@executionandjustice / @thesesplitpaths for some comfort angst uwu
Something hadn’t been right with Ichiro - at first she thought it was work related stress. Yet his behavior was becoming concerning with each change from their norm. Typical banter over texts throughout their days now shifted into an unusual influx of calls. The talks felt normal at the start until a missed call here and there seemed to have him on edge. Once she did get in touch with him things would feel at ease but Ella still felt something wasn’t right with her husband. Having to stay beside her nearly at all times? Wasn’t completely out of the ordinary when the other wanted some time to be close and relaxed.
Yet this was different. Tonight he had arrived a bit late - nothing strange about that - but his composure appeared tense. Cautious and on the alert until he saw her. What had him on guard? Not so seamlessly he’s sighing and pretending things are fine. Mention of trying to call her so she could help bring in groceries which he forgot - since when did he go shopping at this hour...let alone be spaced out like this? She lets him joke and brush off the mistake before feeling herself being pulled in for a kiss.
He’s lingering...keeping her close longer than usual. What was wrong?
Ella tries to lighten the mood, letting him tag along as she works away on her own tasks in the home. But once she’s done - the witch can’t help but want to address the strangeness that’s overwhelming them. “Come here - let me talk your ear off, hm?” she teases a bit of melancholy in her tone. Leading him to lay down in their now shared room. Close again. Chatting - mostly her at first and her mind wanders. Wanders to an incident from the year now gone.
“. . . Say beanstalk? I think I should a learn a thing or two from you!” she smiles. “You’re amazing at keeping calm in tense situations, is that a skill only great detectives have?” Ella jokes but her eyes reflect concern - the need to know what’s eating away at the usual cunning and smug Ichiro Ito.
