I opened my eyes to a dark room with nothing but the warm, buzzing glow of morning streetlights providing slight illumination to the shadow filled apartment.
My body- felt... less tired than usual.
Hmn, strange.
I woke up late, it seems.
Oh right - it was my day off.
(Haaah...)
I took a small moment to let out an exhausted sigh. It felt strange to have more energy than usual so early in the morning, though I suppose I couldn't really complain about it.
(Wonder what I should do today... Well I suppose I could do some stamina training, all this smoking hasn't exactly been helping out on that department. Come to think of it, I didn't smoke yesterday didn't I? Mn... I feel quite hungr-)
As I attempted to rise from my bed, I suddenly felt something dull - almost wood-like item digging in to my left side's lower ribcage.
"Ah-"
Though, a part of me had expected it - I was still a little surprised.
(Mn, still not quite used to it…)
It was the kid, sleeping safe and sound. Her small horns slightly stabbing at my left side ribcage.
A small smile flashed across my face, glad to know that they were still there.
I pat them on the head as I started my day.
(Sleep tight.)
I slowly got out of bed, making sure not to accidentally wake up the kid - giving them a nice, soft pillow to hug so they wouldn't be disturbed.
I stretched my back and looked at the small digital clock on my bedside table, its lights illuminating the what-would-be pitch black space around it.
"4:51..."
(Hmn, Almost 5 o'clock. I should get moving....)
Forcing my slightly fatigued body forward, I carefully walked around my apartment - each step making a slight, dull thud as I trodded forward. I double checked my locks and got some clothes from my closet. After I double checked if the kid was still sleeping, I went inside my bathroom to freshen up.
I opened the bathroom and stepped in, checking my corners first as I did so - the cold bite of the bathroom's floor tiles sending a slight chill to my legs. After making sure it was secure, I turned on the lights and walked up to the shower doors.
(Wonder if the kid's still safe...)
...
...
...
...I triple checked on the locks and the kid, making sure they were absolutely safe before I went back and hopped into the shower.
As I stepped in, I felt the air change ever so slightly. I turned the water knob on, cool droplets of water poured down - producing a slight chill to the air .
I turned the temperature valve halfway to maximum heat and with a slight hiss, hot water started to pour down the shower - producing a slight mist.
(Feels... warm...)
As droplets of hot water poured down on me, slightly scalding my body - I felt... an odd sense of comfort.
Cold showers are said to be quite beneficial for one's health but even knowing this, some part of me couldn't let go of the comfort that a hot, morning shower brought - even if you asked me, I couldn't tell you why-
No... no, I definitely could.
However, I just don't wanna admit it to myself.
Oh well, I suppose that's just how I am.
After washing up, I dried off with a towel and got dressed.
(Hmm, wonder what I should make for breakfast...? The kid likes sweets but I don't really have anything sweet in my pantry- No wait, I have oats and some fruits... all I need is- )
As soon as I remembered, I'd immediately realized my blunder.
(I forgot to get more milk, didn't I? Goddamnit... why the hell did I ever trust my memory - I should've made a list... God's sake, I'm such an idiot.... *Sigh* Alright, I can't do much about it now. Let me look in the fridge to see if there's anything else I can make...)
I carefully made my way to the kitchen, making sure not to make any loud noises as the kid was still sleeping. I opened my fridge and looked inside to see what I could cook for breakfast.
(Let's see- eggs... bacon... some spinach... ham... I suppose an omelette should be fine, though...)
How would the kid react to spinach?
Of course, I wanted to make sure that the kid was able to consume their daily intake of vegetables as they were essential for a proper diet - however, I had no idea whether the kid liked spinach or not. If they did hate it, it would be a massive waste of ingredients. I didn't wanna force the kid into anything they didn't want to do.
(Hmn, too risky. I suppose I'll try another time.)
I prepared the ingredients for the omelette and lit up the stove.
First, I put two eggs into a bowl and season with salt and pepper along with some heavy cream - for my omelette, I added MSG due to my preference for it. However, I didn't do the same for the kid's as I didn't know her preference and didn't want to take that risk.
