knuxieh

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

The change in James didn’t go unnoticed by Freya, who tried her best not to giggle at his sudden shift in demeanor. She couldn’t really blame the other girls for watching him as he moved about. He was rather graceful when he got into a rhythm. As the main course was placed in front of them, Freya smiled towards James as he explained they didn’t have to be shy with wanting seconds – of course to fully help them articulate what they needed to give feedback wise.

As the Foie Gras arrived, Freya’s nose wrinkled slightly at the presentation. She herself wasn’t a fan of the figs used. She knew they were meant to compliment it…but…still, she felt as it took away from the elegance of the dish. Quickly noting it down, she sliced into it, and blinked as she looked down at the fork and knife. She could tell something was just a bit off. Eating a small portion she had cut off she glanced up towards the pair as they returned after a brief moment, no doubt to give the girls time to think. It was slightly overcooked…From what she could gather, it stayed in the pan just a bit too long. Were the figs on this meant to cover up that fact?

She didn’t really touch the dish after her initial taste, not wanting to really finish it. Picking up her pencil as she gently pushed the first part of the main course away, she began writing:

‘Foie Gras not as pleasing to the eye as appetizer. Too much going on? Suspect whoever prepared my Foie Gras was distracted, for it was overcooked. I think the presentation would fare better from perhaps a citrus or plum reduction instead to really let the sear of the meat shine, instead of covering it up.’

Turning to the second portion of their main course, Freya was pleasantly surprised to see that the presentation was rather minimal. Fitting in her eyes as they winded down. It was a rather clean taste, the potatoes doing wonders to naturally clean any duck notes off her tongue, which she noted.

‘Confit was beautiful in presentation, palate cleansed with the potatoes. Seems like a good strong dish here.’

She dared not say anything about the dish being overcooked aloud, knowing that feedback sheets were there for that very reason. They cleared the main course off, and brought dessert. Seeing that it was, her eyes widened. This reminded her of the appetizer, so interactive and fun!

Dipping the bread into the melted cheese mixture, she rolled it through the crumbles and ate it with delight. It was so simple, yet so engaging. It wasn’t long before she had her fill.

‘Camembert was incredibly pleasing and simple! Perhaps offering different dried berries would help add a variety to the kind of taste you get from dessert? It was very interactive, but I would have enjoyed it more if I could play with different flavors.’

As she and Molly finished filling out their sheets, she handed the completed form over to James when he came by. “I hope that helps.” Freya smiled. She stood from her place at the table, and moved to go sit back in the living room. They would need time to review the feedback that they had gotten, and could ask any follow-up questions to the girls if they needed to. When Molly joined her, she took another sucker, finding this one to be cherry and looked over towards her. “What did you think of the samples?”

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

Molly didn’t seem to respond to Freya’s question, or even her appreciation, making her even more nervous. Her eyes shifted towards a clock nearby. It had only been five minutes?! She was going to die if nothing happened.

Hearing footsteps approaching, she looked towards the hallway curiously. It had only been five minutes. At the sight of James, she relaxed a bit, looking surprised when a handful of suckers were placed on the table. She smiled towards him, a silent thanks as she picked up a sucker. “Hmm…this looks like it might be…watermelon?” Freya unwrapped the sucker, and put it into her mouth, a small sound of delight soon following. “It is!” She giggled.

Soon enough though, they were summoned to the kitchen, and Freya had gone through three of the suckers, wanting to not eat too many since she was going to have to eat actual food and give feedback. The first thing she noticed was how grumpy Rebecca seemed. She looked as if she had smelled funky cheese, or something. Taking a seat, she thanked James as he had pulled her chair out for her.

