[...Was it really worth having Akihiko executed over how Ken might have gotten hit with a few packages of protein powder? He didn't know but he rather not fight his senpai about it. Not when he heard things at how scary she can be. With a slight cough, he rather not think about it too much.
Moving on...!
Now that there was a lack of nori sheets, he wasn't too sure how to feel about replacing them with something else. Again, he had heard stories of how Fuuka's cooking could be interesting given how she thinks she can replace a few items here and there.
This will totally be fine, right?]
I suppose lettuce would be better? If we already have fish and rice, it would make sense of add in a little bit of vegetable to balance everything out.
[But then again, what did he know about cooking? Looking at the laptop once more to see if there was anything else, it seems that he didn't have much of a choice. However...]
Wouldn't bacon taste a little weird with fish added on it?
[Because salmon on top of bacon wouldn't taste too well, right???]
Moving on...!
Now that there was a lack of nori sheets, he wasn't too sure how to feel about replacing them with something else. Again, he had heard stories of how Fuuka's cooking could be interesting given how she thinks she can replace a few items here and there.
This will totally be fine, right?]
I suppose lettuce would be better? If we already have fish and rice, it would make sense of add in a little bit of vegetable to balance everything out.
[But then again, what did he know about cooking? Looking at the laptop once more to see if there was anything else, it seems that he didn't have much of a choice. However...]
Wouldn't bacon taste a little weird with fish added on it?
[Because salmon on top of bacon wouldn't taste too well, right???]
please forgive my slowness ;; manic week plus brain dead in random heatwave
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
icequeenly
2023-09-11 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
[ His words do strike a chord with the redhead - how can they not when she had been raised to always put the Kirijo Group and its preservation first? Before anything else in her life; her relationships, her wants, her desires, all of it...
Still, Mitsuru never expected anyone else to understand that. Let alone someone who had been affected by the group the way that this young man has. She takes a calming breath, rarely one to ever lose her temper or overreact. Such a reaction simply wasn't dignified, never let them see you sweat, all of that she had been taught and made her the kind of person she is.
When she speaks again, she does so clearly, calmly, despite any sudden flare of emotions she might have felt on the inside. How many times in the past had she wished that Kirijo Group had never existed after all? Or that she could run away from it? How would she really feel if the entire thing were burned away and turned to ashes? ]
I do not expect you to even remotely care about the Group after what you've endured. But any displays of wanton destruction will not be tolerated by me.
[ She moves to stand to one side again, folding her arms. ]
While you are with SEES you are under the command of our field leader and of myself. Watch yourself.
I do not expect you to like or trust me, or any of us, I just expect you to follow our rules.
That is all I have to say on this matter. Let's make haste and get out of here before you're liable to set fire to something else.
[ The sooner they leave this place the better. ]
Still, Mitsuru never expected anyone else to understand that. Let alone someone who had been affected by the group the way that this young man has. She takes a calming breath, rarely one to ever lose her temper or overreact. Such a reaction simply wasn't dignified, never let them see you sweat, all of that she had been taught and made her the kind of person she is.
When she speaks again, she does so clearly, calmly, despite any sudden flare of emotions she might have felt on the inside. How many times in the past had she wished that Kirijo Group had never existed after all? Or that she could run away from it? How would she really feel if the entire thing were burned away and turned to ashes? ]
I do not expect you to even remotely care about the Group after what you've endured. But any displays of wanton destruction will not be tolerated by me.
[ She moves to stand to one side again, folding her arms. ]
While you are with SEES you are under the command of our field leader and of myself. Watch yourself.
I do not expect you to like or trust me, or any of us, I just expect you to follow our rules.
That is all I have to say on this matter. Let's make haste and get out of here before you're liable to set fire to something else.
[ The sooner they leave this place the better. ]
Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Pres.
[ Kaito tilts his luggage forward and renews an unhurried shuffle. Look at her try to recompose herself as if the facade hasn't already cracked. He's more than satisfied with this rebuttal. Knowing that the indomitable Ice Queen of Gekkoukan is far from what her reputation implies is good enough for him.
If he finds a reason to stoke that fire again, he'll know just how.Or so he thinks. ]
And the only flammable thing I see nearby is your temper.
[ Teeth flash in a grin devoid of sincerity as he passes her once more. Thrown over his shoulder: ]
To new beginnings.
[ Kaito tilts his luggage forward and renews an unhurried shuffle. Look at her try to recompose herself as if the facade hasn't already cracked. He's more than satisfied with this rebuttal. Knowing that the indomitable Ice Queen of Gekkoukan is far from what her reputation implies is good enough for him.
