formless | (no subject)

[ Haurchefant tilts his head, trying to think. Aside from the food you shouldn't eat (like the carrots, plums, and pears enjoyed by chocobos), he realizes he doesn't have strong preferences in food or flavors. Except. ]

Stewed meat and vegetables. Plain I know, but I'd be scant to remember the details beyond that it works out... But it's a good meal to share and warm up with comrades. Theres at least something in the pot to make a soldier smile.

[ He can recall enough eveningslike that to think fondly on it. Plus, he hopes it isn't asking for a lot... ]

If it's just the two of us however, I wouldn't balk at good soup with warm bread. 0lease, I was never one to ask for exquisite cuisine like my brothers knew how to.

[Some of those foods are totally edible in this universe. And other...universes. Hmm.

Still, she waits patiently. He has very humble tastes from what it sounds, being that he's dedicated to the cause of being a knight and soldier. That being said, she picked up something, and the quirk of her eyebrow shows that she noticed it. He spoke of his brothers have exquisite cuisine, whether or not their tastes matches is a different story. Is he also of noble stature?]

I enjoy cooking of all kinds, whether it be something so fine, worthy of your brothers. I suppose you're from a family of renown? Even so, I think I have an idea of something for you that would be comforting. Do not worry, the process might be a little time consuming, but it is a humble dish.

[INSERT SUGGESTION OF CLICHE VIETNAMESE DISH HERE THAT INVOLVES NOODLES AND SOUP.]

Blessed with a fine body a perceptive heart! You really are quite a catch to behold my arms, Lady Sen.

[ Currently they are in the spice section. This is the only reason why it's acceptable. ]

House Fortemps is an old family of knights, yes. But it is only correct to say I am a part of the house like fellow knights and servants, so my tastes are allowed to be less refined.

[ The countess never accepted him or forgave Edmont for his transgressions. In a way it was a blessing! Working your way to position of respect is as satisfying as having it passed down as a part of familial responsibility. ]

You've been eyeing that jar of star-shaped seeds; is such a curious-looking spice part of the dish you speak.

[ They're not like regular anise star, but she can inspect them as he holds it out for her. ]

[How do these words just flow out of his mouth. It's worse when that by being in his arms, she could see him up close (because she can't normally she's too short).]

You're much too nice, Haurchefant, I'm not sure if I am worthy of such observations. Lord Haurchefant? [She tried it once. She doesn't normally use such honourifics because of her own status, but she's trying it to see how it flows.]

Well, I find it admirable, either way. Your tastes. I am surrounded by nobility and those of renown myself, so I always find it so refreshing.

[She's made out money herself, man. If only she knew of his past, that someone so optimistic has suffered deeply.

Meanwhile, he's catching on.]

Mmm...it's different to the spice I am used to, but I think it will do. We'll need this for the dish I am going to make for you. [She takes it as he holds it to her.] I'm not sure if you can smell it now. I can, but my sense of smell is heightened in this form.

I didn't know that fish had a stronger sense of smell! What a curious transformation you have undergone.

[ That's news to him... They have noses, even? Well, this one does. I hope Sen realizes that when he takes a sniff of the spice, he dips his head, having to tuck his silvery blue hair behind his hair. ]

Hm... It reminds me of a spiced treat, but without the sweetness. How unusual for a soup, but I would not be surprised that a mature, dignified flavor suits you.

[ Spicy. ]

They do not! But it looks like in this form, I do. Isn't it strange?

[She had thought they didn't smell at all. Also, why are you doing this to her. Does he know that he's attractive because she just did. It's like her personal hell just opened up.]

You will see once you try it, it will be an interesting experience if you have not tried it before. [But it sounded familiar to him, so she wonders...

That's not before she coughs as well.] Are you saying I am like a spice?

[ He does not. At least, he does not realize such little acts are just as effective as his unsubtle words. So Sen's gotta deal with that as a form of hell, because what does it say about her if she's attracted? ]

Would you prefer to compared to a flower, or something sweeter to eat?

[ In FFXIV, star anise is used in steamed fish dishes. And shark fin soup.

