They Just Don't [ { Understand } ] [[Kire]]

It had been a meager morning today, the four of them had only managed to scrape together a meal consisting of a slice of bread and jam and a quarter of an apple each. Most of the time they had more food than that, but he had been working late the night before and had been unable to buy more. It wasn't as though he would have been able to purchase much anyway, with the little money he managed to make in the scattered jobs he would take during the day. He had no set line of work, doing little jobs for anyone that would let him. It wasn't as though he made good money, it was piddly in fact, and sometimes he didn't even get anything. He had found that it was better not to ask for anything, learning that people who were already not very sparing with their money were even less likely to give you a cent if you questioned them. And so he had learned to work for whatever people would pay him.

Often, he had to work, or search for work, for most of the day, leaving him no time for anything else but to buy food and other necessary things. Right now, he was out searching as much for a job as for something to buy with the small bit of coin that resided in his pocket. At times he cursed the fact that his mother didn't work, but quickly scolded himself for thinking such things. She had lost both of the two men she had loved, in two very different ways. One still lived, probably with another woman and another family, while the other lay in the ground as bones and torn clothing. Phoenix took a deep breath as he felt the familiar painful grief well up in his chest. He missed his step-father dearly, and would give anything for his death not to have happened.

He had tried the main square, hoping to find a store owner just opening the shop, or a merchant carrying in new wares. Maybe he could even act as a guide for someone who had gotten lost. He had done all of those sorts of jobs before, and had he made a resume the list would have gone on for two pages. Of course, he didn't have the money for paper, so he was unable to write a resume, and had to assure people he was able to undertake the task. There were no jobs, or even food, to be found there though, and he had to move on. Perhaps he would be able to find work at the bakery, where at the very least he would be able to buy bread and perhaps the little scones his mother loved so much. The few coins in his pocket jingled together as he walked, reminding him of how little there actually was. Sadly, it seemed as though he would have to skip out on the scones.

His near-black eyes, ever outlined in charcoal, looked from side to side, searching every building he passed for some sign of work he could do. No luck, there was no sign that there were even businesses on this street, let alone places to work at. After a few minutes, his long strides finally took him to the bakery. He looked up at the large sign that stated the most common types of bread; sourdough, wheat, multi-grain, white. With a small, quickly-fading smile, he opened the door and walked inside. The wonderful smell of baking bread filled his nose, leaving him to breathe deep as his stomach grumbled to him over the tiny meal he had had hours before. With a grimace at his complaining stomach, he came up to stand in line behind a girl. As he waited, he took her in.

She looked to be about his sister's age, and she only came up a little past his waist. Her hair was a dark brown colour, but he was unable to see her face to know what shade her eyes were. His eyes rose to the man who stood behind the counter, his mouth in an unwavering, unfriendly line. It appeared that a new man had been hired in the place of the old, and that he did not take as kindly to children as his predecessor. This would make his life harder, as he was here as much for the bread he was going to purchase as a job he was hoping to snag.

The girl ahead of him seemed to be having trouble deciding what she would like, or in communicating her decision to the man behind the counter. Phoenix's attention flickered between her and the man as she spoke, "S-sir o-one-one lo-lo-loaf o-of-of..." Without letting her so much as point to the loaf she wanted, the man cut her off. "Girl, please I don't have time for this, can you just tell me what you want so we can all be on with our day?" Phoenix felt a scowl slip onto his face at the man's tone, and he watched as the girl lifted her hand to point at a loaf of wheat bread. Wanting to help the girl, and disliking the man in front of him for his rough treatment, he went on instinct and placed a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. Sorry about this, I'm not trying to be rude.

He looked up at the man, dark eyes flashing with momentary anger before smoothing into calm pools. "I'm sorry sir, she can just be a little shy at times. We would like one wheat loaf, and one multi-grain loaf." Before the girl could react, he brought out his little pile of coins and placed them on the counter, counting quickly in his head to make sure he had enough. He did, just. The man looked startled for a second, then gave him an analyzing look before grabbing the two requested loaves. He placed them on the counter before the pair, then swept up the coins and counted them swiftly, keeping an eye on them as he looked over the metal discs. Nodding curtly, the man turned to place the change into the cash box, signifying they were free to take the bread.

Smiling, Phoenix grabbed the two loaves and held out the wheat bread to the girl. "Here. I believe you wanted this?"

She had taken the bread from his hand, looking up at him with brown eyes. Th-thank-thank you. B-B-But wh-why d-d-did, did you d-do th-th-that f-f-for me?" She sounded confused, but it was not surprising. He had just come out of nowhere and helped her. Now she was digging in her pocket, pulling out coin enough for the wheat loaf she held in her arms. She held it out to him and he hesitated for a moment, but he could see by the look in her eyes that she wasn't going to be happy if he refused it.

Gently, he took the coin from her, smiling as a return for the money. She reminded him so much of his sister, he just wanted to help her and protect her as if she really was his sister, but for now he would settle for this little bit. Following her gaze, he sees the man at the counter sell another customer a muffin. A quick glance back at the girl shows him that her eyes glittering faintly with longing, and disappointment. She must not have enough money for a muffin either. They were in a similar situation, whether they liked it or not. He just wished he was able to find a better job.

Her eyes are back on him now, and it looks as though she's thinking. Whatever it is that's on her mind, it's obviously not all that happy. A small, tell-tale frown was on her lips, but other than that Phoenix had no clue as to what was on the young girl's mind. "What's your name?" He may as well know who he had helped, if only for no ones benefit but his own. She was young to be sent out on errands by herself, but not too young. He only didn't let his sister run errands, even though she was thirteen, because he was overly protective of her, and there was no way his brother could go anywhere without one of them to be with him. Again, his older brother mode taking control.