aionlogs | [CLOSED] lizard times

[ Himeka just stands there looking perfectly nonplussed about the whole situation. Standing here in this room that may have definitely seen some more, ahem, exciting exchanges in night's past. Or maybe this is just their private chambers?

She starts to slowly tilt her head to the side at Abel's non-answer and mumbling, though the small wag of the very end of her tail beguiles her amusement. ]

I wouldn't want to interrupt your...business hours.

[ .....

..........

he's jolting into motion again, haphazardly stuffing the lot in his arms into one of the drawers at random and shutting it with such force the whole thing rattles and some of the clutter atop it wobbles, threatening to fall.

Abel's leaning his back against it, shaking his head in a jerky, hasty tilt-- ]

--I'm merely borrowing space!! Taking up space, y-you know, just... th-this isn't where I work, of course. Of course. This is Miss Alma's room, so... so don't you go getting any ideas in that head of yours!! I mean it...!!

[ waggling his finger admonishingly?? for SHAME??? imagine. IMAGINE, who would spend their hard-earned coin on such a thing??? (unless... 😳) ]

[ The stammering is expected, but it's the finger wagging that finally breaks her. Himeka's lips twitch at the ends before she just breaks out into a light-hearted laugh. ]

I'm only joking!

[ She wraps one arm around her middle as she calms herself back down. ]

I'll be sure to banish these notions once they decide to leave.

[ Which will be some time from now, to note. ]

But there's no shame in it if it was true, you know. Father.

[ With that, she moves the satchel she has strung around her shoulder to her front and starts to unfasten the leather ties. ]

I hope you'll have it in your heart to forgive me since I do come bearing gifts.

[ 'when they decide to leave??' he's glowering at her in a red-faced petulance; he has NOTICED the particularity of that wording, thank you!! what do you mean when they decide to leave?! they can leave now?? go!! go on, git!!

...but the matter of the satchel steals some of his attention, and he's warily eying it. like a snake might pop out. like it might be a trap. like this is some elaborate ruse to ensnare him. into what?? who knows, but one can never be too careful(??), ]

Gifts...? Gifts of what nature, exactly? A-and what's the occasion? It isn't my birthday, is it? ...Wait, is it? Is it your birthday? --When is your birthday, by the way?

[ Himeka pauses in her ministrations--not for dramatic effect, but out of genuine curiosity. She raises a brow. ]

Have you already forgotten?

[ She shakes her head and opens the main flap, pulling out two bundles wrapped carefully in leaves, much like the last bundle of treats she dropped off. ]

We have a deal.

[ The first, larger parcel contains a miraculous recreation of the animal she has learned he is so fond of. The second contains some dried fruit and nut balls that have been generously soaked in something sweet and syrupy.

As for her birthday... ]

You tell me yours first.

What...? A deal? Is this some kind of innuendo I'm not privy t...

[ but as he looks up from where he had been nudging something Questionable on the floor out of the way with his foot, he blinks in surprise-- ]

[ --ah. w-wait, is she...

has she, again, brought him more (delicious) treats?? o-oh. oh, she really has, hasn't she? he's looking utterly taken aback, eyes traveling from the delectable (ADORABLE) treats to Himeka's face as if he doesn't know what to do with this information, never mind the actual--

ITEMS?? he's-- ]

--Himeka, [ n-no, no, this is... ] Th-this is far too much! You realize I was just joking when I said-- when I was mentioning, the... ah. It isn't a deal, and you don't have to give me anything, of course-- Y... you've already brought me more than enough, it's...

[ but he is oh-so-delicately reaching out to receive these gifts - because it seems terribly insensitive not to after she's gone through all the trouble... even if they look far too cute to eat??? oh no...

HIME..... 🥺?? ]

[ She just waits as he processes it, though she's not entirely sure why it's such a surprise. She supposes this is just another Abelism she'll need to learn. He seems reluctant to accept compliments or praise in general, so mayhaps it's related to that.

The fact that he accepts the food is what matters in the end, despite his protestations that it isn't necessary. Himeka just shakes her head. ]

Have you considered that, mayhaps, I want to?

