How Much I Know - a Renegades | Marissa Meyer fan fiction

Chapter 28

The day after the tunnel raid, Mara sat at her house table and slowly ate the delicious meal that Kahless had cooked. It was impressive that Kahless was able to make something so good out of what was in her kitchen when Mara only was able to mash up a bit of generic pasta, but Mara wasn't complaining. She wished that Kahless would cook every night, though.

"This is delicious," Narcissa complimented. Mara felt her heartstrings tug painfully when she took in the soft and delicate tone of the girl's voice. She was still getting over Gene's death. She never would. Her grandfather was everything to her, and his death was hard to take. Frankly, Mara wouldn't either; she just had a better mask.

Most people thought that being an emotional and kind person came from not being able to hide emotions. Quite the opposite, in reality. Mara was able to mold her truthful prejudices and feelings behind a perfect, idealistic version of a kind girl. It wasn't that her persona was fake, it was just that it was what she wanted people to see. It made her impact in the world better and kinder.

She couldn't remember a time when she wasn't the kind person she was now. She still had her own ideas about the world, but she hid them well. She knew she shouldn't have those feelings. Everyone deserved an equal opportunity, no matter their family or profession.

"Thank you for preparing the meal, Kahless. I appreciate it very much, especially with your wasp sting still healing. I really couldn't have done it myself." She looked at Kahless with an expression of practiced gratitude. It wasn't fake, just... enhanced. It was a skill to be able to express feelings accurately, and sometimes there were partially faked portions of her emotions. This skill was especially useful when Mara was having a poor day but was able to convincingly act upbeat and energetic. It was necessary for everyone around her to be happy, even if she wasn't one of them.

"It is my pleasure. You have taught me a few things about how best to fit in this world, Mara. I'm taking your advice." She tilted her head toward Mara, and she blushed. It was, she knew, the appropriate reaction.

"I don't deserve that. Really, I'm just doing what I need to survive. It's nothing special, really," Mara answered quickly. She didn't like praise. It put her on a pedestal that didn't help anyone.

Kahless just smiled slyly. "If you say so. But I noticed that the door hinges are greased, the cement walkway was swept recently, the sink hardly has a mark on it, the floor looks to be just mopped, and the dishes are cleaned. Need I say more? You work yourself hard. Don't dismiss it, Mara. I know you're kind. But thank you. You're what the world needs. Thank you."

"Thanks from me too," Narcissa added. "You don't appreciate even your own actions. You deserve at least our praise."

"No, really. I do nothing but survive. I really don't deserve this!" Mara said, now a bit annoyed. She didn't like unnecessary attention. It was not good for her work.

Kahless and Narcissa shared a look of denial before Narcissa declared, "Fine, as you wish," and shrugged.

Something about their expressions made Mara suspicious, but she wasn't worried.

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Kahless left a little while after dinner, claiming that she had to be at her job for the Council now that she was healed well enough. She had to spy on Nova to see if she actually was an Anarchist in disguise. Mara had smirked at that. The Council was so stupid.

Mara realized that she had gotten more used to Kahless's appearance over the past few days. Her bright orange hair stopped being so surprising and became more fitting of Kahless's normal appearance. Her eyes, too, spaced slightly too far apart, stopped being so much of a change. It was just how Kahless looked. Her skin, a shade lighter and frailer than was normal, stopped being so disgusting and more normal. Her nose, one that stuck out just a bit too far and was a bit too pointy, wasn't as attention-clogging anymore.