tenshoukou-blog

[tenshoukou-blog]

Yuri contemplated the comment, tilting his head to the side thoughtfully before replying. "If that's the case, then it looks like I'm stuck cooking forever." Although the idea would usually put someone down, the male smiled in return instead, clearly not bothered. He liked to cook, so it didn't really matter to him as long as he wasn't forced to do it every meal. .. But that whole ordeal had been a while ago anyway. Now, he was in a building that could take of that problem for him-- if they changed their menus.

He chuckled as the pink-haired girl took his joke a little too seriously, amused by the blush that formed on her cheeks.

"Well, I just did. Looks like luck's coming your way, Serah."

Her next question got him thinking a bit. He was already wondering what her response would be to learn that he taught students about weaponry. The vigilante was never too sure about how people viewed him.

"I teach Hoplology-- it's basically a class on how to fight efficiently." 

the secret ingredient .

” is that so ? well I’m sure that they all loved your food too. that’s probably why you cooked so much right ? “, she said with a smile. With how his food tasted it was no wonder why his friends wanted him to cook all the time. It was delicious ! Though she didn’t know how he cooked other things other than desert type things like this, but she was sure they tasted very excellent also.

Her cheeks though slightly had some pink on them though as she shook her head a little. ” o-oh , no no. no one would ever do that, I’m sure about that. “, she said with a nervous laugh. Just the thought of people handing her such things in the hallway, well, she wondered if Snow would be okay with that.

” oh ! “, how could she forget to introduce herself ?

” my name is Serah. it’s a pleasure to meet you Yuri “, she said with a cheerful smile.

” mmm … so you don’t look really young enough to be a student for this class . . so are you by chance the teacher ? “, she asked tilting her head slightly. ” or maybe you teach something else perhaps ? “.

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It was .. alive? And furry? How was that a fair trade at all? Didn't exactly seem practical for much, and he definitely wasn't going to eat it.

"..Thanks but no thanks, I've already got a pet."

the secret ingredient .

“A truffulump! Look!”

Hatter holds the truffulump out to the man-lady, grinning the whole time. Its fur shivers and its stem shakes.

“Trust me! It’s a fair trade!”

[tenshoukou-blog]

"Believe me, I think my hand can live without them--" he began, before the other started pulling out item after item out of his hat. Forget the fact that keeping all those things in there was physically impossible, Yuri was more concerned with what he was going to receive from the sketchy individual.

He kept his hands at his sides, wanting to know exactly what he was getting before daring to reach out and take it.

"A.. a what?"

the secret ingredient .

“I can’t very well take them off your hand for free! Surely your hand will miss them!”

Hatter pulls off his hat and searches around, trying to find something to trade. He throws out a kazoo, a trumpet, a teapot, the entire text of War & Peace and of Moby Dick, and finally finds a truffulump.

“For you! A truffulump for some sweets! A perfectly fair trade!”

[tenshoukou-blog]

Yuri shook his head when she asked if he had cooked somewhere professionally-- such a job didn't really suit him at all. "Nah, it's nothing like that." he began, shrugging. "I went on a little journey with some friends before is all. They made me cook all the time, so of course I got a little good at it."

He smiled once she took a croquette, watching as she took a rather big chunk out of it. He resisted the urge to chuckle, both amused and gratified that she didn't take a small, humble nibble.

Raising an eyebrow as she consumed the rest, his smile quickly transformed into a grin. 

"Oh, really? I thought for sure you would get handed delicious desserts in the hallways all the time."

Placing one hand on his hip, he decided to introduce himself. "The name's Yuri, by the way."

the secret ingredient .

” you’re most very welcome ~ “, she said smiling.

She blinked a couple of times and tilted her head slightly. ” habit huh ? did you work in some sort of food place then before … ? “, she asked. Working in a restaurant would make it where you would cook more than usually right ? Well she would think it would anyway. But maybe she was wrong.

As the plate got moved closer to her she could only stare at the treats as they looked very much delicious.