If he finds a reason to stoke that fire again, he'll know just how.
And the only flammable thing I see nearby is your temper.
[ Teeth flash in a grin devoid of sincerity as he passes her once more. Thrown over his shoulder: ]
To new beginnings.
[ Her brand of justice is swift and absolutely necessary. Although as Amada hasn't actually, as yet, been crushed by protein powders she supposes she can grant a stay of execution for now... ]
I believe there is such a thing as "surf and turf", is there not?
Although I think you're right. I don't think it would usually contain bacon or salmon as the first choice of combination.
[ Lettuce definitely seems like the safer option, although she is still morbidly curious about the bacon for some reason... she'd never really gotten to experiment much in a kitchen before, perhaps this is that emerging?
She glances at the ingredients they've managed to cobble together, her eyes falling on the very much still intact salmon fillets. ]
As your senpai, I should probably be the one handling the knives. [ Yes, let's disregard the fact that she allows him to fight monsters with a spear on the regular. Chopping food items should definitely be left to her. ]
Do you think you can manage the rice cooker?
I believe there is such a thing as "surf and turf", is there not?
Although I think you're right. I don't think it would usually contain bacon or salmon as the first choice of combination.
[ Lettuce definitely seems like the safer option, although she is still morbidly curious about the bacon for some reason... she'd never really gotten to experiment much in a kitchen before, perhaps this is that emerging?
She glances at the ingredients they've managed to cobble together, her eyes falling on the very much still intact salmon fillets. ]
As your senpai, I should probably be the one handling the knives. [ Yes, let's disregard the fact that she allows him to fight monsters with a spear on the regular. Chopping food items should definitely be left to her. ]
Do you think you can manage the rice cooker?
Yes, that is true but I still don't know about adding bacon to salmon. Although, you seem to really want to try it out.
[Because he wasn't so sure about all of this. Especially when Mitsuru seemed to have a lack of what is seen as "common people food". Regardless, he didn't have to think for long as he heard her talking about using sharp tools.
While he knew she could handle herself, it was certainly another when it came to food.]
Uh....yes I can but if you need help, you can always ask me. I know I'm still young but I think I can manage it?
[That and he wasn't too sure how Mitsuru would handle when it comes to chopping said fish.]
[Because he wasn't so sure about all of this. Especially when Mitsuru seemed to have a lack of what is seen as "common people food". Regardless, he didn't have to think for long as he heard her talking about using sharp tools.
While he knew she could handle herself, it was certainly another when it came to food.]
Uh....yes I can but if you need help, you can always ask me. I know I'm still young but I think I can manage it?
[That and he wasn't too sure how Mitsuru would handle when it comes to chopping said fish.]
I suppose I'm simply curious about the combination.
[ Disgusting. It'll be disgusting. There is nothing else to be curious about.
Anyway. It's pretty safe to assume that Mitsuru Kirijo has never chopped or sliced a whole salmon fillet in her entire life. Still, how difficult can such a task be? After all, she manages to slice up Shadows pretty effectively and those two things are most definitely comparable...
Besides, to ask for help from one of her juniors, the most junior of said juniors... it's unthinkable. Shameful. She will slice this salmon. ]
Amada, I appreciate your thoughtful offer, but I must decline. I must be the one to slice the salmon.
[ Why is this so serious and dramatic? And she's not even sure which kind of knife to use... she opens up the cutlery drawer and her eyes flicker between the two largest knives in there. One is clearly a serrated bread knife and the other is clearly a cleaver of some description. Neither of these are exactly ideal for the job... but yeah, that's Mitsuru bypassing one of the much smaller and more straightforward knives for the cleaver that is going to make an absolute hatchet job of the fish. ]
[ Disgusting. It'll be disgusting. There is nothing else to be curious about.
Anyway. It's pretty safe to assume that Mitsuru Kirijo has never chopped or sliced a whole salmon fillet in her entire life. Still, how difficult can such a task be? After all, she manages to slice up Shadows pretty effectively and those two things are most definitely comparable...
Besides, to ask for help from one of her juniors, the most junior of said juniors... it's unthinkable. Shameful. She will slice this salmon. ]
Amada, I appreciate your thoughtful offer, but I must decline. I must be the one to slice the salmon.
