sirenspull_logs | I ain't the one who's gonna be missing the feast

[Ven's waiting for her, sitting on the staircase in the front hall. He smiles when he sees her step out of the corridor, getting to his feet and coming all the way downstairs.

He's made sure he's a little more dressed up for dinner than he normally would be.]

Hey Xion. [He immediately goes to take the bags from her, and give her a kiss on the cheek.] Let me get those.

[... It can't be five thirty already.

Aqua has the cold water running over a batch of soft angelhair pasta, but she's sure she just heard Xion's voice from around the corner.

So far, it's been kind of a nerve-racking day. Their food supplies have been ... decent, but it isn't enough to have prepared anything impressive or creative. Even so, witnessing Ven's excitement has been enough to keep a smile on her face.

Exhaling slowly, she does a visual check on the spaghetti sauce on the stove. It isn't ready yet, but at this point, it's only a matter of preparation -- in other words, mixing the meatballs, the noodles, and the sauce into an enormous serving bowl. An extra pair of hands would work wonders with setting the table, but ... she calculates that she should have enough time if Ven and Xion pause for a few minutes of banter. Obviously, asking Terra for help isn't an option. She's already shooed Oro out of the kitchen half a dozen times ...

Shutting the water off to let the noodles strain, she dries off her hands.]

Xion? [Raising her voice to carry to the door -- ] Did you make it okay?

[Ven's off waiting near the door for Xion's arrival. Aqua's keeping busy preparing the dinner they're apparently going to be sharing with the young girl.

Terra's seated on the couch in their living room, flipping through channels on the magic box the locals of this world call a television.

His hair is still slightly damp from the shower he took after devoting a few hours to trying to free their house from the snow. While he did make an effort to clean up a little, he didn't dress up in the slightest: he's wearing his usual wintertime-in-Siren's-Port outfit of a long-sleeve compression shirt, one of his hoodies, and a pair of hakama.

He glances in the direction of the entrance hall and turns down the volume on the TV when he hears Xion arrive, but he doesn't get up right away.

Oro, on the other hand, pries himself off the floor and pads to the hall to say hello, pausing briefly to give Aqua the stink eye as he passes the kitchen.]

Hey! You look nice.

[Xion greets Ven with a big smile and a kiss for him in return, letting him take the groceries from her as he offers. She's got no objection to her boyfriend being a gentleman.]

Thanks, they were starting to get kinda heavy.

[Something smells wonderful; the air is heavy with the tangy smell of tomatoes with a hint of herbs and cooking meat, and Xion's stomach gives an appreciative rumble. Aqua's voice sounds from the kitchen and Xion calls out to her in greeting.]

Hi Aqua! Do you need a hand? Hey Oro!

[Xion immediately begins to administer an enthusiastic head skritch on the big shaggy wolf, paying particular attention to the base of his ears.]

Thank you for my squeaky lobster. Who's a good boy?

[She laughs and looks up at Ven, face alight with a big smile.]

Is it just the three of us tonight?

Thanks. [He nods for taking the groceries, and waits for her to finish greeting and petting Oro, shifting his arms to make sure he has a good hold on the bags.

When she looks up at him, he smiles in return and cocks his head towards the kitchen. They could go put the food away and give Aqua a hand in case she needed it.]

The four of us. You, me, Aqua, and Terra.

Edited 2012-01-27 05:18 (UTC)

No, certainly not!

[Alright, Aqua. Double-time, let's go. Get the food on the table. Keeping up a peaceable smile lest one of them 'round the corner into the kitchen -- which Ven will do shortly -- she puts the sauce on simmer, getting started with plate and silverware arrangement.]

You two can relax. Everything will be ready in a few minutes.

[Oro is absolutely delighted with all the fussing and leans into those lovely head scratches. After a quick sniff for any stowaway sausages on her person, and a low whine in response to the thanks she gives him (I knew you would enjoy the squeaky lobster oh yes I did), the direwolf glues himself to Xion's side, ready to escort her and Ven further into the house.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Terra finally turns the TV off and pushes the foot rest out of the way. No hurry, no hurry.]

[Xion did not bring any sausages this time, but next time Oro, she will. Oh yes. She'll cook some specially just for you, because you are her favourite wolf. Pat pat.

She walks with Ven- and Oro- into the kitchen where the smells get even stronger and she takes a deep breath to savour it. Mmm, delicious. It looks like Aqua's been working hard on this.]

Are you sure we can't do anything to help?

[Before setting the bags on the counter, Ven pokes around Aqua to get a look at everything cooking away on the stove. Once he's satisfied, he goes to set everything down and begins finding spaces for them in the cabinets and fridge.

He won't be in the way, Aqua, don't worry.]

Yeah, we don't mind.

[Sneaking in a few sidelong glances, she stacks the plates on the counter and places a hand on her hip.]

If you'd really like something to do ... you could help me set the table while I get the food ready. How's that sound?

Edited 2012-01-29 21:22 (UTC)

[Oro faithfully stays by Xion as they enter the kitchen. Obviously her presence will protect him from further shooing.

