The morning sun had barely begun to rise, and yet, Kannon already began to stir from his slumber. Twisting and turning in the comfortable bed, a vain attempt to go back to sleep, was futile with his eternal alarm clock, honed from an early age, already screaming for him to get up. Groaning in frustration, for he really wanted to sleep in, he knew there was no use in trying to fight the evitable, knowing that, chestnut brown eyes reveal themselves to the world. Silver rays of the sun snaking through the dark blinds providing some light in the otherwise dark room.

Stretching and stifling a yawn, he strained his hearing to see if the other occupants of the rented house were awake. Not hearing anything, he assumed they were all still asleep. It would not be surprising considering the twins, Niala and Kensaku, seem to stay up late working on puppets. The nighttime was a perfect time to do so without much distraction. Shrugging his shoulders, he tossed the linen off of him and got out of the bed. A shiver running down his spine when his bare feet touched the cold floor. Turning to the messy bed, he made quick work of straightening it up.

Satisfied with the now made bed, he scratched the back of his head as he thought about getting a shower before any of them get up.  Last night training had left him smelling quite ripe, and he was too tired to take a shower then. He had literally fallen asleep upon his head touching the pillow. Seeing the decision as an obvious one, he gathered what he needed for the said shower, exiting his room, and headed towards the bathroom a little bit down the hallway.

He was making sure no one was in the bathroom, in case someone had gotten up, before turning the doorknob and opening it. Stepping into the rather spacious area, he placed his folded clothes on the sink and allowed the water to run a bit. Stripping out of yesterday worn clothing, he had been too tired to change them before sleep overcame him, he stepped into the shower, large enough to fit two or three people, and began washing away the dirt and grime on him. The hot water was steaming of the room.

A good twenty-five minutes later, he stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel to wrap his shampooed and conditioned hair in, and wrapped the other one around his waist. Figuring none of the house occupants were awake, he stepped out of the bathroom with on a towel wrapped around his waist, suppressing a shiver from the air hitting his damp upper body, and walked back to his bedroom. Not bothering to lock the door behind him, Kannon moved towards his closet. Removing the towel, he slipped on a pair of boxers,  black training gi type pants, and a plain white t-shirt. Unwrapping the towel from around his hair, he began the tedious, process of combing it, making sure there were no knots in the pink locks. Placing the comb on the dresser, he put his hair in a simple, low ponytail.

Now dressed, he stepped out of the bedroom, towards the kitchen to address a problem, that being his growling stomach. “What’s this?”, He said to himself, pausing beside a table which had a letter on it. Picking up the said letter, he quickly read the comments, it being from Kensaku, saying how he had left to look for supplies for his puppet, and that he will be gone for some time. Furthermore, he mentioned the name and locations of places he would be stopping by, along with saying he had his wireless radio on him in case anything comes up. Having read the letter, Kannon placed it back on the table and made his way into the rather spacious kitchen.

Opening the refrigerator a carton of eggs were pulled out, along with sliced bacon, and sausage links. Seeing it was, apparently, only him and Niala home, and she hadn't been seen this morning, Kannon decided to cook breakfast for them both. It would be pretty dickish if he only prepared enough for him, and nothing for his fiance. With that in mind, he brought out a white apron, tied it around his waist, and began the process of cooking, all the while humming a small tune.

---

Word Count: 739

Humming a soft tune to himself, Kannon reached over, turning the oven on 350 degrees, knowing it would take some time for the preheat to the appropriate temperature. Having done that, he reached into a nearby cabinet, pulling out a non-stick skillet, and placing it on the stove. Finding the cooking oil, he poured a small amount the pan, swirling it around, making sure it coated every inch, before turning on the gas stove, on low, watching as the blue flames ignited. While the oil was getting heated, he began searching for two simple seasonings for the eggs, that he plans on cooking, salt, and pepper. In his opinion, there being no other seasonings needed for them. It took him a few seconds to find the salt and pepper, they not being in their usual place, but, once they were founded, he placed them beside the carton of eggs.

