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[it's an ordinary day, in Helena's reckoning, but it is also Saturday, and she considers that to be a day worthy of making herself something nice. what, she hasn't decided yet, but she'll figure it out as she goes along. something sweet, she thinks - a gift to herself for making it through another week.
therefore, here she is in the kitchen, having brought in a chair to reach the higher items. some of the more commonly used things have labels she made, but others, she cracks the top and smells them to know the contents. it's like this that someone else will find her, dutifully retrieving the flour in its container.]
Oh, hello!
[she can hear footsteps, at least.]
therefore, here she is in the kitchen, having brought in a chair to reach the higher items. some of the more commonly used things have labels she made, but others, she cracks the top and smells them to know the contents. it's like this that someone else will find her, dutifully retrieving the flour in its container.]
Oh, hello!
[she can hear footsteps, at least.]
[it's bizarre to see someone she knows is blind with a chair to climb things, because that just feels dangerous, but she also knows through association that helena is perfectly capable all on her own, and if she needs any sort of help she'll ask; it's only this that helps her bite back her knee-jerk reaction and stays hesitantly by the door as she speaks up.]
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone else was in here. I can come back later if you're using the kitchen.
[always an offer out; kaede doesn't want to bother people in their spaces too much, just how she is, but it's nice to see helena and those others affected by the past few months regain their footholds. her own still feel a little loose beneath her weight, but that loss is trivial compared to those who knew better.]
Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone else was in here. I can come back later if you're using the kitchen.
[always an offer out; kaede doesn't want to bother people in their spaces too much, just how she is, but it's nice to see helena and those others affected by the past few months regain their footholds. her own still feel a little loose beneath her weight, but that loss is trivial compared to those who knew better.]
It's fine, there's more than enough room in here for both of us.
[putting the flour down, she closes the cabinet, and carefully steps back down, moving the chair away so it won't impact anyone coming in.]
What are you looking to make, Miss Akamatsu?
[if she also needs the oven, Helena will offer it out to her first - her plan isn't formed yet, after all, so it can still change.]
[putting the flour down, she closes the cabinet, and carefully steps back down, moving the chair away so it won't impact anyone coming in.]
What are you looking to make, Miss Akamatsu?
[if she also needs the oven, Helena will offer it out to her first - her plan isn't formed yet, after all, so it can still change.]
[the assurance lets her step in, and she glances at the cabinet she remembers which the tea is in; she thinks about the small kindness in not knowing every step, and how she'd like to keep to it.]
Just a cup of tea. I haven't perfected making it yet though, so it always ends up a little on the weak side. But every day is a new chance to get it right.
[let's see... just some black tea'll do, she'll come over to take it out.]
I'd offer to make you some, Adams-san, but I'd feel bad pouring you a mediocre cup of tea.
Just a cup of tea. I haven't perfected making it yet though, so it always ends up a little on the weak side. But every day is a new chance to get it right.
[let's see... just some black tea'll do, she'll come over to take it out.]
I'd offer to make you some, Adams-san, but I'd feel bad pouring you a mediocre cup of tea.
[the student store is all too familiar. she used to go every single day, after all, to keep her promise to Keigo. in their absence, she hasn't gone as frequently - there's no point to it. but still, something about it feels safe, and particularly when she's dodging out on another awkward bonding exercise.
stepping inside, she breathes a little sigh of relief, and moves further in so no one outside will see her. at least here, it's something of a sanctuary, even though she won't hear a particular voice, hear them running around for a hug. that it's being kept up at all will make them happy.]
stepping inside, she breathes a little sigh of relief, and moves further in so no one outside will see her. at least here, it's something of a sanctuary, even though she won't hear a particular voice, hear them running around for a hug. that it's being kept up at all will make them happy.]
Please don't sell yourself short - that you keep trying makes it a good cup on its own!
[wait. wait she has an idea, and the smile that crosses her face proves it.]
