Let's Get Cooking [OPEN]

[twistedempathy]

♥ Who: Will and YOU
♥ Where: Will and Kiwi's house
♥ When: Christmas Day
♥ What: Will is going on a holiday baking spree and wants your help! (And also to feed you. Please eat.) It's also a last minute birthday party for Kiwi, because someone didn't mention it to anyone.
♥ Rating: Should be nothing but cute unless something unexpected happens! Assume PG-13 to be safe.


1. An Open Invitation! [Network Post - Video, Public]
[Where on earth did Will get a chef's hat? The world may never know. Regardless, he's wearing it and a cute apron, and looking immensely pleased with himself as the video turns on.]

Hi, everyone! Now that the ingredients we're getting out of the replicators are looking so much better, I thought I'd try my hand at doing some baking again and see if my recipes would come out the way they're supposed to. Who wants to come help?

Taste testing is an important way to help too, of course! Hehehe~ ♥ Anyone who wants to drop by, come whenever you can!


2. Secret Santa [Network Post - Video, locked to everyone EXCEPT Kiwi]
[The video seems to be over for a moment--until it clicks back on, this time in a slightly more private setting. Will's beaming smile has turned into a conspiratorial grin, and his voice is a little quieter to make sure he's not overheard.]

You all should also know it's Kiwi's birthday today, too. I know there's no advance warning, so gifts might not be feasible--I only found out yesterday, myself. But maybe at least give them a hug and some well wishes while you're here? I'm sure it would make them really happy!


3. Let's Get Together [Network Post - Video, locked to Magolor and Crystal Exarch]
[This time, he's just making a separate message entirely. He moves in and out of view of the camera as he putters around the kitchen preparing, but his voice is still easy to hear, at least.]

Exarch, Magolor! Can you both make it over sometime today? I promised I'd take another spin at these poffins months ago, and I promised I'd introduce you two once everybody was done being sick, so now seems like a perfect time to chat.

[Remember how you wanted him to make poffins for his own surprise party, Magolor? Well, hopefully this is almost as good. Especially when you add the fact that he's been hyping you up to another friend!]


4. Food, Glorious Food [Action]
[You want treats? You got treats! Whether you came to help Will cook and bake, to be social in and around the kitchen, or expressly to mooch free food off of him and maybe provide feedback, he's welcoming everyone in with open arms.

Highlights include poffins, Pokéblocks, a birthday cake, anything guests might request or try to whip up themselves..... and curry? He wants to make sure people actually have something substantial to eat alongside all the sweets, okay. His friends have an appalling track record of not taking care of themselves, please let him love you. The improved ingredients seem to have done wonders for his cooking, though--everything is turning out excellent today, and he couldn't be happier to see how well it's all coming together. Hopefully that good mood is infectious~ ♥]


5. Get This Party Started [Action]
[There really wasn't any time to decorate, since Will threw this entire affair together last minute--but that doesn't mean they can't have fun! There's freshly made treats, (including a cake!) there's delicious seasonal drinks, there's probably a handful of presents to be opened.....

And most importantly of all, of course, there's a birthday bard to fuss over and spoil. Enjoy the party! Will is fluttering around playing the gracious host, trying to make sure everyone is happy and comfortable, and socializing with each other well. He's also (but why, though?) put on a colorful cardboard party hat right on top of his chef hat; it's staying on remarkably well.]


6. Wildcard
[Do whatever else you want! Mix, mingle, steal delicious unbaked dough, tease Kiwi over being such a cute birthday bard, etc. etc.]

Comments

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

You can deliver them to my residence and I will provide thorough feedback.

[Someone is taking 'taste testing' as being a favor he's doing for Will a little too far.]

[twistedempathy]

[Will just laughs at that, completely unsurprised. Of course Verstael is thorough in everything he does; he doesn't doubt the man will provide a full review. Still, it's a shame to think he'll miss out on the festivities!]

I can't leave while I'm playing host, but I can bring some by later today. But you know, they are tastiest fresh out of the oven and still hot.....

[Audio]

[original_is_best]

Hmm.

[If only Will could read his mind from afar as it turned. He makes a fair point. Not many preferred food cold. But that meant going out of his way more than he had been planning.]

You will only be baking them at your current residence?

