Really? Hythlodaeus had only ever been kind to me whenever I spoke to him. Though he wouldn't remember me, I'm sure. Either way, i never considered him that much of a mystery
You still like to spoil with your tea parties, I see Well I've some news for you, i come bearing a treat this time
I am aware i don't need to now let someone be kind to you already, hm?
[ANYWAY.
Obsidian comes in, wearing his crafting gear. He'd finally gotten his hands on some clothesmaking gear so he replace the bloody horrible outfit he'd been shoved into when he first arrived not long ago.
[ SIGH. He's right and Byleth really ought to take that advice. When the door opens and Obsidian greets him, Byleth is holding a pie with oven mitts. ]
Welcome, Obsidian. Aha- it seems you have brought something tasty. I can't wait to try it. What is it if I may ask?
[A WHOLE PIE. Gods, Obsidian couldn't make that one without some help, but the Last Stand had been kind enough to help teach him and Puddingway how to make... well, a pudding.
He decides to put it down at the table, since Byleth's hands are occupied.]
Carrot pudding. A friend and I learned this not long ago. I don't know many real recipes, but I know this one.
[The glance isn't that subtle. If they weren't friends, it might be something that'd annoy and upset Obsidian, make him become defensive, but... well, fortunately, they crossed that bridge sometime ago.
Instead, he smiles crookedly, aiming to tease Byleth.]
Carrot? Hm. Not a flavor I would expect in a pudding but I'll try anything. I'm excited to try it- I imagine it would be similar in flavor to a carrot cake?
[ He remembers the kind of tea Obsidian liked before, and he has it prepared. Setting down the pie on the table he finishes setting things up for them before the comment earns a little exhale of amusement. ]
Ahhhh... I apologize. I did not mean to be unseemly at all. It's just- mmm. I have no excuse.
The scent of the familiar tea earns a fond smile on Obsidian's face. Tataru's blends are special, but so are Byleth's with the variety he keeps for all those he cares for. Obsidian does try his best for his friends, but Byleth always has to take it a step further. It's very sweet.
An amused snort escapes Obsidian.]
You've naught to apologize for. If I hated it, I'd let you know. Loudly. [He might not be the sharpest sword in the armory, but Obsidian knows that his chest is well developed and, often, attention grabbing, for better or for worse. Even if he's not trying to be lewd, exactly.
But fortunately, he doesn't mind with Byleth.]
Though maybe you could help loosen this tie for me. [Take it as an invitation, Byleth.]
Ah, well fair enough. I do try to afford everyone where the dignity they deserve though. We have very little from our captors as it is.
[ That said, he won't turn down that invitation, and he very gingerly pulls the tie loose with his fingers, redoing it when he's given enough space for it. ]
You're trying to tempt me now, aren't you? Wicked as ever. Not that I'm complaining.
[If it isn't direct, Obsidian gets lost as all hells. Thankfully, Byleth has always been an easy man to understand, which made it easy for them to bond before, and hopefully all over again.
But they're both in agreement: it's food time, baby. Ain't no wasting that!]
So what kind of pie did you bake today, my friend? [Obsidian settles into his seat.] Or is it a surprise?
Strawberry rhubarb. Fresh from the garden. It's a new recipe I'm trying so your honest opinion would be valued.
[ It's no wonder he and Obsidian had been fast friends from the get-go. They tend toward a lot of similar habits. Byleth pours the both a cup and a slice of pie. ]
I'm sure it'll be delicious, but my feedback you shall have.
[There are so few things that Obsidian won't eat, honestly. Though admittedly the Archon loaf was a curious taste to try to work through. Exquisitely awful.
As for the pudding, he nudges the delicate plate toward Byleth.]
By all means. I made it for you, after all. And I'm far from the chef you are, so you'll have to tell me if it's passable.
[In Obsidian's case, he's taking a bite of the pie without any hesitation and quite the mouthful at that. It's as sweet as he hoped, with just the slightest hint of tartness to keep it from being too overwhelming. Though really he'd be happy with anything, but this in particular is quite the treat. It's very well balanced, and perfect to match with tea.
Byleth, as usual, is absolutely nailing his cooking. Good to know that hasn't changed.]
[ Byleth needs no more prompting to try the pudding, and try it he does. It's definitely not a flavor one would expect in a pudding. Like taking a drink expecting water and getting lemonade or something.
Still- it works. Oddly. A nice balance of sweet carrot flavor with some mild spices. He raises his eyebrows in muted surprise and takes a few more bites. ]
Oh this is unusual. It's good though. Just... unusually good. I quite like this. I may have to ask for the recipe if it's not a secret.
[ He's glad to see his friend enjoying the pie, too. Between the two of them, they'll probably polish all of it off before long. ]
Not in the least. If anything, I'll bet you could make improvements on it.
[But he'll worry about that recipe for another time. For now, Obsidian is set on cleaning his plate off and emptying his cup of the delicious blend of tea made for him. It's a black tea, Obsidian thinks, but for all of his time spent in Ishgard he has no idea about propriety or knowing the difference other than flavor. So he just trusts Byleth to know what he likes, which he does.
He lets out a satisfied sigh when he's finished.]
I'd have to say my verdict is terribly delicious. I wager your other friends will enjoy it.
[As Obsidian stands up, he's reaching out to scoop Byleth into his arms suddenly, lifting up the other man bridal style as if he weighed little more than a couple of grapes. The viera smiles crookedly at him.]
I think this is better, personally.
[LAY YOUR WEARY HEAD UPON HIS BOSOM, BYLETH.
Anyway, he'll just carry the Mercenary-Pope-God up the stairs.]
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