Terra's made a little progress in his long and arduous journey from one room... to the next room over. He stands outside the kitchen, hanging back as he listens to his friends talk. He could go in, but it would be pretty crowded with everyone packed in there and bustling about, trying to get things ready.

It would probably just... irritate Aqua.

But he should greet their dinner guest.]

Hey, Xion.

[He puts on a warm smile as he steps up to the doorway and leans lightly against the frame.]

[Xion's all ready for this laying the table business, taking her gloves off and shoving them into her pockets.]

Sure! We can do that, right Ven?

[And now that her gloves are off, she takes Ven's hand in hers and gives it a squeeze.]

Where do you keep the knives and forks- Hey Terra!

[Just seeing the three of them all together like they should be makes her smile. She knows it's been a couple of months now, but she's still really happy for them. Best friends all together as they should be. There's no better way to be.

Well. Maybe if there was ice cream, but that's just her personal opinion.]

Sure. [He squeezes her hand back, and then looks up at the sound of Terra's voice. He gives a small wave and a smile to his best friend, before turning back to Xion.]

Before that, let me take your coat, Xion. [He holds out his hands for it.]

You can set the plates out in the meantime, and I'll grab the forks and knives when I get back.

Silverware's in the drawer on the far right. [Calling over her shoulder --] Next to the refrigerator.

[Serving bowl out. Noodles should go in first, obviously...]

Napkins and plates are right there on the counter.

[Sauce is situated neatly, scoop by scoop, on top of the noodles in the center of the bowl.

Ven's growing into quite the little gentleman, isn't he? Her smiling is subdued, secret. Watching Ven's evolution into adulthood has -- thus far -- been a pure pleasure.

The smile is only interrupted when Oro is given a sharp look of disapproval as he crosses the threshold into kitchen territory, but there is no verbal reprimand. No ... no words. Just that look. No meatballs for you, hairball. This is people food. For the guests. Watching you, buddy.

No cooperation from Terra. Noted.]

Edited 2012-02-03 03:31 (UTC)

[Terra folds his arms loosely over his chest and watches Ven and Xion's table setting with a pleasant expression. He doesn't so much as look Aqua's way.

Oro, on the other hand, sneaks glances at her from around Xion. He yawns at one point and, turning his head to eye the table, licks his lips pointedly.]

How have you been? Weather sure is crazy out there, huh?

[Terra goes on talking to Xion after Aqua's given out instructions.]

[Xion lets Ven take her coat, smiling at him as he does, and then sets to work laying the table with Oro faithfully following her, seemingly oblivious to the way Aqua's watching him. She lays down the plates and the napkins, then looks up to address Terra's comment.

About the weather.

Well... it's a valid conversation piece after all.]

I've never seen so much snow in my life! I hope Axel's okay, I haven't heard from him since the blizzard started. I think me and Roxas might go check on him tomorrow if he doesn't reply soon. It's not so bad though, we can still use Corridors even in a blizzard.

Do you want me to put some water glasses down, Aqua?

[Oh Ven's back; she'll take a quick break from laying up the table to wrap her arms around his waist and kiss him on the nose to say thank you for taking her coat.]

[It only takes Ven a few moments to tuck Xion's coat safely away in the hall closet. He makes sure it's easy for her to grab once she decides to go home. Once finished, he scampers on back to the kitchen to help Xion set the table and catch the end of her talking about Axel. Time to reassure her.]

I'm sure Axel's fine.

[Then he finds her arms around him. He grins, leaning in to place a kiss on her forehead in return. You are quite welcome, girlfriend. After that, he goes to grab the utensils and lay them out to help finish with the table prep.]

[Weather? What weather? Who's participating in a conversation about the weather? Not Aqua.]

Glasses ... Glasses ...

[With her attention focused on preparing the food for served, up until this point, Aqua's back has been turned on their interactions. But now she's putting the serving bowl down in favor of grabbing two stacked pairs of classes from the cabinet nearby.]

Glasses are right here, Xion!

[Now she turns.]

[... And promptly drops the contents of her hands at the sight of the two of them hugging and sharing their casual affection.

The glasses, being ... well. Made of glass. Shatter upon impact. Aqua yelps accordingly and freezes where she stands, hands out -- as if in surrender.

Wait. Just give her a minute. She's a little bit speechless.]

Oh, yeah... Axel.

[Terra rubs at the back of his neck and turns away when Ven and Xion exchange kisses, grateful for the distraction as it helps hide his frown. Axel's not his favorite subject to discuss. He doesn't get to inwardly grumble about the man long, though: a second later, the sound of glass shattering cuts through him. He jerks in place and spins around, hand instinctively thrown out at his side to call his Keyblade. In an instant, he's ready to deal with whatever threat has... has... broken their drinking glasses and left the pieces scattered across the floor?

His eyes dart back and forth from Aqua to Ven and Xion... and back to Aqua. There are no monsters in the room. No fiendish villains, no Heartless, no Nobodies, no old men... just Aqua, Ven, Xion, and Oro (now hunkering down under the table).

In the silence that follows, Terra slowly relaxes, his hand closing and falling at his side.

Then realization sinks in. He's left blinking. What? Really?

