knuxieh

Knuxieh's Official Interest Check~ [Casual - Mid Casual] [CLOSED]

-Dusts off cobwebs-

Ahem. Evening all! It doesn't look like I did much with the place..Not..Really..I did, I swear. Either way, I'm open and looking forward to hearing from you guys! :3

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

“Oh?” Freya’s eyes twinkled with curiosity. She was touched that he would want to make their first evening out something that was so special to him. Her mind couldn’t help wondering what kind of place would inspire someone like James to pursue cooking. She was pulled from her thoughts and ideas when she felt James’ fingers lace with hers, causing her cheeks to redden. Looking out the window, she watched the multiple buildings pass before they got to a small community of shops. Their age and how long they had been there were evidence by signage and the rather homey feel of the air when she stepped outside, gladly taking James’ hand again. Her eyes found the sign of the place they were going into, and she looked rather interested. She hadn’t heard of Teppanyaki before.

Entering in, her senses were filled with the smell of cooking food and comfortable laughter from the patrons already inside enjoying themselves. Following behind him as she took her seat, they were soon greeted by an older man in a bright red hat and matching trimmed chefs coat. Watching the two exchange, she waved towards the older man with a smile. “Good Evening, Mr. Yan.” As Mr. Yan turned his attention towards her she only giggled. “Only sometimes.” She teased. Looking to James, she brushed some hair out of her face.

“Well….This is my first time trying this type of cooking, so I will also leave it to Mr. Yan as for what to serve. I’m looking forward to tasting everything!”

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Alright. They were going with 6pm. She had plenty of time to get ready and relax her nerves before he would show up. As she laid on her bed and stared at the ceiling, Freya couldn't help wondering how this interaction was going to be different than the other times they had gone out on the weekends. Maybe it was because in those instances, he said he wouldn't neglect his duties to her...So, would she be coming to interact with someone completely different? She couldn't help but think if he really was feeling better. Though, he wasn't one to let much stop him from getting back to work. Shaking her head, she cleared her mind of it, determined to even herself out before her date.

After a few hours of preparing, and fussing with her hair and make up, she finally had settled on an outfit to wearfor the evening. Picking up a pea-coat she had laying near the doorway on the hook, she heard the doorbell chime, signaling that James had arrived. Passing a quick glance at the clock she couldn't help but giggle to herself. Six o'clock sharp. Opening the door, she looked at him and smiled shyly, moving to step outside of her apartment and close the door, locking it behind. "Evening, James." She gently moved her hand to take his own in hers as they moved downstairs. Once they had gotten inside the car, she placed her coat on her lap before buckling up. Glancing to him, she smiled. "So, where are we headed to this evening?" She asked, curious if she could get anything out of him before they actually arrived to their destination.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Walking about the apartment, she found it rather odd that Annie wasn't answering her. At first, the was peeping around corners, expecting the young woman to be planning to scare her, like she sometimes did. However, her search turned fruitless, and she made her way back to the kitchen, just now spotting the note on the table. Maybe it was from her? Picking it up, she looked rather surprised to recognize the handwriting as not Annie's, but it was James'. Her warm brown eyes scanned over the contents of the note, thinking it was him checking in with her at first, and gave pause, some color gaining on the young woman's cheeks before having to re-read the note in front of her a few times before it finally clicked. He was asking her out! On a date?! She put the note back on the table, running a flustered hand through her dark locks before pulling her phone out of her pocket. What time was it? It was only eight o'clock. She could have her morning study session with Dianne and still have plans with James. Taking a moment to breathe, she pulled up his contact information.

'Hey James, thank you for breakfast! I'd love to go out with you! :) Is 6pm okay? Do I need to wear something specific? I don't know what time is too early. I have a morning study session, but I'm free today after that. Maybe 1pm is better? We should only be studying for a few hours.'

She hit send, and moved to the fridge, pulling out the basket of breakfast that James had prepared for her. Grinning, she enjoyed the fruit on her senses, and didn't really change much out of her pajamas, convinced that Dianne was going to study in her pajamas as well. No need to get dressed up for studying. At least, in Freya's mind anyway. Within the hour, Dianne was over, books in hand with study materials as the girls began quizzing each other for their test that would take place tomorrow. Hours passed, and the two parted ways, feeling more confident in their abilities to ace the test tomorrow. Waving goodbye to Dianne, Freya shut the door behind her, and checked her phone again for James' response, having felt it vibrate during their study session, but didn't think it appropriate to be texting while they were studying.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