I then pre-cooked the spinach and ham and after that, took them out and put them into a seperate bowl. I cleant the inside of the pan and then used butter to grease it for the eggs. From there, it's was as simple as letting the eggs cook for a bit and then adding back the ham and spinach along with cheese and folding it on itself.
For the kid, I increased the number of ingredients for about one and a half times more along with taking out the spinach and MSG. It was a simple yet reliable breakfast, a recipe I'd start my day with in the academy.
(I'll clean up my apartment and throw some things I don't need anymore away today, I've gotta make sure my place is fine for the kid.)
It'd be fine if it were just me but right now, the kid takes priority. I'm not gonna let them live in filth.
After I was done cleaning - I plated the food and set up the table. After that I went to go wake the kid.
I walked up to the bed and carefully tapped the kid on the shoulder to wake them up.
"Rise and shine, kid. I've got breakfast all ready for you, you're hungry right?"
After a moment, the kid started to wake up, yawning and rubbing their eyes as they did so.
"Slow and steady, now - I've got you."
I slowly guided the kid as they got up from the bed. The kid rubbed her eyes as she slowly trodded forwards towards the table.
We made our way to the table and I helped the kid to be seated. I turned on the kitchen lights, making sure not to accidentally shock the kid with too much light as their eyes were still sleepy.
I sat back down at the table and as I started to eat my breakfast, I gazed at my apartment room and for once, it was... clean and welcoming.
Over the years, as I sat down and ate by myself, I'd become familiar with the same sight of my apartment room - cold, dark and messy. Filled with nothing but lone, empty space and random things I felt uncomfortable to throw away.
But now, it was... different. Just slightly so.
As I looked around my apartment room, eating my breakfast - I suddenly noticed the kid looking curiously at my plate.
"Do you... want some?"
The kid looked up at me, thought for a moment... and finally nods. I cut a small piece of my omelette and handed it over to the kid's plate.
The kid picked it up with her fork and paused for a moment before eating it. As she quickly devoured the omelette, her lips grew to a wide smile - going from ear to ear.
"Tastes good...?"
"Nn!"
The kid furiously nodded in agreement.
After eating, I waited for about thirty minutes before sending the kid to take a bath. It was customary for kids to wait a bit after eating to properly digest their meal before taking a bath, I didn't know how long it needed to be and I didn't want to take any risks so I decided to be patient and wait for thirty minutes. During this time, she was watching the kid's channel on the couch - waving her head and feet around while still in her small padjamas. I also took this time to clean the dishes.
When the kid went into the bath, I left them some towels and clothes outside the shower. I turned on the tv and decide to watch some news.
"New dangerous villain group forming at- *Bzzt* "
"A tough victory for an up and coming- *Bzzt* "
"New law about energy produc- *Bzzt* "
It seems there wasn't any entertaining news.
"Phantom Smoke! What are the details of his dissapearance and WHERE is he now?!-"
Huh... never imagined they'd still be after that guy. It's been more than a decade since he's dissapeared, if I remembered correctly. I suppose some things are better left in the past.
After a while of trying to find an entertaining news channel, the kid was done washing up.
"Oh hey, kid - Here, sit down and call me if you need anything okay?"
"Nn."
I turned to the children's channel and decided to do some chores as the kid watched some TV.
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The morning was mostly uneventful, the kid happily watched TV and played around the house as I did some minute chores such as laundry and washing dishes, keeping an eye over the kid as I did so - making sure they weren't near anything dangerous.
"Hmn, should I buy the kid some toys...?"
Some toys that promotes creativity may be benificial for the kid's growth. I suppose something that may also invoke curiosity would be best suited for her. Also, the kid might also be interested in art from that drawing she did yesterday |{It's hanged on the kitchen fridge}| so focusing on that e-
(Wait, this isn't even my kid! Why am I thinking about this?!)