He's not sure what to make of it. Some part of him... almost feels like laughing. No, that's definitely not the right way to handle things.

But he's got to think fast.]

Geez, Aqua... Watch the butter fingers.

[Terra abandons the doorway to step in front of Aqua, blocking their younger friends' view of her. He doesn't have to worry about the glass underfoot thanks to his metal-rimmed shoes.]

Why don't you go get the broom from the hall closet? I'll put Oro in my room... Don't want him to get glass in his paws.

[His smile is back and his voice is cheery as he tries to make light of the situation. However, his eyes are very much narrowed as he looks Aqua in the face.]

[Xion jumps at the sound of the glasses shattering and spins just in time to see Aqua looking stunned at the mess and Terra moving to stand in front of Aqua. Oro had bolted under the table and Xion looks from the mess back to Ven then at the other two.]

What happened? Aqua, are you okay?

[What on earth could have happened to make her drop the tray?]

[Ven flinches at the shattering glass, looking over at Aqua and promptly letting go of Xion.

This was one way to start the evening. He at least somewhat grateful for Terra trying to lighten things up.]

Hang on, I'll get the broom. Stay still so you don't step on any glass, Aqua.

[And before anyone could protest, Ven dashed off to get the broom. Once he had it and a dustpan in hand, he came back to the kitchen to start sweeping.]

[Her eyes flit helplessly at the mess of glass that now surrounds her, too bewildered at the sheer volume of her own clumsiness to say anything at all.

Until Terra finally decides to step into the picture. And gives her ... that look.

Her confusion soon shifts, hardening into undisguised, stony defensiveness. Now what's happening in the kitchen matters. Now it's time to be helpful. Aqua might have been blind before, but she isn't daft. Ventus and Xion are some sort of item -- This is more than some casual dinner! And Terra knew about it. Didn't he?]

You go right ahead.

[If his goal is merely to distract her, he is doing an outstanding job. Both Ventus and Xion have temporarily faded into the background in favor of meeting what she perceives as a challenge. He hasn't said anything, sure. But she hears it just as easily as if he'd spoken right into her ear: Don't you dare call attention to what you just saw.

As if she would!

The icy, pointed stare that has been directed at Terra melts almost instantaneously into one of even disappointment. She even sighs sadly, gesturing out to the hopelessly irreparable drinkware scattered all around her feet.]

I should clean this up myself. It's my mess.

[Turning carefully in the direction of her younger friend, giving Terra the full, unmistakable view of a very cold shoulder.]

Ven, pass me the broom?

[Terra's focus on Aqua wavers when Ven darts out of the room. He starts to try and call him back, but the kid's just too quick.

His breath hisses out between his teeth in a frustrated sigh, but he's quiet when Ven reappears with the broom and dustpan. He glances back at Aqua in time to see her deliberately turn away from him.

There's nothing he can say. It seems like he's successfully shoved Aqua's attention away from Ven and Xion's relationship... But she could always bring it up again later.

Walking over to the table, Terra kneels down and coaxes Oro out of hiding. He holds on to the halter the wolf wears to lead him around the bits of glass and take him to his bedroom.]

[Xion's immediately crouching down on the floor, trying to pick up the bigger bits of glass so that the sweeping up of the smaller shards. She has no idea what just happened, but she's on hand to help tidy up, that's for sure! Just got to be careful of these broken splinters of glass here, don't want to slice a finger open.]

Oh no, we can't let you clean up on your own when we're all in here. What should I do with the broken bits, do you have a recycling box or should I wrap them in something and put them in the trash?

[She diligently picks up the bigger bits- the bottom of one glass is still pretty much intact- and carefully drops some of the smaller bits she manages to pick up into it.]

Were they very expensive?

[Having dashed off for the cleaning supplies, Ven misses the pointed looks being exchanged between Terra and Aqua. It was probably for the best right now anyway. Once he returns, he obediently passes Aqua the broom and sets to helping out Xion instead.] I think we can put the glass pieces in the recycling box. [When they had moved in, they had decided to store that nifty little thing under the sink.]

And nah, the glasses weren't expensive. They can easily be replaced. [But now as he works, he glances up.]

But are you okay, Aqua? [He'd never really known her to drop anything like that before.]

That's right. Everything's fine, Xion ... It's all replaceable. Just be careful -- don't cut yourselves, okay?

[With the broom in hand, she begins to work diligently at sweeping the smaller pieces away from the two, returning Ven's glance. She's not a very good liar, but she can manage a pretty convincing hapless smile.]

Sorry, Ven. I got a little distracted multitasking ... that's all. Really, everyone --

[Raising her voice so that even a person busy putting an animal into a different room can hear.]

-- I'm so sorry!

Edited 2012-03-01 18:48 (UTC)

[Somewhere outside the kitchen, en route to his bedroom with the wolf in tow, Terra mumbles to himself.]

Uh-huh.

Don't worry about it, you didn't hurt yourself did you?

[With the glass fragments safely disposed of in the recycling, Xion looks at Ven and then Aqua.]

You don't have to multitask, we can help!

I ain't the one who's gonna be missing the feast

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Confirmed, only default icon is registering on the iPad. :c

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