” a-ah, yes I suppose you are right on that. um, well I’ll try one then “, she said as she removed one of the chocolate croquettes from the plate. Well they most did smell nice to her, enough to get her stomach wanting to have one too.

She bit off a slightly large chuck out of it and chewed it tasting it. And well, it tasted delicious ! She swallowed the food and stared at the food in her hand.

” it tastes very delicious … ! I haven’t really had something that tasted this good in a while ! “, after saying that she started to eat the rest of the one she had very happily.

[tenshoukou-blog]

He rolled his eyes lightly at the sigh the other gave before responding calmly.

"Yeah, that's right."

"What is it you teach?" Yuri hadn't really seen him around, so he was curious. Plus, his character wasn't really that of a typical teacher.

the secret ingredient .

“Oh, fine, fine, politely deflect my compliment.”

Elijah sighed loudly, but he couldn’t complain with his plate of food. What a strange mix of modesty and sarcasm..

“I am a faculty member, yes, as you are?”

[tenshoukou-blog]

Pretty--!?

This was hopeless. At this point, it was impossible to tell if the other even had an idea of what he was saying. Making up words as he went, continually making things worse while trying to ask for forgiveness..

"--Okay, okay. That's enough." No point in staying angry. At least none of his other friends were around to embarrass him; he could just forget this ever happened.

"...Enjoy the dessert."

the secret ingredient .

Hatter puts his hands out in a defensive pose.

“Oh! Well fine then! No need for vulgarity! I didn’t mean to offend! I only meant to inquire!

Did I perhaps inquend? Offend in my inquiries? If so, it was unintentional! Entirely somewhat so!”

He pulls his own hair down below his ears, smoothing and straightening it out slightly.

“I have no problems with girl hair! In fact, your hair, which is girl hair, is very pretty on you! If I were inebriated even just slightly, you might just pass!”

[tenshoukou-blog]

She claimed to have more experience than him? Oh, this girl was cheeky. He was vaguely reminded of Judith, noting that they both have such confidence in their fighting and determination. Thankfully, it looked like she was willing to hear out another idea.

It wasn't that Yuri was playing the knightly can't-hit-a-girl card, and he didn't particularly care about school's rules, either; it was just that he didn't wish to break out fighting here-- as to not gain suspicion or attention. He had finally been able to escape being chased down for every little thing back home, the last thing he needed was security eyeing him.

Unoffended, he returned the lighthearted smirk. Since he wouldn't accept money, or goods, or a spar, then ...

"How about a little date?"

the secret ingredient .

Caster had seriously made up her mind to repay Yuri, whether he liked it or not, for the generosity he was showing. After all, food was an important gift. Food helped nurture and nourish other life forms as well as being a great tribute to shrines and gods. Offering food meant showing respect and perhaps also showing that they cared about the other’s well-being.

No matter what he says, I am not going to take no for an answer! If I didn’t do anything in return for this food I would be disgracing my origin!

Though after a few more words and silence she noticed his expression changing after she mentioned that she would spar with him in return for the food. She had suggested it after realizing he was a fighter but she wasn’t sure if it was a good offer to begin with.

I would have to get Guy-Sama’s permission before fighting too…I think he said something about not wanting to cause a big commotion. Caster did narrow her eyes though when Yuri implied that he would end up hurting her.

“I’m stronger than you think and I probably have much more experience than you but I guess this is fine. I would feel bad if I ended up hurting the person I was trying to show gratitude towards.” A slight smirk upon her face, she kept her tone light in order not to offend him. Her eyes brightened though when he said he might have an idea. “Oh? What is it?”

[tenshoukou-blog]

Well, at least the other man lightened up a bit. Yuri was a bit rude himself, but he wasn't polite enough to apologize for it.

"You're truly a hero." he replied, allowing the subtle hint of sarcasm to seep into his tone. "My plan of poisoning the school is destroyed."

But enough about that. The long-haired male shook his head at the compliment, putting his hands up in modest defense.

