Tae's apartment was…sterile, for lack of a better word. No pictures decorated the walls, no plants or trinkets decorated her shelves, nor was there anything but the sound of a percolator running that filled the empty apartment. It felt empty. Like it was lacking something essential.
It lacks the joy of a husband and children.
Pursing her lips, she noticed how dull everything looked. IKEA furniture wasn't known for being particularly beautiful, but Tae began to realize that she'd chosen everything in a shade of white. Clinical, like her work, rather than warm like a home should be.
She could afford it easily. Even her small clinic made decent money, especially with the elderly population in Yongen-Jaya, but it would take a lot of time and effort to bring it into her apartment and put everything together by herself. If only she had a big, strong man to help her, she could…
Tae shook her head. She was (unhappy) fine by herself. She didn't need anyone's help.
With the red light on the top of the percolator blinking, she poured herself a cup and started to cook up some instant ramen. Little effort and little time, it would fill her up just enough to lead into lunch. And if she was lucky, with it being a Sunday, her new regular would swing by and she could give him some cash to bring her some curry from Leblanc.
But as she watched the ramen fall into the boiling water, she couldn't help but feel a bit of distaste towards it. Why was she settling for these cheap instant noodles? Something quick and unfulfilling? Tae knew she could make something better, something homemade and filled with love.
Snatching two eggs from the refrigerator, she cracked them open in a bowl, mixing it with teriyaki sauce, ramen seasoning, chili oil, and fresh green onions. Once she strained her noodles, she mixed the steaming hot water in with the homemade sauce, before placing the ramen inside. Grabbing a pair of chopsticks, she took a quick bite.
Moaning at the delicious taste, she dug into it, and within a few minutes it was gone. Following it up with some coffee, she leaned back in her wooden kitchen chair, staring down at her plate.
Cooking had never been a strong suit of hers, but she couldn't help but think of how fulfilling that had felt. And it could be even more fulfilling if she had someone to share it with…
Biting her lip, Tae wondered if she should make more. Maybe enough for two? Yes, that sounded like a plan. She would make some for her lunch, and some for her regular, and hopefully, he would enjoy it as well as she had.
What kind of man wouldn't enjoy a home cooked meal?
Heading back towards the stove, Tae began to prepare another batch.
xXx
"Gosh Doc! This sure is good!" Watching Akira practically inhale the noodles was certainly…interesting to watch. "I gotta say, you're a great cook!"
"Thanks." Tae said. She thanked the Lord for the face mask she wore, else Akira might grow an ego from seeing her blush. It shouldn't have felt this good to get a compliment from the brat (her man) but it really made her chest tighten a little. In the good way, not the imminent heart attack way. "Are you going to tell me why you're so bruised up again? What, couldn't rub some Vicks on it this time?"
"Nah, I ran out after fighting some demons in the subway." Akira replied, pulling a napkin from his pocket and wiping his lips on it. Tae rolled her eyes. Did he really think she was going to fall for that excuse? "Also, do you have any more of the stuff? I might need it in case I break any I break anymore of my fingers."
Tae sighed. "Got five cases ready for you." She rubbed some Arnica Cream on his back, noticing for the first time how toned he was. Sure, he wasn't exactly a mountain of muscle, more lean like a swimmer, but she found herself admiring how fit he was. "Really hiding all this under that turtleneck aren't you?"
"Huh?" Akira asked.
Shit, had she said that out loud? "Nothing." She snapped the top of the Arnica Cream shut. "Now, I know you've got your…ways, but I do seriously recommend you get some rest. Popping in everyday to buy meds is incredibly unhealthy, and a waste of time."
"Nah," Akira waved her off. "Spending time with you is anything but a waste."
Tae would never admit that her mouth went a little dry at his words. Silent for a few moments as her heart thrummed in her chest, she spoke up, her voice kept carefully calm. "Regardless, I don't want to turn on the news and hear about you dropping down in the street after an OD." It would be a bit hard to do that from Aspirin, but with this weirdo, she was sure Akira would manage it. "I won't stop selling it to you, since you clearly need it, but you'll need to be more careful."
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138:7." Akira smiled. "I put my full trust into the Lord and he has helped protect me from evil. And he can help protect you, if you let him. My offer for Sunday Service is still open."
"I'll be b…" Busy, was what she nearly said. But a part of her yearned for that same happiness that Akira had. Even if he was a bit naïve, he was truly filled with joy, while she'd been simply living these past few years. Not enjoying herself or moving forward, just being alive. Why shouldn't she chase that same happiness? "I'll Think about it."
Akira's eyes lit up like Christmas had come early, and Tae didn't want to think on how that made her feel with how happy he looked that she would attend church with him.
To have someone so happy to see you! Why, only a husband would be like that!
"We'll be glad to have you! Although, you'll need to wear something appropriate. When one is in God's presence, they should always look their best! Something those heretical protestants know nothing about!" He shivered. "The reformation and its consequences have been a disaster for the body of Christ!"
"Uh…yeah." Tae stopped the religious rant before it could even begin. Lord knows that she really didn't want to hear borderline schizophrenic ramblings on Martin Luthor and how he somehow caused the sexual revolution. She'd already had to endure that once. Never again. "I'll see if I have any old dresses I can throw on."
She couldn't even remember the last time she'd wore a dress, or at least one that would have been appropriate at a church. Maybe five years ago? Ten? Lord, she felt old.
"If you don't have any, just give me a call and I can pick some up from the church!" Akira said. "A lot of the newer converts didn't have the right clothes, but our brothers and sisters from around Japan really stepped up and helped them out!"
"I'll make sure to remember that. Now, if you've nothing else, I've got…" Tae struggled to come up with something to do. Read the Bible? Yes, that would be sure to get him out. "Some scripture to read."
"Golly! I really shouldn't distract you from that!" Akira hopped off the clinic bed, quickly throwing his turtleneck on, carefully placing the cross around his neck. "If you need any help, just let me know! I've read it at least a couple dozen times front to back along with the commentaries and the apocrypha and-"
"Akira, I'm fine." Tae rubbed the bridge of her nose, feeling the start of a migraine budding beneath her skull. Hopefully, she'd taken stock right and hadn't sold all her Aspirin to the brat in front of her. "Now, shoo."
"See ya, doc!" He quickly ran out of the room, leaving her alone. Palming the small New Testament book from her doctor's coat, she wondered if she should read it. But why not? It could hold some valuable lessons that a woman like her should know.
Seating herself behind the counter, she grabbed a coffee cup with one hand and the scripture with another, flipping to and began to read.
AN: Thank goodness! Tae has finally began to listen to the Good News! Lmao! Anyway, here's where the stepfordization is really beginning, and it's only (up)downhill from here :D. Anyway, hope you like it! And also merry Christmas.