why do you build me up buttercup baby just to let me down

[intellectualrapist]

[After a rather exhausting time of however long, Erika is finally quite fine enough to walk around without any worries. Of course, she's still a little tender, but going without her corset a week or two more isn't the end of the world. It means simpler dresses and walking around outside like a normal person instead of a stand-out lolita.

Maybe for the best right now. She was generally associated with Dagon but surprisingly doesn't get many looks. And the fresh air of the park is...actually kind of nice. Not that she'll so it like that.

This is also for Zelos. Poor dear. He probably needs a break from her so she figures spending it outside might be good for her.

At the moment, she's flopped over in the grass, staring up at the sky with a quiet mind.]

Comments

[intellectualrapist]

[Whelp. Erika has seen weirder, so.] That was very polite of them.

[inhumanity]

A little disappointing that they'd believe me. Blood in cookies would be disgusting.

[Ignoring that he makes a conscious effort to look like a vampire, Christopher sets down Erika and strolls to the kitchens to start his baking.]

[intellectualrapist]

[Erika follows, peeking in curiously.] Do you have a rule about people watching you?

[It is a weirdly innocent question. She just...wants to watch him bake.]

[inhumanity]

Why would I? Enjoy yourself! [He doesn't have rules aboutanything.]

[intellectualrapist]

Thank you! [She hops and leans against a counter.] Have you been baking for long?

[inhumanity]

What is time when it comes to baking? Since I first made an effort almost five decades ago, it has become eternal.

[intellectualrapist]

I can only make a few things, myself. It's a little admirable to me.

[inhumanity]

Food is the lifeline of any relationship. Try to learn more.

[intellectualrapist]

[She will take crazy Christopher's advice seriously.] What sort of things should I learn to make?

[inhumanity]

Seafood.

[intellectualrapist]

A Deep One stew? That might be toxic.

[inhumanity]

You'd save him. He'd be put into a life debt to you. You'd own him for as long as he lives.

[intellectualrapist]

If you mean my boyfriend, I'm not worried about him leaving me. Mikado will stay my friend, too. ...Anyway, that's a pretty shitty way to keep him. He wouldn't stay out of love.

[inhumanity]

Trust, loyalty, and obligation are aspects of love.

[intellectualrapist]

Tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil are aspects of Italian cuisine but there are many dishes.

[inhumanity]

Precisely. The Italians know how to make love with threats. It's the beauty of the mafia.

[intellectualrapist]

I guess I should learn to make cannolis in that case.

[inhumanity]

[Shhh he hasn't seen The Godfather!] That won't do! He is an Englishman. Feed him the sweetness of his youth!

[intellectualrapist]

Like...tarts and tea cakes...? [Look she is glorious nippon what the hell.]

[inhumanity]

Haven't a clue. None of my friends were from England.

[intellectualrapist]

I like Japan best. I guess I'll have to look into it. If I make something, will you try it?

[inhumanity]

For a friend in need, I'll do anything to help you own his heart!

[intellectualrapist]

Then I'll bring by things I bake sometimes.

[inhumanity]

[HE HAS BEEN BAKING THIS WHOLE TIME shut up he has and NOW THEY ARE DONE and still deliciously warm. He turns around with the tray of them to offer them to her.] Try not to embarrass yourself, Erika.

[intellectualrapist]

I never embarrass myself. [What a lie. But she plucks one and takes a bite.] Oh...these are even better than I had imagined, too!