"I wouldn't say it's impeccable, but thanks."

"Name's Yuri, by the way. I take it you're a member of the faculty here too?"

the secret ingredient .

“Oh, I wouldn’t know. Mother was very secretive.” Elijah smiled and shrugged his shoulders as he picked up one of the sweets and bit into it so casually, it was if the idea of poison didn’t bother him at the least.

“These are very good though, thank you. I’ll be sure not to share them and save everyone from a perhaps-poisoned sweet.”

He gave a polite smile and nodded. “Sorry for such a rude introduction, my name is Elijah Elkwood and your cooking is impeccable.”

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His hand moved to rub the back of his neck as his expression turned a bit tired. She was really going to be stubborn about this, wasn't she? He could already see where this was going, considering he already had a bit of experience with her type. Still, there was no way Yuri was going to accept anything like payment; money, or otherwise.

"I've already said that they're yours to take. Don't think about it so much."

Even as he said this though, it appeared that her mind was elsewhere. Jeez.. it was just a dessert, anyway. "Seriously." he added, the corners of his mouth turning down into a minor pout. "I really don't need---"

Raising his eyebrows in a bit of surprise, he blinked at her strange offer. In exchange for the treats, she would fight him? He couldn't help but laugh a bit, finding it odd that she would want to do something like that.

"It's not that I don't want to accept your little challenge, but .."

"If I ended up hurting you, then that would put me in your debt for harming an innocent girl." Plus, two teachers fighting on school grounds was bound to grab attention. "If you're really intent on repaying me then ... I might have an idea."

the secret ingredient .

“Hmm….”

For a few moments, Caster just stayed silent. Although sometimes if someone does a good deed she’ll just take it but these treats would be for Guy-Sama as well so she had to do something in return.

“I’d love to take the whole plate, but I can’t do that unless I have a way to repay you.”

After all, she wanted to be able to show gratitude to someone who would indirectly be doing something to make her beloved Master happy. Not to mention, Guy might be disappointed in her if she just took these treats without giving something in return. She didn’t want that.

So, Caster kept thinking and thinking until she finally came up with a way to repay the guy. “You really can’t think of anything that you’d like and want? I may not look like it but I’m pretty proficient in the ways of magic so maybe I could do something for you. Or well, you look like a fighting kind of guy so maybe you’re looking for someone to spar with or hone your skills with? I’m pretty good at fighting, if I say so myself."

[tenshoukou-blog]

With an exhausted sigh he waved his hand dismissively, attempting to abandon the subject. Even if he tried to explain the subtle, unfunny humor in the statement, the chances of the message getting across seemed low. However, even with the change of subject being successful, Yuri was less than amused.

"No." he stated immediately, the animosity apparent in his response. The sad thing was, this guy-- the one who called himself 'Hatter'-- was actually somewhat serious. There was genuine curiosity there, which was really the only thing that kept the former knight from snapping.

"--Are you even listening? I'm not transexual." Or aroused, for that matter. 

"I'll grow my hair out if I damn well please."

the secret ingredient .

“A joke? I hardly thought it funny. Why would anyone joke about poisoning and possibly killing another with something as innocent as sweets? It’s absitively, posolutely cruel to the pastry!”

Hatter shakes his head, obviously unamused. Then the subject of gender comes up.

“If you’re male, why is your hair so long and feminine? Are you — what did those books call it? — are you ‘transexual’?

Do forgive me if that’s not correct. I tend to not keep up with terms and lingo that doesn’t concern me!

But don’t worry! I’m fine with you and your kind! I once met a card, an interesting card indeed, who identified as both at the same time! He was male on one side and female on the other! Does that intrigue you?”

Hatter makes a face.

“Does it arouse you? It aroused the March Hare, but, honestly, as a hare, he’s aroused by most everything.”

[tenshoukou-blog]

A smile made its way to his features as the former knight nodded, pleased that he was able to find a suitable taker so quickly. 

"You got it!"

"Take the whole plate, if you want."