I was on the patio hanging clothes to dry. I'd quickly finished with laundry, since there wasn't much as it was only for two people and I did some other chores as the clothes were still in the washing machine. Though it did take a little longer than usual, due to the fact that I had to wash the kid's clothes along with mine but overall - it wasn't too much of a hassle.
"Still... I guess it wouldn't hurt to spoil them a bi-"
Suddenly, I felt a small tug coming from my shirt.
"Oh. You need something?"
Of course, it was the kid. I was starting to get used to her tugging on my clothing to get my attention. Though I do have to say, she was suprisingly good at sneaking up on me.
She pointed towards the direction of the TV, on the screen was a kid and what seemed to be their parents walking in the park.
"Do you... wanna go to the park?"
"Nn!"
"Alright, You go inside to get changed and I'll finish up here then we'll go, okay?"
"y... yes!"
The kid smiled happily as she went back inside to change and I quickly finished hanging some clothes.
The Daily Life Of A Worn-Out Cop and An Abandoned Demon Kid, Chapter 4.1 - A Walk In The Park
"Hmm~ Hmm Hm Hmm Hmm~ Hm Hm~"
The kid hummed a happy song as we walked along an ashy, red brick path. She was wearing a floral sleeveless light-pink dress along with a small, peach-colored bucket hat. I held one of her hands tightly and placed a cautious eye on her, making sure she wouldn't get seperated from me. I was wearing my casual black jacket.
The weather was great today, it was cloudy enough that it wasn't hot but not so much that it would become gloomy. What a lucky occasion, huh?
(Come to think of it, when was the last time I'd done something like this?)
It's been quite a while since I took a nice walk in the park, huh...
As we were slowly and peacefully walking through the park, the kid started to stare at something on the grass. After a few seconds, they stopped, raised their arm and pointed towards... an acorn?
"what...'s th-at?"
She asked, now looking up at me.
"That's an acorn. Trees make it and it falls down so more trees can grow."
After I answered, the kid put her hand towards her chin and went into a thinking pose - with her lips in a "/\"-like shape. Ah, they're thinking about...
"No, not food."
As far as I knew, of course.
I'd immediately felt a soul-crushing disappointment coming from the kid after I said those words.
"There, there."
I said as I patted her head.
We continued walking along the park path, even passing a large pond along the way. Though, I did have to continually stop the kid from trying to eat things that they really shouldn't and having to stop her from killing a flock of geese for food - promising them that I would buy chicken for lunch and dinner.
After a few minutes of walking along the path, we suddenly came to-
"playground! playground!"
Yes, it was a playground. Quite a large one at that.
"Certainly don't remember seeing that last time I was here-..."
It really has been a while, huh?
"can I.. p-play?"
"Course, kid. Go have some fun - I'll be over by that bench watching over you, okay?"
I pointed towards a small park bench.
"yay!"
The kid ran towards the playground with a large smile on her face as I sat down on the park bench. I kept a studious gaze on the kid as they were playing, ready to sprint towards her to catch her from falling.
After a few minutes of watching the kid playing happily, I started feeling- off...
(God, what the hell?)
I suddenly started feeling restless.
(Tch, forget it, just focus on the kid.)
Chalking it up to my usual nature, I decided to ignore it - focusing my attention on the kid that was now playing on the jungle gym. I did my best to ignore my restlessness however
(Damn- What in the-?!)
A headache set in and slowly, it grew and grew to the point that . I suddenly felt my chest vigourously tighten and tighten, forcefully compressing upon itself - my windpipe felt like it was being squeezed more and more.
(Can't breathe- Can't... breathe-)
My restlessness only intensified, my legs involuntarily shaking on it's own. Slowly, everything only intensified as time ticked by. I watched the hands of wrist watch move as all of the effects su
(Focus. Focus. Gotta focus. Can't lose sight of the kid. Just... focus- I can't focus, I can't focus, I can't fucking focus! Gotta clear- Gotta clear... Can't...)
I started breathing rapidly. My left hand tightened as I wanted to reach for my cigarettes to numb my brain.
