xp_logs | Alani and Sooraya: recovery (backdated) (Reply)

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Alani helps Sooraya to recover from her time stuck as a pile of sand.

Alani had been hesitant to bother Sooraya since she came back from the Medlab, unsure how to broach the topic of what had happened and not wanting to impose herself on her if she'd rather leave it well enough alone. Food seemed like the obvious extension of support, but even after youtube tutorials and practice she had yet to make something that looked as good as it tasted. So she'd settled on a smoothie, all the vitamins and fruits and veg someone could need in a day blended together.

Carefully, she knocked on the door to Sooraya's room. "Hey, dear, you want a smoothie? Or some tea? I can put the kettle on. We might have some biscuits still, if you're hungry."

"Alani?" Sooraya looked up from where she had been staring at some calligraphy she had hung upon the wall years ago. "Come on in." She swung her legs off the bed and rose, dark hair falling nearly to her waist. "Sorry, I've been kinda distracted."

"Hi," Alani waved a little, her brows knitting together in worry for a brief moment before it smoothed away and she offered a small smile. "I think that's perfectly understandable with... everything that's happened. I was wondering if you wanted a smoothie or some tea or anything. And, I... just wanted to make sure you're okay, or as okay as you can be."

"What time is it?" Sooraya quickly glanced at her clock and startled a little. "A smoothie would probably be good. I haven't eaten in a while... sorry Alani, everything is still kinda unreal and time just gets away from me."

"That’s why I’m here, sweet pea.” This time Alani's smile was a little more earnest as she ushered Sooraya towards their little kitchen. "I'm sorry... I don't really know how to help that, I'm a little afraid that all I can offer is an ear if you want it, and to make sure you have something to eat in the meantime. Well, maybe not eat, per say. Any fruit or veggie preference?"

"I don't know what we have on hand... just no banana or bitter stuff... I don't... I don't think I tasted anything, but if I think back..." Sooraya shuddered a little. "It somehow seems bitter?"

"No banana, got it." Alani paused in her gathering of ingredients for a moment, as she turned to look at Sooraya. Deciding against spinach, she nodded firmly before reaching for a nutrient drink for the base. "Or anything abundantly bitter. I can work with that. It seems like that association can be avoided. And hopefully that will help, then more healing can continue. Yes?"

"I hope so." A small smile flashed over Sooraya's face. "I know it's a stupid thing, but would you be up to a game or something like that? Any more pondering or looking back isn't gonna help me to get over this."

"Of course! I'm always up for a game, and you know yourself best." Alani returned the smile. "What're you thinking? Because I am realizing I know card games mostly, ya know — spades, rummy, spoons, uh, go fish. Kids still like go fish, bless 'em."

"Wait... spoons?" Sooraya raised an eyebrow. "I don't think I've ever heard of that one."

"I believe spoons is best described as 'dangerous' and probably best with more than just two people." Alani laughed. "It's very competitive, metal spoons are generally involved, and we'd need two packs of cards. So probably not that game, actually."

"Yeah... maybe we should skip that for the moment then, though it does sound like fun for when we're with more people." Sooraya shook her head. "You know... I think I've never played Go Fish either. I know a little of it, but play... no..."

"Got it, tabling spoons for now. Go Fish, is a go, however. ” Another laugh and Alani set a smoothie in front of Sooraya. “Luckily I can explain the rules for that much easier and it’s far less violent."

Sooraya sipped from her smoothie as she headed towards the table while Alani went to grab the cards. "So Go Fish... don't kids usually play that?" She paused from the smoothie for a moment as her stomach gurgled fiercely.

"Well, kids and anyone else who wants to play it, really," Alani supplied, sipping a smoothie of her own while she unboxed a deck and began to shuffle. "It's pretty simple, rule-wise, so once you know how to play you pretty much know it forever."

She quickly arranged the cards in her hand as Alani put the rest of the cards in a big heap in front of her. "So... how am I gonna kick your butt?" Sooraya asked, a small grin appearing on her face.