Some fun trivia for you as I research Eorzean food. ]

Edited 2019-10-23 06:03 (UTC)

[Unbelievable, not only does she get pushed onto her that she's attracted (DON'T LOOK AT HER) but also he still is dripping with compliments! She wonders if he knows what he says, and if he is aware at all. Because this is a lot of power.

She nearly hides her face closer to his form only because this means he can't see her. Maybe.]

I would prefer for you to describe me as how you see fit.

[His most honest opinion, while she dies. Also holy crap. This is food she can cook.]

[ Hmm
How about "he knows what he's saying, but doesn't expect reciprocation. He's just Like This and it's awful." In a good way. But he'll laugh lightly and lay off the compliments, instead asking with genuine curiosity about whatever they pick up. He has to ask though. ]

Ah, what a productive day! I suppose if we are finished, Lady Sen might want a nice soak for her tired scales?

[ Even if he's been doing all the work as of right now... But he doesn't seem too tired. If anything he's slowed down by the groceries they have to balance, what with a fish in tow since the start. ]

You spare no expense when it comes to culinary endeavors, do you? But I was told money comes easily here if you are... Straightforward? Adaptible... I dare not say the last word used, surely it was a jest.

[ Thank God the H in his Fantasy French name is silent, else people would be wheezing. ]

[Can't believe he expects nothing back when it's so good! Fantasy French people are so powerful! She'll just go kill her brother instead thanks. France can deal with some pain considering that this was probably his fault from across the world.

He's cooling down, so she wonders if she freaked out too much on him, but also if he's getting tired. Frowning, she stares at where her legs would've been, and curses how they look now if only because she's feeling terrible for being a burden to him already.]

I wonder if I am tired at all, or if it is actually you. You're the one who supported my weight all this time. If you like, you can use my room to also do the same. It's styled like a beach resort, you might like it. [Basically, she's down for a soak but first he needs to be tended to, carrying her and her shopping like this.]

I tend to bargain a little more back home, but here transactions are normally final. And...a-ah...y-yes. Money comes from affection. I believe you carrying me like this, we're going to be wealthy today.

[She decided not to mention how it felt good because that's like digging a grave. Also, FUCK HIS NAME.]

[ It's just another day of little fetch quests! With a bit of cargo to carry around. He does pick up that someone so hardworking like Sen is stuck without proper legs... Maybe they should create a market on boats. But anyways! Haurchefant wants to alleviate that perceived burden because he's a good guy. ]

It would be improper to comment on on a young lady's weight! So would the admission of a task I put upon myself being too daunting when it is not. A knight lives to serve.

[ At the very least though, Sen must be pretty dehydrated. ]

Ah, so even this form of contact counts? I expected it had to be more deliberate, like so.

[ Her hand is so small in his... ]

[Think of the EXP and the gil you can get because of this!! Also someone is getting too overly creative with ideas on how to make this work.]

In this case, I truly do not mind. [Because he is working quite hard!] But you are a very fine knight, this I can attest to.

[Actually, she kind of is, only because she didn't have a lot to drink earlier. However, this dude had to go take her hand, didn't he? She couldn't even answer in time when she could see how her hand is in his, smaller, while his is safe and warm.

The feeling of chroma was much more powerful with, as he said, deliberate intention.]

It's...indeed something like this would generate more chroma. And the more intimate, exponentially so.

[ Time to apply what he's learning about moonlacing and Chroma!

Haurchefant picks up Sen's hand and kisses the back of her wrist. Seeming calm and then going straight ahead like that... It's the emote in practice too. Enthusiasm! ]

Right then. That should be plenty enough to cover the purchases.

[ It's not even out of place or all that unwelcome, hopefully? ]

[One can say a lot about his enthusiasm, in that he heads straight on and is honest. Could she say anything when he is so earnest? What she did fluster over is the fact that he did something so charming. And actually very alluring.

She clears her throat, because that jolt of chroma really powered up.]

I...I'm very sure! It would! [It's so sudden, and she didn't know how to react. She probably hasn't stopped blushing for a while.] Thank you, Haurchefant, I'm not sure how I can repay you.

Take your time, it would be cruel to demand even the consideration of repayment when you are in a precarious state right now?

[ And whose fault is that, a red moon or a blue Fantasy French man?

