Entry tags:
It's a piece of cake to bake a pretty cake
WHO: Adam Taurus, Orihime Inoue
WHAT: Orihime's noticed her neighbor is being a frowny clowny, so she brings MORE DESSERT. Time to see if he'll actually talk to her about personal stuff yet.
WHEN: April 21, 2014
WHERE: Garden Park Apartments
There were many reasons why Orihime was standing at the door to apartment 106, rapping sharply with one hand, and balancing a cheesecake slathered with strawberries in the other hand. She was bothered by Dean's absence, and didn't want to think that he'd left. She knew he had, and that it might have been good for him since he'd been aching for his home for a long time. But it still felt lonely to know he wasn't around right now.
So she baked to keep herself busy. When she noticed that Adam had grown more reticent and unhappy as well, her mind was made up: best to share a dessert instead of eating it alone.
Orihime's cooking didn't appeal to most people, she knew. But no one had ever complained about the quality of her desserts, except to state that her baked goods were too fattening. A dessert that was low in calories wasn't doing its job, so she was proud of such remarks. This meant she was fully comfortable sharing her culinary delights with her neighbor, and it meant it was all she shared. Adam was so mistrustful of humans to begin with, she could easily imagine him taking a look at Orihime's version of curry and accusing her of trying to make him suffer. So she played it safe and stuck to the things she knew she was good at.
Ordinarily she just left them on his doorstep, to be eaten or discarded as he saw fit. This time, though, she wanted to see how he was doing, and see if there was anything she could help with. If she could, then maybe she'd feel a little less lonely and melancholy in return.
"Adam-san! It's me, your neighbor!" she called out, just in case he feared he was being visited by the paperboy or something.
WHAT: Orihime's noticed her neighbor is being a frowny clowny, so she brings MORE DESSERT. Time to see if he'll actually talk to her about personal stuff yet.
WHEN: April 21, 2014
WHERE: Garden Park Apartments
There were many reasons why Orihime was standing at the door to apartment 106, rapping sharply with one hand, and balancing a cheesecake slathered with strawberries in the other hand. She was bothered by Dean's absence, and didn't want to think that he'd left. She knew he had, and that it might have been good for him since he'd been aching for his home for a long time. But it still felt lonely to know he wasn't around right now.
So she baked to keep herself busy. When she noticed that Adam had grown more reticent and unhappy as well, her mind was made up: best to share a dessert instead of eating it alone.
Orihime's cooking didn't appeal to most people, she knew. But no one had ever complained about the quality of her desserts, except to state that her baked goods were too fattening. A dessert that was low in calories wasn't doing its job, so she was proud of such remarks. This meant she was fully comfortable sharing her culinary delights with her neighbor, and it meant it was all she shared. Adam was so mistrustful of humans to begin with, she could easily imagine him taking a look at Orihime's version of curry and accusing her of trying to make him suffer. So she played it safe and stuck to the things she knew she was good at.
Ordinarily she just left them on his doorstep, to be eaten or discarded as he saw fit. This time, though, she wanted to see how he was doing, and see if there was anything she could help with. If she could, then maybe she'd feel a little less lonely and melancholy in return.
"Adam-san! It's me, your neighbor!" she called out, just in case he feared he was being visited by the paperboy or something.
no subject
Whatever, she had done it to him again. She had turned and abandoned him yet again, even when he had done everything as requested. He wasn't killing the humans here, he hadn't even harmed any to get answers that he so desperately wanted. What did she even expect of him....? Pretty soon he would take hostages and he would harm--
But that was when he heard a sound at his door. Sighing rather loudly, Adam turned away from the window and walked over to the nearby table. He grabbed his mask, putting it back on, and headed towards the door.
"I know it's you," who else would even bother him? He growled at the interruption, opening the door with a quick yank. Adam stared down at her, glaring at her from behind his mask. He saw the cake and huffed, "what?"
no subject
"It's a cheesecake!" she announced proudly. "I wasn't sure if you've tried one yet, or if they even make these where you're from. They're very rich, and super good. Can we eat this one together?"