Actually, if you don't mind staying a little, I was going to bake, and I'll certainly have more than enough for one person. I'd like to give you something to have with your tea.
[wait. wait she has an idea, and the smile that crosses her face proves it.]
Actually, if you don't mind staying a little, I was going to bake, and I'll certainly have more than enough for one person. I'd like to give you something to have with your tea.
[no wonder amami held helena in high regard; she's a kind person, and kaede returns the smile. it's very much in line with her own thoughts... just more to other people.]
That's so sweet of you! I'd love to have some, thank you. What're you making? [...] And, um... do you mind teaching me?
That's so sweet of you! I'd love to have some, thank you. What're you making? [...] And, um... do you mind teaching me?
[Helena beams, and nods at the idea of teaching her. she's more than glad to pass on the knowledge handed to her - Kaede will have an even easier time with it.]
Cookies are rather simple, and pair well with tea. Do those sound all right, or would you prefer something more on the side of a cake?
[a very simple tea cake is not beyond her. fancier things require more preparation, but in terms of what could be pulled from a cupboard quickly and assembled, she has a few ideas.]
Cookies are rather simple, and pair well with tea. Do those sound all right, or would you prefer something more on the side of a cake?
[a very simple tea cake is not beyond her. fancier things require more preparation, but in terms of what could be pulled from a cupboard quickly and assembled, she has a few ideas.]
[... cake...
she's quiet for a little longer than a bit of thought, but--]
No, cookies are fine. There's a lot you can do with them, and they're easy gifts. Cakes are a little more special.
[though it would be nice to welcome friends back with one... maybe later.]
she's quiet for a little longer than a bit of thought, but--]
No, cookies are fine. There's a lot you can do with them, and they're easy gifts. Cakes are a little more special.
[though it would be nice to welcome friends back with one... maybe later.]
( the student store is empty when helena walks in— not even someone welcoming her presence, and acknowledgement is important here when trying to drive sells. rather than hearing that, she'll hear a soft chime that grows louder as though it was coming to the store itself. a gentle ringing that pierces the silence as a clapper hits against a brass bowl of a bell, and the melody is meant to draw in the attention of those who hear it. )
Oh! ...Welcome, welcome.
( the item in komaeda's hand jingles again, which happens to be about four at the different sounds helena will here that merrily knock together. one lower, and one higher pitch, but they're a cute array of antique shopkeeper's bells for him to put up on the door to find which one has a tune that's pleasant to a person's ears, than one annoying to just draw in attention. )
With everyone so busy... I didn't think anyone would drop in today.
( with a hand against his hip, he chuckles at his own joke before falling silent... )
Oh! ...Welcome, welcome.
( the item in komaeda's hand jingles again, which happens to be about four at the different sounds helena will here that merrily knock together. one lower, and one higher pitch, but they're a cute array of antique shopkeeper's bells for him to put up on the door to find which one has a tune that's pleasant to a person's ears, than one annoying to just draw in attention. )
With everyone so busy... I didn't think anyone would drop in today.
( with a hand against his hip, he chuckles at his own joke before falling silent... )
All right, but when one of those special days comes, let me know, and the offer is still open to learn.
[she smiles, and picks up one of the sticks of butter.]
Something that makes it much easier is mixing everything dry, and everything wetter, and then combining. We can start with the butter first.
[holding it out to Kaede, she touches the side of one of the bowls.]
Next, you put in the sugar, and they have to mix for a while - I usually count to a minute while I do it.
[measuring cup....half cup....and there's the sugar jar. they got this.]
[she smiles, and picks up one of the sticks of butter.]
Something that makes it much easier is mixing everything dry, and everything wetter, and then combining. We can start with the butter first.
[holding it out to Kaede, she touches the side of one of the bowls.]
Next, you put in the sugar, and they have to mix for a while - I usually count to a minute while I do it.
