Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in I Don’t Mean to Interrupt Such a Busy Person… (Tag Hyrushi)

(snip)

“Understatement there, Chef.” Kus said. He then looked at Hyrushi. “Governor, as always, good to see you. If you need anything at all, we are at your service.” Hyrushi inclined his head and then said “Did Georgia have her baby yet, Chef?” Kus beamed and said “She did. We named her Bernadette after Georgia’s grandmother. Mom and daughter are doing great and came home a week ago.” “I am so pleased.” Hyrushi said. “With your permission, I would like to send them a small gift.” Rus shook his head and said “Sir, that isn’t necessary.” Hyrushi looked at him and said “Of course not, Chef. That’s why it is called a gift.” and the chef chuckled. “Very well, Governor. And thank you. Good day, sir. Chef, it was a pleasure.” and he walked away. Hyrushi looked at her for a long moment and then said “How does it feel being called ‘chef’?” he asked quietly.

Hyrushi, Governor

Caitlyn congratulated him and thanked him again for the wonderful meal. It was such a small universe it seemed. She missed it, so much. His voice pulled her back from the memories, and she sighed. “Truthfully? It’s devastating.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“May I take your hand again?” he asked softly. “Not to do anything but speak.”

Caitlyn reached out her hand for his. Her hand tingled and sparked as his fingers wrapped around hers in a warm grip. It gave her a sense of stability and grounding, and it made her inhale just a bit deeper.

When her hand was in his he said “We are not defined by our past, but we are shaped by it.” His voice was firm, but not scolding. It held emphasis without being preachy. “Like your pottery clay, we are malleable… we change with pressures and direction. But unlike your pottery, fire does harden us to the point that any change shatters us. It can test us… but it never has to hold us unchanging.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “You. Are. A. Chef. You always will be, even if you do not cook. You have an ability few others do. But just because you do not cook now does not lessen who you were… nor the person you are now. We are all a myriad tapestry of experience. All of those experiences combined make up who were are. Being a Chef is a part of you… and it always will be, no matter what happens in the future.” He held her hand for a long moment in silence, and then slowly drew his back; his fingertips trailing across her palm as he let go.

Hyrushi, Governor

Sparks trailed behind his fingers as he almost caressed her palm. At the last moment, her fingers curled and caught his, holding just a bit longer. “I know. It’s just,” she sighed again, “moments like this remind me how much I lost, Kenzo. It took me a long time to learn how to cook again. I do cook, but I miss the challenge, the intensity, even the competition.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary