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[bloodspring]

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Louis Amamiya ⬤ Code Vein
residential district ⬤ L2
moonblessing ⬤ Sanguis

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[bust]

No, I just read and practice. I play around with food color, then apply it on excess dough or leftovers.

And I guess so. I would've quit than attempt anything half-assed back there. So… thanks for staying with me.

[ He's so thankful the revenant can't see his face right now. ]

[bloodspring]

[What was that? Lay it on thicker? Gotcha.]

Haha, believe me, I understand the perfectionism... I didn't do much, though. Just gave my humble opinion. All the hard work was yours, and it paid off splendidly. There's nothing to thank.

Still, a message from you is always a welcome sight, so feel free to keep them coming, whatever the subject.

I have a suspicion you might surprise yourself if you tried other art forms... but it's fine to stick to one you're happy with, too.

However if you do end up expanding your horizons, maybe you'd show me?

[bust]

[ LOUIS!!! ]

That's what I'm thanking you for, you idiot. Stop making me repeat it.

And I don't know about that. I still think that I'm not cut out for delicate crap, I'm only cutting corners with basic techniques and my steady hand.

Maybe I'm not really interested, it's not very exciting. I'm only doing this to help out a crew member…

Enough about this. How have your studies been the past days?

[bloodspring]

Sure, sure. But could you really forgive yourself if you were "cutting corners?" I have my doubts, and that's all I'll say.

As for me... I've taken to visiting some of the locations in my journal, and talking to those I meet there.

I'm always surprised by just how receptive the Moonheld are to us Moonblessed. By even expressing a slight bit of interest in certain subjects they were perfectly enthusiastic to inform me and, if possible, network.

I'm still trying to keep my options open, but I'm highly considering looking into the Academy here. Maybe start small until I've gotten a better feel for how to best divide my time.

[bust]

[ … Hate how Louis is right, and it sends a level of shock to Ayer after it's been pointed out like this. He originally didn't want to do this since he doesn't think it suits him, and the fact which Louis mentioned just now: he never does anything halfheartedly. He'd rather not do it than pull off half-baked efforts.

But Ayer can't abandon a friend in need either, which leads him to practice like this. It's only been a few weeks since Louis met him, and yet, the revenant can read through him already. It's a little frightening. ]

Yeah. Their energy was too much for me at first, but I'm a little used to it now. Maybe. It helps that I got used to being around overly enthusiastic people at home.

I'd say go for it. I took a short course at the Academy last year, and it helped me adjust better. The technology in this world is way too advanced compared to the Sky Realm, so that was a pain for a while. I can't believe how used to this crap I am now.

Also, if you're not too occupied today, come to Cafe Azure.

[ Louis will shortly receive GPS information to pinpoint the location on his device. ]

[bloodspring]

[It's easy for him to tell, considering how similar the two of them are at their cores. So many of their virtues and values align, making it all too simple to guess the things left unsaid... But, he's not so bold as to assume he'll be right all of the time. Ayer's still his own person, and it's those minute yet numerous differences that's shaped them into the individuals they are today.

... He just knows the other cares far more than he might express at times, and that's already plenty.]

I think I'll take excessively enthusiastic over apathetic. Both can be draining, but at least with the former I always know I'm welcome.

Was technology part of the curriculum, or were you made to learn it to succeed in the course? Sometimes I feel like all the sci-fi I consumed helped to prepare me for life here.

[Oh? With another tap he's got a map pulled up to a new destination.]

I have time, so I don't mind. Is something going on today?

[bust]

In the course I selected, it is. It's part of the reason I chose it. I was way behind my classmates, but everyone's accommodating and tolerated my stupid questions.

Anyway, you'll find out.

[ He'll wait right here! ]

[bloodspring]

[A surprise, is it... While it's not that he hates them or anything, the uncertainty of it all tends to make him nervous. He doesn't know what to prepare for, so it's usually safer to expect the worst, but...

Ayer wouldn't pull that kind of thing on him. Right?

... Right?

Nonetheless... He's been summoned, so of course he's going to go.]

Um, okay. I'll be there soon.

[Louis arrives within twenty minutes, impressed by the cafe's decoration and atmosphere while simultaneously wary, at least until he spots his companion. He's glad to see him, naturally, but there's a silent question in the soft furrow of his brow.]

Hey...

[bust]

[ The cafe run by those from the Sky Realm, it's what one would expect it to be. The palette of sky blue and a soothing atmosphere, it's as if stepping in a different world in this modest space. The scent of coffee isn't typical either, as potted coffee plants from the Sky Realm itself are decorated at certain spaces within the shop — living and breathing out another world's air. Many of the furnishings look very cozy, causing the current patrons to look comfortably drowsy.