[ action ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Even with the open invitation, Honerva wasn't really one to attend to such offers on her own. Luckily, certain housemates of hers, mostly Lup in particular, had made their intentions known for wanting to stop by and so now she is here, with her cat. Mostly she seems content to observe the gathering and baking, though doesn't seem to try much on her own.

Her cat might decide to meander around cautiously in search of treats for himself, however. Or pets. ]

[twistedempathy]

Oop--sorry, cutie!

[If there's one thing ingrained in Will by now, it's to look before he puts his feet absolutely anywhere. He's had his fair share of tripping over Pokémon that were underfoot, and honestly, Kova looks a little daintier than your average Meowth or Purrloin. He shuffles in place a little so he can turn around, rather than stepping back, smiling down at the cat.]

I bet you're hungry too, huh? That's something we really ought to ask your mom about, first.....

1 ; [Video]

[21kingpuddings]

[Hello, you have one (1) watcher who is intensely interested in what you're selling here.]

What kinda stuff are you making?

[twistedempathy]

[Oh hey, it's the band member! Hi there, come over here and buy what he's selling. His goal today is just to stuff everyone full of sweets, honestly.

Just ignore the fact that you probably haven't heard of some of this stuff.]

I'm definitely going to be working on poffins! Pokéblocks, too. And maybe some kind of cookies, though I haven't made those as often? If you've got a recipe in mind, though, I'm all ears~

5 the party don't start 'til they walk in!

[wannabethehero]

Kiwi had started this day, in an unusual turn of character, wanting to be alone. Not for long, of course, just enough to slip out early without waking their housemate and find an isolated hill where they could sit and watch the sun rise. They came, over time, to not expect anything on this day, with not many friends to celebrate with at home, no father to come home with presents, mother who always wanted to wait for their father. They stopped even telling anyone it was their birthday. And this year is was unusually melancholy. Probably just because they were so far from home, and honestly weren't sure they expected to even be alive by now to see themselves a year older. Whatever the reason, they took the early hours of the morning for a moment of quiet contemplation, then they spent the day as they always did; roaming the town singing and entertaining, enjoying themselves as if nothing happened, and like there wasn't even anything special about this day.

So when Kiwi crooned their familiar "I'm home~" from the doorway, they weren't sure what they were expecting when they surveyed the crowd of people gathered in the dining area. Will was offering some sweets today, right?

"Oh, hi everyone!"

[twistedempathy]

"Kiwi! Welcome home!"

Will broke away from the group to meet Kiwi at the door, swooping in for a hug straight away. Was he a little more excited than usual to see them? Maaaaaaybe. But Kiwi's been out and about all day so far! They hadn't been here to have fun with everyone or try the treats they've all been working so hard on! That meant this little get-together wasn't nearly as special as it could have been.

"Where've you been off to, hmmm~?"

video > action

[begguiling]

[Um, absolutely, this is the best of all worlds. He flips on the video to himself to send a brief response:]

Weeeell, I aaaam a very busy . . . who am I kidding? I'm practically already on my way! Give me ten minutes!

[And he flips off the camera, does some very minimal preparation, and sure enough, ten minutes later there he is knocking at the door.]

It's meeee~! I hear my reputation precedes me!

[twistedempathy]

It sure does! Come in, come in!

[Will beckons energetically, stepping back to let Magolor through.]

I was talking to Exarch a little while ago while everyone was sick, and he was really impressed to hear about how hard you've been working as our ambassador.

audio

[thekingsshield]

Boy oh by! Me, my mouth and my stomach would all be happy to help!

[twistedempathy]

Hehehe~ You, your mouth, and your stomach are all welcome!

lup | ota yo

[necromanswers]

( 4. did someone say b a k i n g )

[Of course Lup comes early. She is absolutely all for this, and the month's been weirdly stressful so she could use the pick-me-up. Plus this is a good opportunity to find out what sort of recipes will be popular in town, especially now that she has a place of her own and a project in the works.

More than that, though, she needs to talk to Will- and find out if she's even welcome. So first she comes alone, giving the door a quiet knock.]


