Bloodsport Mingle!

[mikangirl]

Who: Bloodsport crew and frands
Broadcast: Probably not
Action: Guess where
When: Drift weeks!

[We didn't open our box, but feel free to have sympathy glitches or something. Otherwise, new arrivals R go?]

Comments

[vartex]

[Yeah, he'll deal with it. He even returns it a little, his hand tentative but definitely felt on her back.]

Thank you for your patience.

[He knows it's been a goddamn chore, and she's been a saint the whole way.]

[axi]

[After a moment and a slight squeeze, Kaname releases him and steps back with a smile.]

Always. But I have missed you.

[vartex]

Mm. I'm sorry to make you wait.

[He's not sorry for his absence, exactly- communicating the issues between all related parties would have resolved the whole issue a lot sooner, but the fact that it took as long as it did made him feel like at least some break was necessary.

Still, it made things difficult for Kaname, and that's the last thing he ever wants to be the cause of.]

Would you like some help with...?

[He gestures to what she's cooking.]

[axi]

You needed time. I understand. [And she does, as best she can anyway.

His gesturing has her looking back over at her attempts, and she nods.]

You tasted it, what's it missing? I can't figure out what it is.

[vartex]

Hn.

[He takes one more bite to get a better feel for the flavour, then moves to the ship's spice rack. He examines the collection, then pulls out a couple of bottles to offer out to her.]

A pinch of this, next time, and- try two teaspoons of this one, first, and add for taste. And cook it just a few minutes less. It'll give the flavour more of an impact, and soften the texture a little. Both would benefit the dish.

[axi]

[Kaname simply stares at Messer before grinning and moving to the side, gesturing for him to take over.]

There's a reason I generally avoid preparing food when others are around. [Chuckling, she waits for him to finish it up.]

[vartex]

I didn't think you'd be afraid of a little criticism.

[Said in good humour- he's getting a bit better at the mysterious activity known as teasing people. He does step up to guide her through his suggestions, though, lightly tossing some of the extra spices into her mix.]

[axi]

[That one actually catches her off guard! Excuse her while she looks at him.]

[vartex]

[Her surprise is somewhat off-putting; immediately he feels a wave of self-consciousness, wondering if that was pushing some line he'd been previously unaware of. Shit.]

...What?

[axi]

You... got me. [With a joke. She's still recovering, though there is a grin slowly making its way on to her face.]

[vartex]

[dammit, goddammit, and now he's embarrassed.]

Is it so unthinkable?

[axi]

Not now I guess.

[Yep, that grin sure is there now.]

I think I like it when you joke with me.

[vartex]

Even if it puts you in a state of shock?

[Because c'mon.]

[axi]

It just means you're getting better at it.

[Come on Messer. Kaname nudges him a little.]

[vartex]

[Okay, okay.]

I'll make no promises on consistency.

[But he'll... try? It's not a no, anyway.]

[axi]

Only if you're comfortable. You know that.

[Or he better.]

Hey, let me try that now.

[vartex]

By all means.

[He moves aside, offering up a taste of the newly-seasoned food, brows lifted as he waits for her opinion. He's not positive on what she was going for, but it shouldn't have changed the flavour profile too much- simply enhanced what was already there.]

[axi]

[Kaname moves in to sample it, her own brows raising in approval.]

How do you manage to figure that out all the time? Does living at Ragnyanyan give you super powers with food?

[vartex]

[That makes him smile, pleased with himself without quite looking smug about it. He reserves that look for other people, not Kaname.]

It's only because I lived there that I know. Marianne was insistent I learned how, for days when her brothers were occupied elsewhere.

[Since they liked to slack off and chase that damned mercat all the time. Chuck had a better work ethic than the younger kids (which is understandable, since kids should totally be allowed to play) but sometimes she was left a bit short staffed. And yeah, he was always busy too, but it's important to earn your keep.]

[axi]

She really does run that place, doesn't she?

[Kaname can't help but chuckle.] It's a good thing, too. With Chuck in Delta Flight, it might've been impossible to keep restaurant going as well.

[vartex]

[He nods.]

It needed stability in order to keep open. We were so frequently away from Ragna, it would have been irresponsible to wait for our return.