Ayer walks up to Louis, wearing an appropriate outfit. He can't help but be slightly amused at how stiff his companion looks. Why's he so nervous? It's a casual cafe, it should cause the exact opposite of this effect. Well, he won't tease him for it. Instead, he gestures to accompany him into the staff-only area. No one will bother them over there, so he proceeds to lead the way into the employee lounge where they take breaks and eat in. ]

Take a seat.

[bloodspring]

[As this is just the first of many visits to come, he'll gradually get to know the cafe's outer appearances as well as its inner workings, but for now... For now, he's just concerned over whatever it is Ayer called him out for to truly absorb the languidness and serenity the little establishment seems to project.

Seeing the other's outfit is—like everything else—unexpected. It's enough to jostle away some of the odd feeling of anticipation, and Louis is able to walk a little more smoothly, letting his head turn and gaze snag on things more freely... but then he's pulled into the back of the house, and the questions just keep multiplying.

He sits as directed, but continues to eye his friend with caution (alongside the quiet admiration of his work uniform—not to digress). His head tilts ever so subtly.]

Are you going to tell me what's going on now?

[bust]

Why're you so clueless? Did you forget already?

[ Since Louis is about to find out anyway, Ayer doesn't bother to vocally explain. Instead, he heads into the cafe's main kitchen connected to this room. He's already prepared for the other's arrival, so he doesn't take more than a minute in there.

All he does is plate everything together, then he returns to set down this colorful plate containing waffle with cream cheese. There are four components to this dessert: first is the thick, lightly warm waffle, then a generous amount of cream cheese, and finally two flavors of whipped cream. For this particular one, it's strawberry and plain cream. ]

Now, you'll give me feedback.

[bloodspring]

I... didn’t forget, but—

[With Ayer being so dreadfully mysterious about it, how was he to know it would’ve started today? It had come up as such a casual arrangement before that Louis half-expected it wouldn’t actually happen. Not that he doubted Ayer’s sincerity on the matter, but... surely there were other priorities at hand?

Really, this whole confusion on Louis’ part could’ve been assuaged by even a single word more from the brawler-turned-baker, but... it was pointless to complain now. And he’d be lying if he spoke as if the other’s brevity at times wasn’t also part of his charm.

After another few fervent glances between Ayer and the plate before him, Louis takes his knife and fork in hand, getting to work on the waffle. The cuts he makes are careful and without rush, wanting to balance each component on his fork for utmost flavors. And the first bite is...

Blissful. There’s no hiding the immediate glimmer in his eyes, and even without a smile or words of affirmation his enthusiasm is clear in the way he goes back for more; while he’s not inhaling his food like certain others might, perhaps he’s a little more eager to enjoy it now than the usual leisurely savoring.

Eventually... after making it a quarter of the way through, he clears his throat, and decides to grace Ayer with the feedback he asked for in the first place.]

While I thought the cream cheese would be heavier given how much there is, it worked well with the density of the waffle and was a nice contrast to the whipped creams with its mild tang, too... I liked alternating between the regular cream and the strawberry one. If I had to make an improvement, well... maybe including strawberry slices for texture and freshness?

[Once done with his initial critique, he can’t help peeking at Ayer again, hoping his commentary is to par.]

[bust]

[ Right, it's this amount because Ayer considered the fact some of the creams would melt too quickly if he only applies thin layers. The waffle is always newly cooked — while he does set it aside to cool a little, the overall temperature is still warm by the time it's served. In addition, it's as Louis noticed: the waffle is thick and has a faint crunch similar to pizza, and so would be easier to eat with the creams to cushion everything in the mouth.

Witnessing Louis' endearing expression as he eats through the dessert at a faster pace than Ayer expected from someone so elegant, he can't help but feel the edge of his lips curl up subtly. This damn revenant really needs to stop being so charming even for one second. But the brawler knows that's impossible, as it's a natural charm just flowing right out from the other. When the suggestion is given, he perks up in clear interest. ]

Really? Wait for a second.

[ Reentering the kitchen, Ayer procures a few pieces of the fresh strawberries shipped earlier morning. He slices them delicately, careful not to damage their good form or waste any of the sweet juices. Then, he aligns the finished slices on a small plate and returns to Louis. He goes ahead to arrange the strawberries neatly across the center, in-between the cream cheese and whipped cream. ]

All right… Go on.

