songerein | [08] i'm 'bout to celebrate, push my head into the cake

[ So he gets along well with Tifa? Susato would have to confirm that, though she's not sure she would like being referred to as king. Besides, Tifa is not the one he would have to worry about. ]

Royalty or not, Kazuma will still have to approve. You'll have to stay in his good graces as well. [ Or at least, show that he's not a threat. To 76, Susato, or Reverein as a whole. ]

Tifa? Yeah, she's our bartender. Been teaching her a few recipes for off-the-clock use.

[He was teaching her some cookie recipes, and how to prep to make those cookie doughs, along with ice cream. When you made boozey shakes and floats it didn't hurt to know that to make it for fun off the clock. Jack remembered all of the fun Reaper had during that festival, however. He'd listened to him during some of their more idle... chatter?

Something like that.

Arms folded a little more comfortable just under his chest, stance finally reaching more relaxed than a loose parade-rest.]

Susato is right though, Kazuma is the final say on anything to do with the Wild Harvest.

[His head tipped a bit towards Reaper, a shift on his foot as he moved a little to the side and there was a brief bump of shoulders with the man as he took up to form a half-circle with how the three of them were standing.

Easier to look at each other, only reason. Right?]

[Of course it would come down to Kazuma. The kid would definitely not approve of him, and he had no interest in pulling his punches with him either. So, he was fine remaining to the shadows then.

If he was in Kazuma's position, he'd definitely make life hell for him. Reaper was a vengeful asshole though.]

So it will be as his Royal Highness, Prince Kazuma, decrees.

[He spoke in a sort of disinterested way, even waving a hand lightly to dismiss the topic as over and done with. He had already decided he was going to lurk about, and Kazuma could sniff and snarl about it all the kid liked. If he had to pull the 'boyfriend' card, he would. Desperate times and all that.

He felt the light bump and moved to cover the antics by crossing his arms so that it looked like they had just shifted position to accommodate one another in this new half circle.]

And where is the Royal Pain anyway? I'm surprised his Reaper-dar hasn't pinged him to be present.

...Hah. [ As she looks between the two of them, she can definitely sense something has changed. It's an innocent enough gesture, that touch of the shoulder, but it makes her feel othered, even though she'd also been a part of that half-circle. Even though this is her kitchen, too.

She takes a step back, then glances towards the kitchen door. Might have been holding back a small smile at the idea of a princely Kazuma. He totally deserved a win, too. ]

I believe he saw him go out with Fang for a bit of exercise, when he thought I was still sleeping.

[ ...... ]

...Reaper...dar?

He'll be out a while then knowing Fang- she and Blue can play pretty hard whenever she follows me this way.

[76 was still acting as if there was nothing unusual going on, despite how much more relaxed -even if subtly- he was with Reaper's presence. Not more on edge, some alertness as if ready to jump for some move the other made.

None of that was as present as it would usually be.

His head tipped a bit.]

As if having a second sense, being able to just feel that Reaper was here. Play on radar.

Well then, since we can't put the matter at his Royal Pain-in-the-Ass's feet, I believe you two were here in the kitchen on business.

[He looked to Susato first, since she had been in the kitchen first baking and decorating away the early morning hours. Perhaps she had other matters to attend to or perhaps she was going to stick around now that 76 was here.]

Are you planning on doing kitchen prep together? I could be convinced to lend a hand if so.

[A weird group activity. Besides, it let him see how 76 and Susato interacted with each other.]

[ Sure is great that Jack is around to explain jokes. Not that Susato fully understands yet still, but she makes a mental note to either look up or ask him in private what radar is, later.

She is still looking back and forth between him and Reaper, ignoring the latter's jab at Kazuma. ]

Well... We often help each other in the kitchen, yes. But I can't help but feel as if I've interrupted something, even though you were the ones who joined me.

Is the reason I usually turn up early here- get some of the early prep done, and Susato always slides in once she's down here.

[A tone that it was welcomed, as if she'd been there the entire time with how they'd gotten used to working in the kitchen together. Some dishes just needed that early prep time to get a jump on the day, rather than it becoming something to be worried about for some of the quick sales.

The cookies would no doubt be one of those—]

Nah, you're fine, kid.

[Couldn't interrupt what hadn't started yet—]

[At her comment about interrupting, he finally turned his head where he could observe Jack from behind his mask. He made a noise in his throat then shrugged, brushing off the idea with a sort of indifference.]

Then you should stay. The old man seems to want your company for prep.

