driftfleet | (no subject)

Oh, Stefan! [He gets a welcoming smile, from Asuna's spot standing at the counter. Her sleeves are rolled up and she's got a stack of plates as well as a roll of space version plastic wrap to one side, while the other has a dew prepared dishes in excess.]

Uh, well, if you don't mind, I'd appreciate some assistance. [She chuckles weakly and steps to the side, pointing to each item as she explains.]

I'm just preparing some meals that can be warmed up quickly in case neither Tina or I are available to make anything fresh. If you're willing, could you help me fill up the plates? I was going to line them up and put a portion of each dish on them, then wrap them up to stick in the fridge for later.

[He surveys everything, nodding along at the explanation and taking that top plate into his hands.] Of course. Seriously, Asuna, I should be the one thanking you - I remember when it was just me and Kirito doing everything.

[Granted, Stefan could cook, but he sure didn't need to eat anything he prepared. At some point, he knows he'll have to tell Asuna too. Carefully, he reaches for the spoons and starts portioning each dish onto the plate.]

I kind of miss it, but I've gotta be honest - it's freed up a lot of time too.

Ha, well you don't have to worry about that anymore. This is something I love to do, so it's never any trouble! [Her smile shows she means every word.] Don't tell Kirito-kun, but that one you're serving now has a good amount of vegetables in it. I figure for some people, I might need to disguise them.

[She chuckles then turns, taking a plate that's now full of food to wrap it.] What about you? What's your favorite thing to eat?

[Stefan blinks back genuine surprise as he peers down at the dish he'd been scooping.] That's pretty clever. I usually pureed those in my hummus, but this might be easier.

[Asuna's question gives him significant pause, and he's grateful that he can focus on scooping and portioning everything out. As much as he enjoys cooking, he hasn't been so great about eating. (He usually gives the rest of his portion to Alex or Kirito or whoever happens to be hungriest that day. He certainly doesn't need it.) Stefan quickly finishes one plate, moving onto the next.]

Oh, um... I usually make falafel. It's quick, convenient, and it goes well with my tea.

[Truthfully, he prefers baklava or ma'amoul, but he suspects dessert isn't a proper answer.]

Well, I like to have variety, so I may do something similar to that in the future. Let's see how this goes over first.

[She watches his thought process in action, simultaneously puzzled and amused at the length of time it takes him to answer such a question. The reply she finally gets elicits a giggle, though she nods in understanding.]

You'll have to teach me how to make that. I don't think I've ever had it. [Asuna moves and puts the first complete dish in the fridge.] Personally, I like cheesecake. Of course I don't have it everyday, but it's still one of my favorites.

No kidding? Falafel's like, my go-to food - I'll definitely bring you some next time.

[He even makes a mental note, just so he won't forget.]

Though cheesecake's good too. [Mm, he could even go for some right now.] I haven't quite figured out how you'd replicate it out here, so that could be a whole future project.

And share the recipe. That way I can try it myself.

[Good on him.]

Well, if there's enough interest, I could try it. I don't want to use up too much in experimentation if not enough of the crew is on board for the outcome. The ingredients could be put to other uses.

Oh, I can do that once we're done. I usually keep my recipes on my phone, and that usually doesn't leave my side.

[ It gets zero reception here, but its apps are far too useful for him to leave it alone. ]

You could try it while we're planet-side? The lack of ingredients won't usually be a problem there.

That's pretty handy. I'd do the same if I, uh... needed to right now. [She chuckles sheepishly, not really offering much explanation unless he asks. It's weird.]

Hm, maybe next time. I doubt the water covered world would have helped much.

[Lack of... land and all.]

Unless you like seaweed. Or whatever passes for underwater cuisine these days.

[He can't say he's had much better luck. Stefan's never exactly been fond of feeding off sea serpents...]

No, thank you! Even I have limits to what I can work with repeatedly!

[She's adamant about this, her statement carrying something of a finality to it. Asuna loved the world itself, but the culinary options were really lacking in diversity, especially with fish off the menu.]

[ Stefan laughs, moving onto the next plate and portioning it out. At this point, the order, as well as the amount of food on each plate's become muscle memory. ]

Smart. Better to know your limitations now than say, after someone delivers a giant box of kelp.

[Asuna sighs at even the thought of that, her ears drooping slightly.]

Salad for weeks... [Even she doesn't sound too enthused at the prospect.]

No thanks.

Yeah, as bad as the protein is... I think salad would beat it.

[ . . . ]

So if you had to have anything for weeks, what would it be? Cheesecake?