Long times and changes

chapter 6 - adding up

Nevi's last few days were very similar. Wake up, get ready, alert Abella that he was going on patrol, patrol for a few hours..and have the 'magical 14.'
Nevi called them the magical 14. They were the cheese filled bread snacks that were simply delicious - he ordered one of each flavour, all in pairs; the snacks were automatically sold in pairs as well. The first few days for him were somewhat like "no, I will not," but each day he had them, he simply added it to his schedule.

One day, Nevi was getting ready. Erik had already gone, which was a change in the past few days; it was usually Nevi who was first to leave. The rest of the group minus Abella was already gone as well. Abella was in her room, doing some files. She mentioned they only have to wait for tomorrow then they could catch a transport back to the ship.

As Nevi went to button up his pants, he seemed to have trouble getting them done. A bit confused, he looked down; Nevi was typically able to do up his pants without standing or looking down. They fit earlier this week - why was he running into problems?

Standing up, he began to try again. It was only when he sucked in his breath he was able to button them, and even when he exhaled they felt tight.

This would have to do.

He put on his shirt - no difficulties, then threw on his grey jacket, zipping it up. Tilting his head, he muttered to himself, "this felt less tight before." Dropping his hands to the side for the moment being, he turned to peer into the mirror across from his bed. While standing a bit far away from it, he was able to tell there was a bit of strain on his clothing. Pulling the bottom of his jacket over the top of his pants, he decided that this would have to do. Perhaps being on this planet for so long did something to his clothing..

..he was correct, in a way.

He went out as usual, patrolling for a few hours in the hot sun. When his stomach gurgled a few hours in, he knew it was time, and ordered the 14.

"The usual," he'd tell the vendor, who simply smiled, gathering his items and trading Nevi for some cash.

He walked to a quiet spot as usual, making sure that no one was around before removing his mask to eat. He ate each one with only one or two bites - they weren't that big, after all. You could fit one into the palm of your hand.
As he moved onto his personal favourite- the semi-liquid cheese ones, he moved it towards his mouth, but a small bit dripped out, onto his glove.

"Shit," he swore, moving to clean it off with his other glove, but it was pretty sticky, so he got it gummed up.

Gazing at his glove for a little longer, he wondered if he should lick it off but decided against it, the thought appearing that he might make it worse.

Once he was finished, he used the wrapping to clean off any crumbs, before standing up and walking out like nothing had happened.
On his way out he spotted Qi, who spotted him, and she flipped him off, so Nevi returned the gesture.

After a few hours it was soon time to return to the hotel. He got there first, before hearing a knock on his door. Erik had the keys, so it was most likely someone else. He approached it, seeing Azita after opening the door.

"Human..Nevi, I mean. I brought you this." She held out a package, and Nevi eyed it curiously, taking it from her.

"Thank you..?"

"You are welcome." Azita walked away.

Staring after Azita, he closed the door and walked to his bed, unwrapping the good.

Sweet bread. He hadn't had it in a while.

He rotated it - it was bigger than the last pieces he had. He decided to have it tonight, savouring the flavour as he ate it. Once he was finished, he set the wrapping down, laying in bed.

He decided on catching an early rest.