#doctordonovan:026

[duefaith-a]

          // @doctordonovan​ sent,  ❝ before you do anything, try this and tell me what you think. ❞

          He’s scarcely set foot in the door; he hasn’t even had a moment to say hello before her words halt him not two strides into the kitchen. And pause he does, long enough to take in the situation, accumulated bowls in the sink, sugar and flour dusting the countertop, cakes set to cool upon a rack. As she spoke, she’d pushed a bowl of whipped frosting across the counter to him. Made from scratch, if the chocolate-smudged recipe on the counter is any indication. He recognizes the card upon which it’s written, his mother’s handwriting.

          ❛ I can’t even say hi first? ❜    he demands, for all he’s amused. Still, he approaches the counter, pulling the mixing bowl towards him, though his gaze lingers on her instead.    ❛ Did you follow that? ❜    He points to the recipe.    ❛ Because if so, I guarantee it needs more chocolate. And vanilla. Just, blanket statement, if there’s chocolate or vanilla or cinnamon in any of Mom’s recipes, just double it. Always. ❜    His mother does it herself, though she’d never admit it. Her little secret, she claimed on more than one occasion to her sons while Frank rolled his eyes, pretending not to hear.  

          He fights off the twinge of guilt at the work he’s unexpectedly left upon her plate, adding with no small sheepishness,    ❛ I promised I’d take care of it. ❜    It’s no criticism, no complaint, no I could do it better. It’s merely an apology, however indirect. For he had promised, before complications arose at the SGC and hours ticked past, delaying his return home later and later. Still, plenty of hours remained before the morning, he’d reassured himself, plenty of time to follow through on that promise. If it cost him a night’s sleep, he’s lost sleep for plenty of worse reasons. He could get it baked, cooled, and decorated before morning’s light, with the birthday kid none the wiser. He’d never intended her to have to take on the project.   ❛ I’m sorry. ❜