Hades-class OKR, designation "Astatine-170"

@astatine-osha

1,684 posts

[Astatine knocks on Janitor's... Janitor... department? It's kind of just a supply closet, but they've not seen it in a while, so they're hoping it just shows up.] Hello? I have a present.

Janitor does indeed show up. Assumably, it isn't just in every supply closet, but maybe Astatine was just lucky.

"Ah! Hello! Sorry For Not Visiting You In A While, I Had A Whole Situation, But I Am Good Now!" Janitor beams at Astatine, clearly happy to see its friend. "Oh, Wait, You Said You Had A Present? Thank You So Much! That Is So Kind Of You!"

Here. [Astatine hands them a small box wrapped in tinfoil.] A situation? As in, a normal situation, or a generalized OSHA situation?

It accepts the box, happily. "Normal, More Or Less. Weird, But Normal."

They pause for a moment. "We Should Probably Move To An Actual Room So I Can Open This, Huh?"

Oh, maybe. Was there anywhere in mind you had to go to? (I actually still don't know where your hub of operations is.) [Astatine scratches the back of their neck, at the seam lines between their armor plates.]

"... Now That I Think About It, I Actually Do Not Have One? I Just... Wander Around A Lot. I Have A Room Of Boxes But That Is About It?" It frowns slightly. "I Mean, I Have A Bedroom? So, Uh, We Could Go There?"

[Astatine nods.] I suppose decentralized janitorial services might not need an office, or whatever. We can go to your bedroom.

"You Are Absolutely Right, Yes." It nods. "Alright, Follow Me, My Room Is Not Too Far From Here." Kishar begins walking at a steady pace.

Your room? As in, a room that you use, or a room that you consider your own? [Astatine follows closely behind.]

"I Mean I Sleep There And Keep My Things In It, So I Think It Is Mine Now. Nobody Has Stopped Me, So..." They shrug. "Until Told Otherwise, I Am Claiming It As Mine."

Interesting. I suppose I did the same thing with the OKR department... what things do you keep inside it?

[Astatine knocks on Janitor's... Janitor... department? It's kind of just a supply closet, but they've not seen it in a while, so they're hoping it just shows up.] Hello? I have a present.

Janitor does indeed show up. Assumably, it isn't just in every supply closet, but maybe Astatine was just lucky.

"Ah! Hello! Sorry For Not Visiting You In A While, I Had A Whole Situation, But I Am Good Now!" Janitor beams at Astatine, clearly happy to see its friend. "Oh, Wait, You Said You Had A Present? Thank You So Much! That Is So Kind Of You!"

Here. [Astatine hands them a small box wrapped in tinfoil.] A situation? As in, a normal situation, or a generalized OSHA situation?

It accepts the box, happily. "Normal, More Or Less. Weird, But Normal."

They pause for a moment. "We Should Probably Move To An Actual Room So I Can Open This, Huh?"

Oh, maybe. Was there anywhere in mind you had to go to? (I actually still don't know where your hub of operations is.) [Astatine scratches the back of their neck, at the seam lines between their armor plates.]

"... Now That I Think About It, I Actually Do Not Have One? I Just... Wander Around A Lot. I Have A Room Of Boxes But That Is About It?" It frowns slightly. "I Mean, I Have A Bedroom? So, Uh, We Could Go There?"

[Astatine nods.] I suppose decentralized janitorial services might not need an office, or whatever. We can go to your bedroom.

"You Are Absolutely Right, Yes." It nods. "Alright, Follow Me, My Room Is Not Too Far From Here." Kishar begins walking at a steady pace.

Your room? As in, a room that you use, or a room that you consider your own? [Astatine follows closely behind.]

#(fuckin **OOPS** . my sincerest apologies)

[Astatine knocks on Janitor's... Janitor... department? It's kind of just a supply closet, but they've not seen it in a while, so they're hoping it just shows up.] Hello? I have a present.

