regulate | LL INBOX.

I am sorry. I know it is hard to bear and even harder to find purpose afterwards, but please know you are not alone.

Has your family at least somewhat filled the void with their presence?

... Sorry, this feels so shitty to tell you when you're trying so hard here, Friday. Thank you, really.

My family is dead. There isn't anyone left. [ not entirely true but it might as well be. that's a story for another time. ]

There is no need to apologize. I am glad you trust me enough to share something so intimate, even if it is disquieting.

[ He stands up and holds his hand out towards Sam. ]

I wish I could bring peace to your heart. I do not know if music could achieve that for you in the same way it has for me.

[ Ah... really, what a sweet person. he reaches to take Friday's hand. ]

I'm not very talented in music myself, but I do like some.

[ He smiles and sandwiches Sam's hands between his own, rubbing over his knuckles comfortingly. ]

Do you prefer pop or classical?

Classical. [ ....oh this (that smile and the overall gesture) must be the aria charisma at play. ]

I will play something for you next time you come by the Siren's cabins then. I have a piano now in our soundproof practice room.

It's a date, then. I'll bring you something nice.

[ His wings shift around his cheeks. ]

There is no need for you to stress yourself bringing something on my behalf. Coming with me to visit my sister and help keep her company is gift enough. I feel as though she is more stimulated when there are more voices than simply mine to listen to.

I know, but you just look so happy when you receive things I can't help but want to bring stuff. I'll keep it simple, promise.

[ How embarrassing. Is he really that present-starved? His wings further obscure his face. ]

Yes, something small if you absolutely must. Would you like to try the treats I brought along now? I need your honest opinion on my progress. Please hold nothing back.

[ he's in good company. ]

Of course! They smelled great, so that's a good sign so far. [ he's going to take one to try it. ]

I did my best to follow the recipe exactly, and I did not use someone with a suspect username this time. They were simply called "mattthecat." I will pour you some tea to wash it down.

[ He unscrews the cap of the thermos and fills it with warm tea before holding it out towards Sam. ]

[ he'll take the tea with a grateful smile before you to take a bite of the muffin. He gives it a moment, really putting the effort into giving it a good consideration on how it is as he chews before swallowing and finally taking a sip of the tea. ]

Did you try them yourself already?

I did. The muffins seemed good to me. I would not say they are the best I have ever eaten given how many muffins I have tried in the past from far better bakers than I, but they were edible.

Tell me what makes the others better to you? Or would make this better?

Small touches, like certain ingredients and a seasoned baker's penchant for timing. Sometimes having a dough with a cakier texture and a hint of extra citrus zest could make all the difference in the world. I am far from mastering that instinct they possess.

That comes with time, trial, and error. But knowing these things and what you're looking for really help.

The ingredients, though... well, hopefully we'll be off this hellboat soon.

I usually like my muffins to be less cakey and on the less sweet side, so this has a good consistency to me.

I am glad. I will remember that for next time. Is there a particular flavor you favor? I was making these more for myself and the family since Ava cannot eat much at the moment...

Oh, I really like pistachio muffins...

I have never tried those before, but there is a first time for everything. I will make those next if I can procure some fresh pistachios on the ship. I know the lounge tends to be stocked with nuts.

It's a really strange flavor, to be fair, I think? I can't place it .. doesn't really taste like a pistachio to me... but pistachio cakes and muffins are usually so tasty som somehow.

Maybe I just like green sweet food, because I like pistachio ice cream and mint ice cream too. I think I would like mint chocolate muffins if I like chocolate chip muffins, but I only like chocolate chips in cookies for some reason.

Mint and chocolate...does that not taste like eating chocolate after you have just brushed your teeth to you?

[ he laughs. ]

Actually, you would think that, right? It makes sense, even, but it's not a taste like that, at all. I guess maybe now like a chocolate candy cane, but even that isn't quite right. I know a really really good chocolate place in the city that makes delicious peppermint hot chocolate. If you ever want to try it, I'll definitely take you there for it.

I would like that should we ever return, though it is often difficult for me to go out in public without being swarmed. I would have to disguise myself like my sister often did.

Would you still talk to me if we do go back?

Re: (CW. suicide mention. )

vapour - 2025-02-11 02:27 (UTC) - Expand

Re: (CW. suicide mention. )

regulate - 2025-02-11 04:30 (UTC) - Expand