"Great! I'm glad to hear it." She smiled, taking a moment to figure out what he was apologizing for. Was it for the hot chocolate? Lunch? Oh! Her cheeks gained a little color as well and she laughed softly. "Oh, no it was fine! I'm glad you were able to get comfortable." She ran a hand through her dark brown hair and finished eating. "It was...nice." She admitted with a shy smile. Freya was glad that he was feeling better, and took their plates away once he had finished, washing them and putting them up to dry. Coming back, she was drying her hands off on a paper towel and smiled. "I've got the leftover soup still on the stove for you." Her phone chimed, and she looked at it, surprised. "It's really that late already? It doesn't feel like that much time passed..." She frowned. "I have to head back over to my apartment to get some sleep for tomorrow, but please, call me if you need something, alright?" She asked, and moved back to the kitchen to prepare another bowl and covering it with a lid so it would stay warm, and put it next to the bed. "Just in case." She grinned.

Turning to head out, she waved. "I'll see you later, James. I hope you feel better." Freya came back towards him, and after putting her shoes back on, she leaned down and kissed his forehead before excusing herself quickly. The sound of the door closing left James in the silence, save for another movie that was on in the background. Coming back to her house, she had fallen asleep on her couch, not realizing how much she had been moving around for the day until she stayed still. That's how these things went sometimes, though. She had a study session planned tomorrow with Dianne, and didn't want to risk being late. Groaning as she woke up, she rubbed her eyes, expecting to greet Annie in the kitchen again so she could return her key that she had 'left behind' for her. Standing, she stretched, and called out for her friend. "Annie, you in here?" She asked, yawning. Maybe she was in the bathroom?

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

“No?” She asked, and went to move, but James quickly tossed off the blankets and before she knew it, she was laying on her back with his body against hers. Her face went red, and she had to take a moment to process what just happened. She couldn’t help shivering lightly feeling his breath on her neck. However, he asked her after the fact if it was alright. Glancing towards him, she couldn’t really say no. He looked really comfortable, and sleep was vital if he was going to make any steps towards recovery. She nodded silently, and after getting over her nerves, she managed to fall asleep as well.

Groaning softly, she woke a few hours later, checking the time. She turned her attention to James who still had her in his grasp and gently pried herself from his grip, putting her hand on his forehead to check his temperature. It seemed to be going down a little…Looking at the clock again, she pulled the blankets back up onto James before heading into the kitchen. Opening the cabinets, she looked for something she could make. He didn’t really have much in his cabinets. Was it mostly because he did his cooking in her apartment? Deciding she could take a quick trip over, she went next door and gathered some items to make a soup for his lunch. Returning with a few bags, she set them on the counter, and got to work prepping the items. She didn’t cook as often as James, but she still was able to feed herself if needed. He wouldn’t need something incredibly heavy. She wasn’t even sure if he had been experiencing an upset stomach, but she wasn’t getting any indication of that being true. Still, she wanted something light…A tried and true method – she was going to go ahead and make chicken noodle soup for him.

She began preparing the chicken, vegetables, and herbs, before beginning to cook. She cooked the chicken, taking the extra time to shred it into more manageable pieces before going to combine everything. Taking care to sauté the vegetables in the pan she found until they were tender, before adding seasoning and the chicken with some stock. Waiting for it to all come together, she added the noodles she had last so they wouldn’t fall apart too much in the broth. Opening the cabinets, she found two bowls and readied them up, glad to also find crackers in the pantry. They would also be easy on his stomach. Putting the two bowls on a tray she brought two glasses of water with her before returning to the bedroom. Putting the tray on the table beside the bed, she gently shook James awake. “Hey, sleepyhead. I made lunch. Let’s get something warm inside you, yeah?” Freya smiled and once he was sitting up, she made sure to set the tray in front of him, not wanting to put the hot bowl directly on his lap. Picking up her bowl with a potholder underneath it, she gently blew on the soup before beginning to eat. “I figured something not heavy would help your stomach. Besides, everyone loves chicken noodle soup when they’re feeling unwell.” She smiled, and looked about for his remote. “Maybe we can put on a movie while we eat?” She asked, reaching over to grab it and set up Netflix. “What to watch…” She browed for a moment, and put on “Mulan 2” since James was feeling under the weather. He usually was always up for watching Disney movies, and the humor might be good for him, especially with Ling and his chopstick nose trick. She had left during the movie to get another bowl for herself, and went to get James another as well when he finished. Settling back down, she crumbled some of her crackers into her second bowl. Halfway through, she looked over towards him. “Are you feeling a little better than earlier?”