Janitor does indeed show up. Assumably, it isn't just in every supply closet, but maybe Astatine was just lucky.

"Ah! Hello! Sorry For Not Visiting You In A While, I Had A Whole Situation, But I Am Good Now!" Janitor beams at Astatine, clearly happy to see its friend. "Oh, Wait, You Said You Had A Present? Thank You So Much! That Is So Kind Of You!"

Here. [Astatine hands them a small box wrapped in tinfoil.] A situation? As in, a normal situation, or a generalized OSHA situation?

It accepts the box, happily. "Normal, More Or Less. Weird, But Normal."

They pause for a moment. "We Should Probably Move To An Actual Room So I Can Open This, Huh?"

Oh, maybe. Was there anywhere in mind you had to go to? (I actually still don't know where your hub of operations is.) [Astatine scratches the back of their neck, at the seam lines between their armor plates.]

"... Now That I Think About It, I Actually Do Not Have One? I Just... Wander Around A Lot. I Have A Room Of Boxes But That Is About It?" It frowns slightly. "I Mean, I Have A Bedroom? So, Uh, We Could Go There?"

[Astatine nods.] I suppose decentralized janitorial services might not need an office, or whatever. We can go to your bedroom.

[Astatine knocks on Janitor's... Janitor... department? It's kind of just a supply closet, but they've not seen it in a while, so they're hoping it just shows up.] Hello? I have a present.

Janitor does indeed show up. Assumably, it isn't just in every supply closet, but maybe Astatine was just lucky.

"Ah! Hello! Sorry For Not Visiting You In A While, I Had A Whole Situation, But I Am Good Now!" Janitor beams at Astatine, clearly happy to see its friend. "Oh, Wait, You Said You Had A Present? Thank You So Much! That Is So Kind Of You!"

Here. [Astatine hands them a small box wrapped in tinfoil.] A situation? As in, a normal situation, or a generalized OSHA situation?

It accepts the box, happily. "Normal, More Or Less. Weird, But Normal."

They pause for a moment. "We Should Probably Move To An Actual Room So I Can Open This, Huh?"

Oh, maybe. Was there anywhere in mind you had to go to? (I actually still don't know where your hub of operations is.) [Astatine scratches the back of their neck, at the seam lines between their armor plates.]

[Astatine knocks on Janitor's... Janitor... department? It's kind of just a supply closet, but they've not seen it in a while, so they're hoping it just shows up.] Hello? I have a present.

Janitor does indeed show up. Assumably, it isn't just in every supply closet, but maybe Astatine was just lucky.

"Ah! Hello! Sorry For Not Visiting You In A While, I Had A Whole Situation, But I Am Good Now!" Janitor beams at Astatine, clearly happy to see its friend. "Oh, Wait, You Said You Had A Present? Thank You So Much! That Is So Kind Of You!"

Here. [Astatine hands them a small box wrapped in tinfoil.] A situation? As in, a normal situation, or a generalized OSHA situation?

The doors to the OKR department burst open and Merlyn comes running through.

"Enaid! I just had an awesome idea!"

@union-of-mad-scientists

[Astatine fumbles a soldering iron they were holding, accidentally burning through some minorly-essential contacts on their OKR suit's electronics.] (Shit.)

Hi. What is your idea? [They stand up, dusting off and unplugging their soldering iron.] Please imagine I said that in a more excited way.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Right, so you know my legion of robots that do chores and guard the castle?" They're grinning and waving their hands excitedly as they run up to Astatine. "What if we made them able to combine into One Giant Robot like Voltron?? Wouldn't that be so cool??"

Voltron? [They blink, eyes flashing.] Oh. Wait, that would absolutely be really cool. [Astatine's eyebrows raise.] Actually I am now very invested. Elaborate. And maybe walk?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Walk?? I'm too excited! I would spend more energy concentrating on that!" She laughs brightly. "So, I haven't really worked out HOW to do this yet - the idea only just came to me - but obviously it would involve making the outer shells and certain interior parts capable of rearranging themselves. Probably special dedicated motors, revamping which areas are articulated, extra joints which unlock when the program is initiated..."

