Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Caitlyn Dillon (Director, The House Sanctuary) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities

Posted by Civilian Kenzo B’tren-Hyrushi (Governor) in Hyrushi Residence - Immigration of New Possibilities
Posted by… suppressed (4) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)
He guided her gently to the glass and then said “Speaking of… I have everything prepared, I just have to assemble it. Would you like to move to the kitchen while I make the rolls? You may sample as I go. Decide if you want to flee before I serve.” and chuckled softly.

Hyrushi

“I would like that very much.” She took a sip of her glass before standing. Reluctantly, she let go of his hand and slid her hand up his arm, so he could lead her to the kitchen. She remembered the layout of his penthouse, but not exactly where every object was. She didn’t mind trusting him to guide her at all. Surprisingly, even though she’d been nervous the day before, she realized she hadn’t felt that instinctual fear that she usually felt in trusting someone else.

She sighed wistfully at the feel of his sleeve, “I wish I could tell you that you look handsome, Kenzo, but all I can say is that your blazer feels very nice.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

“Trust me, I do.” he said with a slightly flirty inflection in his words. “And I will say that you look absolutely breathtaking this evening.”

Caitlyn laughed at the obvious playfulness. “Thank you. Alathide, she was a seamstress in Scotland. She mostly did alterations, but she made this for me for tonight. She’s planning to open a shop, but she wants to try and make her own designs.”

He led her to the island in the kitchen and helped her up on one of the stools, a gentle touch of his hand to the small of her back as he guided her to the seat. He set her wine glass down, took her hand and guided it to the stem; his fingers linger on hers for a moment before he stepped away and took off his blazer. As he pulled on an apron, he said “Tonight we will have miso soup to begin with, my great grandmother’s recipe. Then gyoza, japanese dumplings, made from the recipue of the family of my assistant, Ms. Fen. Her family has owned a restaurant in a small town for over five hundred years. Then we will have assorted sashimi, maki rolls, and for dessert- green tea ice cream. Is that acceptable, Chef?” he asked as the sounds of the kitchen came to life.

Hyrushi

That light touch on her back had an odd effect on her. It was not at all unpleasant; it made her close her eyes and just experience it for a moment. Her ears followed him as he moved around the kitchen. “That all sounds wonderful. I always thought that family recipes were much better than anything a professional chef could create. They have a personality and character all their own. That can’t be replicated in a commercial kitchen. That takes time, tradition, passion, and love.” She turned the stem of her glass as she listened. The sounds of the kitchen delighted her. Even if she didn’t know where anything was in the room, she felt at home. “Ah, so that is why you said Ms Fen must know who I was?”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

He took the lid off the miso and the earthy, salty, aroma of tofu and seaweed and mushroom wafted through the kitchen. “Ms. Fen is nott just my aid. She also teaches Culinart Art at the university. Had she wished, she could have been an amazing chef. That is why I am sure she knew who you are.” He stirred the soup and then said “I know chefs like to sample as they go. Would you like me to give you samples of what I am doing? Or just wait for us to sit and eat?”

Hyrushi

“The University teaches culinary arts? I wasn’t aware. She must be very talented if she teaches. And very patient.” Caitlyn sat up a little more at that. She had guest lectured a few times at culinary schools. She had always enjoyed it.

The soup smelled delightful. No matter the culture, soup always made her think of cool days and warm blankets. “Oh no, I’m not the chef tonight, you are. As good as that smells though, I am eager to try it. Though I will be patient if you wish.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo took a spoon and dipped it in the soup, making sure to get a bit of the seaweed and tofu. He blew on it gently and then turned to Caitlyn. “Here, try.” and without thinking about it set two fingers under her chin and slowly put the spoon to her lips. For just a split second, his fingertips brushed her bottom lip and he slowly pulled the spoon back.

“Appealing?” he asked, momentarily unaware of the intimacy of the past few seconds.

Hyrushi

Caitlyn had reached for the spoon, but it didn’t end up in her hand. Instead he fed her. Caitlyn was not unaware of the intimacy or the sparks the tingled as he brushed her lip. She tasted the soup, it was very good. She was absolutely still, her heart racing enough to be noticed. “Extremely.” Caitlyn wasn’t sure if she meant the soup or the man.

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary

Kenzo turned and almost missed the moment… but then he felt her sudden and intense reaction. He stood rigid, his back to her, and black eyes stared straight ahead for a brief second, and then he said “Caitlyn… I sincerely apologize if what just happened made you uncomfortable. I didn’t think… no, that isn’t correct… what I mean is I didn’t analyze or plan that. It simply… happened.” He turned and looked at her. “Honestly, my only thought was that I didn’t want to spill anything by handing you the spoon. My… doing that… it was more… well… ‘natural’… ‘instinctual’… than intentional. And if I overstepped I am truly sorry.”

Hyrushi

Caitlyn was almost crestfallen when he apologized. She understood why, and for the millionth time she cursed Gavin and what he had done to her. Her face gazed at him, and her hand reached out and settled on his arm unerringly. “Please don’t apologize, Kenzo. You haven’t overstepped, truly.” She hated he was apologizing for a moment that, for her, was quite extraordinary and pleasant. Perhaps he didn’t experience the same way. “I was … surprised, but not uncomfortable.”

Dillon, Director, The House Sanctuary