[ Why is this so serious and dramatic? And she's not even sure which kind of knife to use... she opens up the cutlery drawer and her eyes flicker between the two largest knives in there. One is clearly a serrated bread knife and the other is clearly a cleaver of some description. Neither of these are exactly ideal for the job... but yeah, that's Mitsuru bypassing one of the much smaller and more straightforward knives for the cleaver that is going to make an absolute hatchet job of the fish. ]
[See that? A small shiver ran through his spine as he stared at his elder. Was this what Akihiko and the others felt when she said she was going to execute them? Either way, he wasn't going to argue against that. Not when she was so determined to cut up the piece of salmon.
Taking a small step back, he placed his hands up immediately.]
O-Okay then! Just...be careful!
[With that, he was looking around for some of the other sauces to see what else he could add to make it seem tastier. However, that didn't stop him from looking at Mitsuru as if he was waiting to see if something would happen. But he dared not say a word should he face her wrath.]
Do...you need anything else?
Taking a small step back, he placed his hands up immediately.]
O-Okay then! Just...be careful!
[With that, he was looking around for some of the other sauces to see what else he could add to make it seem tastier. However, that didn't stop him from looking at Mitsuru as if he was waiting to see if something would happen. But he dared not say a word should he face her wrath.]
Do...you need anything else?
[ In going through each of the clubs in turn and addressing each of their respective presidents, the Student Council president had kept things short and concise. It isn't as though she hadn't left room for negotiations for those who had their budget increase requests rejected... they just had simply chosen to immediately back down. Because the truth is Mitsuru Kirijo is intimidating. She's not trying to be, in this situation at least, she just is.
Truthfully, she's disappointed. As president, student well being is a priority, but so is managing club budgets with a sensible and measured approach. She could approve increases with justification. Yet it seems those assembled have been unwilling to really put in a fight for their clubs, to show their commitment.... So when it's the turn of the Botany Club's President, she decides to switch gears.
Kaito Nagano. Nobody here knows the extent of her... relations with her fellow third year, Mitsuru would very like to keep it that way. However, some overruling part of her simply can't resist the urge to engage with him. Her mahogany eyes meet his across the table and while her expression conveys nothing but cold, aloof neutrality, her being itself is conveying something very different to him... ]
This is a proposed budget increase of over 10%, Nagano. How do you justify such a significant jump in expenditure in such a short period?
[ Of course she can't stop herself making these things sound like an actual business meeting between departments...
There's a palpable change in atmosphere in the room at her words to Nagano. None of the other club leaders had been asked to justify their proposals so directly... ]
Truthfully, she's disappointed. As president, student well being is a priority, but so is managing club budgets with a sensible and measured approach. She could approve increases with justification. Yet it seems those assembled have been unwilling to really put in a fight for their clubs, to show their commitment.... So when it's the turn of the Botany Club's President, she decides to switch gears.
Kaito Nagano. Nobody here knows the extent of her... relations with her fellow third year, Mitsuru would very like to keep it that way. However, some overruling part of her simply can't resist the urge to engage with him. Her mahogany eyes meet his across the table and while her expression conveys nothing but cold, aloof neutrality, her being itself is conveying something very different to him... ]
This is a proposed budget increase of over 10%, Nagano. How do you justify such a significant jump in expenditure in such a short period?
[ Of course she can't stop herself making these things sound like an actual business meeting between departments...
There's a palpable change in atmosphere in the room at her words to Nagano. None of the other club leaders had been asked to justify their proposals so directly... ]
Of course.
[ It feels a little odd to have the youngest SEES member by quite some miles telling her to be careful... it's almost as if he thinks she's completely out of her element here or something.
Which she is. Completely.
Turns out it's pretty difficult to cut salmon into delicate slices with a hatchet knife... the sizes are okay, but by the time she's done cutting them the edges look like they've been mangled by some kind of wild beast. Or Koromaru. ]
Hmm... perhaps a smaller, finer blade would have been better for this task...
[ Definitely. Definitely better. But they can go ahead and pretend that this definitely won't be noticeable when these slices are sitting "pretty" and proudly on top of this sushi pizza mess. As for what else Ken can do besides cooking the rice... ]
I don't believe we have all of the ingredients for this "sauce aurore" the recipe mentions. Perhaps you can pick a suitable substitute? I think the actual sauce is tomato based.
[ Well... they have ketchup. And jarred marinara sauce or something similar. ]
[ It feels a little odd to have the youngest SEES member by quite some miles telling her to be careful... it's almost as if he thinks she's completely out of her element here or something.
Which she is. Completely.
