Long times and changes

chapter 3 - after troubles

Erik had no trouble getting a drink. The locals here were pretty friendly, even if they didn't speak the same language, and seemed to understand his situation, showing him a cart that was constantly being refilled in cans of..water? Fizzy water, maybe. He didn't know. The cans weren't too large, either. Upon further inspection, it was free. Checking his timer, it was currently 9:00, so he approached the stands, and selected a bottle.
Nevi was still where he had been left and seemed elated at his return. "Ah, give me it!" Erik handed it over, looking around. He heard Nevi pop open the can, and drink - no, chug it all in a single gulp. He let out a light burp, and Erik turned to the male, who had finished putting back on his mask. He blinked.

"Jeezus, what did you give me?"

"Wh-is something wrong?" Erik suddenly said, voice filled with concern. He didn't like being ordered around, but he did respect Nevi.

"I'm- ugh.. I'm good, but that had a lot of bubbles in it. Kinda like soda..soda.. Erik." He looked at him.

"I need more of that. Bring me some more cans."

"Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I'm-" Nevi squinted, before looking back at Erik. "Course it is, now go!"

"Yes..alright."

Erik was swift with his return, having fetched four cans of the fizzy liquid. He was going to just hand them one by one to Nevi, but the latter insisted on just giving them all right now. Erik did his thing; look away out of respect for Nevi. He was still able to hear Nevi loudly enjoying the drinks, though. Nevi exhaled in pleasure, dropping the last can to the ground, now empty.

Erik winced as he heard a grumble from Nevi's stomach. Probably protesting because of how much he had forced into there. Poor thing. But Nevi just laughed, into the air. It was more of a 'Hah!' If anything.

"Now that was a real meal," he leaned back, patting his stomach which was taut to the touch, though it did slightly slosh. Nevi closed his eyes.

"Uh, we're not supposed to fall asleep-"

"I'm just enjoying the..ugh..moment."

Erik didn't know how he was enjoying the moment. He looked uncomfortable, sitting against the wall, legs slightly spread apart. He was glad rarely anyone walked into this area of the town.
He heard a 'hic' as Nevi sat up again, letting out a longer burp than before. "Oh," Nevi laughed, "that was a big one!"

Erik felt a little bit disgusted but didn't say anything. He heard Nevi speak again.

"Help me get up, won't you?"

Nevi needed help? He wasn't sure if that was good or bad. But Erik approached Nevi's hand and grasped it, attempting to help the man up. It was a bit tricky. Erik didn't have that much upper body strength, plus Nevi was already somewhat heavy to carry. He leaned forwards as he stood.
"Oh gods," Nevi seemed to groan, slightly regretting what he just did.

Erik knew there was no way this gut was gonna completely vanish before the group met up. For now, he led Nevi through the quieter streets. Save the poor guy embarrassment. Nevi lagged behind him.

There were some people, but no odd glances were exchanged. Everyone went upon their business.

"Kebabs! Free kebabs!" Erik continued, but Nevi stopped. And so did Erik.

"I don't want to order you around," Erik finally said, as Nevi's yellow eyes moved to stare at Erik, "but please, for the love of god, don't.."

Nevi held eye contact before looking down, still feeling the gurgles of his gut. He looked at Erik, tilting his head.

"Just one," he said.

"Just none." Erik stared back.

"Just one..please?"

Erik sighed. "Just one."

Nevi was probably smiling like a kid in a candy store right now. He moved to the stand, and Erik supervised him.

Much to Erik's disappointment, he witnessed Nevi purchase three of the kebabs instead. They weren't very big, but he still saw Nevi eating the third one like no one was watching and turning around with two. He watched him slowly lumber back, before extending an arm out. "I got this one for you," he said.

Erik was a little bit shocked. "Are you serious?"

"What? You think I'm some sort of cold hearted person who cares about no one?"

Erik didn't think that. "..no."

"Huh, well, good. And besides," he gestured to his stomach, "even I've got my limits. If I eat any more, I'm going to pop a button."

Erik was surprised he hadn't already done so. He was surprised Nevi was so observant. Taking the kebab, Nevi had already turned around, enjoying his kebab.

Erik finished the kebab and put the stick in his pocket. Nevi, much to Erik's disgust, despite a friendly moment they just had, just tossed it onto the ground.

Erik didn't feel like annoying Nevi though, so he continued to move. Nevi silently, or as silently as could be, tagged along. 9:40. They had one hour.

In all honesty, Erik didn't want to leave Nevi by himself. Even Nevi admitted to not really wanting to eat more at the moment, as he'd 'pop buttons', he was still worried. Erik paused. Nevi tilted his head.

"I'm gonna go and walk by myself. I'll see you at 10:40." Erik turned around, stating calmly. Nevi displayed no reaction besides looking around with his pupils. He nodded.

"Uh..stay safe." Erik turned back, leaving. Nodding, Nevi stopped.

Meet at 10:40 at the central square..

Now where the hell was he?