Holly - RL for Ken and Aya

[minesprettier]

[Apparently, there's supposed to be a cold spell tonight and Chloe didn't finished preparing the plants for it because of his injuries. The others did most of the work, true, but they knew not to interfere with his roses.

He rests on his hands and knees to pile mulch around the base to keep the roots warm enough to survive. The smaller climbing roses will need to be unwound from their wooden frame, set on the ground, and covered in more of the same material afterwards.

This would be easier if he had another skilled set of hands. Nana hasn't yet said when Ken and Aya will get home, though.]

Comments

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

[Adjusting the strap of the bag he's carrying, Aya glances over at Ken as they walk. He's more concerned about him than anything else after their last talk with Chloe. He still has the mark on his lip to show for it even if it is mostly healed.

Looking back ahead of them, he sees the place and smiles a little at the sight of it. And then he notices Chloe.

He's doing...far better than he expected. That alone makes him suspicious.]

[wasabloodknight.livejournal.com]

[minesprettier]

[He'll explain later. Probably. Right now, there are other things on his mind. When Chloe hears footsteps behind him, he sits up and almost smiles for a moment. Instead, he waves one dirty, gloved hand at the two of them.]

Well this is an unexpected surprise. Nana didn't tell us anything about you returning. Michel's probably going to hug you both to death when he notices.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

[Nodding his thanks to Ken, he hands over his bag and his sword before coming over to where Chloe is, kneeling beside him.]

I'm sure he will. But I think that you could use some help out here first.

[wasabloodknight.livejournal.com]

I figured as much. I'll go take the first shift with him when I head in to put this stuff up.

[There's a quick smile for Chloe, but it's an honest one. Once he's got the gear situated in his arms, he heads off, intending to give them at least a few minutes on their own.]

[minesprettier]

[Ken leaving isn't too strange, since Chloe assumes he's not at full strength yet and this would wear him out.]

I'm mostly done with the bushes, but help with the climbers would be appreciated. They're still young and the most delicate of everything still out here.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

[Nodding, Aya goes to grab some gloves before coming back to help Chloe with the roses.]

They're doing well so taking care of them now is a good idea.

[minesprettier]

It's supposed to be cold tonight. I think Yuki and Michel may have taken over the kitchen to make hot cocoa and cookies to warm everyone up.

[Chloe has to squint a little to read the directions for taking care of the climbers, despite having printed them out in large text.]

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

That sounds like them.

[Aya notices what Chloe is doing and reaches over to take the directions away, putting them in his pocket. Then he's giving Chloe the directions aloud. He'll talk about what he just saw in a moment.]

[minesprettier]

[He frowns, but continues anyway. Aya telling him what to do is easier although he'll never admit it.]

They're even closer now than they were before the wedding.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

You've taken good care of them and it shows.

[He knows from experience that it takes a caring hand to see to it that they grow properly.]

[minesprettier]

[Well that's a compliment he didn't expect. Chloe doesn't feel like he does much to help them grow, but apparently it's enough.]

Thank you.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

You're welcome.

[He looks over the roses as he moves on to his next topic.]

You seem to be doing well physically.

[minesprettier]

Someone from the community offered to heal me. He was by this morning and it was perfect timing. I could have finished all of this on my own if I needed to thanks to the help.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

[Aya's not thrilled by that and it shows. But he refuses to question Chloe's judgment on this.]

[minesprettier]

All he saw of the house was the garden. And as far as he's concerned, it was a mishap from working around a ladder and heavy boxes.

[Maybe that will slightly appease the grumpy leader?]

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

That affected your eyesight?

[Yes, he noticed.]

[minesprettier]

I didn't mention that and it wasn't treated.

[Now he's a little grumpier.]

I got poison in my eyes, Aya. I'm amazed I can still see at all.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

We'll get you reading glasses later today.

[That's the solution to that.]

[minesprettier]

Assuming I can find ones that look good enough.

[He'll never stop being vain, sorry.]

Is that all you're concerned about?

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

You're jealous.

[Yep. Just like that.]

[minesprettier]

I'm happy for you two.

[But also completely jealous at the same time.]

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

And still jealous because you're convinced you can never have anything like that after what happened recently.

[minesprettier]

[Chloe's voice goes cold to keep himself from getting too emotional.]

I killed the only person I wanted to have it with. There's no convincing needed.

[redlikecrimson.livejournal.com]

[Aya doesn't seem at all bothered by the tone, used to getting it from people.]

So you are sure that there is no one in the entire world that can make you happy.