(No... I can't abandon the kid. I'm not that shitty-)
My legs started ahaking even stronger.
I dug my teeth into my lip, tearing through tissue - the familiar and potent taste of metallic silver pouring into my mouth as blood met my tongue. My nails sinking into my palm as I made sure the kid wouldn't be abandoned. My senses felt like they were being overloaded, everything felt so bright, so loud, why is it that-
"nN!"
"!"
Out of my field of vision - two tiny, small, miniscule hands grasped onto the back of mine. Snapping me out of my own thoughts. I swiftly looked up to see who it was-
"Oh... Hey, kid. You need somethin'?"
"come... pla..y with me!"
The kid smiled innocently as she shook my hands, asking for me to play with her.
"Of course, kid. Let's go play, shall we?"
"yay!"
Of course, who am I to say no to such an innocent smile?
"Alright, come on - I'll catch you!"
"weeeeeee!"
"See, it wasn't too bad right?"
"again! again!"
"Heh, of course."
First, it was the slides. The kid was curious yet scared but with the right motivation and being their safety net, they were able to muster their own courage.
"W-wow... you're a strong one, kid..."
Secondly was the monkey bars. They really wanted to go but wasn't strong enough to hang on fully on their own so I'd given them some help however...
(Hmn, are all demon kids like this?)
The amount of help I needed to give was actually quite small, scarily so. I was more than experienced with how hard it was to do pull ups and hangs as a beginner and seeing a small child be able to do that with such a small amount of help was terrifying.
"hehehe! higher! higher!"
"Alright, but let's not get too overboard."
Lastly were the swings, she really loved those. Though she couldn't swing too high on her own so of course, I helped her gain some height but still making sure it didn't go too high. She was on the swings for roughly an hour. The head ache and chest tightening I felt mostly subsided and my senses started feeling ever so slightly sharper than usual.
(Hmn, this could be a serious health issue. I suppose it has been quite a while since I've gotten a checkup.)
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"Oh, how nice."
"woah.... look-s pretty..."
On our way out of the park we came across a beautiful flower bed, with a white, yellow, purple and pink theme.
(Daisies... Lilac trees, Daffodils, Tulips, Mimosas-)
The kid was infatuated with the flower bed, mesmerized by the simple yet beautiful design. There was a small wooden sign with the message "Take your pick!". I looked down to the flower struck kid.
(....Ah... should I do it? No, this isn't my kid..... but I suppose-)
It wouldn't hurt to give them this, right?
I crouched down to the kid's height.
"Hey, wanna see something cool?"
"?"
Tke kid paused for a second, then nodded confusingly.
(Wonder if I still remember...)
I gathered some white daisies, pink lilacs and a bit of yellow tulips and yellow mamosas, making sure they didn't have any thorns or sharp edges on them.
"Here, if you bunch daisies up like this... and take this outside stem and put it in here..."
My body still remembered all of it. I braided the flowers together, weaving their stems and intertwining their colors into each other, just like how she taught me.... How long has it been? How long has it been since I gave this to someone? That...- That was the last time, right? It hurts a bit remembering what the last person I gave something like this did but...
"There. Looks nice, right?"
I give this one for another reason.
"w-woah... cool... pretty... can I ha-ve?"
"Of course. When you get back with your parents, come back here and give them something like this, okay?"
"nN!"
"Oh, and..."
I suppose this is a little selfish of me but-
"Only give this to the people you really like, okay?"
That was what she said. Sorry for passing this onto you, kid. Guess I'm a really horrible person for doing this, huh?
"nN!"
"Actually... here. That makes it better."
A yellow daffodil in the middle, just for a little finishing touch.
I put the flower crown on top of the kid's bucket hat.
"Looks great on you, kid."
"hehe~"
"Let's go grab some lunch - you should be hungry for some chicken, right?"
"yeeee!"
We ate chicken for lunch at a nearby restaurant, keeping my promise to the kid.
The Daily Life Of A Worn-Out Cop and An Abandoned Demon Kid, Chapter 4.2 - Caramel
(I can physically feel my wallet's pain...)
