poly_chromatic | ♦ ♦ 8th Contract

[ 'Li' stands in his spartan kitchen. Surrounded by steaming pots and colorful heaps of groceries, he chops vegetables at uncanny speed. At the counter is an embarrassment of dishes. One would assume he's expecting company. ]

[ Nope. That's just how much the boy eats. ]

Prenups, hm? Practical.

Except a perfect contract doesn't guarantee perfect results.

[ Stew simmers in the big pot as he sautes the onions together with garlic and beef cubes, adding water-chestnuts and baby corn. He tips the contents of the saucepan into the pot, stirring it in with a wooden spoon. Noticing the Network device, he smiles benignly. ]

I hope everyone's having a good week. The previous curses ~~revealed valuable information~~ were really difficult for some people. [ He moves to mix sauces in a small bowl. Stops, as if remembering something. ] Oh -- and Korra? [ A blush spreads across his face. He stammers like a tall boy whose voice has cracked. ] You'll, um, have to tell me what Water Tribe dishes you like. Also, maybe we could sit down and discuss this ... document-thing the City's lawyers drew up? At least before we, um ... [ He blushes again. Returns to stirring the sauce with renewed vigor. ]

[ Such a bold and assertive Groom-to-Be. ]

[ OOC: Cursed. And probably dimly aware he's cursed? He knows he'd have no logical reason to marry except as a cover. The strikeouts in the prenup indicate his thoughts. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Li-san? Are you alright?

Maybe it's better that way. [ Governments -- any coercive organization -- would exploit the children for their own gain. ]

Really? You were called? [ A pause. ] It's almost like being pulled into the City, isn't it? Except no one's sure what their purpose is here.

[ A flurry of clattering. ]

Y-yes!

Just -- left the stew boiling too long.

[They wouldn't JUST exploit the children; the Digital World, the monsters AND the children.]

Yes. It's a bit like the City situation. Only we can go back and forth freely. In fact, I think the only reason anyone here believes me about the Digital World is because we've been pulled into another world.

[A small sigh of relief.] I'm glad you're alright, then.

[ The children are the key ingredient in said exploitation. ] You're right. I'd have trouble believing it if we were back in Tokyo. [ No, he wouldn't. The Gate features its own brand of surreal phenomenon. ]

It's nothing serious. [ He smiles, swabbing up the spill. ] It's just the food's way of reminding me to pay attention.

[True, they are. And they would never suspect it happening.] Yes, that's why we're careful not to tell too many people. Though some of the parents already know. [Not his, though.]

Should I let you return to cooking, then? We can always talk another time.

Do yours?

[ Psychic. ]

We could. [ He's learnt some interesting details during their chat. ] I'll be sure to share some recipes with you later. To help with your cooking endeavors.

[Contrite once again.] No. [He's left them worrying on three occasions already.]

That sounds best, Li-san. I don't want anything bad to happen. I'll speak to you another time.

I see

[ So it was a secret. He tucks the detail away. Flashes a warm smile. ]

Take care of yourself, Ken-chan. We'll talk later.

You too, Li-san.

[A slight bow, then Ken ends the feed.]

♦ ♦ 8th Contract

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