Donald entered the safe house and hung up his jacket. He nodded a quick hello to Dembe who returned it. Then, he walked into he kitchen where he found Red stirring a pot and humming to himself.
"Since when do you cook?" Donald asked, getting a smile from Red. He leaned back on the counter after giving the criminal a quick peck on the cheek.
"I just thought that you might want something home cooked rather than take out again." Red replied as he kept stirring the red soup. "I haven't cooked in years. So, don't expect much." He added before dipping some into three bowls. He sat two on the kitchen table and took the other to Dembe.
"It looks great." Donald commented as he raised the spoon to his mouth. He tried to not let it show when the horrid taste hit his tongue. Instead, he tried to smile and make an 'mmm' sound when he saw Red giving him an expectant look. He gave a thumbs up and nodded as he pointed to the soup. Red still didn't look convinced.
"You don't like it." "he muttered in disappointment.
"Es I oo!" Ressler slurred around his soup.
"Then, swallow it."
"... I cad," Donald said before finally spitting it out into a napkin. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright, Don." Red replied but Donald could see that he was a little stung. "You can order in, if you want, but I'm going to enjoy my soup." He added before putting a spoonful into his mouth. Donald watched as Red's face contorted in disgust. He spit the soup back into his bowl and practically shoved his napkin into his mouth trying to wipe the liquid off of his tongue. "That's completely rancid!"
"It isn't that bad." Donald lied to try to make Red feel better.
"Don't try to make me feel better, Donald. It tastes like something died in it." Red stated and slumped back in his seat.
"You're exaggerating. Now, how about I take you and Dembe out somewhere to eat?" He asked and Red sighed.
"Okay, I'll go get my coat an-," Red started but stopped when Dembe walked in with an empty bowl in his hand.
"Great soup, Raymond." Dembe said before refilling his bowl and eating a spoonful out of it.
"Dember, are you feeling alright?" Red asked and Dembe nodded before eating a little more. He walked back to his spot at the front door, leaving the two stunned. They looked at each other as if asking what was going on. "If he hadn't eaten any in front of us, I would have just thought that he'd dumped it somewhere." Red commented. "You know, maybe we should just order in."
"Why?"
"We might need to call an ambulance for Dembe later."