Upon hearing that she wanted to repay him, he sighed beneath his breath. "Nah, you don't have to do that; I don't want anything. Really."

In his mind, he was just giving out extras that would be spoiled if he didn't- it's not like he was making these and giving them to the poor. Plus, the ingredients he used weren't, uh, really his. So, he didn't think he deserved to be given anything-- even calling him 'nice' was a stretch.

the secret ingredient .

*sniff*

*sniff*

Caster’s nose was trying to find the source of the delicious smell. Hey, she was a fox girl after all, her nose was a bit better than others. It smells reaaallly good~ I wonder if they’ll let me have some if I ask nicely. I want to bring some back for Guy-Sama too!

Finally she came across a long-haired man holding out what seemed to be the source of the smell. And he’s offering to give them to me without me asking for them~

“I can really have them~?” She asked, smiling.

“They look really good! I bet they taste delicious as well~ You’re a nice person to give out food for free! Ah! But, I can’t just take these without giving something in return! Hmm, though I don’t know what I can offer…”

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Yuri smirked slightly, glad that she at least had a sense of humor. Her first impression was certainly a good one; he found himself comfortable in her presence even though they had just met.

"Ah, thanks." he replied casually to her compliment, choosing to remain modest. He was often told by others that his cooking was above par, but he didn't really think much of it. Following recipes was simple enough; anyone could do it. Plus, he had plenty of practice with improvising ingredients since he was usually the makeshift chef that had to feed the rest of the group when they had been travelling.

"--Hm? Yeah, it only took me about an hour or so." he confirmed in response to her question. "..but I made a little too many. Force of habit, I guess." he added absentmindedly.

Bringing their attention back to the dessert, he moved the plate closer to her teasingly.

"Just looking delicious isn't good enough though, am I right?"

"Here-- try one and let me know. I'll let you be the judge."

the secret ingredient .

Serah walked around the school just, well, trying to familiarize herself where everything was at. Such as the different rooms and where the cafeteria was, and everything else. It was going to be a bit difficult though to remember. When she was last a teacher, she certainly didn’t have all this. It was just her teaching though so, she was used to only being outside teaching and handing out assignments. So this was definitely different, so very very different.

Though when she smelt a very sweet aroma from one room she could definitely tell that was probably the home ec. room. Well as much she would love trying something that they were making, she probably couldn’t since it could be an assignment right ? So she just kept on going forward. Well she was though, until a young man came in stopping her.

“—Hey, mind taking these off my hands?”

“I swear they’re not poisoned.”

As soon as Serah heard that she was delighted but she couldn’t help but laugh at the last statement.

” Well … I suppose I could as long as they’re not ’ poisoned ’ “, she said in a teasing manner.

” They certainly look very delicious though. Did you make these all by yourself … ? “, she asked tilting her head slightly. It was certainly a lot to cook for oneself that was for sure.

[tenshoukou-blog]

Yuri's first instinct was to raise an eyebrow at the extended reply, neck turning to the side as he returned the skeptical look. 

"..What?"

"Did she have a bad experience with a free sample?"

He blinked as the other gave a rather detailed explanation about the type of poison that was potentially in his croquettes, shaking his head at the strange assumption. Did he really look like he was out to kill innocent people? .. Using sweets, at that? Besides, what's with the fact that he hadn't eaten in days? Weird.

Once the plate was taken, his hand moved to his hip. "Yeah, I made 'em... I just made a bit too many. If you seriously think they'll kill you though, I'll find someone else to take them."

the secret ingredient .

“My mother always told me never to take food from strangers, and a stranger once told me that swearing they contain no poison means only they are a fashioned poison that kill a man slowly so that he may never suspect it was the food a stranger had given him.”

Well that seemed oddly specific. Elijah stared at the plate with a skeptic look on his face, but he took the plate from his hands anyway.

“But these look quite delicious and I have not eaten in days now. So I suppose a poison is the least of my problems. Did you make these, sir?” Elijah continued to stare at the chocolate croquettes, unsure whether to eat them because he really did not have much to lose, or to feed them to someone else. (If these were poisoned, oh what fun he could have with a few faculty..)