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Feeling James’ hand on her shoulder, Freya’s gaze looked to it, surprised at the gentle squeeze. Surely other people who had butlers and maids and other hired help cared about their well-being? From what Annie had told her of their last employer, not everyone was concerned for them as she was. She was fortunate enough to have been born and raised in a household that bled kindness towards others, no matter if they were the head of International Affairs, or simply the janitor at a hotel. Everyone had a story, and hopes and dreams. She couldn’t help the slight color on her cheeks at James’ admission of his feelings towards her. He didn’t...mean that in that way...did he? She had opened her mouth to say something, but quickly closed it. Now wasn’t the time for questions. At least...not of those kind.

At his stubborn realization, she couldn’t help but nod eagerly in agreement. “Definitely.” She smiled. Her brown eyes widened slightly as James came closer to her, his forehead so cold. Her brows furrowed with some concern. Such mixed emotions, he was saying such wonderful things to her, but he was so sick. She was so happy she thought she could cry, and sniffled, doing her best not to at the moment. James needed her attention, and if he even thought she was even slightly upset there would be no turning back. Freya couldn’t help rubbing at her cheeks as they deepened in color. “J-James...” She wanted him to be comfortable, but she couldn’t stay sitting like this for hours while he napped. Gently kissing his hair, she stood, removing her shoes. “Let’s get comfortable so you can get some rest, alright? See if you feel better now that you’ve got some warm drink in you.”

Freya climbed onto the bed, shifting so that she was comfortable against some pillows, and gently pulled James back so he was resting against her, her hands tugging the blanket up to keep him warm. “This way you won’t even think about getting cold.” She smiled. “Are you comfortable? If not I could always give you some pillows. Or we could move until you’re better situated.” Her fingers gently weaved through his dark locks in a repetitive fashion, and she began humming a soft tune while she waited.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Freya didn’t want to dig into James too much. Laughing at his reasoning, she shook her head as she blew over the cup in her hands. “You should have called, then. What if you hurt yourself?” Her gaze flickered towards James’ shoulders, which caught her attention as they shook slightly. Her brows furrowed, a little agitated at herself. Right – He was sick. Why was she sitting and having hot chocolate like it was a normal day? She could only chalk it up to a habit. Putting the cup down onto the table, she stood and motioned for James not to really fight her on it. “C’mon. You can drink that under some blankets, yeah?” Smiling, she waited until he had gotten up to wrap her arm around his waist to hold him more securely to her as they journeyed down the hall. “You’re so cold! I can feel it through your pajamas!” She teased with a grin.

Arriving at the bed, Freya couldn’t help but laugh as she saw that he had made his bed upon exiting. No rest for him, it seemed. Pulling the sheets back, she eased James down and after he got settled in, pulled the blankets back over him. “One sec.” She raised a finger, and left the room, returning momentarily before returning the warm cup to his hands. Looking about, she drummed her fingers onto the side of her own up in thought. Remembering that he has asked her something and she had yet to answer it, Freya coughed. “Oh, right! Annie came by already and cleaned and we had a good chat.” She smiled.

The look on his face made her frown and she gently thumped his forehead. “Hey. She did. But we both thought it would be great if someone was here to make sure you were alright. It’s no secret you’re stubborn. Look how I found you.” She sighed. “A horrible butler? Maybe in the sense you didn’t let me know you were feeling unwell. I wouldn’t have asked for your help as often, or even had you working to be honest.” Freya gave a heavier sigh, putting her cup down a little harder than intended, leaning over James.

“But! If we are talking as friends, then yes - you’re a horrible friend.” She didn’t stay leaned over him long, and simply moved back, sitting on the edge of the bed, gazing at her lap. “…Maybe I’m the horrible friend. I didn’t even know you were feeling unwell!” She groaned, running a hand through her fringe. “I’m going to make up for it, though!” She determined with a clenched fist. “I’m going to be a better friend than I have been. And..” Freya paused, her eyes looking over James for a moment. “And..a better mistress or boss to you. I should know if something is wrong. I’m around you like…all the time.” It seemed that she was pouting at this point, more than she was angry. “I’ll stay until you feel better. We’re friends right now, so don’t be weird.” She stuck her tongue out towards him, feeling that he would try to weasel his way out of her helping.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Her brows came together with a bit of worry. Annie wasn’t one to be serious most of the time, which is why the two usually ended up goofing around for hours on end when they were left alone unsupervised. Moving to sit in the chair, she watched Annie leave before coming back with a brush and hair tie. Freya noticed the language that Annie was using and nodded. “Of course.”

