Day 27: Lunch

[norainu]

Renji wasn't so certain what this grilled cheese thing was all about, but he liked the sound of some soup. Even if it was strange western soup, well... there wasn't anything bad people could do to soup, in his experience. His good mood was starting to fray at the edges, a little, from the strain of dealing with the Ichimaru issue, and even more from what had been on the bulletin board earlier.

He'd never had difficulty simply writing something before. But...

He shook his head as he entered the line. He didn't want to think about it. He wanted to hold on to the tenuous equilibrium he'd managed to find.

Renji got himself a large bowl of soup, water, and even one of those sandwiches, just to try it. Old habit, recently awakened, had him over to one side of the cafeteria, where the fewest people possible would have the chance to pass behind him. He sat there with his back toward the wall and started eating.

Comments

[faithful-frost.livejournal.com]

Haku bowed his head slightly. "I have not," he admitted. "Only because they didn't catch me." And then his death had negated the bounty anyway so...

"But I know what it's like to be hunted," he went on, still. "And what it's like to hunt."

[teacupdeath.livejournal.com]

This kid sure knew how to do one thing well, and that was: throwing Riddick off. Can't judge a book by its cover, came the cliché thought unasked-for. Riddick grinned appreciatively at the boy's final admission. Yes, dangerous. But if there was anything he was used to, it was danger. He was more used to the 'about getting killed' variety, though.

"Not getting caught makes things a lot easier. That was one reason I was so popular... but a few got lucky. I'd like to know how this place did it. But tonight I have hunting of my own to do." He pushed his tray out of the way and sat back, feeling the ache in his ribs more now that the drugs were clearing.

[faithful-frost.livejournal.com]

Haku frowned slightly, concerned. "I wouldn't presume to tell you what to do," he said slowly. "But if I could make a suggestion?" He shifted slightly in his chair, his own pain making him uncomfortable.

"As much as escape is important, I don't think that going outside tonight is a good idea and that you might have more success if you rested a bit longer." He hoped Riddick wouldn't take that poorly.

[teacupdeath.livejournal.com]

Damn, this kid is quick. Riddick figured it wasn't worth denying that Haku had guessed right. Personal vengeance would only pan out if he actually caught his target before the guy fled like the chicken he was. In fact... glancing around the cafeteria, the Furyan noted that the dude with a death wish was not present. Well, beyond a hopeful meeting with the shithead tonight, yes, Riddick knew exactly where he wanted to go.

He returned his hidden gaze to Haku. The concern was touching, but... "I don't keep well under key." And he knew that properly 'resting' would entail a lot of time. Time he didn't want to be spending under guard. Tonight was as good as any.

[faithful-frost.livejournal.com]

Haku bowed his head as much as his aching body would allow. "I understand," he said, looking at him once more. "And, a plus to this place is that injuries heal quickly." He almost chuckled. "Have to look on the bright side, right?"

[teacupdeath.livejournal.com]

Riddick genuinely smiled at that, pointing to his goggles. The bright side was the very last thing he usually looked at. Literally or metaphorically. And it was news to him that injuries healed fast here. But then, there was a lot he didn't know about this place. Being an antisocial, self-sufficient loner wasn't the best mindset for gathering information. Not that it bothered him.

Haku was obviously hurting, no matter what the boy claimed about Landel's healing factors. Although Zabuza would surely seek the kid out as soon as night hit, Riddick figured he'd better ask something that had concerned him since the beginning of this conversation.

"You going to be alright tonight?" He had no idea where Haku's room was, and didn't feel like prying further. He remembered something about patient rooms being safe... from monsters, at least.

[faithful-frost.livejournal.com]

Haku fought back another soft laugh. "I will be fine," he said. "I've been ordered to remain in my room until further notice, so," he smiled and glanced over at Zabuza-san for a moment. "That is where I will remain."

It didn't sound like Riddick would be taking the hint to stay in his own room though...

[teacupdeath.livejournal.com]

"Good."

Riddick wasn't sure what it was, but he felt better talking to Haku. The feeling reminded him of someone else, but he chased that thought away again. He needed to keep focused if he was going to get out of here, and dwelling on the past, especially a past in another world, wasn't going to help. And although this was a rare conversation that had actually done him some good, the socialization aspect was wearing on him. He couldn't remember the last time he'd said this much to anyone within such a short amount of time.

[faithful-frost.livejournal.com]

Haku smiled. He sounded almost like Zabuza-san had before the coup. It made him think of those times fondly.

"At least don't go out of your way to get hurt," Haku said finally, finishing up his food. With Zabuza-san watching, he had no choice.

[teacupdeath.livejournal.com]

Riddick didn't want Haku to worry, though he had a feeling the kid would anyways... so he assured him with a quick, "I'll be careful." Very careful was actually what the Furyan was thinking. Improved healing or not, he was injured, and he wasn't looking forward to going through the courtyard again. He had a few ideas, though, and if that route didn't pan out, he'd explore and find another exit. Someone had claimed escape last night, though they were apparently back and despairing over the results.