't need you to do anything! [Ryou waves his hands frantically, trying to reassure the spirit.

When he speaks again his voice drops.] I just...took a shower one day and the water was all sticky. My hair got so tangled up, I didn't really have a choice.

[That's not to say he didn't fuss over that knot for a long time before taking the plunge, but even he knows when something is hopeless.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

[Oh, huh. That's pretty unfortunate. Talk about bad luck... the gods must have it in for the poor vessel.

[I guess I won't get to punish anyone after all... what a pain.]

Honestly... this place is full of bullshit. At least hair grows back. I bet you cried for days.

[onethirdthesoul]

[Ryou's cheeks flush from embarrassment, his eyes widening as he carelessly defends himself.]

I definitely didn't cry!

[fluffydeathdealer]

Hoh~? Not even a little?

[You lying liar that lies, Ryou Bakura...]

Heheh... You know lying doesn't suit you!

[onethirdthesoul]

...Fine. [He puffs his cheeks out worriedly.]

Maybe I did...a little. So what?

[fluffydeathdealer]

[In a leisurely and relaxed manner, he lifts his hand, reaches it out...

...and pats Ryou on the head.]

Nothing. I was just teasing you.

[onethirdthesoul]

... [Pout. Ryou didn't find it very funny, considering how much he liked his hair.]

It doesn't look too bad, does it?

[fluffydeathdealer]

[Drawing his hand back, he tucks it into his pocket, relaxing into his usual poor posture.]

Not at all. It's a little strange, since I know you normally, but it doesn't look bad.

I definitely prefer it longer, though.

[onethirdthesoul]

[He sighs, running his hand through his aforementioned hair.]

Well, it'll grow back, at least... I just wish it would grow faster. I've gotten strangely used to it in the meantime.

[fluffydeathdealer]

Heheh... Maybe you should try hair extensions!

[Bakura grins a little at the idea.]

[onethirdthesoul]

Ehh?! No way! That'd be weird. Besides, they don't make that kind of stuff for hair like mine.

[Very fluffy, and very white.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

Heh. I guess that's true enough. Hair like this is pretty rare! ...And I'm not lending you any of ours.

[Even if it is getting pretty long. They're going to have to cut it at least a little soon.]

[onethirdthesoul]

That's...quite alright. Thank you. [He laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his head.]

[fluffydeathdealer]

Hehehehehahahahahahahah! It was a joke, Shoutei-kun!

You should learn to relax more. You're tense as hell.

[onethirdthesoul]

Ah, sorry.

[He lowers his hand, letting it fiddle at his side.] We don't usually talk, so...I'm never sure when you're joking.

[fluffydeathdealer]

The obvious answer is to talk to me more, asshole.

[Bakura's voice is as deadpan as it can be.]

But it's probably best to assume I'm joking unless I'm glaring at you. I joke a lot.

[onethirdthesoul]

...Good to know!

[He pipes up belatedly, having been in a slight shock from being called an "asshole" for not apparent reason.]

I'll try.

[fluffydeathdealer]

[...noticing that shock, he remembers vaguely that Ryou is more used to hanging out with the dumb polite kids rather than... his type. Not that he's going to change his manner of speech for the kid.]

You really can't stand me, can you?

[onethirdthesoul]

Ah--?! Oh no, that's not what I meant!

[Although... He wouldn't say he liked him either.

Calmly, and even with a hint of guilt, he goes on.] I meant I'll try to talk to you more, Bakemono-kun.