After getting some lunch, we started making our way back to my apartment. I had gotten some lasanga while the kid devoured three seperate large roasted chicken legs - I felt my wallet crying tears of pain as she tore through the chicken legs like they were soft served ice cream. Quite terrifying if you asked me.
(Though...)
I do feel hungrier than usual.
Strangely, I had a higher appetite than usual. I had no idea what caused it but... it's not like it was that large of a problem. I was used to going long hours without consuming any food so it wasn't like I hadn't felt this way before. Still though, I should probably get a medical check up soon.
(Mn, I could go without it.)
If anybody's health was on my mind it was the kid's. I may be a horrible person but not even I could be that bad.
"I suppose it's a nice day today..."
The weather was nice - not too sunny, not too cloudy. People were walking from places to places. There were no villains, no sudden crimes, no disturbances. It was peaceful. Nearly perfect, even. But even so, I remained on guard just like I did every usual day.
(I suppose as long as the kid's safe, it's fine...)
I looked down towards the kid, a bright and innocent smile on their face. They had a lot of fun today, it seems. After all, they did spend about an hour just having fun on the swings - not to mention all the other things she did on the playground. For now, I suppose they were safe and happy- and I intend for it to stay that way.
After walking a few blocks, we met a stoplight. It was green. My grasp tightened on the kid's hand. Though the road was mostly clear and oncoming vehicles were quite far away, I wouldn't endager the kid's safety due to impatience.
"ah-! i-ice krem! ice krem!"
As we were waiting for a stoplight to go red, the kid eagerly pointed towards something across the street. In the direction they pointed was a store with light blue walls and pure white window frames. It was an ice cream shop. The kid, was overly joyed and tried to run across the street.
"ngh-!"
However - with a light tug, I swiftly stopped her from running onto the road. The kid stuck out of their hands towards the ice cream shop, trying to reach out in desperation. I squatted down to the ground and picked them up by their feet. I held them up on one my left arm and used my right to ensure their safety.
"ah-..."
"No crossing the road while the light's not red, okay? You could get really hurt and your mama and papa would be very sad if that happened."
I said with a firm, authoritative voice.
"a-ah... o-okay... a-am sorree..."
The kid's lips furrowed into a depressing frown, their beige coloured eyes watered and looked as though they were about to cry.
*DING*
The stoplight dinged as the lights turned red, allowing us to safely cross the road. I looked twice on both sides of the road before I started crossing. The kid pulled down their hat and hid their face, I felt their body slightly tremoring in my arms. A sad, awkward silence fell with each step across the white striped road.
(*Sigh*...I suppose they really are just a kid.)
No, I should commend them. I could tell they were genuinely sad and even apologized for what they did, they didn't throw a tantrum or anything. For a kid- No, for a person... this is quite mature and especially for a kid.
"Don't rush next time - 'kay, kid?"
"n-nN...."
"You promise...?"
"pro... prom-ise..."
"Alright- since you promised you won't do it again..."
I adjusted their peach bucket hat properly on their head - revealing their face, on the verge of tears. I placed my right hand on their head, asuring them I wasn't gonna scold them or punish them.
"Let's go get some ice cream, okay?"
"n-nN!"
Well, I was hungry anyways.
The kid wiped their eyes of tears and their body relaxed. Their depressing frown slowly turned to a small, relieved smile.
The Daily Life Of A Worn-Out Cop and an Abandoned Demon Kid, Chapter 4.2 - Caramel
*DING*
A small bell ringed as we entered the ice cream shop. The interior was small - the walls were a clean shade of white, their counter tops and tables were sky blue with their seats being nice and cushioned. Of course, it was cold - there were only about five customers in the shop, the atmosphere was calm and relaxing. I tensed up... just slightly.
The kid looked around the shop with their mouth agape.
"Let's go order, then."
I took the the starstuck kid's hand and went to order at the counter.
"Hello sir, what would you like for today?"
