246 16 Warmth

Norio shut the newspaper and huffed. "Looks like I'm officially outta a job." He sighed as he sank back into the couch. "Im surprised." She began. "I didn't think you would be upset about it." Faye said as she placed tea down on the table. "You've said several times you didn't enjoy work at such a place." Norio picked up the tea and blew on it a couple of times before taking a sip. "Weren't you working there because you had heard rumors your bro-" Norio turned with a glare. Faye let out a sigh. "What's got you in such a bad mood this morning, baby brother?" Hiromi questioned as she sat on the arm of the couch, playing with his hair. "I didn't sleep well, I guess." He muttered. "Oh!" Faye exclaimed as if she had just remembered something. "What's up?" Norio turned to her. "It felt like a dream," she giggled. "I mean since it happened so suddenly, but where is that little girl?" Norio sat up a bit, resting his face on his hand. "She's still asleep." Faye turned to Hiromi. "Poor thing, she must be exhausted." Hiromi smiled. "That one over there on the other hand has no reason to be." The three turned to look at Yui, who was sound asleep with her mouth wide open. "She really should fix her sleep schedule before mother comes back." Hiromi said as she let out a sigh. "Speaking of that girl," Faye began. "What's her name?" Norio quickly looked up. "Well-" He began, But was cut off with a knock at the door. Norio got up. "Wait, Nori!" Faye exclaimed. "Hah?" He turned to face her as the door opened. "Never mind..." she sighed. Standing outside the door was 247. "Oh, mornin'." Norio said greeting her. The girl walked past him. Eh? "Oh my goodness!" Faye exclaimed. "Nori, she's adorable!" She cried. Before 247 could say anything, Faye began squishing her cheeks. "Faye!" Hiromi shouted, slapping her hands away. 247 winced as she rubbed her cheeks. "Cat got your tongue or what?" The three quickly turned their attention toward Norio. "No..." 247 walked over to him. "How does your arm feel?" He asked. "Why, what's wrong with her arm?" Hiromi asked with concern. "W-" Norio began, as 247 quickly cut him off. "N-nothing!" She exclaimed. Norio looked down at the girl and let out a sigh. "Nori," The girl tugged at his shirt. Norio bent down. "I'm hungry..." The girl whispered. Norio stood back up. "Sorry, I'll come back later." Hiromi and Faye looked at each other confused. "Don't worry everything's fine, she's just hungry." He said opening the door. 247 quickly blushed. "Oi! I whispered for a reason!" She grumbled as she followed him outside. "See ya." Norio said as he shut the door. The two girls stood there for a moment extremely confused. "Hah?" Yui slowly rose up from her slumber rubbing her eyes.

"What do you like?" Norio asked the girl, who was seated on the couch. "I dunno." She answered as she swung her feet. "Hah?" He turned to her. "What the heck do ya mean you don't know?" The girl frowned. "I mean, I haven't eaten anythin' but slop for awhile!" She folded her arms and huffed in annoyance. Norio ran his fingers through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. He pulled out a recipe book. He sighed as he opened it. "Pancakes, waffles, French toast, a better att.i.tude, eggs, anythin' sounding good to ya yet?" The girl turned. "Pancakes." She responded, puffing her cheeks. "Dang, was kinda hoping you would go with a better att.i.tude for sure." He smirked to himself. "You're the one who needs a nicer att.i.tude, ya meanie!" She cried out.

"Here ya go, princess." Norio said placing the plate in front of her. 247 stared down at the pancakes in silence for a few moments. Norio walked back over. "You don't get to be picky!" He cried. "No." She said steadily looking down. "Hah!?" He said as he gritted his teeth in annoyance. "It's just," she smiled as tears began streaming down her face. "I haven't had such a nice meal made for me in so long."