Masquerade of Madness: Adjustments: Part Two

He used what he thought was shampoo and body wash. A girly smell permeated his bath, but he had no choice. A bar of soap went unnoticed. This is nice, this water, he thought, relaxing for the first time in a long time. After what seemed like just a few minutes, he got out of the storm and stopped the water.

Creed shifted through his suitcase and removed a pair of black jeans. Shirt and socks seemed to be too much of a bother. He picked up his extremely soiled clothes and looked around the small room for the chute to toss them. Shrugging his shoulders, he heaved them under his armpit, stooped for his armor and shoes, and grabbed his suitcase. As he emerged from the bathroom, Gin met him.

Gin took the suitcase and led Creed into the room just right of the bathroom to deposit his things. "It's about time; we're all starving!" Gin blurted, as he motioned Creed to follow him out to the kitchen.

Spike saw no reason or pleasure in waiting to eat. She was already digging into her food, literally. She was eating head-first, not even caring about her hair, a scene quite incongruous with her physical beauty. Sue tried to stop her, but Spike actually snapped her jaws at Sue, letting out a low growl.

Creed sat down. Immediately realizing manners were not part of Spike's world, he began to stand up, but Sue stopped him. "It's all right." She had already acquiesced to Spike's primal need.

Gin took his seat, and everyone began to eat. Creed eyeballed his food, some strange brown stuff, mac and cheese, and a little green tree sprout that he stabbed with his fork. He looked around the table at everyone else, and then cautiously followed their actions, moving the fork to his mouth. "Hey, Spike, is this good?"

Spike perked her head up from her plate only long enough to acknowledge Creed's comment. "Hmm, it is."

Creed reluctantly pushed his fork through the brown stuff. He lifted it to his nose, giving it a few sniffs. "What is it?" he asked, still somewhat cautious.

"Meatloaf," Sue responded nonchalantly. At this point, she was more interested in eating than studying their alien houseguests.

Meat, Creed thought, in Casalynn there was no meat, just supplements, and vegetables for nutrition. He again asked, "What is it?"

"A protein," Gin replied this time.

"Cow," Sue added, trying to be more specific.

Creed had no idea what cow meant. He knew about mac and cheese, though. Casalyians bring out the Gormilkshi, a basic goat with four horns and six utters for milk. He gulped hard. Could a cow be one of the human's animals?

Gin stopped eating. Looking up, he merely said, "Animal."

Creed's face went a shade of light green. "I can't eat that!" he spoke, alarmed.

Gin nodded. "Then eat your mac and cheese and broccoli."

Creed began eating again. He was enthralled with the flavor of the broccoli. "I love this!" he exclaimed, as he delightedly chomped it down.

Sue stopped eating and turned her head down. "So, you are a vegetarian," she announced, somewhat dismayed.

Creed only replied, "This is so good."

She threw him a horrified look. "But that's broccoli!"

Gin smiled at her. "You should take some tips from Creed."

"But, Dad . . ." Sue just let the argument trail off. She knew this was one she would lose.

Spike contentedly raised her head, revealing her food-stained face. "Mas- Creed, can I have the brown stuff if you're not eating it?"

He nodded his head. "Go ahead."

"Do others of your race eat meat?" Sue asked.

"You mean monsters? No! Not even the ones that can't talk. We rely on supplements for nutrition."

Sue freaked out. "Then what do you eat?"

"Bread, noodles, some vegetables, but only the ones that could be altered to grow on metal.

Gin checked the clock, announcing, "It is already 9:30 p.m. Time for bed, everyone. I'll clean up."

Creed stood up, pushing his chair back. He looked down at Spike and the food mess encompassing her. Gin has his work cut out with the cleanup, he thought. "See you in the morning, Spike."

"Yes, Mas- Creed." Spike smiled happily. Creed started down the hall with Sue right in front of him. She stopped at the bathroom and turned back to Creed. "If there is anything you need, I am right across the hall from you."

"Thank you." Creed walked passed her and went into his room. Sue grabbed her clothes from her room and went to take a shower. She screamed when she stepped into the shower, immediately being deluged with cold water – Creed had used all the hot water.

Even in the kitchen, Gin could hear her screaming. He laughed, almost choking.

Spike looked at him. Tilting her head to the side, she questioned, "Is something wrong?"

"No, it's like raising another child," he said, cleaning a plate.

Spike had no clue as to the meaning of his comment and didn't care either. She disappeared into her dimension.

While Gin hummed and cleaned dishes, Sue finished taking her shower. She was pissed. Sue flung open the door to Creed's room, only to see him fast asleep. She smiled, forgiving him, and went to her room.