He could very well refuse her. Orihime knew the chances of him accepting were fairly slim, but she was banking more on her intuition than her logic. He was probably just as lonely as she was, if not moreso.
no subject
But he wasn't saying no to her, he was allowing her to come in if she really wanted. Adam turned back to look at her over his shoulder, shrugging, "...I'll try some, at least."
Maybe he was a bit hungry as well, he hadn't eaten, he was too busy brooding.
no subject
No, she had to keep her cool! It was her first time being invited into his apartment, if she looked too victorious and jubilant, he'd get irritated and shove her out into the hallway again. But what a big step for them both!
"Ah ha ha, thank you!" she grinned, bobbing a little before slipping off her shoes and nudging them out of the way. Then she padded dutifully after Adam.
His apartment was awfully clean, she noticed. That was something they had in common. Either he cleaned it because he had nothing better to do, or he just wasn't around long enough to mess it up in the first place. Or, perhaps, he kept it clean because he enjoyed having a space he could call his very own. Whatever the reason, Orihime was clearly impressed as she looked around. "I didn't know you were such a tidy person, Adam-san."
no subject
Adam simply shook his head lightly at her words, moving to sit down on his couch. He would wait for her to get settled and get the cake ready for them before he would move, but talking to her already seemed exhausting. He still hated humans, and she was no different. He was simply using her for her powers, and that hadn't changed.
"I like being clean...." and he didn't want to add anymore than that. Actually, he was curious about something, so when he talked he glanced over at her.
"...You have other friends, don't you? Why did you want to come and bother me, anyway?"
It was clear he was annoyed, but he also hadn't tossed her out yet, so it was fine that she was here for the time being.
no subject
"Mm? I didn't want to bother you!" she grinned, and went back to her work. "You just seemed to be frowning a lot more than usual, so I wanted to see if you were doing okay. And desserts always make me feel better, so I thought a cheesecake might help! Just a little."
After she found the plates, she returned to the living room to sit on his left, careful to keep a comfortable distance so as not to seem too invasive.
it's a simple question fae, would you eat the moon if it were made of ribs
He watched her sit, his gaze dropping down to the plate that she offered him. After a short debate in his head he reached out to take it from her, a thanks being muttered under his breath. Adam might be a vengeful, irritable Faunus, but at least she gave him cake.
The man stared down at the plate, grabbing the fork she had placed on there as well. He simply poked at the dessert, another mental argument beginning in his head. Should he even say anything? Orihime was a human... she wouldn't understand, she wanted something from him too, he kept telling himself these things over and over. All humans were the same, after all...
".....I've listened and obeyed everything Blake told me so far, but she still insists that I keep my distance, from everyone. From her. What does she even expect, I could have easily killed--..."
Well, that somehow slipped out. Adam shook his head, "forget it," and he then brought some of the cake up to his mouth to eat. Ah... it was actually really good.
Just say yes, and we'll move on!
"From everyone? Is that why you haven't come by to visit yet?" She smiled a little, then ate her bite of cheesecake.
HAY!! how bout this mad cow disease!!!
I haven't come to visit because I have no need for you yet.
...Is what he wanted to say. The Faunus turned to look at her, another glare from behind his mask. It was seriously a good thing he was wearing it, he might have scared her off by now, "I've been doing other things."
Being alone and searching for more answers, basically.
"Apparently, Blake doesn't even trust me enough to go near her right now. I'm... too much of a danger," he was so overly bitter about this.
....yeah, it was here, in the media, and then it was gone.
"Is she right?" she asked, using the tines of her fork to slide through another piece of cheesecake. "I mean, I haven't seen you fight or anything, but you don't seem like someone harmless." Just what kind of danger did he mean?
Either way, he was talking to her, and that made her a little happy. Even if it wasn't much, it was nice to think she might be helping him out.
that's why my friends calls me whiskers
Maybe he had been lonely. He didn't have anyone here. He didn't have Blake, he didn't have the White Fang, and he was surrounded by humans. There was even a human beside him, but he knew he could at least take care of her if she tried anything. She might have seemed harmless, but she was still a human.
