[ A certain discovery reaching his ears as well leads Alice to seek Helena out again as he did almost a month ago. Like last time, he makes his way to her dorm room door. Like last time, he knocks before stepping back to wait. This time, however, he announces himself aloud prior to receiving any confirmation that Helena is in the room — it's entirely possible that she isn't there as much, if the weeks have eased her pain somewhat, enough for her to face each day in this school, but it's worth a try. ]
Helena? Are you available?
[ In front of the door, Alice glances left and right and over his shoulder, as if there might be someone watching. If Helena isn't there, he supposes he could simply stay nearby until she returns, or wander around and come back, unless they come across each other elsewhere. ]
[this time, when she answers the door, it's a far different experience. she's back to health, back with a smile on her face - she's gotten back in the flow of classes, of doing things, going outside. the door opens fully, and a glance behind her shows that she was simply doing homework at the desk.]
[ It's good to see Helena like this, Alice finds — he's reminded of meeting her in that field, the peace there. There's no curious little sparrow in the room, keeping her company while she works, but she seems content. The matter on his mind could be considered fairly urgent, so it's a relief that his visit isn't poorly timed. ]
Greetings, Helena... As you may know, the second of April is... a certain individual's birthday. [ There! No names were mentioned. ] I suppose it's widespread knowledge now, and a number of people intend to celebrate it, but not everyone is accustomed to large gatherings...
[ Well, he shouldn't assume. For all he knows, Shin Tsukimi can no longer be described as a loner — maybe he's secretly a social butterfly at heart, none of it rusted over from disuse, and he has plainly made many friends eager to spend the day with him.
And yet... ]
Er... In any case, obviously only he can speak for himself, but the two of you must have plans of your own as well, right? So perhaps it would be fun... to make soup.
[ It's not the most original idea, but surely there can never be enough soup, in the eyes of a soup aficionado! ]
[she nods at his mention of the birthday, but listens carefully. the entire digital posting had seemed to be rather much, especially given what she knows about Shin and what he might actually like. so the idea of making soup? Helena beams, clasping her hands before herself.]
It would be! And I'm sure he'd appreciate the gesture, so long as we give it to him quietly. I was thinking about a cake, so why don't we make both, and give them to him - like a surprise dinner?
[ Helena's reaction is a confidence boost, too, and taking their collaboration further is exciting. It's the sort of thing that Alice recalls from a long time ago, treasured moments, though he can't predict the exact reception today. Signs that their plans have gone over well would be the ideal outcome.
Of course, he hasn't forgotten that Sara Chidouin spoke of Shin Tsukimi's difficulties handling anything too challenging for his stomach. His plight is believable, and unfortunate — it's not the discomfort of overindulging, so the only way to prevent it must be to avoid everything that could be deemed heavy.
But it seems that Helena has thought of a solution! Alice utters a sound of amazement. ]
So there are ways for Sh—... f-for him... to enjoy cake and soup! A recipe that produces something light enough that even his cruel stomach can't reject!
Yes! I know a recipe that isn't rich but is no less delicious for it, and I'm sure he will love whatever soup you create for him, so long as it isn't too spicy.
[ Fortunately, Helena can't see him wilt a little — it's not as if he has an expansive repertoire of soup knowledge to select the perfect birthday soup from... Whatever soup, truly? Even though someone who loves soup in particular probably has exacting soup standards?! ]
Spicy soup... Oh, such as Korean recipes? Well, I don't wish to set his tongue on fire, either... I'm also only familiar with miso soup and corn potage and the like. I've eaten some different kinds of soup myself before, but our options depend on the ingredients available here, don't they? However, I'm ready to begin immediately!
[ After all, it sounds like they'll need the time for their preparations to succeed... ]
As long as you don't need anything quite specialized, the kitchen tends to have most of what you'd wish. Whoever sets up the grocery lists is quite good with that...we'll be relying on your recipe for the soup, after all.
[this is going to be hopefully easier done than said.]
[ If he were Shin Tsukimi, what kind of soup would he choose to eat on his birthday? A trusty favorite? Something special? The former would be comforting, but the latter might feel like a treat...
Then there's the problem that normally, Alice himself wouldn't think to eat nothing but soup — that's for lying bundled up in bed after falling ill! Contemplating the topic thoroughly, he has to admit that while he can in fact be trusted in the kitchen, able to cook and bake by following instructions, he can't pretend to be an expert who could make anything whatsoever as he pleases. The basics were part and parcel of helping his mother with chores as a child, so he had a foundation to build on, but to tell the truth, the process itself usually isn't much fun until the very end...