[measuring cup....half cup....and there's the sugar jar. they got this.]
[her expression melts into a smile, hearing that voice, and she turns in his direction to be more attentive. she hadn't heard him, but that doesn't mean she's less enthused to know he's there.]
Busy they might be, but a shopkeeper's job is never really over, is it?
[not when customers showed, or thinking of new ideas, or...]
To tell the truth, I'm hiding from the others. The strange games are beginning to be a bit much for me to take.
Busy they might be, but a shopkeeper's job is never really over, is it?
[not when customers showed, or thinking of new ideas, or...]
To tell the truth, I'm hiding from the others. The strange games are beginning to be a bit much for me to take.
Retiring isn't too bad, is it? That means I can make more time for others, but as it stands...
( he opens his arms to knowing helena can't see, but it's to gesture to their surroundings (that, and komaeda's so used to moving his hands when he talks) within the student store. it's not officially his though, sharing it with shin, but even thinking of him makes komaeda frown slightly, noticeable in his voice as he continues their conversation. )
I get a break at night, though... so there's that.
( his hold on the handle of the bells cause them to jingle, and as he walks over to the counter to set them down, his head turns to look at helena. )
The bonding experiment? Now! You can't appear to look shy for the new school year, Adams-san! ( that said, komaeda can't take busy places either, and so this place is much preferable especially with everything that's been going on. ) How has everything been on your end?
( he opens his arms to knowing helena can't see, but it's to gesture to their surroundings (that, and komaeda's so used to moving his hands when he talks) within the student store. it's not officially his though, sharing it with shin, but even thinking of him makes komaeda frown slightly, noticeable in his voice as he continues their conversation. )
I get a break at night, though... so there's that.
( his hold on the handle of the bells cause them to jingle, and as he walks over to the counter to set them down, his head turns to look at helena. )
The bonding experiment? Now! You can't appear to look shy for the new school year, Adams-san! ( that said, komaeda can't take busy places either, and so this place is much preferable especially with everything that's been going on. ) How has everything been on your end?
I'm not being shy, I just think some of the games are a bit much...I don't need to physically fall into someone's arms to be able to trust them.
[she'd already heard at least three kids smack their heads on the ground, after all.]
And then talking about a video game night...I'm sure everyone's going to have fun there. If most people go, I'll have the kitchen to cook something for myself for dinner.
[good food and a good book. she'll nest in her hammock then.]
It's...different, to have everyone around again.
[she'd already heard at least three kids smack their heads on the ground, after all.]
And then talking about a video game night...I'm sure everyone's going to have fun there. If most people go, I'll have the kitchen to cook something for myself for dinner.
[good food and a good book. she'll nest in her hammock then.]
It's...different, to have everyone around again.
They probably find that safer than a knife being pushed into someone's back! Ahaha...!
( with a laugh, the ultimate tries to cheer himself up and is marginally successful, there's no need to be sad around helena when she's on a positive note herself. )
I hope some people do go though...
( there are more people who deserve the bonding treatment than others, and he knows that add's capable of bonding. komaeda just doesn't want him to think he has to be alone. )
Food sounds nice, are you really cooking, or baking this time? ( he mentions, wondering what has he eaten today. ) And... is it that different?
( with a laugh, the ultimate tries to cheer himself up and is marginally successful, there's no need to be sad around helena when she's on a positive note herself. )
I hope some people do go though...
( there are more people who deserve the bonding treatment than others, and he knows that add's capable of bonding. komaeda just doesn't want him to think he has to be alone. )
Food sounds nice, are you really cooking, or baking this time? ( he mentions, wondering what has he eaten today. ) And... is it that different?
It's louder, certainly. With so many footsteps, I have to work harder to find those of people I know, and there's less of a chance of being called on in class. The world feels more full, but not as though it's harder to manage. I hear voices, a great murmur around me, like how I imagine the sea to be.
[she pauses.]