With a small dash of water, testing to see if the oil was hot enough, and seeing that it was not, Kannon began the process of prepping the food. Thoroughly washing his hands, he grabbed a baking pan and began arranging twenty-five sausage links. He figures it would be enough for himself, Niala, and Kensaku if the man would eat breakfast leftovers. Having arranged them, he once again washed his hands, making sure they were clean before he handled anything else. He might not be the best cook, but, he did understand the necessary need to wash one’s hands when handling different food. He did not want to because of some cross-contamination that may be possible. With his hands thoroughly wash, he cut open the unopened bacon pack.

Sprinkling a little bit water into the pan, watching it pop and sizzle, Kannon nodded to himself; the oil was hot enough for the bacon. Having some inkling in how much food Niala could put away, when hungry, and with his big appetite, he knew the package of bacon would only be enough for him and her. “Guess Kensaku will have to cook when he gets back.”, He mutters, pulling at the delicious bacon slice one by one and placing them in the pan. As the last piece of bacon, that could fit, was placed into the skillet, the oven beeped, signaling it was time to put the sausage-links into the oven. Once more, Kannon thoroughly washed and dried his hands before sliding the baking pan into the oven, and sat a timer, in case he forgets.

Delicious breakfast aromas wafted throughout the entire house as the bacon sizzling all so tantalizing in the pan. Realizing he needed tongs, to flip over the bacon, he grabbed them from a drawer. Cleaning, and drying, them off just incase, he started flipping over each piece of bacon once it got a nice brown to it. As the other side got brown, Kannon allowed the bacon to cook a little bit longer, until it became nice and crispy. He could not fathom the people who enjoyed eating soft bacon. There was just some wrong when fried bacon was not nice and crispy. In his opinion, crispy bacon is the best bacon. With the bacon now to the way he liked, he took them up, placing them on a plate with a paper towel in it, to soak up any excess oil. The last pieces of bacon were placed into the frying pan and was sizzling.

With a quick wash of his hands, Kannon checked on the sausage-links, they have gotten a nice coloration on them, and was in needing of being flipped, which he did. As he watched the food cook, Kannon could not help but wonder where his fiance was. Surely, the delicious aroma would have to wake her up from her slumber, yet it had not. Could she still be asleep? As he was thinking about the question, something on the refrigerator caught his eye. A note and it was from Niala, mentioning she was going to for a 5 pm shift at the local hospital. The note having been dated yesterday. “Well, that explains it.”, He muttered, crumbling up the note and tossing it in the nearby trash can. He had forgotten his fiance been taking up work at the local hospital. She having been doing so since they arrived in Mizu no Kuni.

Glancing at the clock, Kannon was nearing five-thirty, and if his assumptions were correct, Niala would be coming home soon, if she only worked a twelve-hour shift. “She is going to be exhausted.”, He muttered to himself, flipping over the bacon, allowing the other side to get the nice brown. Hearing the front door opening, it meant either Niala was home, nor Kensaku got back quicker than he thought. Focused on cooking the food, he could not go and see it was who came in. Whoever it was, they were making their way towards the kitchen, at least that what he could discern from their footsteps. Taking a quick glance, to see who had come home, Kannon’s eyes widening, then soften, as he saw Niala dressed in pink scrubs.

He did not even need to ask if she was exhausted for it was clear as day. She just looks completely spent as she sluggishly moved over towards the counter. He reaches for a plate of bacon to take up the others that were done. Dumping out the oil from the pan, Kannon gave it a quick wash before setting it back on the stove with a small amount of oil in it. Moving towards Niala, Kannon, for one reason or another, quickly kissed her on the cheek, chuckling at her comment, “Mmmm, I don’t know if this is enough to feed an army.”, His words being cut off as the timer beeped, signifying the sausage links were ready to be taking out. “But, it should be enough for us. Kensaku will have to fend for himself whenever he comes home.” He spoke, grabbing another dinner plate and putting a paper towel in it.  