With the appetizers being set in front of them, Freya blinked, a smile crossing her features. They looked beautiful. The presentation definitely made her want to hurry and dig in. Remembering her sheet, she jotted down her initial thoughts on the dish, simply from the aesthetic. Picking up a shell, she decided to get it all at once, and a light ‘slurp’ was made as she got the contents out of the shell. Freya had a second one, and remembered to write down her thoughts. Freya enjoyed writing. Her handwriting was something she took great pride in, taking care to make sure her cursive was sleek and elegant.

‘Appetizer Thoughts: The presentation of this dish is simply wonderful! It jumps out to the eye and invites you in to taste! Some might be put off by the act of slurping to eat, but I found it to be rather fun and a unique approach to most appetizers! The mushrooms compliment the scallop very well. I do however, though it is a nice pop of color, wish that the garnish was as fun as the rest of the dish.’

Molly had the other two servings at her disposal, and Freya cleansed her palate with a cup of tea, not really liking coffee in the first place.

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

It always made Freya feel warm inside when she could help. She felt like he needed just a few moments to relax. She had felt him stiffen slightly after the realization they had to go back…Would everything that was happening here just evaporate? Would they just return to pretending like they weren’t…enjoying being together? In that moment she felt James take her hand in his, and her cheeks flushed as his lips made contact with her palm. He didn’t say anything, but even still it reassured her.

As James walked away to answer the door, she moved her own hand up to up her cheek, it tingling from where he had just been. He didn’t need to thank her, honestly. He did so much for her, it was the least she could do.

A ear-shattering shriek came into the apartment, and she was thankful that she was James’ neighbor and not another person. Was that Rebecca screaming like that? Her brows furrowed slightly and quickly fixed her demeanor as the girls walked in with James following close behind. Standing as they were in the living room, she couldn’t help but falter slightly at the utter disappointment coming off of the other ladies. Was she…not supposed to be here?

“H-Hello. It’s nice to meet you.” Freya smiled, giving a small wave. Wasn’t Molly cold?

Sitting back down on the couch, everyone was looking at Rebecca and James’ goals for their midterm. As they listed out the different courses that they would be having, and handed over a sheet of questions, Freya smiled and nodded before they headed off into the kitchen. She couldn’t shake the odd feeling in her stomach as they disappeared behind the wall, though…

“S-So! Molly, right? Are you good friends with Rebecca?” Idle chatter was nice? Sitting in silence for forty-five minutes was something Freya wasn’t looking forward to. “Sorry if we sprung being a taste tester on you last minute like this, I appreciate you coming on such short notice.”
[Haha, thanks~]

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

She was a little glad to hear that Rebecca was bringing ingredients over, although she couldn't help but worry about the quality of ingredients she would bring. She was so used to knowing where the food she was eating was coming from, or in the very least, could leave food selection in capable hands like James. Hands... She sighed mentally as she resigned herself to not hold his hand, surprised and embarrassed when he seemed not to miss a beat, easily slipping his hands in between her own and making their way towards the car. Her delicate fingers curled to hold his hand, a shy smile creeping to her face.

Getting situated in the car, she closed her eyes, simply enjoying the soft music that played in the car, content with the feeling of James' hand in her own. Upon reaching the school parking lot, she only grew more embarrassed as he held her hand as they made their way up towards his apartment. Smiling and giving a small thank you as he motioned for her to head inside first, she slipped her fingers out of his grasp, watching as he began to pick up a few things, moving to fix some pillows on the couch.

Sitting back on the couch, Freya glanced over towards James when he called her name. At the question, her cheeks flushed. He was asking her out again? It was surprising, even if they had an amazing time last they were on a date. She had to admit she was a little hesitant. What if she ended up saying something silly? Their first date had gone so well, should they even go on a second one? That didn't make sense. She brushed the thought away for the moment, and nodded. "I'd love to."

They sat in silence for a moment. "Hey James? Can you put your head on my lap? I want to play with your hair for a moment while we have some time to ourselves." Even though she asked, she was already tugging at his arm, and her fingers gently gliding through his dark blue strands. Humming to herself, she closed her eyes. "I can't believe it's already close to midterms. Soon we'll be packing up and heading home for summer break." Freya giggled softly. "I do miss home, I can't wait to be back and tell Daddy about how much fun I had so--" She stopped in the middle of her sentence.

