Shen was halfway through her first slice of bloodied meat— it was quite disturbing for the second time since her mouth was covered in animal blood. I had to cover my nose and mouth so I didn't smell or taste it in the air. Everyone else was focusing on their food too much that they really didn't bother.
"Does it smell that bad?
"Yes."
"Too bad." Shen stated before taking another bite. "You should get used to it, there are many things in this world that'll disgust you. This may be the tamest you'll face."
… Why is she frowning?
"By the way, should you be talking?"
James said it was okay for me to do so. I turned away from Shen. I could feel myself already getting annoyed.
"You don't need to go quiet, it was just a question."
"It doesn't hurt when I talk… At least for a little bit." I replied quietly. "I just can't eat regular food…"
"Just be careful, yeah? Can't have you getting another permanent injury."
Well thanks for the reminder! Whose fault is it again?!
I nodded my head and watched as the guys started drinking. Verd and James clinked their glasses and gulped theirs down. Meanwhile Melinda and the girls were already eating… Well, helping Sage with her food.
Could Shen help regrow her hand and arm? I let my eyes wander from Sage and Shen. And I guess Shen noticed it as she grabbed my cheek hard.
"I know what you're thinking. I'm already working on it, even with my pain numbing skill regrowing a bone hurts— trust me, I had to do it to myself a couple times."
Yeah… I kind of figured that… I kept to myself.
"Although, Sage is doing quite well. With how severe her injuries were she's not screaming nor is she writhing in pain."
Shen continued whilst resting her chin. With the rate she can go, it'll take a year at minimum for Sage to be in full. The progress is extremely slow.
Due to me burning the nerves on her former hand and arm, they were damaged pretty badly. So now Shen has to heal those nerves. I felt my body visibly cringe at that explanation. Way too detailed!
First she'd have to regrow the bone… which in itself is tedious. Why does healing in this world sound so complicated…?
The muscles would be next, then the nerves and skin. Every inch in my body felt itchy.
After that Shen went quiet.
I want something to eat. My stomach was rumbling.
"Seems like something's bothering you."
"I'm hungry… I think da- James forgot to tell them I can't eat the food they made." I muttered whilst resting my chin on my hand. "It sucks… The food looks so good…."
"Wish I could say the same…" Shen glared at her bowl. "Raw meat tastes like crap…"
"Thought you'd enjoy it… Seeing how you were with Jin."
I'm bored, let's see how much I can tease her~
"First of all, blood in itself tastes good." Shen brought up her index finger and wagged it. "Though it's different from people to people… yours tastes sweet, kind of like drinking fruit juice.
Second, I didn't eat…" Shen's face slowly turned red. "Shut up!" She exclaimed before pointing at me. "Stop bringing that up!"
Heeh..
Stop acting like someone who's in love… I felt myself smile as I stared at her. "Are you disappointed he's not here?"
"No, no in fact I'm quite relieved he isn't here!"
Shen went from blushing to turning the other way. Despite not looking down there, I could see her tail flicking back and forth.
Sounds of grumbling resounded from her; this felt like an entirely different Shen. She was more approachable than before… and different.
She didn't hit my head for teasing her. She only turned away from me… In addition she doesn't seem as on guard as before. It only took a few minutes for her to turn around.
The red on her face lessened, but there was a contortion of her frown.
"Just so you know, I do have feelings for someone else! That time with Jin was for revenge! I-"
Way to dig yourself a hole. I internally retorted at her words. She could see that I didn't believe her— her face turned red again and her arms became crossed. That wasn't for long though… Like I mentioned she dug herself a hole.
Allisa came storming right beside her and leaned in front of her.
In mere moments Shen was backed into a corner— she seemed more like a helpless school girl this time. The hoodie and shorts did not help..
She was completely red, and her hands were fidgeting with each other. However Allisa didn't hold up and kept pestering her.
Eventually Shen gave up, her words were loud enough the whole room echoed. They were something along the lines of a friend she knew for a very, very long time. She never said the name, or I didn't hear… My stomach was grumbling so I felt my mood drop.
But… Allisa seemed not satisfied when I looked over. I could very well tell she was interested, overly interested.
I wonder who it is. I shrugged. Could be anyone.
Well, a long time could really be anyone at that point. Shen lived for five-hundred plus years. So could be another vampire.. Or an immortal– a long living species also fits the case like an elf.. Eugh. Elves.
The longer it was talked about, my interest grew. Who really could it be? Shen was a stuttering mess by the end of Allisa's interrogation.
"It's someone who saved me when I was just a child, okay?! I don't want to say his name! Just stop, please!"
"Oh c'mo- ACK!"
A loud thud came from Melinda's hand as it landed on Allisa's head.
"Allisa, stop cornering her." Melinda stated as she grabbed her arm. "I'm sorry Miss Shen— Hopefully the person you like likes you back."
"..."
I think you just made it worse, Melinda..
Shen stayed quiet for the longest time and sat next to me. I could hear the slight huffs under her breath, and if she had a heart beat it'd be beating extremely fast.
Around ten or so minutes later, she slapped the table and stood up. As far as her small stature could muster she stomped to the dining room door.