[ he looks... guilty? and torn, as if he isn't sure how he is supposed to manage this - because he's definitely of the mind this is far too much, that she's already gone to great lengths for him already, and...

it's far more than he deserves - her kindness. her friendship. innumerable sweet things that must've taken her time and effort to lovingly craft on top?? even he cannot shamelessly accept such offerings, alright?

all the same, he's cradling the goodies in his hands and looking at a distinct loss. ]

I'm-- [ ... ]

...Thank you. But you really don't have to keep doing this, okay? We're-- we are more than even, though I really wouldn't say you owed me anything from the start if you asked me-- ah...

[ The way his own expression seems to fall starts to mirror on her own face. She knows now that he puts on a bit of a show of not accepting compliments when they're given to him, but this reaction isn't what she'd anticipated. It isn't just humility or playfulness, is it? ]

...

[ Himeka gazes darts between the treats in his hands and his face a few times. ]

...Is it-- you don't want to feel like I'm in debt to you?

[ Or is it...? ]

I'm sorry. That was really just an excuse... I'd do this anyway, I promise. You seemed really happy at the prospect.

[ her expression begins to fall, and Abel abruptly shakes his head in a fervent denial, the twinge of guilt and urgent need to Fix This strong in his chest-- ]

--Please! Please don't say sorry, you aren't the one who's done anything wrong, I just--

[ his eyes trail to the treats in his hands, and... ]

This is just...

[ ...Himeka. he wishes he could put it to words: it should be so simple to say. but it isn't, somehow, and it sits like a lump in his throat. ]

You make me happy. So, you really don't have to-- It's enough, just like this.

[ her friendship is gift enough to him; he doesn't need anything more than that. and more importantly - doesn't want her to feel she is in his debt whatsoever. definitely. ]

[ Is he really that concerned that this is something she's unwittingly gotten herself wrapped up in? That she's really in debt and will be unable to move forward until she's showered him with an amount of pastries equal to the emotional support he's provided to both Estinien and herself in Estinien's time of need?

It's touching that he worries that much, but it's also completely unnecessary. ]

I suppose I should ask again... "Have you considered that I want to"?

[ The concern on her own face shifts to a softer smile. She reaches out, placing her hands on either of Abel's as they cup the treats that are causing him such distress. ]

You make me happy too and I love to cook. So, one of my favorite things to do is cook for people I like. And I like the challenge of trying to come up with new things to surprise you with! But, really, there's nothing quite like getting to see someone you care about enjoy something that you made.

[ she truly is... too good.

...though it's difficult to look into those terribly earnest eyes of hers, he forces himself to meet them nonetheless. they are so incessantly warm and sincere, aren't they? and he can feel something strange niggling through him in response - something definitely affectionate, grateful, and quietly painful. ]

Then...

[ reluctantly - and with great trepidation, he is forcing himself to relent, here. he can see this is doing neither of them any good, and the very last thing he wants is to spit in the face of her kindness. that truly wouldn't be forgivable. ]

...Then, you'll share them with me?

[ how is it, even here he is gifted in this way? again and again, no matter the world-- he is reminded of all the things he so desperately wants to protect, and why.

it's... warm. the feeling of someone reaching out yet again, and Abel knows better than to rebuff it, rebuff her. no; he will accept this kind of warmth with open arms - and he will make sure to repay her kindness. ]

[ It's twofold, isn't it? Finding it hard to accept genuine displays of affection or kindness but also a fear of...obligation? Imposition? Himeka hadn't taken Abel's protestations very seriously up until this point, assuming they were just part of his penchant for the dramatic, but now she's starting to wonder if there's another reason for it.

(Does he think he doesn't deserve these things? That would be silly...he must just not like to inconvenience people.)

She waits, hopeful but also confident that he'll come around--because he's that sort of person, isn't he? A kind one. It's a difficult shift for him, to be sure, but she watches acceptance slowly work it's way into his features and it sends a happy bloom of warmth through her chest. She nods without a moment's hesitation. ]

I'd love to.

[ The pleased wag of her tail at the prospect probably speaks for itself. ]

Though I insist you have the first bite. I want you to tell me what you think completely blind!

[ somehow, the added gesture of this pleased tail-wag makes this all the more endearing - and Abel can't help a sheepish chuckle as he finally regards the treats in his hands properly. they really do look good... unfairly good, at that! and too cute to break in half, though he knows they must meet such a fate for the sake of sharesies. ]

Oh... goodness, this really is quite an honor~! First bite, first bite... okay. Okay! I'm going in. Do you have any final words for our little whale friend...? Any touching farewells? Care to wish him off to a better place? I can gives him his rites, if you'd like.