[It might put a damper on original plans, but they were adaptable. This was an inevitability that they would have to deal with at one time or another, and she was given a pass far more than most.]

I'd like to see your recipe for the cookies anyway.

[ They always seem to appreciate each other's quiet company. There's a glance at Jack, the "old man," at his mention, but her head turns back around to Reaper quickly enough. ]

You would?

[ So far, she knows that he's great with needle and thread. Now she's learning he's a chocolate cookie enthusiast. What a dad. ]

...Hm, I don't know, Jack. Should we share our secrets? Perhaps we should make him earn it.

[A hand lifted so he could finally take off the visor, and unhook the part that it connected wit as well. Left him smoothing his beard own with a hand while he let the visor and 'head' piece drop into a shadow he conjured up. Could grab it from anywhere as needed with that.

Was also a brief flick of blue eyes Reaper's way and a slight tilt of his head. They could take some time after, he could put something to a different time after all.]

Maybe we should have him learn it hands on. No secret has to be spoken, and it's a well earned way as well, unless you've something else in mind, Susato.

[Reaper shifted his attention to Susato to avoid having to stare at that ridiculously attractive beard. He was used to it, but sometimes, he knew better than to look. He couldn't yet risk the urge to reach out and touch it, though he was pleased to see it so well trimmed. You're welcome.]

Are you telling me that I have to bake to earn a recipe? I was willing to do a recipe exchange, but I suppose this is the next best thing.

[He was growling it like the whole bargain was difficult to swallow. It wasn't. He wanted her recipe more than he wanted to grump about watching.]

[ Nothing has to be spoken...

Hmm. There's a beat as Susato naturally gravitates to a nearby shelf, reaching for a notebook that she keeps here in the kitchen, just for the occasion. Inside there are multiple doodles of Toby, from back when she was designing the Lestrade Chocolate Special cupcake, and also notes from the current recipe in question, which also contains their multiple attempts before they settled on something they liked. ]

I could show you. But now I am curious as to what recipes you have to offer. What other delicacies do you favour besides chocolate chip cookies, I wonder?

[76 was removing his gloves as well, giving them the same treatment as his visor and headgear. Moving then just a few steps away as he shrugged out of his jacket to reach through a shadow 'drawn' in the air and drop through it into his private room at the Harvest. Would find it later rested over the back of the bench-like couch there.

Idly he smoothed down the hugging short-sleeved shirt, grabbing his apron to pull on and tie at his back. Easily going through the motions of starting off his day in the kitchen-]

Maybe you should offer the secret of your churros and the dip that goes with it, Reaper.

[Idly spoken, even as he cut Reyes a brief look. Sweets for sweets?]

[He remained stiffly standing there in the big kitchen, as if trying to stand his ground against this negotiation and pretending to fail at it. He growled as Susato like her question was uncomfortably invasive, perfectly willing to make a show of it.

Then his head snapped around and his posture changed to offended as he pointed a finger at 76 who had recently lost more than a few articles of clothing. Damn old man.]

No. That's a family recipe, and as much as I like cookies, churros is worth far more than cookies. [By 'like' cookies, he actually means 'loves'.]

Sacrifices had to be made in order stick around here and get that recipe. His outfit was definitely not designed to cook in, and he supposed he could trust Susato with just a peak at himself as his gloves and bracers turned to smoke. Much like 76, his hands and fingers were blackened, but unlike 76's, his looked far more unnatural like his skin was necrotic.]

Move aside. I'll show you Huevos rancheros and you'll like it or else.

[ Rude! "You'll like it or else" is totally her threat. ...But you know, maybe can understand the value behind a family recipe. She would have to earn that one, but for now, she'll look at Jack before taking those few precious steps back and giving Reaper the floor--or the counter. Conveniently, she already has a place to take notes, so all she has to do is turn to a fresh page. ]

Huevos rancheros...

[ Spanish? Did she even spell that right? ...She squints at her scribbles, and decides that's good enough.

Let's see... ingredients first, right? ]

Eggs?

Right, right.

[Oh, he knew it was a family recipe; adding the right sort of point where Reaper could keep up this little show and keep the attitude going while 76 rolled his eyes and played right along. Even if here and there he was setting out the pan that would be needed well within reach for Reaper to use as he moved.]

Floor's yours, old man.

[76 could keep himself out of the while while still getting a few things set out and at the ready- without being obvious about it.]

[Without waiting for anyone to agree, Reaper bustled off to search for ingredients while Susato began to ask questions. He knew 76 would be tolerant of him taking over, even if this was technically their kitchen to utilize. He'd commandeered for less honestly.]