It could be different, novel and appealing, to witness others appreciate tasting dishes prepared by his hand. It's vital to get it right! ]
Have you any recommendations, by any chance...? You appear to be skilled.
[ He'll never forget the fried rice, especially! ]
It isn't flattery, you know! You were kind to share your cooking, and it was delicious...
[ His appetite isn't anyone's responsibility — Helena could have been someone to keep the hard-won fruits of her labor to herself, and if others were forced to eat sandwiches for every single meal, then so be it. And she's kind to share her knowledge now. All this time, he'd believed that there was some secret to the groceries... ]
Ah! [ Upon hearing Helena's idea, Alice brings his hands together. ] I'm sure it's possible, enhancing the flavor! Let us try it!
[don't think too hard on the groceries, Alice, or we'll open up a space time rip where we have to answer things that the mods didn't look at too closely.]
Yes! One moment!
[she scurries back to where she's been doing homework, putting it all back together and stacking it on the desk - that way she'll know exactly where it is later - and then coming out to join Alice. lightly, she lays her hand on his arm to walk with him towards the kitchen, since she knows the layout well enough of the dorms by now that she doesn't always need the cane, but this will make sure she doesn't trip should someone have pulled in another coffin or something.]
[ One moment is long enough for Alice to feel foolish indeed for overthinking the kitchen's supplies. If anyone can use them freely, perhaps he could and should do the same... Others may have been kind, but it wouldn't be right to take advantage of that generosity on a regular basis.
For now, he walks beside Helena with care, down the hallway towards the common room, crossing its slightly less cluttered space to reach the kitchen. It's a brief journey, but he sweeps a look around — it wouldn't do if they were discovered in the middle of their planned surprise! But there are no scarves and no beanies in sight. The coast is clear.
Even so, stopping outside the nearest door to the kitchen to let Helena through ahead of him, Alice speaks in a whisper. ]
We won't be caught prematurely... I don't see him anywhere.
I don't hear his footsteps, either. It means we have the advantage of surprise in this.
[going in the kitchen, she trails her fingers along the cabinets, stopping before the ones they'll need to get down bowls and such.]
Now, Alice, I'm going to ask you some difficult questions to try and get this right. Describe to me the taste of your corn potage. As is, not with any additions.
[ Incredible... Helena can recognize people by the sound of their footsteps?! Pausing in awe while the young woman busies herself with the cabinets, Alice takes a moment to ponder the notion and decide that it does stand to reason that there are differences to note and memorize. Shin Tsukimi's footfalls must have their unique traits, and the same applies to him, and others. He'd like to ask Helena about it, curious to learn what would signal to her that either one of them is approaching, but they have something else to address first.
The taste of corn potage... Alice readies himself to fetch their needed equipment, thinking. How much detail should he include? ]
It's... both sweet and savory, as well as creamy. The texture should be smooth.
[ Concentrating on describing it properly is beginning to make him hungry... ]
[ Oh! Helena's approach considers how to feed one's soul — there's more to identify than physical sensations such as tasting the flavor of the soup or feeling satisfying fullness after a filling meal, and so on. Giving the questions some thought, Alice leans against the counter behind him. ]
I see... In that case, I would describe it as comforting. Eating it, one feels cozy, like wrapping yourself in a blanket, or sitting around a kotatsu in winter.
[ Since Shin Tsukimi must feel the cold easily, judging by the many layers he tends to wear, capturing the essence of good soup to nourish the soul is an important objective! ]
When whoever eats it finishes a bowl, they should look forward to having it again.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
in time for 4/2
Helena? Are you available?
[ In front of the door, Alice glances left and right and over his shoulder, as if there might be someone watching. If Helena isn't there, he supposes he could simply stay nearby until she returns, or wander around and come back, unless they come across each other elsewhere. ]
no subject
[this time, when she answers the door, it's a far different experience. she's back to health, back with a smile on her face - she's gotten back in the flow of classes, of doing things, going outside. the door opens fully, and a glance behind her shows that she was simply doing homework at the desk.]
Alice! What's on your mind today?
no subject
Greetings, Helena... As you may know, the second of April is... a certain individual's birthday. [ There! No names were mentioned. ] I suppose it's widespread knowledge now, and a number of people intend to celebrate it, but not everyone is accustomed to large gatherings...
[ Well, he shouldn't assume. For all he knows, Shin Tsukimi can no longer be described as a loner — maybe he's secretly a social butterfly at heart, none of it rusted over from disuse, and he has plainly made many friends eager to spend the day with him.
And yet... ]
Er... In any case, obviously only he can speak for himself, but the two of you must have plans of your own as well, right? So perhaps it would be fun... to make soup.