Turns out it's pretty difficult to cut salmon into delicate slices with a hatchet knife... the sizes are okay, but by the time she's done cutting them the edges look like they've been mangled by some kind of wild beast. Or Koromaru. ]
Hmm... perhaps a smaller, finer blade would have been better for this task...
[ Definitely. Definitely better. But they can go ahead and pretend that this definitely won't be noticeable when these slices are sitting "pretty" and proudly on top of this sushi pizza mess. As for what else Ken can do besides cooking the rice... ]
I don't believe we have all of the ingredients for this "sauce aurore" the recipe mentions. Perhaps you can pick a suitable substitute? I think the actual sauce is tomato based.
[ Well... they have ketchup. And jarred marinara sauce or something similar. ]
[As Ken kept on looking at Mitsuru, he didn't know if he should say something or not. Despite not having much cooking experience, he knew what she wasn't doing it correctly. Again, he kept his mouth shut unless he wanted to face her wrath...]
It is but I'm not really sure if tomato sauce is good against raw salmon?
[But then again, what he did know? Looking around for whatever sauce he could find, the most he came up with was ketchup. Pushing past the various other bottles, it seems as though there wasn't much he could do. Giving a sigh, he took out the ketchup before shaking his head.
This wasn't going to turn out that well, wasn't it? But at least he could say that they made an attempt?]
We could try to mix it with some other sauces too if the tomato base is too much.
It is but I'm not really sure if tomato sauce is good against raw salmon?
[But then again, what he did know? Looking around for whatever sauce he could find, the most he came up with was ketchup. Pushing past the various other bottles, it seems as though there wasn't much he could do. Giving a sigh, he took out the ketchup before shaking his head.
This wasn't going to turn out that well, wasn't it? But at least he could say that they made an attempt?]
We could try to mix it with some other sauces too if the tomato base is too much.
[ Club president meetings are one of the most boring events of Kaito's month.
At least, that's how Kaito used to feel before joining SEES. Nowadays, with the nightly runs to Tartarus and, uh, other extracurricular activities, the third year has come to appreciate these quiet opportunities to listen to his arch nemesis drone on about budgets in her alluring voice—
Wait, what? What were we talking about???
Oh. Right. Mitsuru's just set her gaze on him, and past the frigid facade of Gekkoukan's icy empress, he sees the spark of something else. Tugging his gloves on tighter, the Botany Club's president stands up, turns his chair around, then plops down to rest his arms and head on the back. ]
If you double check my report, Kirijo, you'll see that the club has gained five more students. That puts us to twenty-nine, which is an approximately twenty-one percent increase in members, and each of those five will need enough supplies to start growing two plants.
[ He waggles a gloved finger, and the student next to him gawps at such a (perceivably) insulting motion towards the redhead. Kaito, however, remains as casual as, uh, something casual. ]
And if you recall, this past summer saw several heat waves that damaged the rooftop planters and their contents. Despite our best efforts to reverse the damage, several of those flowers have died this past month and will need replacing.
Ten percent seems pretty reasonable for this month's needs. That is, unless you want the roof to lose its color through winter?
[ Golds gleam with a challenging shine. The corners of his lips curl in a small smile. If she wants to stir the pot in front of all the other club leaders, he's more than happy to oblige. ]
At least, that's how Kaito used to feel before joining SEES. Nowadays, with the nightly runs to Tartarus and, uh, other extracurricular activities, the third year has come to appreciate these quiet opportunities to listen to his arch nemesis drone on about budgets in her alluring voice—
Wait, what? What were we talking about???
Oh. Right. Mitsuru's just set her gaze on him, and past the frigid facade of Gekkoukan's icy empress, he sees the spark of something else. Tugging his gloves on tighter, the Botany Club's president stands up, turns his chair around, then plops down to rest his arms and head on the back. ]
If you double check my report, Kirijo, you'll see that the club has gained five more students. That puts us to twenty-nine, which is an approximately twenty-one percent increase in members, and each of those five will need enough supplies to start growing two plants.
[ He waggles a gloved finger, and the student next to him gawps at such a (perceivably) insulting motion towards the redhead. Kaito, however, remains as casual as, uh, something casual. ]
And if you recall, this past summer saw several heat waves that damaged the rooftop planters and their contents. Despite our best efforts to reverse the damage, several of those flowers have died this past month and will need replacing.
Ten percent seems pretty reasonable for this month's needs. That is, unless you want the roof to lose its color through winter?