I can cook for you, Komaeda, so long as you tell me what you would prefer I avoid making.
[she pauses.]
I can cook for you, Komaeda, so long as you tell me what you would prefer I avoid making.
When you call it a sea, I think of when Rokkun called the void that... it's not so different after all.
( as the bells jingle, he looks helena a few times over as he pulls out a stepstool from behind the counter. he doesn't need it because of his height, and yet there's something comfortable about putting himself in danger by sitting it next to the door so that he can attach a bell above the entrance. )
In this sea... you'll do well! Wading through the water, finding those you know, avoiding those that you don't... even the most mischievous mermaid can stay out of danger, it's just the unknown which interests them.
( it had always been about ariel's curiosity of the dry land, the gigantic boats that coasted past, and those weird items they allowed to fall into sea. )
...Ah. I'm not fond of sweets, but my palate is difficult to please. I'd hate watching you suffer because of me!
( as the bells jingle, he looks helena a few times over as he pulls out a stepstool from behind the counter. he doesn't need it because of his height, and yet there's something comfortable about putting himself in danger by sitting it next to the door so that he can attach a bell above the entrance. )
In this sea... you'll do well! Wading through the water, finding those you know, avoiding those that you don't... even the most mischievous mermaid can stay out of danger, it's just the unknown which interests them.
( it had always been about ariel's curiosity of the dry land, the gigantic boats that coasted past, and those weird items they allowed to fall into sea. )
...Ah. I'm not fond of sweets, but my palate is difficult to please. I'd hate watching you suffer because of me!
It isn't suffering when it's done for a friend. Tell me then, what sort of things you like. You enjoyed our last dinner together so much, after all, but my knife skills aren't even close to being able to construct that...
[or perhaps it was because they both suffered that poison together. she remembers, a death she looks at with more fondness than others because of how it was executed. with care, with consideration, something different and coupled with an enjoyable experience all the same.]
My dinner would be boring, comparatively, but I'd like to make something you enjoy.
[or perhaps it was because they both suffered that poison together. she remembers, a death she looks at with more fondness than others because of how it was executed. with care, with consideration, something different and coupled with an enjoyable experience all the same.]
My dinner would be boring, comparatively, but I'd like to make something you enjoy.
Is that so...?
( there's a bit of surprise that she remembers, not everyone can look fondly back on the certainty of death. )
Now, now... if you ever manage to get one, I can help you with the precise cuts. It'll take time, but you'll be able to do it.
( it means she'd have her own way of killing on her hands if she so chooses, and komaeda will teach her if she likes. there's a romantic air to the fact that two people can die together indulging in a meal when they say food is the way to a person's heart. )
A slice of toast and a baked potato would be fine for me... What do you think?
( plain, it all screams plain. )
( there's a bit of surprise that she remembers, not everyone can look fondly back on the certainty of death. )
Now, now... if you ever manage to get one, I can help you with the precise cuts. It'll take time, but you'll be able to do it.
( it means she'd have her own way of killing on her hands if she so chooses, and komaeda will teach her if she likes. there's a romantic air to the fact that two people can die together indulging in a meal when they say food is the way to a person's heart. )
A slice of toast and a baked potato would be fine for me... What do you think?
( plain, it all screams plain. )
That's not dinner. That's just side dishes. I could make those, but you wouldn't be satisfied.
[she has opinions on this, okay, it's why she was brought up to be a cooking contest judge.]
Is there anything else you would like? Perhaps more substantial?
[she has opinions on this, okay, it's why she was brought up to be a cooking contest judge.]
Is there anything else you would like? Perhaps more substantial?
( somehow that last date had set the standards too high, now she probably believes he eats actual food. due to his dementia, he doesn't have the taste for much, and if he does it has to have a certain texture. it's why he only eats toast with an egg on top while forgoing the side rice that would make it a fulfilling meal. )
Hm...