"...Blake and I see things differently now, that's what she's most afraid of. She's.... more on the side of the humans, wanting to protect them and the Faunus without hurting anyone. Me, I know what needs to get done in order to make things change. I would much rather have the humans fear us than harm us like they used to."
Adam looked up from his cake and over to her, "however, I know I can't just go around killing anyone I see. I'm... outnumbered here, that wouldn't be wise at all. And I haven't done anything either- I could have...."
He growled in frustration, taking a hand away from the plate and adjusting his mask, "I could have forced answers out of any of the humans here. I'm expected to simply adjust just like that? Impossible... but I'm trying, and yet I'm still the one regarded as the beast. Told to stay away, even when I was worried about her-....!"
He grit his teeth, attempting to swallow his own anger but it was starting to rise up again.
I thought they called you Whiskers because you're curious like a cat.
"It would be hard to adapt to a place like this, coming from the place you did," Orihime admitted. "And maybe I'm biased, being human and all...but I appreciate that you're making that kind of effort. It's definitely a lot better not being tortured and killed!" she beamed, before her smile faded into something quieter.
"But you're not a beast, Adam-san. I think it's really nice of you, to respect her like that." She heaved a small breath. "It's hard to be patient with things like this. But if you give her space, I'm sure she'll reach out to you soon enough. Until then, if you want to yell, you can go right ahead! I'm your only neighbor on this floor, and I don't mind, so feel free to cut loose!"
i like the sun, i like it cause it's like the KING OF PLANETS
But this strange girl... just what was her angle? Adam brought his hand away from his mask, looking off at nothing in particular, "you're odd...."
At least she got him to relax a little more with her weird attitude. He was confessing that he would be fine with killing humans, and yet she was still sitting here beside him, "and I'm not the yelling type. I haven't done that since I was little."
And he was much different back then, "....you might be one of the only ones that doesn't think I'm a beast, however."
The sun isn't actually a planet.
She picked up her fork again and beamed. "I need to try harder too! I used to have no problems talking to new people and making friends. It's not like me to keep to myself," she said, making a determined fist. "If you weren't here, I'd probably just read and bake all the time. That's no good!"
..... /shakes .......
...Oddly enough, he found himself curious as to why she wanted to be alone too. Adam picked his fork back up too, bringing more of the cheesecake to his mouth. He slowly ate now, his gaze directed back to her.
"Why have you kept to yourself?" he swallowed, deciding to add- "...and this is good, by the way, Orihime."
He never was one to remember the names of humans, but for whatever reason he had recalled hers.
/Jeff Goldblums
His other question, though, that was more difficult to answer. She rested her chin on her knuckles, thinking it over. "I haven't really thought about it, to be honest," Orihime replied, looking at the wall across the room pensively. "I've changed a lot since I was awakened from my home world. It's been three years. Hard to believe sometimes." This summer, it would be four years. In September, she'd be twenty years old. Thinking about it made her feel oddly disconnected, like that first drop on a tall roller coaster.
"I guess...there are just times when I don't feel like my old self anymore. And I'm not really sure how to feel about that, ne?" She smiled a little at Adam, but there wasn't any real mirth in her expression. "I've seen friends I knew arrive, and leave. I've made a lot of new friends too, and eventually they leave as well. It used to depress me. And I do feel a little sad sometimes," she admitted, looking down at her plate. "But it's more...just the feeling that I need to be patient and wait. Sometimes they come back. All I can do is wait for the day when they do."
no subject
"Three years...." the Faunus spoke to himself in the middle of her story, simply trying to imagine what that would be like. He wanted to return back home as soon as possible, back to Remnant, and continue what he had started with the White Fang. However, Blake did bring up a good point to him before, there was no rebellion group here. There were no Faunus and human wars.... but... being away from everything he knew for that long... he couldn't even see that.