[ Golds gleam with a challenging shine. The corners of his lips curl in a small smile. If she wants to stir the pot in front of all the other club leaders, he's more than happy to oblige. ]
[ Mitsuru's not even sure why she feels the need to challenge him on something as simple and mundane as his club budget. The school has the funds, she should know that better than anyone here because of her family, regardless of her role as Student Council president. This certainly isn't the older equivalent of a pair of elementary school students pulling each other's hair in the playground because they don't know how to express themselves any other way... certainly not.
When he mentions the increase in club members, she's struck by the staggeringly inappropriate urge to roll her eyes. Although she doesn't, not outwardly anyway because Mitsuru Kirijo would never. Right, the girls. She should have known. Having to allocate a large portion of the school's budget for what is essentially his Fan Club... ]
Of course I don't. I would never seek to deprive the student body of something that increases their well being. That and I know just how hard you and your club members work on those plants and how it's their singular focus...
[ It isn't. They both know it isn't and she's letting him know in no uncertain terms. The plants are just a side project for some of his members, him being the actual focus.Why does that bother her? ]
But perhaps if you are to take such a large percentage of the club budget then you might see fit to invest in some sturdier specimens this time around.
[ Unlikely that he could have avoided it anyway, a palm tree might have wilted in those heat waves but nobody said she was being reasonable here. ]
When he mentions the increase in club members, she's struck by the staggeringly inappropriate urge to roll her eyes. Although she doesn't, not outwardly anyway because Mitsuru Kirijo would never. Right, the girls. She should have known. Having to allocate a large portion of the school's budget for what is essentially his Fan Club... ]
Of course I don't. I would never seek to deprive the student body of something that increases their well being. That and I know just how hard you and your club members work on those plants and how it's their singular focus...
[ It isn't. They both know it isn't and she's letting him know in no uncertain terms. The plants are just a side project for some of his members, him being the actual focus.
But perhaps if you are to take such a large percentage of the club budget then you might see fit to invest in some sturdier specimens this time around.
[ Unlikely that he could have avoided it anyway, a palm tree might have wilted in those heat waves but nobody said she was being reasonable here. ]
You may be correct.
[ It certainly sounds... odd. Never mind the entire recipe being bizarre in itself but hey. Apparently that part is being ignored. ]
But surely the recipe wouldn't steer us wrong? [ Yes. Yes it would. Because the whole concept of a sushi pizza is wrong. ]
Your suggestion seems reasonable though. [ She looks along the row of very unhelpful sauces that she had laid out earlier, now that she's done thoroughly butchering- slicing the salmon fillets. ]
Perhaps... extra soy mixed with the ketchup? That might help to counterbalance the strong tomato flavour. [ By assaulting it with another really strong flavour... seems like it won't go wrong at all... ]
[ It certainly sounds... odd. Never mind the entire recipe being bizarre in itself but hey. Apparently that part is being ignored. ]
But surely the recipe wouldn't steer us wrong? [ Yes. Yes it would. Because the whole concept of a sushi pizza is wrong. ]
Your suggestion seems reasonable though. [ She looks along the row of very unhelpful sauces that she had laid out earlier, now that she's done thoroughly butchering- slicing the salmon fillets. ]
Perhaps... extra soy mixed with the ketchup? That might help to counterbalance the strong tomato flavour. [ By assaulting it with another really strong flavour... seems like it won't go wrong at all... ]
I don't think so but there would always be a possibility that it might.
[After all, he's seen enough of Fuuka's cooking adventures to know that anything could happen. Again, he'll keep that to himself as he looked back at the recipe. So far, they were already somewhat deviating away from what the original ingredients were.]
But I guess we could try that? I never really tried it before. But wouldn't the soy sauce over power the tomato flavor instead?
[Or at least, that's what he thinks but again. Who was he to judge??]
[After all, he's seen enough of Fuuka's cooking adventures to know that anything could happen. Again, he'll keep that to himself as he looked back at the recipe. So far, they were already somewhat deviating away from what the original ingredients were.]
But I guess we could try that? I never really tried it before. But wouldn't the soy sauce over power the tomato flavor instead?
[Or at least, that's what he thinks but again. Who was he to judge??]
[ Mitsuru hasn't quite reached Fuuka levels of problematic when it comes to cooking. Yet. She certainly doesn't think she can get away with just winging this entire thing at least. The idea that a written down recipe from a "professional" could steer them wrong is disconcerting... then again, they've already had to deviate from it due to lack of ingredients. Still, whoever the recipe author was they seem to think that a tomato based sauce and raw salmon go together...