[bloodspring]

[Being served so attentively turns out to be a little much for him, and Louis ends up watching Ayer's hands as he spreads the fresh fruit onto his plate before clearing his throat once more, as though it might disperse some of the bashfulness rising up his neck. Once he's signaled by the other to resume his tasting, the revenant lifts his knife and fork again, slicing off another piece of the waffle and cream while pulling some of the fruit with it. Carefully he takes the bite...

Chewing silently, deep in thought... Eyes fixed on a point on the plate while he considers the not only the feel in his mouth, but the addition to taste. There's no overt reaction this time. But surely it means something when he repeats it, cutting off another piece and bringing more of the fresh strawberry into his mouth again.

Setting his utensils back down on the plate's rim, Louis hovers his hand over his face as he finishes chewing, then finally gives Ayer a strong, single nod.]

... Much better.

[bust]

[ In order to prevent his white bandages from directly touching the food, Ayer has to wear disposable gloves at work. But the gloves are transparent, so the sight of his bandaged fingers is still there as he carefully layers the strawberries. He's concentrated when he layers the fruits on the dessert, so he doesn't notice Louis' cheeks as it increasingly turns pink. So by the time Ayer's looking at the revenant again, the other looks calmer once more, and more concentrated.

Seeing that, Ayer stays quiet until Louis finishes collecting his thoughts. The dessert is considerably shrinking by the second. He'll never voice it out, but he's feeling accomplished already, even before the rest of the feedback is given. It feels good to see someone so pleasantly consuming what he's made, especially after working so hard to achieve something like this. It wasn't easy to learn the right consistency and texture of every component. Most of his experiments take hours and sometimes days.

Now it's Ayer's turn again, for his own face to start colorizing where he stands. He clears his throat before attempting to say it. It's a lot harder in person than in text. ]

Uh. Tha— thank… you.

[ For the cooperation, and of course, the praise… ]

[bloodspring]

[As he leans back into the chair, it's only then that the revenant truly realizes how much he'd ended up eating—more than half of the waffle is gone, and he's trying to remember how little those food critics and judges on TV would need to eat before forming their opinions... until a soft clearing of the throat draws his gaze upwards again.

The other clearly struggles with these few words, seemingly simple... but Louis only blinks patiently, before returning the sentiment with a smile.]

I should be thanking you, really. Free delicious food, served to me especially? In exchange for my unprofessional opinion? Pretty sure I got the better deal here.

[Plus he got to see the back of the cafe, and Ayer in his uniform... which are both irrelevant to the original deal, but memorable bonuses all the same. Not that he'd ever say something as silly as that.]

[bust]

Shut up, I wouldn't ask you if I didn't trust that unprofessional opinion.

[ It means a lot to Ayer and he doesn't want Louis to lower the value of that opinion. The words of a cherished person are never anything so superficial. Besides, the revenant is someone who the young brawler strongly recognizes, he has long ago already admired his reliable heart. Louis is the kind of person who will never be irresponsible, and Ayer knows it well. So there's an indescribable warmth running through his body right now, feeling acknowledged for a skill that he's yet to polish confidently.

Ayer will keep at it and he hopes Louis will continue to support him too. ]

I'll make you a drink. What would you like?

[bloodspring]

[He can't bring himself to mind at all when Ayer bites back like this, knowing it's truly nothing more than a gentle nip without venom. It's amusing, at the very least, and an endearing compromise to finding his own honesty... so Louis effortlessly smiles back, just as he always will. He leans back over the table, elbows propped up and chin resting on his threaded hands.]

Hmm. Give me your best drink. Whichever one you have the most confidence in, or think I'll like the most.

[An open answer, which might seem unfair—but he has faith Ayer will fulfill it dutifully. It's always nice to try the staff's recommendations after all, and so he looks forward to whatever the other might produce.

These are the kinds of surprises he doesn't mind.]

[bust]

Hmph.

[ What's with that vague answer? Is this some kind of challenge? Everyone has different tastes, so what is "best" for one person is not necessarily the same for another. Louis already knows about Ayer's fiery spirit, so he's not someone who would shy away from an opportunity for a trial. The young brawler looks at the revenant for a little while, as if trying to seek a hint from that warm, pretty face. But shortly decides he doesn't need one, and so he's back in the kitchen only seconds later.

Ayer still recalls Louis' preferred flavors from all their previous outings together. He considers not only this, but also the revenant's personality, what he just ate, and the current weather. The ideas collectively fill Ayer's head until an image comes to mind. When something eventually clicks, he gets right on it. Louis will likely want something more water-based to wash down the cream, and considering the hot temperature outside, then a cold drink will do wonders.