"...How can you not feel like they've just left you behind?" for once, there were no signs of Adam being irritated or angry. He was asking her a genuine question, and it seemed to have to do with him as well.
no subject
She stood to her feet and held out her hand for his plate. "And if I wait long enough, we'll probably get to do it again. That makes it worthwhile. Would you like another piece?"
no subject
At that realization Adam slowed, eventually swallowing his last piece of cake as well. He stared down at the empty plate, his eyes narrowing behind that mask of his. That's right, she had said goodbye. She didn't just leave, she stayed and watched him go. She chose to leave him, she didn't do it against her will, something inside of her told her that she needed to get away from the White Fang, from him.
...Was.... his ideals really so horrid now that he scared off his own childhood friend?
Ah, right she was talking to him. Adam stood now, shaking his head and turning his back to her, walking over to the kitchen to put his own plate into the sink. There was a moment where he still stayed quiet, staring down at the dish, but then he turned to look back at her.
"Before arriving here, the last I saw of Blake was... a train that we were hijacking. It was a simple enough mission, go in and grab the Dust. We did it just fine, we never did have to talk to one another on missions, we know how each other works pretty well. As instructed, I was getting ready to blow up the train. Blake was... concerned for the humans that were aboard, I wasn't. Following orders came first, the lives of those humans didn't shake me."
Adam looked down, seemingly puzzled, but it was hard to tell from behind that mask of his, "I suppose... that was the last straw for her. We were attacked by a large robot, I managed to keep it away from Blake and told her to get to safety. Once I turned around and ran to her, she.... stared at me. She said goodbye to me. Then she cut away the train and I remember reaching out to her but she just.... left."
The Faunus brought his hand in front of him now, staring down at his glove, "I let her go, too. I knew it wouldn't have been right to drag her back if she chose to.... to leave. But...." Adam laughed bitterly to himself, "knowing someone chose to leave you is far worse than waking up one day and knowing it wasn't something they wanted to do."
no subject
The whole situation stank, for both Adam and Blake. He was being kind to present Blake's side fairly. A lot of people would refuse to see the other person's point of view. He really cared about her, didn't he...? No wonder he was so upset.
"I think you're right," she admitted glumly. She leaned back against the counter, looking down at her feet. She remembered how much it had hurt her when she'd found out that Ichigo had returned to sleep. He probably didn't have much of a choice, but it had felt like a rejection when it came on the heels of her confessed feelings for him. Orihime had said it wasn't necessary for him to return her affections, she just wanted to keep being friends. That was what mattered most. But when he disappeared, she felt as if even that was asking too much.
"I wish I could say the perfect thing that would lift your spirits. I really do." She looked up at his back, then exhaled as her gaze fell back to the floor. "But words don't matter much in situations like this. I can't offer much at all...just cheesecake, and listening to anything you want to say. But whatever you need, it's yours."
no subject
They were the reason Adam had both physical and mental scars.
...But this woman, this strange human, she was talking with him like what he was saying was entirely normal. Like what he thought was okay, like his words about killing humans and his distrust in them was fine to her. Why? She was a human, there was no doubt about it, and yet she didn't shy away from him. In fact, she had followed after him and was even so close to him now. He felt on edge about that, seemingly tense, but he kept telling himself to relax. The Faunus might hate humans.... but there was an odd feeling when it came to Orihime. Intrigue? That was the best way to put it.
He shrugged now, a hand going up to rub at the back of his neck. He thought to himself about what else to say... but honestly, he felt better telling someone.
"I...." well, this grew awkward quickly. Adam hadn't wanted anyone else to know about this side of him, the vulnerable side that he rarely showed. "....I don't think I can be as optimistic as you, about these sorts of things," he's never really been the type, that role always fell to Blake when they were growing up.
"Once again, you're an odd one.... but I suppose that helps as well. It's a little amusing," with her offerings of cheesecake and all. And for now, this was the best thanks he could muster.
no subject
If she thought he would be okay with it, she would have put a hand on his back or shoulder to encourage him to stand straight. But given his history with humans, that was probably a bit too much for him to tolerate.
She tucked her hands behind her back. "If you feel up to it on Sunday, do you want to go look at the cherry blossoms? Or would that be too many people for you to feel comfortable?"
no subject
At her request he did stand up straight, mostly because what she said interested him, "look at the... cherry blossoms?"