Listening to the story, at first Freya thought she was referencing her own father at first, since the places that they had in the beginning were both positions that they pretty much held now for the most part. Very quickly, Freya frowned as she put together that it was in fact, a former employer that Annie was describing. Her fingers gently curled into fists at this information, her eyes moving to focus on different things, while her mind kept listening. As Annie sighed, Freya glanced towards the brush that she had put down and closed her eyes.

She couldn’t blame what the brother did, she was actually surprised something worse didn’t transpire from that. The boy most likely did time because of words the former employer did. Sighing, she wasn’t sure when would be a good place to interject, or even give some form of understanding commentary. She was glad that they were with her family, now. She wished that her being able to interact with the pair didn't have to come with the horrible things of their past, but she knew there was no changing what had happened before they came into her life. James wasn’t a violent person. Freya knew this, and as Annie’s story winded down, she smiled and gently squeezed Annie’s arms as they embraced her. However, Freya began a protest.

“Annie, I haven’t seen you in a good while! It’s not that I don’t want to be here spending time with you.” It didn’t seem like Annie would be swayed though, as she placed a key on the table. “Honestly, you could try listening a little bit.” She stuck her tongue out and retrieved the key that Annie had set down. “…Even so. Thanks, Annie.” She smiled, and gave her a quick squeeze. “I should probably head over. Knowing James, he’s probably trying to do something productive.” She chuckled, and headed out of the apartment, and into James’ next door. The key clicked after she turned it and she pushed the door open, closing it behind her with a click.

Coming around the entrance hallway, Freya shook her head as she saw a pajama-clad James leaning on the fridge. “Honestly, James.” She began with a giggle. “You look terrible.” Freya smiled in a somewhat knowing fashion, and began looking through the cabinets, getting two mugs and after a bit more searching, emerged victorious with hot chocolate packets. “I need to get into the fridge, James.” Freya gently helped him into a nearby chair. Once he was settled, she grabbed the milk and put some into a small saucepan to help warm it gently, before returning it. The milk didn’t take long to heat, and she quickly mixed up two glasses of hot chocolate, before placing it in front of him, and taking a seat herself. “What were you doing out of bed, mister?” She asked, with a slightly scolding tone as she blew onto her drink before consuming some.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

(Sorry on the delay!)

“Oh please, Annie your cooking is still great.” She smiled. Freya couldn’t help agreeing with Annie in fact, that if he wasn’t made into taking it easy, James would never do it. However, at the mention that he wasn’t’ feeling well, some concern flashed over her face. Had he been ill for a while now and just not told her? Maybe it was the cold night out at the fair? The beeping caught her attention, couldn’t helping herself but to giggle as Annie read her message aloud. “He does take extra precaution to be diligent.” She grinned.

At the mention of boys, her cheeks burned. “W-Wow you wasted no time, did you?” She laughed. “Well, there’s this guuuuuy,” She began with a giggle. “He’s a pretty amazing cook you know? We’ve been hanging out a lot, turns out he lives in the same building as me, too! Though we’re here for different areas of study. We’ve had a pretty nice time outside of school obligations, and went to a fair and got new outfits, so that was pretty neat!” She thought a moment, and continued. “Oh, right! He also made sure I got home alright, and proceeded to give me a sunflower! It was super sweet.” She smiled.

However, she was sure Annie would be asking if anyone was giving her any trouble as well, and she sighed. “I don’t know about trouble, but there’s a guy who didn’t really mesh well with the guy that I’m pretty interested in. They got in the same room, and this other guy was totally kidding around but he had me by the waist since I was trying to get dishes out of the cabinets. You know I’m short so I had to climb on the counter, like this.” She stood up and demonstrated. “So, I was up here minding my business because the guy I like was nice enough to grab blankets for everyone ‘cause we were having a movie night with another girl I met from class.” She summed up. “So, he grabs me around my waist. It freaks me out. I’m not used to other people touching me like that. So…I screamed." Freya sighed, getting down from the counter and running a hand through her hair, her face red in embarrassment now.

"But! The guy I like heard it and next thing I knew, I was bridal style! It was insane! And then he had the nerve to scold me!” She pouted with an exhale. “But…Yeah. One boy that’s not-so-interesting, and the other that is incredibly so!” Freya giggled. “Knowing you though Annie, you probably want names, right? I mean, I’m sure you know since you’re awesome. But…still.” She laughed.