She looks thoughtful for a moment. ]
Suppose we mix it up in a bowl and try it first? We can taste it and adjust as necessary.
[ That's what chefs do, right? Taste everything. ]
She looks thoughtful for a moment. ]
Suppose we mix it up in a bowl and try it first? We can taste it and adjust as necessary.
[ That's what chefs do, right? Taste everything. ]
[It seems that he didn't have a choice but to mix them together. Looking at the ketchup and the soy sauce, he dumped out a small amount. As he lightly squeezed the tomato sauce and placed it in a dish, he looked at his leader with reservations.
Afterwards, he poured a tiny amount into the paste before mixing it. He still wasn't sure but...]
Maybe this should be enough?
[He said as if he was gesturing her to give it a taste.]
Afterwards, he poured a tiny amount into the paste before mixing it. He still wasn't sure but...]
Maybe this should be enough?
[He said as if he was gesturing her to give it a taste.]
[ Mitsuru retrieves a spoon from one of the cutlery drawers and promptly takes a spoonful from the dish. Chefs taste their food as they go along after all, she knows that well enough having had the majority of her meals prepared by them for most of her life.
Which is probably why she is so utterly clueless about the rest of this process. ]
Let's see.
[ She raises the spoon to her lips to try the mixture...
Then goes very, very quiet for a moment. ]
The taste is... quite... unusual...
[ Why does she look slightly pained? ]
See what you think, Amada.
[ Mitsuru hands him another clean spoon. ]
Which is probably why she is so utterly clueless about the rest of this process. ]
Let's see.
[ She raises the spoon to her lips to try the mixture...
Then goes very, very quiet for a moment. ]
The taste is... quite... unusual...
[ Why does she look slightly pained? ]
See what you think, Amada.
[ Mitsuru hands him another clean spoon. ]
[Meanwhile, Ken gave a look at the sauce and then back at Mitsuru before taking another look back at the sauce. He didn't need to know that the taste was probably awful and it was something they really shouldn't have to try again. Still, he took the spoon before attempting to taste said questionable sauce.
As he did so, he couldn't help but give a small wince. Unlike Mitsuru, who was more composed, Ken wasn't. Instead, he'll gave a look before taking a small step back.]
....On second though, let's not do that. I think we can probably just use the tomato sauce instead.
[He said before looking at the ketchup and then back at the raw salmon.]
I think it'll be a lot better than what the sauce we have now. [Please don't make him taste it again.]
As he did so, he couldn't help but give a small wince. Unlike Mitsuru, who was more composed, Ken wasn't. Instead, he'll gave a look before taking a small step back.]
....On second though, let's not do that. I think we can probably just use the tomato sauce instead.
[He said before looking at the ketchup and then back at the raw salmon.]
I think it'll be a lot better than what the sauce we have now. [Please don't make him taste it again.]
I think that's wise.
[ She is so sorry, Amada. She realises that now she should never have made her junior taste such a monstrosity. The wince is all the evidence that she needs. It's awful. ]
I suggest we banish this concoction from the dish and our minds and palates as quickly as possible.
[ And they haven't even gotten to completing the main event yet and she's already reaching for the water. She fetches a glass of it for herself and Amada, handing him a glass first before quickly taking a sip of her own. ]
... The taste really does linger, doesn't it?
[ Or perhaps it's just burnt onto her brain at this point. Such that no amount of water cleansing can wash it away. ]
[ She is so sorry, Amada. She realises that now she should never have made her junior taste such a monstrosity. The wince is all the evidence that she needs. It's awful. ]
I suggest we banish this concoction from the dish and our minds and palates as quickly as possible.
[ And they haven't even gotten to completing the main event yet and she's already reaching for the water. She fetches a glass of it for herself and Amada, handing him a glass first before quickly taking a sip of her own. ]
... The taste really does linger, doesn't it?
[ Or perhaps it's just burnt onto her brain at this point. Such that no amount of water cleansing can wash it away. ]
Edited 2023-11-06 20:44 (UTC)
[Why did he think this was a good idea? Or why did he think to follow through with all of this? He didn't know but as he took a sip from the water, he couldn't help but shiver a little.
While the taste was going down his throat, it just reminded of him how he had to force himself to drink so much milk.]
...Y-Yes, it does but it's nothing I can't handle.
[He said with a wince before looking back at the dish they made and the sauce.]
But I wonder what we can do with all of this leftover stuff. It seems like a waste.
While the taste was going down his throat, it just reminded of him how he had to force himself to drink so much milk.]