[ It's not the most original idea, but surely there can never be enough soup, in the eyes of a soup aficionado! ]
no subject
It would be! And I'm sure he'd appreciate the gesture, so long as we give it to him quietly. I was thinking about a cake, so why don't we make both, and give them to him - like a surprise dinner?
no subject
Of course, he hasn't forgotten that Sara Chidouin spoke of Shin Tsukimi's difficulties handling anything too challenging for his stomach. His plight is believable, and unfortunate — it's not the discomfort of overindulging, so the only way to prevent it must be to avoid everything that could be deemed heavy.
But it seems that Helena has thought of a solution! Alice utters a sound of amazement. ]
So there are ways for Sh—... f-for him... to enjoy cake and soup! A recipe that produces something light enough that even his cruel stomach can't reject!
no subject
[she can handle spice, Shin cannot.]
When do you want to begin?
no subject
Spicy soup... Oh, such as Korean recipes? Well, I don't wish to set his tongue on fire, either... I'm also only familiar with miso soup and corn potage and the like. I've eaten some different kinds of soup myself before, but our options depend on the ingredients available here, don't they? However, I'm ready to begin immediately!
[ After all, it sounds like they'll need the time for their preparations to succeed... ]
no subject
[this is going to be hopefully easier done than said.]
no subject
[ If he were Shin Tsukimi, what kind of soup would he choose to eat on his birthday? A trusty favorite? Something special? The former would be comforting, but the latter might feel like a treat...
Then there's the problem that normally, Alice himself wouldn't think to eat nothing but soup — that's for lying bundled up in bed after falling ill! Contemplating the topic thoroughly, he has to admit that while he can in fact be trusted in the kitchen, able to cook and bake by following instructions, he can't pretend to be an expert who could make anything whatsoever as he pleases. The basics were part and parcel of helping his mother with chores as a child, so he had a foundation to build on, but to tell the truth, the process itself usually isn't much fun until the very end...
It could be different, novel and appealing, to witness others appreciate tasting dishes prepared by his hand. It's vital to get it right! ]
Have you any recommendations, by any chance...? You appear to be skilled.
[ He'll never forget the fried rice, especially! ]
no subject
[the rice had been difficult, but she had enlisted help for it. help that was no longer available - so she hadn't tried again past that.]
Hmm...do you think we could find a way to put miso in the corn potage? It'd need something to make it work, but...
no subject
[ His appetite isn't anyone's responsibility — Helena could have been someone to keep the hard-won fruits of her labor to herself, and if others were forced to eat sandwiches for every single meal, then so be it. And she's kind to share her knowledge now. All this time, he'd believed that there was some secret to the groceries... ]
Ah! [ Upon hearing Helena's idea, Alice brings his hands together. ] I'm sure it's possible, enhancing the flavor! Let us try it!
no subject
Yes! One moment!
[she scurries back to where she's been doing homework, putting it all back together and stacking it on the desk - that way she'll know exactly where it is later - and then coming out to join Alice. lightly, she lays her hand on his arm to walk with him towards the kitchen, since she knows the layout well enough of the dorms by now that she doesn't always need the cane, but this will make sure she doesn't trip should someone have pulled in another coffin or something.]
no subject
For now, he walks beside Helena with care, down the hallway towards the common room, crossing its slightly less cluttered space to reach the kitchen. It's a brief journey, but he sweeps a look around — it wouldn't do if they were discovered in the middle of their planned surprise! But there are no scarves and no beanies in sight. The coast is clear.
Even so, stopping outside the nearest door to the kitchen to let Helena through ahead of him, Alice speaks in a whisper. ]
We won't be caught prematurely... I don't see him anywhere.
no subject
[going in the kitchen, she trails her fingers along the cabinets, stopping before the ones they'll need to get down bowls and such.]
Now, Alice, I'm going to ask you some difficult questions to try and get this right. Describe to me the taste of your corn potage. As is, not with any additions.
no subject
The taste of corn potage... Alice readies himself to fetch their needed equipment, thinking. How much detail should he include? ]
It's... both sweet and savory, as well as creamy. The texture should be smooth.
[ Concentrating on describing it properly is beginning to make him hungry... ]
no subject
[they can't just add miso and hope for the best. it has to balance the best of both.]
no subject
I see... In that case, I would describe it as comforting. Eating it, one feels cozy, like wrapping yourself in a blanket, or sitting around a kotatsu in winter.
[ Since Shin Tsukimi must feel the cold easily, judging by the many layers he tends to wear, capturing the essence of good soup to nourish the soul is an important objective! ]
When whoever eats it finishes a bowl, they should look forward to having it again.