Chapter 4 Continued

That fucking guy is making food again? Does he ever fucking stop? I thought as I made a beeline for the kitchen, deciding to make myself a quick sandwich before crashing on the couch. 

"Oh, you're back! How was your Occupational Training? I totally loved mine, the kids were so sweet! The Elders are so smart, they always seem to know exactly what we need, don't you agree?" 

I ignored the high-pitched voice that immediately began yapping away behind me as I threw my empty lunch bag on the counter before turning around and tapping the control panel to open the chiller. I was only slightly surprised to find it chock-full of all different kinds of foods, including the wrapped up remains of my untouched breakfast. 

I, however, ignored all of the rest of the already prepared food, instead pulling out the bread, ham and mayonnaise. Carrying them all to a free counter, I decided that the three ingredients would be enough to make myself at least a half-decent sandwich. 

I could see the little bug in the corner of my eye as he stood by the stove in his pink apron, a spatula in hand. His eyes widened as he stared at me with an incredulous look while I haphazardly began to assemble my dinner.

"Dinner is almost ready, you don't have to eat... that..." Aria said gently, although it was very obvious that he was more than perturbed by my choice of food, especially when there were tons of options in the chiller that rivaled the fine cuisine that the Elders provided on Founders Day. Regardless of that fact, there was no way that I was going to give him the satisfaction of me eating his pity food, especially after he not only ruined my life, but also caused me to get a strike on my previously crystal clean record. 

I continued to ignore him, acting as if he didn't even exist as I spread the mayo around on the bread. His eyes were like wide saucers as he stared at me, waiting patiently for a reply. A few moments passed with only the crackling sound of the food he was cooking before he apparently decided to take a few, wary steps towards me when he realized that my lack of reply was deliberate.

"Are you alright, Thad? Is something wrong?" 

My muscles began to tense in raw annoyance as I felt him move even closer, practically tearing the package of ham in half as I wrestled with it in an effort to get it out as fast as possible. 

"If there's something wrong I will try my best to help you, just tell me and-" 

I suddenly whirled around, roughly yanking my arm away from him when I felt his fingertips on me. It was probably meant to be a comforting gesture, but in that moment it felt like nothing more than an unwelcome violation of my personal space.

"Don't FUCKING touch me." I roared, staring down at the little bug with rage in my eyes. Aria jumped away from me a little, shrinking underneath my intense gaze as he realized just how angry I was. I, on the other hand, feeling satisfied with the outcome, went to turn back to my task, only to turn back around when he began to speak again.

"I-I'm sorry." The little bug tried to keep his voice steady but it audibly cracked as he took more steps away from me, pieces of wavy hair sliding over his shoulder as he hung his head low. "I was just trying to help..." 

"Trying to help?" I scoffed, feeling offended that he would even think that that's what he was doing. "You aren't helping me at all. In fact, you're the fucking reason I got a strike on my record today, so cut the little innocent fucking housewife act, because it's not going to work on me." I turned back around after I finished my rant, my blood boiling as I smashed the second piece of bread down on top of my finished sandwich.

"Y-you got a strike because of me? H-how? If it was my fault, I'll go to the Elders and tell them right now, just let me grab my tablet!" He went to scurry out of the kitchen, but before he could I reached out with one arm, smashing it beside his head and blocking his exit as I trapped him against the wall. 

The small boy stilled underneath me, and I smirked in satisfaction as I noticed that both of his small hands were clenched together against his chest and trembling with fear. Being so close to him, I noticed that he smelled like food, particularly of some kind of vegetable dish, which was probably what he was busy cooking on the stove before I arrived. Hiding just below that scent was what was probably his natural smell, which surprisingly reminded me of my favorite dessert - peach turnovers. His wide brown eyes held an emotion that I couldn't quite place and I leaned in closer with the intention of using my much larger size as an intimidation tactic. 

"Listen, Bug." I said sternly, locking my eyes with his and narrowing them dangerously to drive home my point. "You've made my life enough of a mess already. So just stop before you create any more problems, got it?" 

Apparently my intimidation worked like a charm as the smaller boy only let out a small whimper, nodding his head vigorously at my words. I took that as an indication that he got the message, so, satisfied with my work, I pushed away from the wall, freeing him from the cage of my body. 

Aria quickly scurried away, running out of the kitchen without a word, and I snatched my sandwich up from the countertop with a grin of satisfaction as I heard the door to the bedroom slide shut. 

Well, that was easy. 

If I knew that's all that it would take for him to leave me the fuck alone, I would've done it the moment that I met the guy.

With a shrug of indifference, I walked into the living room and plopped down onto the couch. It only took a few bites for me to finish the sandwich considering how hungry I was all day, and after I finished every little morsel, I undressed to my boxers before settling back onto the couch. 

My eyes felt heavy as soon as my head hit the pillow, taking in the evening scene displayed on the digi-windows as my lids wilted closed. 

As I drifted to sleep, I could've sworn that I heard soft, muffled sobs echo their way into the living room.

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Yep, Thad is an asshole. That is all :)

Please like and leave a comment to let me know what you thought of this chapter! Love you all!

xoxo, Alex ♡