I already knew as I stepped in those doors, that today was going to be hell.
When I entered work the manager was already yelling at me tossing me my apron and shoving into the kitchen to start cleaning the dishes. I apologized feverishly to the head cook and I was more than grateful that he wasn't mad.
I was then set to work cleaning the dishes and picking up dirty dishes as punishment for being 20 minutes late. Damn it if only that... That... That god damn asshole didn't hold me up I wouldn't be in this mess! I keep forgetting why I hated taking the bus and I'm always reminded when I see scum like that neatly dressed dick on the bus. Ugh!
Cursing under my breath I continued to wash and scrub the dishes clean.
"Fucking jerk.." I grumble glaring at the dishes. Feeling a hand on my shoulder my whole body flinched before turning around to look up at the head chef.
"Kid how about we ease up on the washing, don't want to break them with how well you're washing."
"Ah... Right sorry sir."
"It's fine, so you know I'm not mad at you, you've never missed a day of work since you started working here but you've started coming in late since a few days ago. Is something wrong?"
"I... I-I was..." I trailed off not knowing what to say.
"I-I'm sorry it's just this whole bio-terrorist deal's gotten me, w-well you know..." I take in a deep breath and I could feel his hand patting my back.
"It's alright I'm not surprised to hear this, but try to get here a little faster alright? The manager's been on edge for the past few days since the news talking about the bio-terrorists being sited in Seattle." I nodded agreeing with him before pulling out the last dish and took a towel to dry of the dish before setting it on a rack.
"Well you'll be stuck on dishes duty for the rest of the day, are you fine with locking up tonight?"
"Yeah I always lock up Wednesday night."
"Oh that's right." I gave a smile as I wave off him off while I glanced to the pots, pans and ovens still full of food. Sighing I opened one of the many cabinets I pull out several take out boxes and bags.
"Let's not let this go to waste." I grin humming as I take the extras before cleaning the dishes. After spending at least an hour on the rest of the dishes I took the two bags before going into the lounge room and unfolded my hoodie and put it on then went outside of the restaurant and locked the doors behind me.
Letting out a sigh of relief I pulled up my hood and walked down the streets. Taking short cuts through the alley I could hear shooting and shouting on the main streets. I say paying no mind. That could be anything for all I knew. Cops fighting gangs, some guy going nutso, there was a lot wrong with this city. But it was something I got used to. So I stayed in the alley's watching my back after making every turn before stopping at a fire escape. I set down the bags for a moment to rub my sore wrists. Seafood really can really add up in weight if you're not careful. Then after picking them back up. I walked up the fire escape. After reaching the third flight of stairs I stopped at a window and gently knocked on the glass.
It was quiet before the loud clacking of heels came rushing towards the window.
"Marshmallow my baby!" my uncle cried out in his 'Miracle Temple' voice as he pulled me in and hugged me tightly.
"MT if you hug any tighter you're gonna ruin your boobs!" I cringe gasping for air before he finally let me go.
"Sorry marshmallow it's just you wouldn't pick up your phone so I got worried."
"O-oh... Eh heh sorry I forgot." I gave her an apologetic smile as I move to the kitchen and set the left overs on the counter.
"Marshmallow sweety you have to stop doing that, and you even left your glasses at home too!" He scolds holding up the brown framed spectacles.
"Oh you found them! I was wondering where they went!" I grin taking back my glasses before pulling out my cleaning cloth from my pocket and wipe off the smudges before putting them back on my face.
"Honestly if you would clean your room every now and then you would be able to find your things!"
"Hey! I keep telling you it is an organized mess!" I cry out groaning. Of course MT wouldn't understand he was a neat freak! Ugh I can't live like that. I need something astray or I will go mad!
"A mess is still a mess!" He scolds before looking at the food and sighing.
"Don't you ever get tired of Olaf's left overs? You know I have enough money to pay for the both of us." His scolding softens and my irritation softened as well. I couldn't help but smile at my uncle's kind offer.
"It's fine uncle, really. Besides I'm a grown adult, I need to at least pay for my own food. You've let me stay here with you for years. I don't want to make you help me when you don't have to."
"Marshmallow dear look at me. Do you see this dress I am wearing?" He placed a hand on his hip while gesturing to himself
"Yes and it looks good on you." I groan out knowing full well what I had just done.
"And you know full well-
"While uncle's in a dress we call him 'Miracle Temple'." I spoke at the same time as him. "Yeah yeah I know but we're at home can't you let me slip just a little bit?" I asked puckering up my lips before making myself a bowl of chowder.
"Fine, you know I hate that face you make. Damn you and your chubby cheeks." He sighs before poking my cheeks making me wail out an incoherent noise.
"Don't do thaaat!"
"Sweet heart you have had these baby cheeks since you were born and I've been poking them since you came out of your mothers belly, there ain't no way I'm gonna stop now."
"Your western's showing." I warn as I quickly got over my wailing and took a spoonful of chowder in my mouth.
"Oh my! Thank you dear I mustn't break character!" His voice immediately went up a higher octave as he patted my head affectionately.
"But as I was trying to say earlier before you distracted me, I will always welcome you in my home, even if you were one of those Bio-Terrorists,"
"Conduits."
"Whatever you want to call them." He rolled his eyes. "But we're family. And no matter what your mother says or what you think. And unlike my sister I'll be here for you." He smiles before pulling me in for a hug. Panicking and not want to ruin his dress or ruin my chowder I lifted my hands into the air holding the bowl above my head as he wrapped his arms tightly around my squishy body.
"My adorable squishy niece."
"You sound like I'm 5."
"You will always be 5 in my heart."
"Love you too MT."
"Love you too my cuddly marshmallow." He smiles letting me go before snatching up my spoon and stealing a spoonful of that delicious chowder.
"Aw hey! This is why I hide my snacks!"
"Good thing you're bad at hiding!" He chimes before walking out the door.
"Wait... Aw no did he eat my stash!?" Crying out those words I ran to my room and practically cried at the monstrosity before me.