Chapitre 17: A meal shared
"Thank you," Yuuta replied, glancing back at Alaric with a grin. "It's just a simple stew, but I try to make it flavorful. Cooking is sort of my escape, you know?"
Alaric nodded, intrigued. "It smells like it's more than just food to you."
"It is," Yuuta admitted, stirring the pot with a wooden spoon. "It's a way to feel normal, even in a world like this." He paused, looking thoughtful. "Sometimes I wish I could go back to the way things were. Before everything went south. But I've learned to find joy in the little things."
"Joy in the little things…" Alaric echoed, his thoughts spiraling. "I could use more of that. It's hard to remember what that feels like when all you do is survive."
Yuuta turned his attention back to the pot, his expression softening. "You'll get there. Just take it one step at a time. You're in a safe place now, and it's okay to breathe."
The warmth of Yuuta's words wrapped around Alaric like a comforting blanket. "Safe." It felt like a foreign concept, yet it began to settle into him as he allowed himself to relax further. The idea of being part of something, however temporary, stirred emotions he had long buried.
"So, Alaric, what do you like to do?" Yuuta asked, pouring steaming stew into two bowls and placing them on the table. "When you're not avoiding titans and whatever else lurks out there?" chuckling as he made a joke.
Alaric picked up his spoon, glancing at the hearty meal before him. "Honestly? I don't know. I used to read a lot and dream about adventure, but then… well, you know how it is." He paused, trying to maintain an air of nonchalance, though the weight of his hidden powers pressed against his chest.
It's fine, You will find your way," Yuuta said, his tone shifting slightly as if sensing Alaric's internal struggle.
"I hope so," Alaric replied, choosing his words carefully. "But I don't want to be defined by it. There's more to me than just that. I want to be… normal."
Yuuta raised an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. "Normal is overrated, you know? We all have our demons. It's what makes us human." He took a bite of the stew, a satisfied look crossing his face. "But that doesn't mean you can't strive for a semblance of it."
Alaric couldn't help but smile at the comment. "It's easy for you to say that. You have a family, a home. I've been alone for so long. Sometimes I forget what it feels like to belong."
Yuuta leaned forward, his voice sincere. "You belong here now. This is your home, even if it's just for a while. We're a family, and families stick together."
The sincerity in Yuuta's voice struck a chord within Alaric, bringing forth feelings he had suppressed for far too long. It felt liberating and terrifying all at once. "Thank you," he said softly, the words escaping before he could stop them.
Just as the warmth of the moment enveloped them, a soft thud echoed from outside, followed by a familiar voice. "We're home!"
Alaric's heart raced, a mix of excitement and anxiety swirling inside him. Mikasa was back. Yuuta glanced toward the door, a smile breaking on his face. "Looks like they're back. Let's see what treasures they've brought home."
As the door swung open, Mikasa stepped in, her dark hair framing her face, bright with a hint of exhaustion from the day. Beside her was her mother, Kurumi, carrying a small basket filled with vegetables. They looked a bit worn from their outing, but their presence filled the room with energy.
"Mikasa! Did you get everything we needed?" Yuuta asked, a teasing grin on his face as he moved to help them with their load.
"Yes, and more!" Mikasa replied, her eyes sparkling with pride. "I found some really nice roots, and we can use them in the stew!"
Alaric watched in fascination as she animatedly explained her day, gesturing with her hands, her words spilling out like a fountain. "And Mom got those berries that are sweet, so we can add them to dessert later!"
Kurumi smiled softly, her eyes reflecting warmth and affection as she listened to her daughter. "You did great, Mikasa. I'm proud of you."
Alaric couldn't help but smile at the sight. This was family—easy, unguarded, the kind of bond he had longed for in the depths of his loneliness.
"Mikasa, this is Alaric," Yuuta said, gesturing toward Alaric, who stood slightly off to the side, feeling a rush of nerves. "He's new around here and a bit of a mystery."
Mikasa turned her attention to Alaric, her expression curious. "Hi, Alaric! It's nice to meet you!" Her voice was bright and filled with the enthusiasm only an eight-year-old could possess.
"Hi," Alaric replied, trying to match her energy. "It's nice to meet you, too."
"What have you been talking about?" Mikasa asked, her gaze shifting between her father and Alaric.
"Just about how cooking is an escape for Dad," Alaric said, relaxing a bit under her bright gaze. "And… how I've been alone for a while."
"Alone? That's no fun!" Mikasa said, her expression growing serious for a moment. "You can stay with us! You can't be alone if you're part of a family!"
The simplicity of her offer struck a chord deep within Alaric, and he felt a warmth rise in his chest. "I appreciate that, Mikasa. But… I don't want to impose."
"No one is imposing!" she insisted, crossing her arms with a pout that made her look adorably fierce. "You're welcome here anytime! Right, Dad?"
Yuuta chuckled, clearly amused by his daughter's enthusiasm. "Absolutely, Alaric. We have plenty of room, and I think we could all use some company."
Kurumi nodded in agreement. "You're part of our family now. That's how it works."
Alaric felt a lump form in his throat at their kindness. It was all too much. "Thank you, everyone."
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