...Y-Yes, it does but it's nothing I can't handle.
[He said with a wince before looking back at the dish they made and the sauce.]
But I wonder what we can do with all of this leftover stuff. It seems like a waste.
[Life moves in cycles for most - blurs, blanks and vivid flashes intertwined in a cacophony of experiences that make up someone's existence.
His was blurs and blanks, overwhelming muk in murky waves and apathy that pushed it forward. Moments of reprieve that feel like he's stuck in a madman's dream and crashes of reality that remind him it can't be the case.
So he can't really connect the dots between point a and b, when there's never been a clear place to put down those roots, and figure out when things started to work. Can't peg the moment clarity that became the norm or figure out how in the series of rushed meetings, clipped conversations, fights and shared goals that made things end up-
With Akechi laying on his on the living room floor of their shared unit, face propped up with one arm and the other watching an unsubtitled tutorial in a rapidly spoken language he can't place. The clip is shaky, cloudy, and at a resolution that feels suited for the early 2000s, not whatever year this is.
He's turning this situation into something more manageable though - making a metaphorical mental hitlist. The 'build your own' furniture site that he's assured is closer to black market than retail and the salesperson there who gave him a look before saying he should hire out the installer at the top. Akira makes a surprise appearance because why not. Number three this time though - that's progress.
A finger presses against the rewind button again to try and glean out the bullshit on this darkened screen.
The mess around him is organized. Somewhat. Different panels strewn on the floor in varying sizes, nails and bolts organized neatly on a coffee table behind him, and the inky mess of an instruction booklet that met its fate during a well timed downpour.]
Perhaps it's too much to ask that the internet provide something useful. [Rewind. Brighten. Playback speed 0.5.] It seems it's only good for manipulating the public and getting engagement on food blogs. What a shame.
[Which is a super normal reaction to have when trying to put a bookcase together from a shady market dealer. Very normal. He's doing great.]
His was blurs and blanks, overwhelming muk in murky waves and apathy that pushed it forward. Moments of reprieve that feel like he's stuck in a madman's dream and crashes of reality that remind him it can't be the case.
So he can't really connect the dots between point a and b, when there's never been a clear place to put down those roots, and figure out when things started to work. Can't peg the moment clarity that became the norm or figure out how in the series of rushed meetings, clipped conversations, fights and shared goals that made things end up-
With Akechi laying on his on the living room floor of their shared unit, face propped up with one arm and the other watching an unsubtitled tutorial in a rapidly spoken language he can't place. The clip is shaky, cloudy, and at a resolution that feels suited for the early 2000s, not whatever year this is.
He's turning this situation into something more manageable though - making a metaphorical mental hitlist. The 'build your own' furniture site that he's assured is closer to black market than retail and the salesperson there who gave him a look before saying he should hire out the installer at the top. Akira makes a surprise appearance because why not. Number three this time though - that's progress.
A finger presses against the rewind button again to try and glean out the bullshit on this darkened screen.
The mess around him is organized. Somewhat. Different panels strewn on the floor in varying sizes, nails and bolts organized neatly on a coffee table behind him, and the inky mess of an instruction booklet that met its fate during a well timed downpour.]
Perhaps it's too much to ask that the internet provide something useful. [Rewind. Brighten. Playback speed 0.5.] It seems it's only good for manipulating the public and getting engagement on food blogs. What a shame.
[Which is a super normal reaction to have when trying to put a bookcase together from a shady market dealer. Very normal. He's doing great.]
[ Mitsuru had let him handle the bookcase purchase - and all potential drama that would come with that apparently. She should have expected the latter but it had seemed like such a straightforward, simple enough task to trust him with that nothing could possibly go wrong.
As it turns out, sometimes her judgement could actually be way off.
She's been pretending not to observe him too closely each time she passes through the living room - on this occasion on her way to the kitchen to make tea. Occasionally she glances towards where he's camped out on the living room floor. How many times has he hit that rewind button now?
Mon dieu.
Enough is enough apparently. ]
You know, I can simply ask Kikuno to purchase an already assembled bookcase for us?
[ Her ever faithful and super organised maid takes care of everything else after all. Herein follows a short pause. ]
... It's still not too late for me to do that.
[ She's sure she can arrange to have the half-assembled mess returned easily enough. Few people say no to a Kirijo after all. ]
As it turns out, sometimes her judgement could actually be way off.