Kannon shook his head at his fiance admission of not eating anything in over twelve hours, “Don’t you get a break or something?”, He inquired, sliding on oven mitts, opening the oven door, and grabbing a baking pan. Setting the pan on a pair of unused stove caps, he began transferring the sausage lengths to another plate. Once done, and knowing the oil should be hot, Kannon began cracking several eggs, and, just like his mother does use a fork to fluff the eggs into scrambled eggs goodness. “I will bring everything to the table. So, wash up, and sit down love.”, Not realizing what had slipped from his mouth, Kannon went back setting the table. Two places and the utensils were placed on the table, the plates with the food on them were next to be placed on the table with the needed serving utensils being in each plate. With everything set, he untied the apron , folding it up and placing it back to where he had found it.

“You know coffee is just going to make you crash quicker.”, He spoke, feeling the teapot with water, and grabbing a mug from the cabinet, and turned on the teapot. Snatching a paper towel, using it to wipe out of the mug, and tossing it into the trash, Kannon set down the mug. Grabbing a Camille tea bag, he places it into the cup, and pour the boiling water into it. Carrying the cup over to Niala, and placing it beside her. “Asides from getting some rest, what are you plans for today?”, He asked, as he grabbed the plate in front of her, and started putting a generous amount of eggs, sausage, and bacon on it, before sitting it in front of her once. He would also make his on plate before taking a seat across of his fiance, “You won’t be going back to work this afternoon, right?”, He asked, eyes showing concern seeing how tired his fiance is.

---

WC: 1347[2086]

Kannon shook his head in disbelief at the amount of work and pressure that had been placed on Niala. It was unimaginable how someone could handle case after case without much a break in such a high tense environment. While he does not know everything that goes on at a hospital, the times he has ventured there for injuries had shown him how hectic things could get at the drop of the hat. Peace seems to be at a premium for those who work at the hospital and other medical facilities. He could not think there was anything that can come close to the stress medical-nins is forced to endure. They were the ones in charge of making sure the patient lived, making it through the ordeal. They were the ones who had to give the heartbreaking news to the distraught family if the patient did not make it. Honestly, those in the medical profession, like Niala, were amazing people.

The glass pan in his hand was nearly dropped when Niala mentioned about being attacked by an abusive father. “What!?”, He asked, snapping his full attention towards her, having hastily put the pan onto of a pair of unused stovetops. Did he just hear correctly? Did his fiance said someone attacked her? Like a sudden storm, his thoughts swirl in a chaotic mess. Questions upon questions whirled around within his head. What happened? How did it happen? Was she okay? Eyes frantically looked over her body, trying to find any indication of she being hurt by the man. “Are you okay?”

It did not take long for Niala to answer his questions. Her answer calming the raging storm of emotions Kannon felt. She was okay. The guy did not hit her. She was safe. Those were the only words he registered at the moment. Sighing softly at knowing that nothing bad had happened to her. Though, his eyes still shined with concern and worried, a dark part of his mind wondering if she only told him these things to make not worry about her. She knew exactly how worried her got when it came to her safety.    

Concerned, chestnut brown eyes stared into Niala’s searching them for something. Looking to see if there were any way to discern if something else occurred during the incident. He trusted her more than anything, but, something about the incident was nagging him greatly. What else could have happened? A few seconds passed with him not finding anything else in her eyes. “I am glad you are okay.”, He spoke, “And I am proud of you being able to take down that individual. I do hope he goes to jail for a long time.”

Cracking the eggs, Kannon thoughts drifted to himself. Since arriving here, and having trained every day, there had not been any improvements in his own physical prowess. He was still just as weak as he was when he left home. No progress had been made in his training, and quite frankly it ignored him greatly. Why hasn’t he grown any stronger? Why is he still weak? Why can’t he be strong enough to protect those he cared for the most, Niala? There must be a way for him to gain enough strength to be strong enough to protect his fiancé. “No more. . .”, He muttered underneath his breath. As his mind brought up some disturbing imagery, it was his wake up call to find the strength he needed to prevent what was conjured up from coming to pass. No longer will he be weak. No longer will he be a burden to his fiancé. He will gain the strength needed to fight beside the woman who he had committed his life to.

