As Lala questions Chef's motives, she isn't ready for the answers.

Enjoy.

~~~~~

Lala continued to hold her head in her right arm as if it was a football. That way her glances, blushes, and gaze in her eyes wouldn't been seen by Chef's line of sight. She was curious to why, or rather how he was interested in her. Lala couldn't process it. Now she did struggle with emotions and acceptance, although at some point she did have to turn the corner. Smith was just attempting to speed up the process. 

"Chef, how do you find me attractive? There are other monster and human girls out there." She asked.

Chef smiled and looked over at the river. To help clear is head and to motivate him to speak rather freely. "I find you interesting. And I like that you are honest. Some things you deny, but I think that's you being self-conscious about expressing yourself."

"I'm Death. I'm a blue toned body with a portable head. You're a human with a steady career that wants to find that romantic partner." She retorted in a doubtful manner.

"True. I like my work. And some women find the position a turnoff. Over here in Japan they want you to work. That's why people overwork. Over in the UK and America someone working six days a week and not be in poverty isn't normal. It's frowned upon." Chef muttered.

"Okay. And what about me? You put your efforts to me. I don't get it. It because you want to understand me more? Wouldn't Centorea or Rachnera be better suited for you?" 

"Centorea being a plant based eater is kind of hard. She seems good and all but that one sticks out believe it or not. Plus, blondes don't seem to work for me."

"Okay. And Spider?" Huffed Lala.

"I think she's too much for the average man. Including myself. Anything else?"

"Do you even know what dullahans do?"

Chef smirked and reached into his shirt. He pulled his gold chain out to make it visible around his neck. "Another name for your kind is Gan Ceann."

"Huh?" Lala turned to him. Head still tucked into her side.

"It is told you come from Irish Mythology. Impossible to run from. But also said a single piece of gold repels from it."

Lala gasped. "I couldn't hurt you by accident?" 

"If the legends are true. The legends I read in the UK are vague. Some follow the legends religiously and others think it's bollocks." Chef nodded. "I said I know what I am getting into."

"I-I, don't know what to say."

"You should take more care of yourself Lala. You are a living creature you know. Beautiful skin, nice hair, glowing eyes-"

"Have you been staring at my chest?" She grumbled.

"Not now but I have." Still looking at the river and blushing. "But looks all around is something to look at as well. You should smile and look in the mirror more often. Maybe some Japanese fashion if you found that confidence." 

Eep! "You dog. How can you say such a-" Lala swung her body to the right and lost her balance on the edge.  Chef caught her body. Her head however got lose from her grip. "WAAAAHH!" Splash!

"OH SHIT!" Chef took out his phone and wallet to leave it on the dock before he jumped right in. This was a priority one. Jumping right in and seeing Lala's head slowly flowing. It was only a little over two meters deep. Thank goodness he didn't dive. Grabbing Lala's head and shooting himself to the surface after bouncing off the bottom with his legs. Carrying Lala's head like it was soccer ball during a throw-in penalty. "You okay!?"

"You-" Lala was still in shock. "You didn't have to."

"You have a heart. Stop it." He panted.

"What now?" Asked Lala wondering how things are shaping up. 

"Moment." He breathed deeply and made it to the side. Grabbing a pipe that was installed in the concrete. "Moment." Chef played Lala's head on the surface. Then with both hands getting himself up onto land. "Oh boy." He groaned.

Lala frowned. She felt stupid having her head fall in the river. Then having to be saved. Watching the man that fed her and her friends (landlord too) lay there catching his breath. Idiot...

"Just a minute." He closed his eyes. "Didn't- Didn't see that coming." He sighed feebly. 

"What are you, doing?" She hesitantly brought up the question. 

"You can die just like me. We're even."

"Even!?" Gasped Lala. I haven't done anything for him. 

Chef chuckled. "Oh man. Next time how about a scarf that doubles as a net?"

"Mmm..." Lala felt bad. It was her fault all of this happened. 

"Let's head back to my place so I can change. Then, we will figure something else out. How's that?"

"I'll allow it. You did save me." Lala felt horrible. Also had in mind what his apartment would look like. He only moved back within a month ago.

~~~~~

After Chef grabbed his phone and wallet and put his shoes on, he and Lala walked down the street to his apartment. Chef dripped all the way there and once inside the person at the front desk underhanded him a towel. He wiped the water off his face and tried to dry his hair before getting the excess water off of him. Before getting to the elevator to floor four.

"Why did I think that you were close to twenty?" Asked Lala. And it's nice the one human I say he didn't give me an ugly glance.

Chef smirked. "A lot of the taller ones cost more. Floor twenty is more of a suite style. And the views are worth it if you can afford it."

"Pay more because of the view?"

"God forbid a fire starts. That means you paid for to die right?"

Lala was caught off guard. "Shouldn't that be my line?"

"Probably. I did think about you in that regard." The elevator stopped and he went to the first door on the left. "Easy does it right? 403." Chef got the key out of his wallet and unlocked the door. Opening it and inviting Lala inside.

Lala looked around and it was obvious that he was still moving in. Outside the bedroom, the living room and even the kitchen, didn't contain much. For someone who cooks for a living, the kitchen shouldn't be empty on the counters and island. Perhaps in another month he should be able to freshen up the space.

"I'll just be a moment." He smiled and went to his room.

Lala grabbed herself a seat on the couch. This apartment wasn't much home like just yet. With Lala being around many homes, she would know. This wasn't it. Empty feeling. Empty is usually sad. When he came out dressed in casual clothes he smiled at her.

"You have been back in Japan for what? Two weeks?" She leaned back in the comfortable couch.

"About that. Sorry this place looks empty. I'll work on it soon."

"You can take a day off you know." Lala insisted.

"True. Also one thing to keep in mind is when moving I traveled really light both times. My filled spice racks can be replaced. The couch was actually at my parent's house and they actually brought it back. The rest I got to wait for a few checks."

"That explains it." Lala smiled. "That's a relief."

"Yes. Ready?"

"Yeah."

"No water this time."

"Don't worry. No water. But, how are you in night life?"

"That depends. Plus there is work in the morning."

~~~~~

Also depending on who they ask. With Lala actually having a personality, anything is on the table.

-Relly