The payment and trip back to her office goes without incident, thankfully, and Haurchefant sets Vietnam down not in her office chair but the kitchen counter. Enjoy the feeling of being a cold fish... But he has his reasons! That being that grocery need to be organized. ]

Right, I think I wanted ask for a job! While I don't believe today was a proper way to express my interest or abilities, I should probably ask first if you are able to hire another?

I could take my time, but you still deserve so much more than that.

[IT'S HIS FAULT, he even is affecting her aggression and impatience more than usual in that some of it has been calmed down.

She's placed on the cold counter after they return, but it's not bad. The water is cold! So cold fish she is. And she then watches as he puts things away, while she takes them all out of the bags.]

I think you've proved yourself enough, no? Today, you went out of your way for me. So you don't even need to ask any further. Let's work together.

Splendid!

[ All that needs to be said on that. ]

I can get you some water now, if you need it. If your transformation is a constant, I would hope you something larger than a fish tank to rest in?

[Frankly, she can't wait to work with him.

And even then, he didn't even discuss anything further about the terms of employment. Instead, he's back to fussing over her.]

Oh! It would be nice, but you need not worry. I do have a bathtub that could be used, but I was thinking that you should. [Because he worked hard. BECAUSE HE WORKED HARD.]

Is it big enough for two?

[ FFFF— ]

We'll be arguing over this and who would go first otherwise.

[......She opens her mouth, because actually, he's right. This would be a point of debate. They're both gracious enough to try to force the other in.

But he must be joking, right? Surely he's joking.]

It...it is. Even with someone of your stature and the fact that my tail makes me longer than usual.

[ Get dunked, Sen. ]

Worry not, I shan't push you towards something you're uncomfortable with. That is a bold suggestion for a man to make, after all.

[ He puts his hand to his chin thoughtfully. ]

You go first, and I'm the one who will bring you to it. Dried fish is good during an emergency, but it isn't quite as appetizing as something fresh and cooked nicely.

[Literally, she's a fish, and that's a body of water.]

You...you were actually serious! [And she sputters and her cheeks are extremely red and she'd probably fall off this counter by now if it wasn't for the fact that as a Sanguis, she's much more forward. In which a problem follows:]

It is not that I am uncomfortable, one does not usually get propositioned by such a handsome man that I am at a lost for words.

[...Hold on, she said a lot.]

Please ignore me!

[Maybe she should just roll herself off the counter.] If you bring me to the bath, please submerge my head so that I no longer breathe. You can drown this fish, she is no longer fresh.

[She panicked, and now words are just flowing out.]

[ Lady Sen... You are a fish. You can't drown that way.

But that is a lot of words for a simple Elezen man. A normal individual would probably be left at a loss for words at som many word being thrown at them like that, maybe even back off?

But. She said she wasn't uncomfortable at the moment, so he'll strip off the chain mail to just the tunic and pick her up again, this time holding her a bit closer. ]

Please strive to live, Lady Sen. It's too soon to declare yourself unfit for satisfying another's appetite.

[ She's a freeze-dried mermaid right now, so she hasn't been spoiled just yet. Just treated with a kindness that thankfully hasn't ruined her if she reacts like that. ]

[It's true. She's a fish and she can't really die.

In any case, her terrible habit of letting her mouth run off because her foot is shoved to deep into it just occurred. If he decides that she's too strange, she wouldn't even blame him. Because she is. And at this moment? She's stranger yet.

And yet, all he does is treat her with patience and kindness, befitting a saint. He no longer wears his chainmail, so when he lifts her once more, she feels, simply, his warmth.

A freeze-dried mermaid could thaw this way. Her fingers clutch onto his tunic, and she hides her face.]

I apologise deeply, Haurchefant, for my outburst. Perhaps I burn too much to be consumed, as Sanguis. And yet all you do is treat me kindly. I do not deserve such patience right now.

[ Haurchefant shakes his head, looking quite serious despite the kindness in his gestures and voice. ]

I see no reason to withhold my patience. You are a good soul beneath these scales, and someone wont for respect.

[ Into the tub Sen goes, while he sits at the edge. ]

Now, what was that about Sanguis? If it affects your sense of heat, I would hope the the water is not uncomfortable for you.