( with a hum, he glosses over his memory, and he thinks to teruteru's cooking recently finding that he misses that— the various aroma of different foods. a large block of meat with the clean, white bone sticking out that's avoided any grease stains, or the elbow noodles mixed with a clear substance that adds a tangy, but extravagant taste on his tongue that seemed almost mouth watering. knowing the assortment of food would be too heavy on his stomach that would probably result in a stomach ache, it isn't hard for him to revert back to wanting a taste of home. he's never had that thought before, because it pictures weakness, and a time that he's unable to have back, or truly have.
trash like him ask for that when he's unwanted?
should he ask for something like that? he knows helena can't make an assortment of rich food packing with flavor like an ultimate, so maybe he should start off with something basic. )
Pork chops and gravy...?
( ... )
Hm...
( with a hum, he glosses over his memory, and he thinks to teruteru's cooking recently finding that he misses that— the various aroma of different foods. a large block of meat with the clean, white bone sticking out that's avoided any grease stains, or the elbow noodles mixed with a clear substance that adds a tangy, but extravagant taste on his tongue that seemed almost mouth watering. knowing the assortment of food would be too heavy on his stomach that would probably result in a stomach ache, it isn't hard for him to revert back to wanting a taste of home. he's never had that thought before, because it pictures weakness, and a time that he's unable to have back, or truly have.
trash like him ask for that when he's unwanted?
should he ask for something like that? he knows helena can't make an assortment of rich food packing with flavor like an ultimate, so maybe he should start off with something basic. )
Pork chops and gravy...?
( ... )
[she nods, then, satisfied with the answer. it's a meal that sounds like home, and while she's not an expert when it comes to meats, she remembers enough of what she's been told - timing, thickness, smells, sounds, that something should click. as long as she's careful, something good can come of it. and if Nagito enjoys it, all the better - this is the real reason behind her ambition. he deserves someone doing something nice for him, just because he's there.]
That, I can try my best to make for you. When you close up, then, I'll make you dinner.
That, I can try my best to make for you. When you close up, then, I'll make you dinner.
[oh... this is fun. she'll unwrap the butter and let it roll into the bowl, adding half a cup of sugar in too. this is part of the base of cookies? mixing... for a minute, that's easy; kaede is used to counting measures, and a quarter note is a second, so sixty seconds in standard time would be fourteen measures just about, with the fifteenth being a half note and a rest. her foot taps as she starts, easy as any metronome.]
I never knew they came from such a simple base... It's almost like a growing piece in that sense, like Grieg's In The Hall of the Mountain King. Every little bit counts towards a bigger sound!
I never knew they came from such a simple base... It's almost like a growing piece in that sense, like Grieg's In The Hall of the Mountain King. Every little bit counts towards a bigger sound!
There's no need to wait.
( he waves off the idea with his prosthetic hand that whirrs, letting her know he used that one than the other in his response. )
We can go... What Hiyori-kun doesn't know won't hurt him, and he won't come too early... the less of me he sees, then the better, right?
( that's probably a slogan in yogen by now, but that doesn't hurt komaeda much as he looks towards helena while reaching for the door to open. ) Ready?
( he waves off the idea with his prosthetic hand that whirrs, letting her know he used that one than the other in his response. )
We can go... What Hiyori-kun doesn't know won't hurt him, and he won't come too early... the less of me he sees, then the better, right?
( that's probably a slogan in yogen by now, but that doesn't hurt komaeda much as he looks towards helena while reaching for the door to open. ) Ready?
Edited (WHOOPS) 2022-04-08 18:07 (UTC)
He does like seeing you, you know. The more of you he sees, the more he knows you're not dead.
[if he'd rather not stay in the shop, she can't stop him, but she can gently try and boost up his self esteem from below the earth's mantle where it lies.]
[if he'd rather not stay in the shop, she can't stop him, but she can gently try and boost up his self esteem from below the earth's mantle where it lies.]
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