Chapter Four:…Satisfy the Appetite…
Ueda had just gotten off the phone with Hideki. He asked if Hideki would mind helping Chii deliver the few cakes that were left in the bakery, then close it up for the day. He felt bad for dropping that on Hideki at the last minute, but the way this cold was hitting him made Ueda feel even worse.
He was back in bed, his eyes heavy and his mind wandering. Before he knew it, Ueda had drifted off to sleep…
…Hours later he was awakened by yet another throbbing headache. He stood up to get something to drink. When Ueda was in the kitchen, he splashed his face with freezing water in an attempt to cool off. He went into the living room and laid down on the sofa.
Moments after, there was a knock at the door. Ueda called for the person to come in--it was Tomaru.
She opened the door slowly, trying not to bother Ueda.
"T-Tomaru? What are you doing here?" he said with a scratchy voice.
"I ran into Hideki and Chii on my way home from school. They said you called up sick, and I thought you might want some company," Tomaru said shyly.
Ueda managed a smile, "That's sweet, Tomaru, but I'm okay. I just need to rest--I should be fine by tomorrow."
She shook her head, "I'll bet you haven't eaten anything…have you?"
"Not…not really," Ueda coughed.
Tomaru held up a medium-sized bag that was filled with colorful ingredients, "Then today, I'll be the cook! I'll make you some soup and a snack, 'kay?"
He paused, then smiled and chuckled, "Okay."
* * * * *
Ueda went in-between naps, listening to Tomaru hum cheerfully as she worked diligently in the kitchen. He thought about what Hideki had said the previous night. He really did enjoy having her around. Who wouldn't? She was sweet, polite, and cheerful.
Tomaru stepped in, holding a small tray with a few plates and bowls on it. She set the tray on Ueda's lap, "Here ya go! I hope this tastes okay…"
Ueda looked at all the food, saying 'Itadakimasu!' before taking a bite. Tomaru had prepared quite a meal: she had rice, miso soup, vegetables, and a main dish of beef sukiyaki. She watched in anticipation as Ueda chewed and swallowed his first bit. He gave a look of approval, "This is delicious! You're quite the chef!"
Tomaru blushed, "Thank you! I'm so glad that you like it!"
* * * * *
After finishing the meal, Ueda graciously thanked Tomaru for her kind act. She decided to stay a while longer. She first cleaned up after cooking, then wanted to spend some time with Ueda.
"How are you?" she asked with concern.
He smiled, "I'm feeling a little better. You've been really helpful."
Tomaru moved closer, she put her hand on his forehead, then slid it down to the side of his face. She blushed when saying, "You're still warm…I'll get you a cold towel."
Ueda mouth was slightly open, he was surprised at how close Tomaru was getting. When she came back, Tomaru kneeled down--her face close to Ueda's--and carefully set the towel on his forehead.
She spoke quietly, "There you go…hopefully that will help you cool down."
Ueda was silent. He just looked into her kind eyes, feeling a strange connection to the dream he had the previous night. But then, of course, Ueda remembered how he and his persocom used to spend time together like this: she would always take care of him, doing whatever she could to make him happy.
"T-Tomaru? Can I tell you something…?" Ueda sat up, he took her hand in his.
She looked down at their hands, then up at Ueda, "What is it? Is something wrong?"
He shook his head, "There's something I've been wanting to get off my chest for a while, but I've never really been sure how…until now…"