At the counter was a staff member wearing a blue and white striped around 20 years of age that tended to the customers.
"What do you want, kid?"
"the- the... one with the banana-"
"The one with the cherry?"
"y-yes"
(Hmn, a banana split then.)
"I'll take one banana split and..."
(Huh, what should I order...? Wonder if they have- Oh, they do. It's right there on the menu...)
"...a salted caramel ice cream sandwich, thank you."
"What flavour would you like that split sir, caramel or chocolate?"
"What flavour do you want, kid?"
"uh- uh... uHhhh.... chocolate!"
"Chocolate, please."
"Your total will be 12.78 quiros, sir. Please wait in one of our seats and we will carry your order to you."
"Alright, thanks."
I paid the bill and went to be seated at a sofa-like chair.
(Hmn, this place is nice. Almost like a cafe of sorts... maybe I should bring Hersh and Vera along here someday. Heh, now that's something to look forward to.)
Guess we've all been quite a bit busy these past couple of months... it would be nice to unwind a little bit- but for now, I suppose that plan is on hold.
Not long after being seated, our orders were delivered to our table. The banana split was a large scoop of vannila ice cream on top of a banana drizzled with chocolate syrup with a cherry on top and served in a clean, white bowl while the ice cream sandwich was a medium size scoop of light-brown ice cream in between two small, round, chocolate waffles and with a light drizzle of salted caramel.
The kid immediately went away at the banana split as I took my first bite of the ice cream sandwich.
(Oh... that's nice.)
The soft waffles had a dark, bitter chocolate flavour, complementing the strong salty-sweet taste of the ice cream. On top of that, the additional light salted-caramel sauce provided random bursts of flavour, ensuring that the sandwich's flavour would not be monotonous. This ice cream sandwich was great.
As I was appreciating the amazing flavour of the ice cream sandwich, the kid suddenly raised her spoon to my face.
(Does she want some...?)
"Oh... no need, kid. You should eat up so you can go back to your parents strong and healthy."
Yes, this kid needs to go back to their parents... I really shouldn't get attached since they're definitely gonna leave anyways - plus, I don't think I could trust myself as a person to protect this kid.
The kid slightly lowered their spoon in sadness and paused. After a moment they raised it again, now closer to my face.
"No... kid, it's really fine."
I backed away but the kid raised their spoon even closer to my face, now standing up and with a slightly angered expression.
"*Sigh*...Alright, fine - I suppose if you insist. Hmn, that's good."
The fruity taste of the banana worked well with the smooth flavour of the vanilla but contrasted with the chocolate syrup. However, it seemed like this contrast of flavour is what made the entire pallete work - Quite interesting, huh?
"Here, have some of mine so we can equalize it. Also, you're gonna brush your teeth when we get home, okay? Your mama and papa wouldn't want you to get any cavities."
"nN!"
We shared our ice cream with each other and walked home happy and satisfied.
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"We ate a lot of sugar so make sure to wash your teeth properly, okay?"
"o-okay!"
"Good. I'll just be in the kitchen so if you need anything, just call me."
"nN!"
I went to the kitchen to drop off my groceries. I decided to do a small grocery run on the way back home - mostly to pick up some milk but on the way, I realized that it would be a good idea to purchase a rotisserie chicken for dinner. Not only because of my promise to the kid but also due to the fact that I could use the leftovers for some chicken pot pie.
"Haaah... what a day... oh right, I should probably contact Vera for some info on identifying and trying to find the kid's parents."
(Trying to find the kid's identity without any matching ids or documents nor any clue on their original home adress would be extremely difficult and using fingerprint matching would also be a long-end process...)
Truth be told, it had slipped my mind to contact Vera about this, having to adjust to taking care of the kid while maintaining my work was quite a hassle but still - to me, those were nothing but a reason. Not an excuse. Not to mention it's only due to the fact that I was fortunate enough to have other people that decided they wanted to help me was I able to actually complete my work. Well... I guess I'll just have just adjust.
After putting my groceries into the fridge I went to prepare the bed and as I did so...