It was sinking in a little bit. What they were doing right now...it couldn't happen in any capacity when they returned to the manor. Her hands slowly kept moving through his hair, and she eventually broke the silence by clearing her throat. "S-So, James. What...What country--"

She looked up as the doorbell rang out. They hadn't even been inside that long. Was Rebecca here early??

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

The delicate nature of their relationship was something that Freya was fully aware of, but something about hearing it said to her made her heart ache, if only for a moment. The feeling was quick to be pushed off as he gave a few good points with Rebecca. She had seen the young woman before, but it was so brief. When James avoided her gaze, she tilted her head, curious. "You may..." She blinked, noticing the pause.

His confession made her cheeks warm, and her heart pound. Of course she knew James would rather be himself around her, but...still. It was one thing to simply be aware of an obvious thing, than to be told it, anchoring it more into truth. She moved to respond, but heard their order being called under his name. Freya couldn't help giggling softly to herself as he quickly excused himself to gather their things. As they ate, she smiled towards him as he turned red. It was a rather selfish thing for her to do, but she felt it necessary. This was James' project, something she shouldn't really have too much of a say in. He wasn't her butler right now anyway, so anything she said would just be a suggestion.

Finishing off her muffin, she looked up at James. "Wait, what? I didn't hear what you said, you mumbled James." She laughed. "You can't talk and eat at the same time," She teased. He quickly moved on to another topic though, only raising her curiosity more. Freya simply nodded at his suggestion on them each just bringing one person. "Of course, James. You know I don't mind helping you." She took a small drink before she giggled. "You're so confusing though, James.." Oh how Freya loved to tease him. She gently kicked her feet under the table. "So, am I to be just an outside opinion, or..." Her gaze went from her sandwich, to James' eyes. "Or am I meant to be something more? I just...want to make sure is all." She gave a small playful smile towards him.

Letting the question sit in the air for a moment, she reached her hand out and gave his hand a gentle squeeze, giggling. "I'm just kidding, James~" Leaning back, she continued to eat her sandwich. "Oh, shouldn't you let Rebecca know to bring someone with her to taste test?" She suggested. Her eyes glanced towards the clock hanging on the walls. It was almost half past eleven. "I suppose we should start heading back, don't you think?" She stood, stretching upwards as she finished her meal. "Right, if you're cooking a meal shouldn't we stop for ingredients? Or...That might have to wait until Rebecca joins us maybe?" Freya began gathering her garbage to take it to the trash can nearby. Moving to head back outside, she went to grab James' hand, her fingers gently brushing the tips of his before deciding against it. Was it bad that she always wanted to hold his hand? Perhaps it was just because she wanted to use the same excuse James had when they were headed to the carnival that one evening.

Just so I don't lose you...

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

Seeing James' body language shift suddenly caused Freya to tilt her head. "Hm?" Hearing his concern, she frowned slightly. "Ah, right...I'm not saying that she wouldn't be able to be trusted...She would, but I don't want to make you uncomfortable by any means." She smiled. "Although, that point does lead me to ask - what about your classmate Rebecca? Hasn't she seen us out and about? Does she know I go to school here also? I don't want to cause you any issues by being involved in your school activities." She smiled. "Maybe I shouldn't have brought up bringing other people..." Freya sighed softly, nervously twirling some hair around her finger.

"Order for James!"

