Long times and changes

chapter 5

Abella pondered if she should wake up Nevi. She decided against that, as she approached the hotel.

Going to sleep was easy. Everyone reported to their rooms. They still had more work to do, but not until tomorrow. Erik went as quiet as possible. Even then, he could probably still be loud, and Nevi wouldn't wake up. The guy looked like he'd passed out upon laying on the bed.

Night had passed and it was soon morning. Surprisingly, Nevi was the first to wake. He pondered staying in bed for a little bit longer but decided against it. Sitting up, he moved himself upwards. He was a bit surprised he had managed to wake up this early himself.
He went through his messages just in case. He was glad he checked as well.

ABELLA
12:30 AM
TEAM
"Tomorrow - or today we will be doing patrols around the city until the government gets the Seperatist threat handled. It should only be a few days."

Nevi, half asleep, shut off his communicator for now and started getting ready, noting with satisfaction that he was able to button his pants again. He even prodded a finger to his abdomen - still pretty much the same, flat self.
'Hah, take that, Qi. Forty pounds overweight? I haven't even gained a single one.'

Something tells me Nevi didn't know what tempting fate was.

Soon Erik woke up, got up, and was curious to find that Nevi was awake, already ready. "That's a surprise," he commented as he walked past. Nevi grunted in reply. "Is it just patrols all day?"

"Yes," Erik called, "I think you can start whenever, just let Abella know."

"Right." Nevi opened his communications and sent a short message to her, before heading out. Today, he wouldn't get distracted at all. Today was a fresh, clean day.
----
He was under that belief until a few hours into walking around when his stomach began to gurgle. They were quiet, so he ignored with ease. But soon, he could feel them.
Nevi had a feeling his stomach was taunting him. 'I am focused, I won't be distracted..' he repeated to himself.

But when he stopped, catching a whiff of something else, his stomach let out the longest growl yet, and pretty loud too. Flustered, he realized he'd need something filling.

"Just a snack, Nevi. Just a snack." He surveyed the area. The town had many food and drink stands, especially around this time of the year.

He caught sight of a stand with a longish lineup but fast moving as well. Moving in to inspect it, they seemed to be selling some sort of bread..cheese filled things. They sold in pairs, but the individual could request more. They also seemed to have several flavours.

Stepping into the line, he wondered what he would get. Just one. Just one.

It was already almost his turn as the woman in from of him left, and he stepped forwards. The vendor smiled, "How may I help you?"

"I'd like.." there were seven different flavours. But just one he'd be getting. He repeated the words to himself silently, just one, just one. "One of each, please."

Dammit.