Yes, eggs. This recipe fries eggs, but you can also scramble them and that's called Huevos a la Mexicana. First we need to make salsa.

[He came out with an onion, tomatoes, cooking oil, chilies and set them out on the counter. He pointed at Jack with a blackened finger.] Do you have chili powder or cumin any kind?

[He began to chop up the tomatoes with skilled fingers of someone who had been working around a knife for a very long time and was perfectly comfortable talking and cooking at the same time.]

And how old are you turning this month, old man? [He said it with a casualness of someone knowing exactly what they were doing. After all, he already knew what age Jack was. Susato clearly needed the benefit of a birthday coming up rapidly.]

[ Ooooh. Susato looks up from writing, fully prepared to answer his question. She keeps the kitchen pretty well-organized, thank you very much, but when she sees that the question was directed at Jack, she relents, shutting her mouth. It gives Reaper a chance to add in another question, seemingly unrelated to the first.

Huh? ]

......This month?

[ Wait. She asked--

He never answered, did he? ]

[Susato and he ran a rather organized and well kept kitchen, and he double-checked to make sure nothing was short; if it was he took care of it before it was ever needed to be done. Better than chancing it—]

Got both- here.

[—Took a ducking into the 'spice' cabinet but it was two shakers that he was placing within Reaper's reach. Slipped right in behind to set them down on the counter before back to where he'd stationed himself.

Did cut Reaper something of a strange look while answering before thinking with that dry sort of tone.]

Fifty.... nine? [A few years older than he should be given the last time they did encounter each other. Oof.

... Wait. He glanced at Susato. Ah, yeah. This month—]

Uh, yeah. This month.

[Reaper took the shakers and eyeballed how much to add rather than measure it out. He had been using this recipe for years so he could sleep his way through it. He was tossing the cut tomatoes, onion and peppers into a pan to simmer while adding spice.

He didn't have to look to know that Susato hadn't known. Her tone said it all. Internally, he was cackling. Externally, nothing was different about him motions.]

Hmpt, you're old. I bet you don't even have anything planned, do you?

[Finally he turned back from his efforts at the stove and making salsa then leaned a hip on the counter close to where he had been chopping up vegetables.]

The old man likes vanilla, by the way. I could tell you the story of how his face went into his cake someday if you're good and give me that recipe.

[He was never above bartering.]

[ This month.

Still feels surreal, though what he says tracks. Memories of that night trickle back, and she remembers making a dumb joke about how she thought he was 76 when he mentioned something about 59. She doesn't interrupt, though she does smile at the mention of vanilla. Her eyes flicker down to her notebook and back up again. ]

I'll even give you a copy to take home. Though... he... might have let that story slip already. [ She remembers the picture. She'll let Jack take the lead though, about how much to reveal. There was a time when she wasn't even sure it was OK if Reaper knew about them knowing Jack's name. ]

Tradition, right?

I haven't had anything planned for well over a decade. Close to two.

[Wasn't worth celebrating a birthday with everything going on- and then everything that happened, abandoning his name and nearly everything with it.

He did pause and tip his head briefly towards Susato, a bit of a nod. While he was staying in the Mikotoba household he had told that old story. One of the better memories when all of them were still together, old guard with a few new additions.]

Wasn't even the first time- who did it was more the surprise. [There was of course a look shot Reaper's way, meant to look like a glare rather than the What the fuck, Reyes. sort of feeling it carried. Why was this happening?]

Perhaps you should watch your back this year...

[He knew why 76 hadn't bothered celebrating. It was probably for some of the same reasons that he didn't, but also, he just plain didn't like celebrating his birthdays. It was important for others, but he didn't like being in the spotlight for celebratory means.

He gestured at Susato with a hand.] Deal. [Then he returned back to setting aside eggs for later.] And how would you like a reenactment, hmmm?

[He smirked behind his mask at the glare. Oh he had been there when Jack's face went into the cake. It had been a moment worth having a picture of.] Well, you should always have eyes on the back of your head, old man. I always thought you had sharper senses than that day proved.

[ Leave it to Reaper to make everything sound like a threat. A few months ago, that might have concerned her, but now and in this context, Susato looks a touch amused. She's not eager to interrupt the two reminiscing by any means, but she does cast her mind back to that night.

Doing what she can while not getting in Reaper's way too much. ]

It was, um... Will. [ No, wait. ] Wilhelm, I think?

[ Jack's senses aside, he said he always managed to surprise him. ]

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