( 5. 1000 party points borrowed from mr. highchurch )

[Assuming the above goes well, Lup will be at the party and mingling, testing out what's been baked and on display, giving... really honest critique, sorry. She's also contributed a few things, most notably a delightful plate of the best melt-in-your-mouth strawberry-and-cream pastry tarts ever. She can also be found taking notes on the most emptied plates and which are left more untouched.]

[twistedempathy]

[There's some barking at the door as Lup knocks, and a Flareon nose pressed against the window, tail a pale cream blur as it wags. Will answers the door moments later, beaming and ushering her in.]

Lup! Glad you could make it~

Guzma | OTA

[yallstupid]

4. CONSUME

[Guzma had no plans to go anywhere or do anything of the partying kind today. But the smell of cooking foods - poffins and pokeblocks especially - made at least two of his Pokemon's heads whip around to sniff the air hungrily. Golisopod and Scizor have earned a day outside their balls (Ariados isn't used to the cold, worse even than Guzma, so she rests in her ball) and wander away from their Trainer as their antennae pick up the scrumptious smells of food wafting from a particular home.

If the door is open, they'll waltz right in, followed by their Trainer trying to hurriedly usher them out and scold them. Scizor is a bit...new to all this, but Golisopod should know better. Though, considering all the homes he's entered back when they were elsewhere, it's become second nature. Friends' homes are just those he can enter into without warning, and that means all homes are friends' homes, clearly.

Please, guests, do not be alarmed by the two human-seized insects that just show up at the home - both of whom look, erm...rather menacing indeed. They're actually friendly! ...ish! Golisopod is, Scizor is a bit steely (forgive the pun), but kind nonetheless.]
---

5. We Like to Party

[Well, guess this may as well happen...

His Pokemon are enjoying the food, clearly, and he's also been invited in for whatever reason. He's not here to help cook, that's for damn sure, and neither is he going to clean up anything. Whoever these people are, he has no idea, and it keeping watch over his Pokemon mostly, not caring to really mingle with anyone, if he can help it. Yes, he will eat, of course, but it's mainly just taking what he needs onto a plate silently and going to eat somewhere in the corner or something.

If spoken to, Guzma will engage, but...he's not a conversationalist. He knows...literally no one here, and it's easy to tell he's looking to escape relatively quickly. Probably pack up some things for his two Pokemon, return them to their balls, and peace out like the introvert he is. Free food is nice and all, but socializing sours the meal considerably...]

[twistedempathy]

[The door is indeed left cracked open, to welcome any guests who choose to drop by; Golisopod and Scizor can effortlessly nudge it open and stroll right in. Will is bringing out a steaming fresh plate of poffins to add to the spread, and stops to stare at their newest visitors--first out of simple surprise, then amazement.

Both of those are incredibly rare Pokémon, after all--and these are absolutely beautiful specimens, as well. Look at the luster of their carapaces and how sharp their claws are! Look at those perky antennae and bright eyes! They're obviously well cared for and tame.]

Well, well, well! I didn't expect we'd be getting such special guests~ ♥ I hope you're hungry!

[Laughing, Will holds the plate out to let the pair take a few poffins--he's not confident those claws can manipulate plates easily enough for either of them to use one, so he doesn't mind playing waiter a bit. Will's own Pokémon are coming out of the woodwork to see these newcomers as well; both Bug-types--and Guzma, once he follows them--will be able to spot a Flareon, Chansey, Hypno, and pair of Xatu scattered around the room.]

5 I just have to torture myself I guess

[wannabethehero]

[Oh. That sure is a familiar face. Guzma might recognize the birthday bard too...though it might take a minute now that they've lost those pesky wings.

Kiwi. Doesn't much feel like being threatened again on their birthday. They're all too eager to shuffle quickly behind something so he doesn't see them. What, no, they're not hiding, they're just sitting here, how are you, boy this cake is good!]

3!

[rewritten_history]

[To watch the messages has been a pleasure enough for him, but to then see something directed at him is a surprise - he expects nothing of anyone in this world, having no leaderly ties to the people here and little and less of the advantages with them that he had of the people on the First, short of his powers used to help protect the city.]

[Having no need for food or drink any longer, he considered placing his notice and stopping by the man's place if only to say hello, if they weren't too crowded. He knew how small those apartments could be, after all! But the message directed to him and to Magolor in particular had his ears perked curiously. It would be impossible by now for him to forget the way Will held him to soothe him while he was sick, and what they had discussed there. Humbling as the experience had been - not that he needed much of it now - he hadn't forgotten.]