The drink takes longer to prepare, but that's because of all the layers it has. Ayer eventually returns with a tall glass, the crushed ice alone enticing to anyone dealing with the summer heat. The drink's layers are bitter tea, milk, and a touch of peach juice. Mixing this all together will balance out the flavors and leave a refreshing aftertaste because of the juicy peach. He sets it down near Louis' hand. ]

Here.

[bloodspring]

[With how long it takes for Ayer to return, the revenant begins to wonder if his request was too open-ended. Maybe the challenge was too much...? Well, he did say whichever drink Ayer felt most confident about would've been fine, but maybe the other thought that would've been too easy, then.

While Louis has leaned back in the chair and crossed one leg over the other as he muses, the wait ends up not feeling all that long; soon enough, the brawler's placing an awfully pretty drink in front of Louis, to which he blinks at in a briefly stunned silence.

With a curt nod, he takes a utensil in hand once more—a spoon, this time—and gently pushes past the ice, stirring thoroughly but languidly as to not spill a drop of what has been carefully prepared for him. Once it's been mixed to satisfaction, the colors of the lovely layers blending together into one solid tone, Louis takes the glass in hand and sips.

Within a second, his eyes brighten, and he continues savoring the drink, not daring to pull away just yet. The strong black tea muted by the sweet milk, and an extra fruity flavor apparent even in fragrance... The soft bitterness cutting through the heaviness the earlier dessert had left in his mouth, in a cool drink that goes down smoothly... It surprises him with how hard it is to put down, but he's not going to chug the whole thing like an animal. He has to appreciate it properly, so about a third of the way through, the glass taps against the table again, and Louis nods his approval.]

That's—wow. Really good, actually.

[Once again, his first and foremost honest thoughts. He's not meant to critique this, is he? Because his words are currently limited to how genuinely awed he is over how much he likes this drink.]

[bust]

[ It's so cute… Louis is very cute, how the revenant's expression lights up all over again, first from consuming the earlier dessert, and now from trying this picturesque drink. The pinkish hue of the drink resembles the color of the other's cheeks, so charming and difficult not to stare at. As Louis drinks it down with visible enthusiasm, Ayer feels his heart grow in appreciation all over again too. Though feedback would be good for this too, he doesn't ask for it this time. Seeing that pure reaction is more than enough, and he feels his eyes sink down in thought.

Eventually, Ayer turns around to hide his expression as he declares his next set of words with silent honesty. ]

Maybe it's completely selfish for me to say this. But thank you… for living on.

[ Ayer isn't certain if Louis is alive right now by his own decision or if it was someone else's. It's possible Louis never asked to rise as a revenant and would have rather stayed peacefully dead. However, Ayer can't help but say it anyway. He wanted to get this out of his chest, or it'll continue to suffocate him later on. His bandaged hands tightly curl up, squeezing against his own palms. ]

How you're able to speak with me now, and to be able to eat every one of this… I'm thankful…

[ If Louis wasn't alive today, this moment wouldn't be occurring at all. Leaving it at that, Ayer doesn't say any more, and he returns to the kitchen to allow Louis to finish the remaining of his afternoon snack. ]

[bloodspring]

[Certainly, those weren't words he'd expected to hear on this simple visit to the cafe. He really has to wonder where it came from; what about any of this could prompt such poignant expressions? What had he done to arouse those words so laden with feelings this painfully pure?

Even if he wracked his brain all day and night for an answer, he might not find one. For all he's come to learn about the other, especially this quickly, there still remained that air of enigma in certain respects—and so Louis is left to wonder what it is that makes him reminisce now, and belay him with that gratitude.

All in all, he comes to the conclusion that whatever brought this on wasn't of import. What mattered most was the sincerity, and how cloyingly he wishes to reciprocate that. Living on was a necessity rather than a choice, he thinks... and there's no way he could've ever predicted the roads that would lead him here, to Prismatica, to Lunatia, to this sweet little cafe... to Ayer.

The how's and why's aren't so important when all he knows is that he's thankful, too. The brawler disappears before he can say as much, of course (why is it always, always the kitchen he escapes to? One of these days, he might just have to catch him before he can)... but it doesn't shake his resolve. He's decided now.

They'll speak more than this, and eat more than this, and even become more selfish than this with time. They'll do all of those things, and be grateful for one another, and be sure to show that, too. His heart is set on it, for when someone so cherished expresses that silent wish for more... it's only natural that he wants to respond to it.

Stirring the spoon in the glass one more time, Louis smiles down at the drink and swears to himself that by the end of the day, he'll tell the other how thankful he is, too.]