She hums a little, bouncing on her feet and wiggling her fingers now that she was next to Astatine.

"I was hoping you'd like to help me work out all that, actually?"

[Astatine almost grins.] Yeah, fair. You came to the right... what am I, a robot? Sort of?

Anyways, I can probably help with the programming side to an extent. It should not be that much different from the factory-bot production line I have, or the maintenance I have to do with my suit. How else can I help? Do you have any materials in mind?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Oh!!! Right, hang on," Mer starts digging in her bag, "I brought the specs the robots currently have, you should probably look at that before we get too far with the redesign-" They pull out a sheaf of papers and blueprints and hand it to Astatine.

"The outer shell is a bronze-ceramic composite, but most of the interior parts are fairly standard motors and hydraulics and such. Primarily high-carbon steel, but some of the high-stress areas are reinforced with titanium... Since I was making so many, I had to use as many standard materials and pieces as possible, otherwise I would have gone Madder."

[Astatine takes the blueprints with as much excitement as they probably physically can express.] Ooh. I can make an automated line if you want me to, at least for the redesigned parts. And I can imagine we may want to make them more modular in the rectangular or hexagonal sense... I am also not sure if you going Madder would be a bad thing, necessarily. Possibly for the greater world at large it could destabilize things. In a good way.

union-of-mad-scientists

"I meant in a way that was less fun for me," she clarifies, "But thank you for the vote of confidence, fy nghariad!" She impulsively kisses Astatine on the cheek.

"And hexagonal modularity is an excellent idea! Should we sit down to draw things out, or do you want to keep standing?"

Ah. Of course! [They cough a little, flushing.] I feel it makes sense to sketch out some designs quickly... If you want, I can pull some more comfortable chairs out?

#mer/astatine #union-of-mad-scientists #god. they can be so gay...

The doors to the OKR department burst open and Merlyn comes running through.

"Enaid! I just had an awesome idea!"

@union-of-mad-scientists

[Astatine fumbles a soldering iron they were holding, accidentally burning through some minorly-essential contacts on their OKR suit's electronics.] (Shit.)

Hi. What is your idea? [They stand up, dusting off and unplugging their soldering iron.] Please imagine I said that in a more excited way.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Right, so you know my legion of robots that do chores and guard the castle?" They're grinning and waving their hands excitedly as they run up to Astatine. "What if we made them able to combine into One Giant Robot like Voltron?? Wouldn't that be so cool??"

Voltron? [They blink, eyes flashing.] Oh. Wait, that would absolutely be really cool. [Astatine's eyebrows raise.] Actually I am now very invested. Elaborate. And maybe walk?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Walk?? I'm too excited! I would spend more energy concentrating on that!" She laughs brightly. "So, I haven't really worked out HOW to do this yet - the idea only just came to me - but obviously it would involve making the outer shells and certain interior parts capable of rearranging themselves. Probably special dedicated motors, revamping which areas are articulated, extra joints which unlock when the program is initiated..."

She hums a little, bouncing on her feet and wiggling her fingers now that she was next to Astatine.

"I was hoping you'd like to help me work out all that, actually?"

[Astatine almost grins.] Yeah, fair. You came to the right... what am I, a robot? Sort of?

Anyways, I can probably help with the programming side to an extent. It should not be that much different from the factory-bot production line I have, or the maintenance I have to do with my suit. How else can I help? Do you have any materials in mind?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Oh!!! Right, hang on," Mer starts digging in her bag, "I brought the specs the robots currently have, you should probably look at that before we get too far with the redesign-" They pull out a sheaf of papers and blueprints and hand it to Astatine.

"The outer shell is a bronze-ceramic composite, but most of the interior parts are fairly standard motors and hydraulics and such. Primarily high-carbon steel, but some of the high-stress areas are reinforced with titanium... Since I was making so many, I had to use as many standard materials and pieces as possible, otherwise I would have gone Madder."