Looking up and towards the counter, she glanced back to James. "Seems like it's ready." When they had gotten their food, she immediately picked up the muffin, tearing off small pieces to eat. "I could always just be nearby if you like? I'm not sure how you want to present me to your classmate." Her eyes made their way outside again to the flowers, and she watched them for a few minutes before returning her attention back on James. "I don't want to cause issues for you, either. I'll do what you think is best here. If you wanted to invite another person from your other class to taste test too, you could. This isn't about me, though. It's your project, and a very important one at that. So..." She paused, eating another piece of the muffin. "So, it might be selfish for me but I want you to make the call for this one. I don't think it would be fair for me to just tell you how to handle your own project. That's silly." Freya giggled.

Friends in the Void.

The mention that Dalia took a little pleasure out of the Purgers' trip to the hospital made the young woman frown slightly. Even if she didn't find it a waste of time for people to joke as they liked, they didn't have much of it to be spending arguing formalities. Glad to hear that they had not yet made their way to this side of town, she felt a small wave of relief wash over here. Vigilantes? No, they just wanted to find a way to help everyone, at least...that was the intention.

Sara couldn't help smiling and holding back a giggle at how proud Rasteva became of themselves. When they did, and Dalia's reaction wasn't one of awe, but laughter, Rasteva didn't take much care for it. For the most part, she had given up on really getting a word in, simply following the conversation was a little hard sometimes by how quickly it picked up in pace and immediately slowed. Hearing that she liked the armor Rasteva wore, she brushed some of the auburn hair back behind her ear and smiled sheepishly. Nodding, she glanced towards the armor, and Dalia, color rushing to her cheeks in embarrassment.

She needed something in return for their help. "Oh, okay. That sounds fair. I didn't think we would get your help for free." The young woman smiled. Hearing about the dress, she felt a little confused. She was on school at a scholarship, and while she had a small bit of allowance sent to her from her family, it wasn't near enough to buy something from a boutique..especially downtown. When Dalia pointed towards her, she raised her hands in defense. "I don't nearly have enough money to--" Her eyes widened. "Wh-What?! Make..a dress?" This would be a little different than sewing clothes for her stuffed animals. "Uhm...O-Okay, but...it can't be the exact same dress. That would be stealing their design..." Sara thought a moment. "I could make you a dress inspired by the one in the window, and that way you could have a one-of-a-kind outfit no one else will have and you'll still be paying a small nod to the one in the window. How does that sound?" Sara suggested.

"I'll just need the photos and an idea of what kind of fabric or colors you would like, or...hate. And, I'll need to take your measurements if you don't mind." She smiled.

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

Freya tilted her head slightly in a bit of concern as her question seemed to interrupt a train of thought he was having. She opened her mouth to say something, but he was already opening the door for her and she gave a small smile of thanks as she moved in front of him to enter. sliding her fingers out of his so as not to tug him forward if she moved inside too quickly. Inside she was delighted by the sounds of groups of people chattering, thankful that they seemed to be droned out by the hum of the large oven on display the the people were using to make their confectioneries.

"A taste tester? James, please." The young woman giggled. "An opportunity to sit back and eat your cooking? I wouldn't pass that up for the world! Though, if I have to be honest--" She paused, her own embarrassment coming through as she gently cupped her own cheek. "I'm glad you like me around enough to keep me when I don't have to be there." Continuing her thought from before, she smiled. "I do think that it would be best for you to have multiple taste testers. I haven't taken your class before, but..if it's anything like on television there might be a panel of judges to taste the dish you two come up with. So, better to have different palettes available to get different feedback, right? I'll stop by Dianne's place to see if she minds. Though, if I bribe her with your cooking I'm sure she'll agree." She suggested with a giggle, moving towards the counter to order.

It was a rather simple menu, but everything on it seemed to be carefully thought about. Browsing the selection, she decided on a blueberry muffin, a warm turkey and swiss sandwich with a house dressing on it, and a simple glass of milk. Motioning back towards James, she looked to the cashier, and handed them her card. "Whatever he would like as well, please." Once James had ordered, they asked for a name to call when they were finished making everything, and she glanced to James. "Do you mind putting it under your name? I'm going to find us a place to sit, okay?" She might not be able to hear them over the hum of people when they sat down and got further from the oven, but she was sure he was used to having to still hear instructions over people chattering. If he wasn't, he wouldn't have worked at the mansion for very long.

