Private Finished A Tentative Reunion

Ezra had followed the instructions to the letter. They had found the small sandwich shop that Tadashi had agreed to meet at and it was... very plain. Plain walls, plain chairs, plain everything. But at the same time, it held a sense of coziness to it that seemed rather inviting. Perhaps that was the reason that he had chosen this as their meeting place? With a small hum, they took a seat at one of the tables, staring out the window to watch the people pass by.

Their thoughts shifted to what the first meeting would entail and if it would end like the previous one. Ezra hoped that it did not end in the same way. They just wanted their friend back. They just wanted things to return to how they were before... everything. Before the truth. Before they had left the island. Just the feeling of the moments the two had shared together on their miniature golf course adventure.

Ezra had also forsaken their usual wear, now wearing a thick, oversized white hooded sweatshirt and black leggings with shoes to match. Their hands were still wrapped in bandages and had fingerless gloves pulled over them for extra warmth. They checked their cellular device one more time, then out the window again. Tadashi would be there soon. He wouldn't leave Ezra sitting there...

Although it would be retribution, in a way, for how they had 'abandoned' him.

@PixelatedGlory

Ezra glanced up, eyes seeming to brighten slightly as Tadashi approached. How did they miss him enter? He was who they were looking for, how did they miss so badly? Quickly rising to their feet, the Sho'lai offered the other chair for Tadashi to sit in, complete with pulling it out so he could easily sit safely.

"Hello, Tadashi. I am glad that you agreed to join me for another meeting after our last one was not the ideal reunion I had hoped it would be." They moved back to their own seat regardless of whether the bakeneko had taken his seat or not. Their eyes seemed to slowly scan over Tadashi's outfit, and the longer they stared, the more they seemed to... frown? Like genuinely frown.

"I apologize, Tadashi. I have clearly dressed poorly for such a meeting while you are looking most handsome and proper. Please forgive my unawareness of the dress code for this outing." They stared at their clothing, the frown still evident on their face. They should have known to ask Tadashi for the dress code. How very disrespectful on Ezra's part not to find out ahead of time and just assuming.

Ezra glanced at Tadashi, then their outfit, then to Tadashi one more time. Their frown slowly subsided and they quickly adjusted their seated position. They watched as Tadashi rested his head on the table, talking about the difficulty of meeting up. It was obvious that the bakeneko would still have reservations on meeting after their last one had gone less than stellar.

"I am sorry that our reunion is not so simple. I understand that you are... hesitant to be around me. I have known that I am... different. Difficult to communicate with. But I am appreciative of our friendship and I hope to fix what has made it less than optimal."

At the mention of food, Ezra could only nod. "I would not mind sharing a meal with you, Tadashi. It would be a good way for us to socialize. I do not know what sort of food they sell at this establishment but I am willing to try anything. But, allow me to pay for our meals since I invited you out, Tadashi." They rummaged in their pocket before pulling out a black credit card with their name on it.

"And as far as conversation goes... I want to hear about you. What have you been doing? I have... missed a lot since being gone."

Ezra looked at Tadashi almost perplexed at the insinuation. "Tadashi, I would never wish to fight you. You are my friend. I also was told if I invited someone out that I should be the one to pay for it." They remained quiet at Tadashi's mention of his complex feelings, of his siblings and Tadashi's unhappiness. Their brow seemed to furrow slightly.

"Do not apologize for having feelings or "dumping them on me", as you say." Ezra stated after a moment, trying to lock eyes on where Tadashi's would be behind the menu. "If you are hurting emotionally, I would suggest seeking assistance in some manner? I do not mind being someone you can confide in, but I imagine that would not be feasible for you as I am also a cause of your emotional distress. But if you would want my assistance in any way, I will do everything in my power to be there to aid you."

"That is what friends do, no?"

"Tadashi, I will not push any further on that matter. I only offer assistance if you wish it. And I would enjoy having a meal with you." They attempted a small smile and pulled one of the other menus. Ezra ran a finger along each item, carefully reading the words while also mouthing them out as their gaze shifted through the menu.

At Tadashi's question, they awkwardly paused from their reading and let the menu lay down on the table. "It is... hard to say. I do know that I do not often enjoy meat as most do. Beef and pork are overwhelming to me at times. I do very much enjoy the taste of fruits and vegetables, though. My stomach region also tends to feel bloated after eating meats. But I am willing to try anything at least once. It is a learning experience and one that I do not often get to enjoy."

"What about you, Tadashi? What is your preferred food?"