"*Cough* Huh? Ah, throat's dry."
I suddenly coughed.
I chalked it up to my throat being dry, finishing up as fast as I could and called Vera. I went to the patio and gave the kid a book to read, one that I picked up at the mall near my apartment complex as we went home. I bought her toys in the end.
*RING RING*
*RING RING*
*RING RING*
*RING RI-*"
"Hey hey - Chester! Still taking care of the kid?"
"Good afternoon, Ms. Workaholic. Still buried in paperwork?"
"Haha~ wouldn't be myself without it! So, why'd you call - Did you accidentally kill burn your kitchen?"
"No.. though I guess can't blame you for that last part. But also, why do you still remember that? No- I'm getting sidetracked. Well... it's about the kid. Mostly her identification and an assigned guardian."
"How could I ever forget you turning my oven turning into a bomb? And oh yeah, been waiting for you to call me about this. Come to think of it, why DID you not you talk to me about it?!"
"Remind me who forced me to take care of the kid again?"
"Heh, you were the one that accepted the tofu deal - Now you have to deal with the consenquences. And the identification... well, I've been doing some investigating on any kidnappings or break ins but I can't seem to find any threads here."
"Hmn, I see I suppose it must've been planned, then. Seemed to be quite good at hiding it too. What about a guardian then?"
"Oh geez! Don't get me started on child protective services, I filed the case the same night you went home and they said because they didn't have any way to identify the kid - it'd take a week for the paperwork!"
"The hell...? *Cough*"
"That's what I'm saying! Though without the cough..."
" 'Course you pointed that out. So, anyways... what should we do from here- *Cough* *Cough*"
"Well, you'll have to take the kid tommorow so we could get some fingerprints. Wait that means you're gonna have to go in with a kid on you, I'm gonna absolutely laugh at everyone thinking you have your own kid, haha!"
"Oh, fuck *Cough* you!
"I WILL NOW BE DECLARING THAT TOMMOROW IS BRING YOUR KIDS TO WORK DAY!"
"DON'T YOU FUCKING- *COUGH* DON'T YOU FUCKING DARE!"
"You can't stop me, AHAHHAHA!"
"Goddamnit.... *Cough* by the way, about that tofu deal...."
"I have no idea what you're talking about!"
"Hey, you're the one that made the rules to the tofu deal - now you have to suffer the *COUGH* *COUGH* rules. God, what is up with this cough?!"
"Wooooow, using my own words! Do you really love me that much? So much that you want to impersonate me? I'm flattered!"
"Okay, scr- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* ew you."
"Haha~"
"God- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* damn *COUGH* this cough- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH*"
"Chester...?"
"Don't worry abou- *COUGH* *COUGH* ...t me, I'm- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* fine- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH*"
"You're clearly not, you idiot. I'm pretty sure I know why you're coughing, go drink some tea."
"Wh- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* what?! Wh- *COUGH* *COUGH* -y?"
"Just go! Or do you want me to come over there and shove tea down your throat?!"
"*COUGH* Al- *COUGH* *COUGH* *COUGH* right-"
I went inside and quickly rushed to brew some tea - thankfully, I bought some during my grocery run.
"Better now?"
"Yeah- *cough* a lot better, thanks."
"Told ya!"
"Yeah but- *cough* how'd you know that'd help?"
"Simple... I'm just that great!"
"5th grade- *cough* excuses won't *cough* work on me."
"Dang, thought they would. Oh well~"
"Still- *cough* thanks for that."
"Heh. Always witcha, Chester."
"Did you just do- *cough* fingerguns?"
"Maybe~ Well, I'll be continuing with my work then - goodnight."
"Go to sleep you idiot or I'll- *cough* come over there and shove tea down your gullet."
"Who said I wouldn't like that~?"
"Wha-"
"Night night~!"
Well there's that. I should go to sleep now.
(Haaaah.... it's been one hell of a day, huh?)
After finishing all I needed to do for the day, I tucked myself into bed and slumbered into the night.