She walked from the counter, finding a small table for two by a window. Outside she would watch where they had a small window plant growing, as the wind outside gently blew the plants about. This was such a great morning to be out and about, especially with James. It was easy to try to relax a little more when he was around. When he got back to the table, her attention moved from outside the window and she smiled. "Thanks for letting us come here, James. I'm...I'm really glad we can be out like this." She admitted, shyly glancing out of the window. It didn't seem like long before their order was ready, and she couldn't wait.

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

Even as she showered she thought about how accommodating James was. Maybe she should take his advice and apologize less about things she wanted. As she made her way into the hallway she couldn't help smiling as soon as James' head poked out. Nothing got past him. Nodding she kept trying to try her hair on her way over and almost protested when it was gently taken from her grasp, as she sat down in a chair. Feeling James hands beneath the towel dry her hair, she felt slightly embarrassed. "You know you don't have to do this, right?" She laughed. "I can dry it, James." He was already done, and moved already to brushing and de-tangling her curls.

Something about him noticing her hair made her feel warm inside. "Oh! Th-Thank you. Annie was telling me about it so I thought I would give it a try!" Happy to hear the dryer power down and the final brush strokes, she gladly took his hand and slipped down from the chair. "Alright, let me just grab my shoes." She turned to head into her room, slipping on a comfortable pair of flats, and grabbing a small flower hair accessory to clip into her hair before returning to James. On her way out, she slipped her hand effortlessly into his as she locked her door, and began down the stairs. "Sunday? No, I shouldn't be doing anything."

As they made their way through the parking lot she smiled, letting go of James' hand as she had to get into the car. After buckling up, she casually laid her hand on the middle console, looking out the window as they drove to lunch. As the car rode downtown, she pointed to a small cafe. "Oh, can we stop there for lunch, James? I've heard people in my class say it's really good." She asked, looking back to him. Even if he didn't want to stop at this particular shop, a good thing about the downtown area was that there were plenty of food options just waiting to be explored. Once they did park and she got out of the car, she slipped her fingers between James' large ones as they started walking towards their lunch destination. "Oh! I forgot to ask, what did you need me for Sunday?"

Friends in the Void.

The young woman nodded, pushing further back into the building. "Goodness, everyone is really packed in here," She commented, trying to gently make her way past Dameons and Humans alike. Luckily they seemed to be used to people pushing past, and they didn't get much backlash except for an occasional grunt. Sighing in relief as they arrived at their destination, Sara looked surprised how quickly Ratsteva took off. She had to hold back a giggle at the purple haired woman's description of Rasteva's current vessel. Watching the two interact was a bit refreshing for her.

The glare that Dalia gave her caused Sara to take a few steps back and hold her hands up in front of her. "W-Wait a second.." At her outburst, the young woman's gaze immediately turned to Rasteva. They had a significant other? She suddenly felt bed about keeping them from someone important. "I-I wasn't meaning to--" ...Hussy? The young woman's eyes widened. "But I'm not.." It didn't seem like either of them were listening to what she had to say, and were wrapped up in their conversation. The glares this woman sent at her had her wishing she could sink into the floor.

A bit hesitant, she followed where the woman was leading them, eyes scanning the walls. Why was she so critical of Sara? She hadn't even done anything to her knowledge to warrant such hostility..Glad for Rasteva's interjection, she sighed softly. Moving to sit on the cushion that Dailia had pointed to she took a seat. "We need some help in dealing with the group that has gained publicity recently. They call themselves The Purgers. I'm sure you might have heard of them after the recent incident?" Sara sighed. "We were looking for a way to deal with them, but not...hurting them to the point of no return, if that makes sense." She glanced towards Rasteva. "Does that sound about right?"