Flick?

Not too sure how to feel if I’m being honest. He seems really sweet and polite but how do I know this isn’t an act, that he won’t become abusive the moment I agree. I don’t know, and that’s what scares me the most. I'm just going to have to do my best to learn about Peter as well as his people. See if there is any way for a shifter to harm their mate. Depending on that is whether I stay or not I suppose. Never will I allow myself to be kept in an unhappy relationship like a pet or a trophy on display. Nor will I be forced to partake in some sort of binding ritual with someone who believes themselves to be superior because of what is believed to be a genetic accident. However, right now ’m just glad food is being made, apparently my stomach doesn’t understand the concept of eating schedules. Never had really but that’s more because we never had one back home.

Kind of curious as what’ll happen from here on in. Am I to remain in these rooms forever? Shall I ever see the forest in such a way again? Can I hope to ever learn to swim or perhaps be taught about the outside world in greater detail than the village library? Will I be able to meet the others? Maybe I have to ‘prove' myself to him first. It’ll be fun to see him try to make me at least. I can say now that this would never happen. I just need to establish what kind of person I am and observe how he reacts. I am disappointed in myself however, I’m normally good with survival or being able to keep a hold of myself. Being able to lie your way out of any situation can help with that a lot. But then again, these are spirit-shifters not ordinary people, what if they can tell I’m lying just by looking at me? Stop being ridiculous and absurd. Even if they could; it is of no consequence to me as I am Felicity Riley and I fear no one, regardless of how threatening they may appear.

Before long Peter walks back in with what seems to be a stir-fry for each of us. Interesting choice of food. Well, I can tell you now that it’ll take more than a couple dishes to get my approval. It does smell delightful despite my hesitancy to eat it. After barely an hour of interaction that I am capable of understanding I feel this need to accept what is offered. As though it’s some primal act showing his abilities that requires, I give some sort of recognition to. This bloke isn’t helping either. He is just sat staring at me as though I were the one set out for a meal. It’s honestly creepy and uncomfortable. Should it really be this impossible to eat decent food around here? It’s getting ridiculous! He isn’t a pet that needs to be told he has done a good job so why’s he acting like it?

Just as I prepare to excuse myself, he speaks.

“Is there something wrong? I wasn’t informed of any issues with vegetables so I thought it would be safe for so to use them. Would you rather I make something else?”

That’s what this is about? Him making sure he can cater to my needs appropriately? I’d rather he just asked in the first place.

“The food is fine, thank you. I appreciate the concern but would it be possible for it to be said rather than you staring at me? Apologies it’s just highly uncomfortable to attempt eating when a stranger is staring at you.”

“Of course, I completely understand. I am sorry for causing you such discomfort like that. I admit I am not used to cooking without meat so I am unsure if it was done correctly and wished to check without appearing to be pressuring you. I see now that I was unsuccessful and will aim to improve. My sincerest apologies.”

Is this guy for real? He apologised for being uncertain and wishing for reassurance that he hasn’t poisoned me. How does one react to that?

“It's fine don’t worry about it. Thank you for the explanation though. I can understand why you acted as you did. Please never feel worried to ask me a question such as that. I won’t bite.”

What the actual hell am I doing? It’s as is everything I’ve learnt growing up disappears the moment he opens his mouth. No idea what comes over me to a use such a reaction. All I do know is I don’t like it and wish to know, soon. For now, I will eat my dinner and enjoy watching a movie. Maybe take a shower as well. 5 days in the forest will leave anyone smelling worse than the horse dung like back home. Especially if there is no deodorant to use in that time. Do these people even need to use deodorant? Stop getting off track and focus on food Flick. Food is good. Food is what gives you energy and keeps you alive, not thoughts about deodorant you imbecile...

That bugger is laughing at me! I really need to stop thinking out loud in front of others for God’s sake.

“Flick?”

That’s why he’s grinning. Smug bastard.

“Don’t judge the nickname. Maybe if you don’t annoy me I may tell you the story behind it one day.”

Peeling up with a gleam on his eyes, glancing at me in an attempt to see into my thoughts and figure out what is the story. Now I just have to keep to his good side and I’ll be able to get information about how this whole thing works and how to appropriately situate myself into this dynamic I seem to have unconsciously joined. Plus, with his interest in the reason behind my nickname he probably won’t do anything to antagonize me. Like fair enough, I haven’t been given reason yet to be sceptical about his intentions but you can never be too cautious in an unknown world. I just have to hope sticking around is the right choice.