queenofseers | ic inbox (mask or menace)

[ At this point, Cassandra just goes ahead and picks up the platter, seeing Martin isn't going to do it himself. How's he supposed to get used to receiving gifts if he's not going to use them?

So she sets it down on the counter and takes off the top. ]

Yeah. So which one do you want to try first?

[ If he's not going to go for it himself, she'll make him do it. ]

Oh, I...I don't know, I... [he hesitates, looking everything over, biting his lip. then, looking at her:] What should I try first?

[ Of course he'd rely on her judgement. She wants to tell him he should pick whatever he wants, but she's already made that point a million times, hasn't she.

So she picks up one square of unknown origin and hands him one of the same kind. ]

Here, we'll figure out what the hell this is.

[ So she puts hers in her mouth, and ] Shit- [ It's the spicy kind. Whoops... ]

[that's a pretty dramatic reaction to cheese. Martin's eyebrows raise, concerned and surprised.]

Is it bad?

No, it's just- I didn't know it was like that. Damn it.

[ Honestly, Martin may be something close to family, but she's still a little embarrassed. She takes a deep breath. ] You try it. See what you think.

[huh, what? try it, after such a reaction?

Martin's not going to say no, but he is going to look pretty dubious before carefully nibbling off a corner of a piece.

he gives Cass a look. this isn't bad, so why...?]

It seems fine to me...?

[ God. She raises an eyebrow. ] Well, you've got stronger taste buds than I do, I guess. Fuck, I feel like a parody of myself...

[ Cassandra Igarashi is a stickler to the rules who can't have fun. Here that is, embodied.

She moves toward the cupboard. ] Do we have crackers? People like this stuff with crackers.

[the real truth: he nibbled a corner devoid of pepper.]

Uh, yes. Hang on--

[he goes to fish out the box of saltines Rex had procured, setting them on the table for Cass.] Here you go.

[listen. Rex has a delicate stomach. of course it's saltines.]

[ Just saltines? She raises her eyebrows. ]

I...shouldn't be surprised that this is all you've got. [ It's Rex and Martin. What was she expecting?

She pulls a knife out of the drawer and goes for the brie. ]

I think this is the kind you're supposed to put on things? Or- I'm not a fancy cheese and wine person, but I don't know how else you would eat it. [ She spreads some brie on a saltine and hands it to him. ] Here you go.

[he pinches the cracker between finger and thumb, holding it up closer to his eyes to peer at it and give a cautionary sniff.]

It looks like old butter.

[but it won't deter him. Cass would be unhappy if he didn't try! so, he just shoves the whole thing into his mouth, crunching slowly.]

Id...duddin' tathe lyg budder...

[ Pfft. The corners of her mouth twitch up a little. ]

Yeah, I can't imagine it does...

[ So she eats some with a cracker herself. As the taste isn't as jarring for her, she raises an eyebrow. ] I don't think it's bad at all. Pretty good, actually. You don't like it?

Umh. [he swallows, grimacing.] Not...I mean...the squares are better...[his head ducks a little.] Sorry.

Martin, you don't have to apologize for having opinions. Seriously, just- remember that next time you like or don't like something. Alright?

[ She's said it before, but she still wants to make sure he knows it. Even if it's about cheese. She puts brie on another cracker. ]

Go ahead and try whatever you want. I got it for you, after all.

[and so he does. carefully, methodically -- the Martin way of things. instead of allowing himself be overwhelmed with choice, he narrows his scope to whatever's closest, asking what it is before picking at it. the repetition doesn't bother him -- in fact, he prefers it. same with knitting. same with study. same with most anything: the more safe and cozy he can get into a pattern, the better things tend to go.

but just before he's gotten to the last offering, he hesitates, because his stomach makes a cautionary sound, rather loudly. he flushes, retracting his hand, mouth twitching into an embarrassed smile.]

Um, I...I think I'm full up for now...

[ Cassandra had just kept an eye on him as he kept going, noticing the patterns. That makes sense for Martin, doesn't it? That kind of meticulousness. He finds comfort in it, maybe.

She finds comfort in patterns, too, now that she thinks about it.

She hadn't eaten much watching him, so she's not feeling the same as he does. But it's getting late, isn't it. ]

Yeah, that's fine. We can put the rest away... [ She looks around the counter for the lid and finds it, securing the platter. ] You know you should probably get into bed soon.

R...right...

[he lingers at the table as she puts the cheeses away, scratching at his shoulder. it's easier to sleep with a full belly -- even an uncomfortably full one.

sheepishly, while her back's still to him:]

...Thank you. This was...it's nice. The present.

[ Aw. She'd actually forgotten Martin hadn't thanked her completely yet, and hadn't really cared. It'd just been nice to see him enjoying something. It's still a new feeling, but she's growing to consider it something to work for. ]

I thought you'd like it. And- don't worry about getting me anything. You're not old enough to be stressing about that shit yet.

[ He's not old enough to be stressing about much of anything. That said...she turns, glancing at the clock over the stove. ] I should also probably sleep, huh.

Yes. Rex will be awake soon, and I don't...think he'd like seeing everyone else awake, too. [he smiles meekly, making his way toward the stairs.

peeking back over his shoulder:] Goodnight, Cassandra.

No, he wouldn't. [ Cassandra rolls her eyes, but affectionately, if that's possible. He wouldn't, would he. They might as well get in bed just to avoid Rex's angry stare.

So she waves him off, trying to figure out how she could even get to sleep after all that. Whatever. It's worthwhile. ]

Goodnight, Martin.

ic inbox (mask or menace)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject