Diluted

~5~

She feels something furry beside her and she smiles as she sees Blackbeard.

"What do you want for breakfast?" Ember asks.

"Doesn't matter. I'm not picky," Jim shrugs as he sits down at the breakfast nook.

Ember nod and opens her fridge. She grabs out a bag of potatoes and a package of sausage links.

"Do you want any help?" Jim asks.

"No I've got it, thanks though," Ember smiles as she bends down to grab a pan.

Jim watches as Ember turns on her gas burning stove and cooks up the potatoes and sausages.

"Can you grab two plates for me please?" Ember asks.

Jim nods and walks around the breakfast nook.

Ember points to the cabinet with the plates in it.

Jim opens it and grabs two plates out.

"How do you reach these shelves?" Jim questions as he sets the plates down.

Ember snorts and points to a step stool tucked into the corner.

"Oh," Jim chuckles.

Ember laughs and starts placing food on the plates.

She hands Jim a plate and then walks around the counter to sit next to him.

"How are you feeling today?" Jim asks.

"Okay," Ember shrugs.

Jim nods.

"Do you want a hug?" He asks.

Ember chuckles.

"Always," she smiles.

Jim opens his arms to her and she hugs him back.

Ember sighs into the hug.

"Thank you," she smiles as she pulls away.

"Of course," Jim chuckles.

Ember and Jim start eating their food.

"Wow this is really good," Jim complements.

Ember blushes.

"Thank you," she shrugs.

"So what are your plans for today?" Jim asks.

Ember takes a second to think about it.

"Today is Saturday so I'll be going into the dance studio this evening, but besides that I don't have any plans. I don't think the tattoo shop needs me today," Ember shrugs.

"You work at a tattoo shop too?" Jim asks.

"Yeah," Ember shrugs.

"That's a lot of jobs," Jim says.

"I enjoy them most of the time," Ember chuckles.

"Well that's good," Jim smiles.

"What are your plans?" Ember ask.

"I'm going to be practicing my part for our new album," Jim shrugs.

"Nice," Ember nods as she take another bite of her breakfast.

"Would you like to get lunch with me later maybe?" Jim asks.

Ember nods.

"Sure that would be nice. I go into the studio at six so I've got time," Ember explains.

"Okay," Jim nods.

Ember can feel herself getting excited. She's been lonely, so she's excited that Jim wants to spend time with her.

"So are you excited for Slipknot's new album?" Ember asks.

"Yeah, I like the ideas Corey has for it," Jim chuckles.

"That's good," Ember replies.

"Maybe you could come meet the guys some time," Jim tells her.

"No, no, I don't want to be a problem," Ember shakes her head.

"You won't be. Plus I think they'll like you," Jim smiles.

Ember shrugs, "Okay, we'll see."

Ember takes both of their plates and puts them in the sink.

When Ember looks back over at Jim she notices him on his phone.

"Crap they need me. Okay I'll see you at three for lunch," Jim smiles.

"Sounds good," Ember nods.

Jim waves and then shows himself out of her apartment.

Ember locks the door after him.

She's excited for lunch but she can't help but feel alone right now.

She shrugs it off as best as she can and goes into her living room.

She turns Jaws on and cuddles up with a blanket.

Blackbeard jumps into her lap and lies his head on her lap.

"Hey there buddy," Ember smiles.

She strokes behind Blackbeard's ears and gets comfortable, ignoring the empty pit in her stomach.