That would be perfect, my friend. I would be pleased to visit and offer my tongue's opinions. If I were to bring anything of my own to your gathering, would you prefer something sweet or no?

[twistedempathy]

Feel free to bring whatever you'd like! There won't be any shortage of sweets, and I'm going to try and make at least one savory dish if people want a real meal, too.

Verstael - Action

[original_is_best]

Verstael did just as he said. He spared a small amount of money on some plain dishes. A set fine for a bachelor, with one of each typical dish and utensil that people would use. He didn't concern himself with being festive, wrapping it in some plain brown paper, and headed straight to the party from there.

He entered the party with flair, immediately looking for a table to place the gift on, regarding anyone who happened to approach. He might even be easy to miss at first. In contrast to the decorative Niflheim armor he usually wore, he was only donning a white suit today. Reminiscent of a lab coat, it was sleek and professional, but definitely didn't stand out nearly as much as the dark armor always had. Though, notably, he still wore gloves. They were a simpler pair, not as sturdy as the ones he typically used, but they would suffice for any small matters that might require hand protection.

After that? He went to the table of treats, scanning over them as he tried to identify each. Some were familiar to him - the types of things he might see at home. Others foreign, which brought forth his natural curiosity. He didn't concern himself much with mingling, save for when he noted someone he recognize and offered a simple acknowledgement.

He wouldn't, however, refuse to speak to anyone if they attempted conversation.

[flawed_immortality]

[Seeing Verstael here, given conversations that happened in the previous weeks, sets Cor on edge. He doesn't want to see the man anywhere near Will, never mind in the younger man's home. But Will had made it clear he considered Verstael a friend.

He's not... relaxed exactly but he's trying not to be too tense, canine ears slanted back along his head but one flops out to the side. Not aggressive but not confident either. A clear tell for precisely how uncomfortable he is near the scientist. But he approaches the table Verstael is hovering near, takes a deep breath to steal himself.]

I will get your journals for you.

If you trust me to do so, I mean. From what I've seen of these gods' gifts something from so far in your future might not be attainable.

For Will

[original_is_best]

Oddly, for one who came to someone else' birthday party, Verstael ended up with a gift himself. Perhaps it had been worth it to come. His eyes were fixated on the pages - in some distant way thinking he would have time to read it once he got home, but not waiting int he slightest to get started.

And that was how he nearly bumped right into Will as he was walking. At least he wasn't in the armor. Noticing his error he glanced up, but before he could mention a small 'pardon' he realized who it was. As usual, his expression matched his emotions as he seemingly lit up as if it were a nice surprise.

"Will."

He was already in a particularly good mood, having something new to pore through.

"It would seem this party has been a fruitful one. Have you any freshly baked goods?"

Action: OTA

[flawed_immortality]

[Cor is a little late to the party, having spent much of the morning trying to finish up the project he'd been working on for Kiwi. It's in a small box, wrapped in plain paper that he's done calligraphy on, trying to mimic music notes for some of it, even though he has no idea how to write music. Inside there is a small simple wooden instrument that Cor doesn't even know the name of. It will probably need some fine tuning but the base is there on a slim leather thong, something he remembers seeing some of the Glaives playing.

With the gift deposited on the table with the others Cor is content to meander around, quietly stashing some treats in the armiger for later once he's decided which ones are best. If he happens to still have ears perched on his head most of the evening it's entirely not his fault. Snickerdoodles just taste amazing with the ginger in the lattes.]

[necromanswers]

[Even with the kind of street training she'd gotten in her youth (like, 200 years ago), it's probably difficult to sneak up on Cor, but that doesn't stop Lup from trying. While he's occupied with the food she sends her cat over to park himself in front of the man, paws stretching up to rest on his pant leg as if begging for snacks. And while that's happening, Lup approaches from the rear and reaches up to scritch at his animal ears.

Her approach might come as a surprise, considering how silently evasive things have been since the lunch... incident... but her expression is more normal than expected. Talking with Will helped a lot more than even she could have predicted, turns out.]

Hey there, handsome.