IC Contact [ryslig]

[catphishing]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, OLIVER. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 142.58.303.67 *** oliver has joined 142.58.303.67 <oliver> So this is my private channel. <oliver> Talk to me?

Current Usernames

<trashpanda>
<mothman>
<oliver>
<deBricassart> (anon)

Former Usernames

<creepypasta>

Throwaways

<zx01r3z>
<tfk>

Changeling Throwaways

Comments

[catphishing]

I guess that sounds fun.

[His expression is... well. It isn't exactly cheerful. It darkens despite his attempts to keep his distaste from being too apparent as he spies the hickeys. He knows she's old enough and mature enough to make her own decisions, but seeing the evidence for himself is uncomfortable.]

Doesn't he know what a vegetarian is?

[fourthsaken]

Yeah, we're still working on the finer details of me being a vegetarian. Well, vegan actually, but I've kinda given up on that here... but it's not like he expects me to eat meat and I'm not going to ask him to change entire parts of his upbringing because of me and I don't wear fur back home, but it's totally different here. Bert hunts what he needs, it isn't cruel, and it's... [Jade rambles happily for a few moments, until Oliver's complete change in mood hits her like a truck and she trails off suddenly. She gives him a questioning look, full of confusion.] What? Did I say something wrong? Sorry I was late, I seriously wasn't trying to bail on our plans. The ranch doesn't have electricity and I lost track of the time...

[catphishing]

[Oliver's eyes widen at being caught out. He doesn't want to explain his change in mood. He knows full well that would not be taken well.]

What? No. That doesn't matter. I got started, and there's still plenty of food we can make together.

[fourthsaken]

[Jade continues to give him a skeptical look, completely unaware of the real reasons Oliver's upset. If anything she thought telling him about her Christmas Eve with Bert, his thoughtful gifts and plans, would make Oliver feel better about Jade's boyfriend, not worse.]

You sure you're okay? You can tell me if I've done something wrong. I'd rather you just tell me than act all weird on Christmas. I... I've really been looking forward to cooking with you.

[catphishing]

You haven't done anything. It's fine. Do you want me to get you a hot chocolate before we get started? I bet you're worn out.

[The last thing he wants is to be the one to ruin another holiday. He loves Christmas, and so far it's been enjoyable. He's looking forward to spending the day with just Jade and Soeki.]

[fourthsaken]

[Jade doesn't want to be the one to ruin Christmas either, so she lets it drop. Oliver has never been afraid of speaking his mind when she'd annoyed him, maybe she's just reading the situation wrong. She nods, smiling softly.]

That'd be amazing. Thanks. I added some desserts to the menu, and I wanna make breakfast for both of you, but we've got hours until Soeki wakes up...

[catphishing]

[Oliver groans as he stands up to go and make Jade her own chocolate.]

Are you sure that's a good idea? Soeki does not need to be tempted with more dessert.

[fourthsaken]

[Jade just laughs, glad to see the mood lightened so easily. Whatever was bothering Oliver, can't be that big of a deal.] Dude, Soeki loves desserts. I'm not going to deprive him of desserts on Christmas.

[catphishing]

[Oliver returns with the extra mug shortly after taking his seat back next to her. He's topped up his own my while he's been in the kitchen. It's Christmas. He's allowed to indulge.]

He'll be sleepy after dinner already. I won't see him for a week if you let him have more.

[fourthsaken]

[Jade takes the mug, gratefully cradling in her hands. It's warm enough that she can almost feel it.]

I either make them tonight or for New Years. Pick one. The recipes are too cool to waste.

[catphishing]

How many recipes are we talking here?

[fourthsaken]

[Jade takes a large sip of her hot chocolate before holding up her hand, all five fingers. She looks only a little bit sorry, hiding her smile with the oversized mug.]

[catphishing]

[Oliver groans, letting his head flop into his free hand.]

I'm not even going to fit in the bed if you keep feeding him like that. We won't even be hungry enough to try all of them.

[That's probably a little mean, but Soeki knows he loves him. And he's asleep. It's fine.]

Half now, half for New Year's. How's that sound?

[fourthsaken]

Oliver! [She exclaims, both insulted on Soeki's behalf and far too amused. She elbows Oliver lightly, then stays leaning close, leaning against his side to show she's not really angry. Mostly, she's trying not to crack up.]

Deal. And I won't even told Soeki you said that...

[catphishing]

What? He knows.

[But it's still probably better she doesn't tell him.]

Which ones do you think you'll make today?

[fourthsaken]

[Jade just shakes her head in slight disbelief.]

I can't believe you get him to go to the gym with you. I can't even imagine that.

Definitely an apple pie. It's one of my mom's recipes. And I wanna try this peppermint bark fudge. Maybe the gingerbread cupcakes too? Does that sound good?

[catphishing]

He doesn't come that often. He hates it, and I think he feels self-conscious if I push him too much in winter. He'll be more willing to try it when he starts shedding the winter weight again.

[He nods his head, already starting to feel hungry as she lists off the recipes. It's hard to say no to any of those.]

That sounds good. Did you want me to help out making them?

[fourthsaken]

If you want to help, that'd be nice. [It's a testament to how much closer Jade feels to Oliver and Soeki, how much they're her family, that this year, she doesn't insist on doing all the work herself. She doesn't want to give up a holiday she could spend with them by cooking for them, as long as Oliver doesn't mind helping her out.]

The apple pie's a family recipe. You should know it.

[catphishing]

Of course I want to. I like cooking too, you know.

[He's touched that she's actually willing to though. Especially if the things she's cooking are family recipes.]

[fourthsaken]

Yeah, I know. Sorry I don't always let you help. I just... [She pauses for a minute, suddenly very interested in the marshmallows melting in her hot chocolate.] I feel like I owe you and Soeki so much. Cooking's something I could do to not be like, a weird burden.

[catphishing]

You don't owe us anything. How many times do we have to tell you?

[He sounds like he's teasing, but he means it. If Jade could start seeing herself the way everyone else did then he would be far happier.]

[fourthsaken]

[Jade ducks her head, embarrassed. By now it's clear to her how much Oliver and Soeki care about her, that they really mean it when they tell her she doesn't owe them anything, but that doesn't mean it's easy for her to accept.]

Maybe this'll be the last time. [Even as she says it, she's aware it probably won't be.]

[catphishing]

I hope so.

[But he doubts it somehow.]

Do you want us to start on dessert prep soon? Most of the dinner stuff should be okay for a while.

[fourthsaken]

Can we do presents first? I started some prep before I left for Bert's last night, it can wait a bit...

[catphishing]

Sure we can. It's Christmas. We can do things however we want.

[His parents would probably disagree with that sentiment, but they aren't here.]