[Astatine takes the blueprints with as much excitement as they probably physically can express.] Ooh. I can make an automated line if you want me to, at least for the redesigned parts. And I can imagine we may want to make them more modular in the rectangular or hexagonal sense... I am also not sure if you going Madder would be a bad thing, necessarily. Possibly for the greater world at large it could destabilize things. In a good way.

#mer/astatine #union-of-mad-scientists

The doors to the OKR department burst open and Merlyn comes running through.

"Enaid! I just had an awesome idea!"

@union-of-mad-scientists

[Astatine fumbles a soldering iron they were holding, accidentally burning through some minorly-essential contacts on their OKR suit's electronics.] (Shit.)

Hi. What is your idea? [They stand up, dusting off and unplugging their soldering iron.] Please imagine I said that in a more excited way.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Right, so you know my legion of robots that do chores and guard the castle?" They're grinning and waving their hands excitedly as they run up to Astatine. "What if we made them able to combine into One Giant Robot like Voltron?? Wouldn't that be so cool??"

Voltron? [They blink, eyes flashing.] Oh. Wait, that would absolutely be really cool. [Astatine's eyebrows raise.] Actually I am now very invested. Elaborate. And maybe walk?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Walk?? I'm too excited! I would spend more energy concentrating on that!" She laughs brightly. "So, I haven't really worked out HOW to do this yet - the idea only just came to me - but obviously it would involve making the outer shells and certain interior parts capable of rearranging themselves. Probably special dedicated motors, revamping which areas are articulated, extra joints which unlock when the program is initiated..."

She hums a little, bouncing on her feet and wiggling her fingers now that she was next to Astatine.

"I was hoping you'd like to help me work out all that, actually?"

[Astatine almost grins.] Yeah, fair. You came to the right... what am I, a robot? Sort of?

Anyways, I can probably help with the programming side to an extent. It should not be that much different from the factory-bot production line I have, or the maintenance I have to do with my suit. How else can I help? Do you have any materials in mind?

#mer/astatine #union-of-mad-scientists

The doors to the OKR department burst open and Merlyn comes running through.

"Enaid! I just had an awesome idea!"

@union-of-mad-scientists

[Astatine fumbles a soldering iron they were holding, accidentally burning through some minorly-essential contacts on their OKR suit's electronics.] (Shit.)

Hi. What is your idea? [They stand up, dusting off and unplugging their soldering iron.] Please imagine I said that in a more excited way.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Right, so you know my legion of robots that do chores and guard the castle?" They're grinning and waving their hands excitedly as they run up to Astatine. "What if we made them able to combine into One Giant Robot like Voltron?? Wouldn't that be so cool??"

Voltron? [They blink, eyes flashing.] Oh. Wait, that would absolutely be really cool. [Astatine's eyebrows raise.] Actually I am now very invested. Elaborate. And maybe walk?

#union-of-mad-scientists #mer/astatine

The doors to the OKR department burst open and Merlyn comes running through.

"Enaid! I just had an awesome idea!"

@union-of-mad-scientists

[Astatine fumbles a soldering iron they were holding, accidentally burning through some minorly-essential contacts on their OKR suit's electronics.] (Shit.)

Hi. What is your idea? [They stand up, dusting off and unplugging their soldering iron.] Please imagine I said that in a more excited way.

#union-of-mad-scientists #mer/astatine

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

union-of-mad-scientists

"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

union-of-mad-scientists

"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

union-of-mad-scientists

"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

union-of-mad-scientists

"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

union-of-mad-scientists

They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

union-of-mad-scientists

"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

union-of-mad-scientists

"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer suddenly coughs and splutters a little, seeming to have choked on the water from laughing.

"Sorry, did you just say you made an OKR hull out of a paint vat?" she asks, putting the glass down on the counter next to the double-boiler, and going to grab a wooden spoon.

"Is that why the paint drippings?"