She's been pretending not to observe him too closely each time she passes through the living room - on this occasion on her way to the kitchen to make tea. Occasionally she glances towards where he's camped out on the living room floor. How many times has he hit that rewind button now?
Mon dieu.
Enough is enough apparently. ]
You know, I can simply ask Kikuno to purchase an already assembled bookcase for us?
[ Her ever faithful and super organised maid takes care of everything else after all. Herein follows a short pause. ]
... It's still not too late for me to do that.
[ She's sure she can arrange to have the half-assembled mess returned easily enough. Few people say no to a Kirijo after all. ]
No.
[The answer is immediate and he doesn't entertain the suggestion in the slightest. He started this. Began the day with one singular goal in mind and will not end, will not relent, will not sleep until this bookcase is put together. It's a rectangle made of wood slabs and nails. It's not rocket science.]
I used to be a detective. Do you truly have no faith in my ability to figure out how to stick a few slabs of wood together?
[Said as he's splayed around those wooden slabs and a collection of tools that have gone untouched since his decision to violently replay this video. He chooses not to look at the evidence around him.]
Returning or replacing this piece is simply out of the question.
[The answer is immediate and he doesn't entertain the suggestion in the slightest. He started this. Began the day with one singular goal in mind and will not end, will not relent, will not sleep until this bookcase is put together. It's a rectangle made of wood slabs and nails. It's not rocket science.]
I used to be a detective. Do you truly have no faith in my ability to figure out how to stick a few slabs of wood together?
[Said as he's splayed around those wooden slabs and a collection of tools that have gone untouched since his decision to violently replay this video. He chooses not to look at the evidence around him.]
Returning or replacing this piece is simply out of the question.
[ Mitsuru sighs, taking a seat on the couch opposite. Thankfully something that had arrived in tact and hadn't needed assembling. ]
Yes, you were quite exceptional at that. [ Said in the tone of voice of someone who might have had a conversation akin to this one with him more than once before... ]
Which makes it perfectly acceptable for you to excel in one area and not so much at DIY tasks...
[ He's not the only one. Honestly, there's a reason she hasn't at any point attempted to assist him with what he's trying to do. She knows where her own strengths lie and that is firmly with more intellectual and theoretical pursuits. Mitsuru had never attempted to assemble a piece of furniture in her life. ]
I just thought we might spend the day doing something more preferable.
[ Yes, she is more than implying that it is going to take him all day to figure this out. ]
Yes, you were quite exceptional at that. [ Said in the tone of voice of someone who might have had a conversation akin to this one with him more than once before... ]
Which makes it perfectly acceptable for you to excel in one area and not so much at DIY tasks...
[ He's not the only one. Honestly, there's a reason she hasn't at any point attempted to assist him with what he's trying to do. She knows where her own strengths lie and that is firmly with more intellectual and theoretical pursuits. Mitsuru had never attempted to assemble a piece of furniture in her life. ]
I just thought we might spend the day doing something more preferable.
[ Yes, she is more than implying that it is going to take him all day to figure this out. ]
[First of all, he isn't even going to comment on the implication of this taking the entire day. It's taken the entire morning - he'll grant her that. Time isn't an offense he can ignore when it's ticking away on the tiny screen in his hands.
He pushes himself up until he's kneeling near the pieces again, lining them up like the shoddy picture quality is showing on his phone. Giving up isn't an option - wasting all day doing this also isn't what he prefers to do. Returning it? He would rather traverse through mementos blindfolded.]
Did you have something in mind? I don't recall us having any plans for today and the weather certainly isn't conducive to any outdoor activities.
[A hand falls under his chin for a moment before eyeing a weird nail that looks like the other weird nails in the blurry video. He snatches it up.]
Although I did hear a new sushi restaurant was opening in Kichijoji today from a bartender at Jazz Jin. He seemed quite excited for it. We should visit sometime.
[A beat, and-]
After I complete this.
He pushes himself up until he's kneeling near the pieces again, lining them up like the shoddy picture quality is showing on his phone. Giving up isn't an option - wasting all day doing this also isn't what he prefers to do. Returning it? He would rather traverse through mementos blindfolded.]
Did you have something in mind? I don't recall us having any plans for today and the weather certainly isn't conducive to any outdoor activities.
[A hand falls under his chin for a moment before eyeing a weird nail that looks like the other weird nails in the blurry video. He snatches it up.]
Although I did hear a new sushi restaurant was opening in Kichijoji today from a bartender at Jazz Jin. He seemed quite excited for it. We should visit sometime.
[A beat, and-]
After I complete this.
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