With the table set, and the Camille tea being made, Kannon chuckled at Niala’s words, “Well, hopefully, the food will give you some energy.”, He spoke, placing the mug of tea in front of her. “Your welcome.”, A dusty pink hue painted against his pale skin, having heard the ‘love’ comment. Did she just say that? The comment replayed in his mind, each time causing his heart to flutter. Despite them being engaged, he could not remember a time were either of them used cute pet names, or calling each other ‘love’. This was the first time either of them said anything romantic like that.

Setting the plate down, he listened to Niala’s words  “Good, even if you were going to go in, I was going to prevent you.”, He admitted, “I could not, with good conscience, allow you to go back to work after your incredibly long shift.” Indeed, there was no way he could allow her to go back to into work today. Not after everything, she has been through. If it meant forcing her to stay here until she was fully rested? Then so be it, he would. “The nurse was probably upset at the others for keeping you that long. I might not know much about the medical profession, but, working those strenuous hours could not be good. One could easily become unfocused and make a crucial mistake.” He learned first hand how sleep exhaustion could affect one’s perform. Their movements become sloppy, uncoordinated, and they were likely to make mistakes that they normally would not if they had enough sleep.

With the table set, Kannon moved and sat in front of Niala, lightly picking at the food on the plate. “The hospital smell?”, He playful crinkled his nose, holding it in an attempt to stop smell the horrible smell, “So, that is what I was smelling. Ew.” His comment being made out of jest. Though nowhere near close to his favorite smell on her, he did not mind it . . .much. “I do agree, you do need a shower.”, He joked, “Careful now if you are going to be half-asleep while in the shower, there is a chance you might fall, and I can not have that. Maybe I will have to join you. . .”

Kannon’s eyes widen upon realizing what he just said, the fork dropping on his plate as he covered his mouth with his hand. Did he just say that? Did he just say he would join her in the shower? “I. . .hmm. . .yeah. I mean, it would be beneficial if I was nearby in case you do fall asleep, this way I can catch you.”, He tried to explain his comment with a bright blush on his face.

---

1085[3171]

Though it took him a second, Kannon did notice the change in her demeanor after making the comment of wishing the abusive man, who had attacked her, would be going to jail for the assault. The look being similar to the one given when she had first mentioned the incident. Like, she wanted to tell him more, but, for whatever reason refuse to do so. Why couldn’t she tell him? Was she sworn to secret by someone at the hospital? Did something else happened at the hospital? Was she been threatened? So many thoughts ran amok in his brain as he tried to figure out what was going on with Niala, and why does it seem like she was keeping something from him? Weren’t they a couple? Weren’t couples supposed to tell each other everything then? Then why. . .

For the first time, Kannon felt pain. It not being physical but mental one as he thought about what has been kept from him. The more he thought about it, the worse it became. His mind coming up with depressing, and wilder reasons for her silence. One such thought being that she had cheated on him. A stupid one really, for he doubts sweet Niala would ever do something like that. She was too innocent and pure to cheat on him, yet, his mind came up with such a thought. Like a vortex, his chaotic thoughts drug him deeper into the darkness, batting him with different ‘what ifs’ that could be contributed to her silence. Heavens, how he wished she would just tell him. To stop these thoughts from beating against him. ”Why?”, Too far gone was he being hit by his thoughts that he did not realize that he had whispered the single question out loud, as well as thinking it.

Eventually, he realized what he had said, and he could not find it in himself to care that she might have heard him. He was just. . . Attention focused back on the food he was cooking, using it as a distraction. A means to pull himself away from the chaotic thoughts. To force himself to focus on something else instead of what was beating him up inside. It seems to be working to, for the chaotic thoughts were slowly being pushed to the furthest parts of his mind, and, by the time the plates were set, said thoughts has been shoved away. Did he accept that Niala was keeping a secret? No, for he felt it was wrong, but was coming to take it as another part of their relationships - secrets will be kept between them.

Kannon, upon seeing the pink tinge on Niala’s cheek, softly smiling at her. Her giggling only making the smile on his face bigger, “Eww then you will be all dirty and sweating, instead of just smelling like a ton of disinfectants.”, He jested. He could not imagine her being a gravedigger. In his opinion, the occupation would not suit someone as innocent as her. Then again, being a shinobi, a killer for hire, was not something he would have expected from her either.