[tenshoukou-blog]

"..It's called a joke." The male responded monotonously, trying not to take the comment too personally. He tried not to blame others when people questioned his character considering some of the things he'd done-- but when a complete stranger already thinks he's a villain, it's hard not to.

"Queen of Hearts? Wait... 'Madam'--?"

"Hey, look; I think we've got a misunderstanding here. I'm male."

Wasn't the low cut shirt enough for people to see that he clearly has a masculine physique--!? Not to mention his voice. Damn it, was this guy trying to push his buttons? Distracted by the insult, the former knight forgets to introduce himself in return.

the secret ingredient .

Hatter looks down at the tray of sweets, puzzled.

“Why would you even mention poison if they weren’t? Is that a normal occurrence in this school?

Sweet sabotage?”

He considers the croquettes, leaning in close and sniffing them.

“Well they certainly seem more tasty than the Queen of Heart’s tarts. I’ll accept them, madam! I’ll accept and hopefully enjoy them!”

With that, he takes one off the tray and puts the rest in his hat. Speaking of introductions, he’s yet to perform that act!

“I am Hatter! Pleasure, miss!”

[tenshoukou-blog]

the secret ingredient .

Yuri was not impressed.

The food here was seriously suffering in both quality and taste, especially for a place that appeared to have so much money and funding. Clearly, whoever ran the academy spent more time throwing up buildings than catering to the palettes of the students and faculty. On top of that, it was nearly impossible to bring any food from 'home' considering the school was completely isolated from other civilizations, which just forced everyone into a deprived, starving corner.

Craving something sweet, the male headed towards an empty home ec. room. Since it was rather late in the afternoon, he figured it was safe to use it. Once he was completely sure that there was no one around, he 'borrowed' a few ingredients, placing them out in front of him one at a time. Then, carefully, he proceeded with his plan; melting the chocolate and butter together before placing it into a large bowl, adding sugar and eggs as he whisked it thoroughly... Luckily, he had been able to find a pastry bag, so it wasn't too hard to keep his area clean.  About an hour passed as he continued, creating the coating with some flour, eggs and corn flakes, heating up some oil to finish them off to a golden brown ...

.. and ultimately he had created some lovely, chocolate croquettes. 

Unfortunately, he had gotten a bit too into it and made way too many; not to mention, he was used to cooking for a large group of people, not just himself. Reluctant to just take them home and waste them-- since freezing them just wouldn't be the same-- the former knight grabbed the plate of fresh croquettes and stepped out the door. Conveniently, there had been someone who was just about to walk by, so he stopped them right in their tracks without really caring who it was.

"--Hey, mind taking these off my hands?"

"I swear they're not poisoned."

[tenshoukou-blog]

w h o o p s

looks like all my threads are dead !

time to be re-active

[tenshoukou-blog]

The fact he was constantly being called 'sir' despite having asked to drop formalities didn't seem to say much about his ability to follow directions. It was probably just a habit though, so it wouldn't be completely fair to hold it against the other boy. It was just that he had sounded so neutral and obedient by repeating the aforementioned word and addressing him so professionally, Yuri was starting to get bored.

It was only when Sousuke shrugged and added his opinion, that the male could confirm he wasn't a mindless robot.

"--Did I just see a personality?"

"Hey, way to go! A+."

Pleased with the outcome of the situation, the teacher grinned lightly. "Alright, since you have combat experience, why don't you tell me your preferred weapons?"

easiest gald ever made . ✓

“Of course I came to learn, sir. My experiences stem from actually combat. Within such conditions, it is a case of reacting and sometimes acting before your opponents can strike.”

“With the knowledge I can gain from your lessons, sir, I will be able to function better in combat, and be a more effective soldier.” He paused, and then shrugged, a rather uncharacteristic action for the mercenary. “And if I may be so frank, sir, the lesson sounded interesting.”