[ Give him his rites? Okay, that's an offer that's too amusing not to take him up on. She shifts her gaze from Abel down to her attempt at recreating the likeness of a whale. Not Tako, unfortunately, as she didn't think she could get his shape quite right with the tools she had available, but she did her best. ]

I think he deserves as much, yes. Shall we call him...Blueberry?

--Ah! Don't give him a name, Himeka, now I'll feel guilty about eating him...!

[ it won't stop him, of course. but he'll feel guilty.

mildly.

...deliciously guilty. ]

But, I suppose it's only right. Mr -- or Mrs? -- Blueberry deserves a proper send-off, and that includes their name, of course. Alright.

[ he very gently deposits the remaining goodies on the corner of the nearby desk, giving Blueberry here his full attention as he makes the sign of the cross. ]

Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up, my child.

[ and then, like a savage barbarian,

he snaps Blueberry in half, ]

[ Her normal rule of "if it doesn't have a name it's fair game" is overruled here because Blueberry was literally created to be consumed. No harm, no foul, she hasn't broken any rules.

Abel's send-off is apropos. Himeka even closes her eyes and bows her head with both of her hands placed flat against one another in front of her chest in solemn reverence to the very edible being they are about to consume. Yea, may his soul find peace in that he's fulfilled his great purpose--being delicious.

She claps them twice before raising her head with a smile and accepting half of blueberry. ]

And now...you first!

[ Abel will find that the pastry isn't quite as puffy as one may like, but the flavor is good, sweet to offset the the fruity filling which is naturally--

--something closer to raspberries, obviously. It's more of a thick jam that has been mixed with a bit of cream for structure. Mostly she was working with limited dairy from what she could import from Godsblood and wanted to safe most of it for the pastry.

She watches him, eyes hopeful.

Is it okay? ]

[ poor Blueberry is now in twain, but his sacrifice won't be in vain. (heh, that rhymed...)

Abel isn't hesitating any further now that the Last Rites had been offered his defeated friend, taking a bite out of his half of the cookie, and--

oh.

......oh, his face immediately lights up in surprise-- which rapidly dissolves into delight. ]

This-- may be the single best whale I have ever eaten in the entirety of my life.

[ Ah! There's instant relief in seeing that he likes it--Blueberry, that is. The treat, not the fruit. (Although he does seem the sort who would also like blueberries. if she can find any...)

But she does have to laugh a bit at how raving the appraisal is even after the first bite. ]

I'm glad you like it, though now I think you're just flattering.

[ She then takes a bite of her own and gives a thoughtful hum. ]

The dough didn't quite rise like I was hoping it would...

[ She is talking while she's chewing like a true lady. ]

--Forest humidity, you know? Really changes the bake. But I hoped I picked the best ones out of the batch. Normally I'd like to have a full cream filling but I improvised a bit since milk isn't something you see a lot of when you're surrounded by scalekin.

I haven't the foggiest idea about baking, but you know what, Himeka...? You sound like you could absolutely bake circles around me, and I'm quite content to trust your superior palate. Even so...

[ he's already got the rest of Blueberry in his mouth and, like a heathen, spitting crumbs in his enthusiasm since he isn't swallowing, still chewing as he talks. ]

--He's very good!! I haven't had a cookie in so long...?! I feel like it's been boring porridge and maybe a fruit here and there, lately... this hit just the spot!

[ She laughs a little as she finishes her first bite. Well, as long as he likes it, that's really what matters, even if the technique was subpar. Though this does just raise a greater challenge--if she could get herself a proper kitchen, imagine what she could surprise Abel with...

Thoughts for another time, mayhaps. ]

I'm glad to hear it!

[ She takes another bite of Blueberry after a pause. ]

Though I have to admit...I haven't been entirely honest with you.

[ oho~? oho... oho; that has Abel's brows immediately lifting in curiosity - and one can definitely see the light beginning to brighten, gleam in his eyes. ]

What's this...? Himeka...

[ he touches a hand to his chest in feigned shock!! horror!! ]

Do you have a confession to make? --Please. Take a seat, my child. I am here to absolve you of your sins; fear not my judgment, only the mercy of God and speak freely.

[ A confession? Himeka blinks once, tilting her head to the side. ]

...I suppose so?

[ In that case, she looks around--

--and plops right down on the bed he was trying to hide lacy unmentionables under.

And looks at Abel expectantly. ]

it's a valid question!!

😩

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