After mentioning the comment regarding joining her in the shower, the pink tinge on his face deepened when she agreed to the idea. She liking the thought of him being in the shower with him. Thankfully, he was not chewing anything; else he would have probably choked on the admission. Staring up from his plate his eyes looked into her own, “Well, once you get finished eating, we can take that shower. . .”, He paused, wondering if he should say what he wanted, he soon came to a conclusion, “Together.” Finishing the food on his plate, Kannon was about to get up and put it into the sink, planning on washing the dishes late, he stopped and sat back down as Niala mention she needed to tell him something.

"I want to tell you something.”, Why did those six little words seem so ominous? Heart raced, and the thoughts that were confined to the deepest part of his mind came back with a vengeance, as their dark whispers corrupted his mind as he waited for her to speak. Thankfully though, the wait was near existence, and as she begins to tell him the truth, what she was hesitant in telling him, Kannon listened. A silence befell between them as he processed what was told. His eyes trying to find Niala’s, only to see her staring down at her plate, eating the remaining of her food with a disinterest.

Getting up from his chair, Kannon moved over towards Niala, his hand taking the fork out of her own and placed it on the table. “Niala.”, He spoke, wanting her to look at him, “Niala.” Ever gently he pulled her up from the chair, his arms wrapping around her, “I am glad that he won’t be able to hurt that little girl again or come seeking you out for revenge. You are safe from the man seeking you out. That is the only thing that matters to me.”. Pulling her back his eyes searched for her own, “While I might not completely agree with Doctor Kobayashi’s action. It is only because he unknowingly got you involved. Not only did he did what he did in the same room as you, but, also admitted. If something would happen, not only would he get in trouble, but, they will look at you as well. That is the only thing that bothers me.” He admitted. He did not fault the doctor for his actions because he would have done the same thing, the only difference being it would not be around any witnesses, and he would have kept it to himself.

On impulse, Kannon leaned forward, placing his lips against Niala’s. There was no need to explain the reason for the kiss. He loved her. He cared for her. Those were reasons enough right? Interlocking his fingers with hers, Kannon gently tugged his fiance towards the bathroom, “Come on, let’s take a shower.”, He paused, looking back at Niala, the blush on his face not being as big as it once was, “Together. It is what couples do, right?” Guiding her into the bathroom the door shutting and locking behind them as many firsts happen behind the closed door.

1060[4231]

Strength: E-0 -> E-1 | 75 wc | 0 ryp
Strength: E-1 -> E-2 | 150 wc | 0 ryo
Strength: E-2 -> E-3 | 225 wc | 0 ryo
Strength: E-3 -> D-0 | 300 wc | 0 ryo 
Strength: D-0 -> D-1 | 325 wc | 25 ryo

Speed: E-0 -> E-1 | 75 wc | 0 ryp
Speed: E-1 -> E-2 | 150 wc | 0 ryo
Speed: E-2 -> E-3 | 225 wc | 0 ryo
Speed: E-3 -> D-0 | 300 wc | 0 ryo 

Endurance: E-0 -> E-1 | 75 wc | 0 ryp
Endurance: E-1 -> E-2 | 150 wc | 0 ryo
Endurance: E-2 -> E-3 | 225 wc | 0 ryo
Endurance: E-3 -> D-0 | 300 wc | 0 ryo 

Perception: E-0 -> E-1 | 75 wc | 0 ryp
Perception: E-1 -> E-2 | 150 wc | 0 ryo
Perception: E-2 -> E-3 | 225 wc | 0 ryo
Perception: E-3 -> D-0 | 300 wc | 0 ryo 

Reaction Time: E-0 -> E-1 | 75 wc | 0 ryp
Reaction Time: E-1 -> E-2 | 150 wc | 0 ryo
Reaction Time: E-2 -> E-3 | 225 wc | 0 ryo
Reaction Time: E-3 -> D-0 | 300 wc | 0 ryo 

Total Wc: 4075 
Discard: 156