He'd heard of people doing something like that before in Remnant, going on these little picnics to stare at something or another. He hadn't ever gone though, either no interest or he simply had no time for such luxuries. Once again, with no rebel group here to think about he did have more time.
"....I could go," it would be a lot of people, but he figured he could handle them by now.
no subject
"I think a cake is necessary, and probably sandwiches and dango. I haven't gone to one of these in a long time!" she grinned from ear to ear.
This was pretty nice of him. Or bold. Or both! Either way, she was glad he was willing to take steps in a new direction. That was kind of awesome!
no subject
"I'm not too picky, so whatever you want the most, I guess," he was never one to turn down food either way.
"Were you... going to go with anyone else?" Or would it be just them? He was just wondering if he would have to be prepared for a big group.
...And despite his grumpy attitude, there was the faintest of smiles on his face.
no subject
She held the pen, poised to take down a long list of food preferences...and got 'whatever' instead. Orihime blinked. "...That's it?" There had to be at least one thing he really loved. Right? ...Maybe not.
At his question, she shook her head. "I hadn't really planned on going at all until just now, and it popped into mind! I could see if Sam-san and Mary-san are still here, they're pretty nice." And probably missing Dean even more than Orihime was. "Unless you'd rather keep it just you and me, of course!"
no subject
Adam didn't really want to go with a big group, he had barely agreed to go alone with her to begin with. He shrugged though, crossing his arms as he spoke, "just you and me is fine."
It's all he's willing to do right now, after all. He huffed, "I'm not in the mood to put up with more people than I have to," it seems like every time he tries and be alone someone pulls him into something. It was rather annoying, but he did want to see these... cherry blossoms with her.
no subject
When he made his decision, Orihime nodded quickly. That was understandable!
"Just us, then," she agreed, peeling off the top sheet of paper and putting the rest away. "And don't be afraid to speak your mind once we're there! If you want to go home, just say so, and we'll pack up." Orihime knew she had a tendency to linger around places she loved, and a peaceful temple garden sounded really nice.
It might make the stupid voice in the back of her head shut up. ...Probably not, but she could hope!
no subject
With his arms still crossed over his chest, Adam nodded at her words. He had been moping around here long enough, he figured, and getting out and doing more things might help his mood.
"Ah.... Orihime-" he was quiet for a moment after that, his gaze going to the floor. He never did know how to say thanks in these kinds of times, especially to a... human. He didn't want to ever be nice to her kind again, but being cruel to her almost seemed... wrong. She was so overly happy, it bothered him but amused him at the same time.
"...It's appreciated," is all he managed to mumble after thinking this over.
no subject
"I'll leave the cheesecake with you. Just bring the plate back later whenever you're finished!" she smiled, putting away her list in the thin pocket sewed into her skirt. "I rented a comedy from the store. I don't know if it's your style, but if you want to come watch it, that would be fine! Or you can borrow it when I'm done," she shrugged.
no subject
Once again, that's something he never really got into when he was growing up. Ever since being in the White Fang he had other things he had to do, other missions, he didn't have time for anything like movies or other mundane activities. He hadn't grown up normally at all, when he thought about how others his age acted.
"I could check it out," he is curious, after all. Adam would be fine with watching a movie, quietly, instead of having to talk anymore about things he would rather not think about.
But hey at least he gets to keep the cake.
no subject
"Yay!" she replied enthusiastically...then paused, her mouth forming an 'o'. "Wait...did you mean you wanted to watch it together, or borrow it?" She shouldn't get excited about the wrong thing!
no subject
"Let's just watch it," that was clear enough for an answer, right?
no subject
What if he actually laughed?
"I was hoping you'd pick that one!" she laughed, scooping up her shoes and carrying them with her as she scurried to keep pace with the taller young man.
Perhaps she hadn't lost her touch at making friends after all.
no subject
Adam just opened the door for her, waiting for her to go through it before he closed it behind him. Alright, off to her apartment now!
"If you chose the movie, then it's probably pretty strange too."