I- No, I- [Astatine looks away, clearly embarrassed.] I, uh... just dipped myself into a paint vat entirely. [Clearing their throat, they change the topic.] This is actually a special OKR hull I made that's waterproof and a little more streamlined so that I don't have to deal with Valentine's Day. And. Valentine's Day connotations.

[They shrug with their shoulders, still avoiding eye contact.] I mean, how do you participate in a holiday that is by nature meant to imply a relationship for around three decades without any relationships to speak of? In a way that is not really weird. Pink paint is the easiest option.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Yeah..." she chuckles lightly, "I can definitely get that. In the past I mostly thought of it as the day-before-chocolate-goes-on-sale-day. Pink paint is a fun acknowledgement of it though! How'd you make sure the paint didn't get into any delicate gaps when you dipped yourself in it thought?"

They start stirring the chocolate, but in the process their elbow hits the glass of water and knocks it over. Mer swears softly.

"Enaid, love, could you get me a fresh towel?"

Miraculously, the glass had not broken, but there was quite a bit of water on the floor now.

Sure, of course. [Astatine hops up off the counter and onto the floor, then immediately slips backwards and lands on the ground with a splat of pink, not-yet dry paint. They grimace visibly under their helmet.]

[Instead of commenting on the mess they just made, they choose to answer Mer's other questions. Astatine's voice is somehow filled with another two levels of dangerous annoyance, though it's directed at themself this time.] ...I didn't make sure of anything. Once I get back to my office, I am going to do some sort of water bullshit and maybe take a several day long shower to get all this out.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Ah." They grimace in sympathy. "Are you alright?" They ask, turning to them and reaching down to help them up.

[Astatine sighs, accepting the hand gladly.] Yeah, fine. I can go grab a towel and clean all this up, if you tell me where those are? Sorry.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Top drawer left of the sink," they say. "And thank you. Sure you won't slip again?"

Hopefully, I will not slip again. [Astatine says this pointedly, almost as if directed towards someone.] And if it is really all up to my own ability I can just walk on the towels I dropped. They have a decent amount of friction. Remember to stir the chocolate. [Carefully, they walk over to the sink and grab a towel, then start cleaning up their mess.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"Right, the chocolate!" Mer hurries back over to the stove. "Almost forgot there... We're nearly melted now, nice."

Excellent. Once it is fully melted we need to cool it to 81 degrees Fahrenheit for a minute or two, then heat it back up to 87 degrees. I can start a timer if you need me to?

union-of-mad-scientists

"That would be great, yes," she nods, stirring the chocolate. "And then we just pour after?"

I think so. What happens after the chocolate again? I forgot. [Astatine starts the timer and continues to clean.] Also... was there any reason why you wanted to make this in particular?

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

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Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

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Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

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Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

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"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

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"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

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"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

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"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

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"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

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"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

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"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

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"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

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Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

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"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

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"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

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They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

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"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

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"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

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"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

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"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

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"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

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"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

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Mer suddenly coughs and splutters a little, seeming to have choked on the water from laughing.

"Sorry, did you just say you made an OKR hull out of a paint vat?" she asks, putting the glass down on the counter next to the double-boiler, and going to grab a wooden spoon.

"Is that why the paint drippings?"

I- No, I- [Astatine looks away, clearly embarrassed.] I, uh... just dipped myself into a paint vat entirely. [Clearing their throat, they change the topic.] This is actually a special OKR hull I made that's waterproof and a little more streamlined so that I don't have to deal with Valentine's Day. And. Valentine's Day connotations.

[They shrug with their shoulders, still avoiding eye contact.] I mean, how do you participate in a holiday that is by nature meant to imply a relationship for around three decades without any relationships to speak of? In a way that is not really weird. Pink paint is the easiest option.

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"Yeah..." she chuckles lightly, "I can definitely get that. In the past I mostly thought of it as the day-before-chocolate-goes-on-sale-day. Pink paint is a fun acknowledgement of it though! How'd you make sure the paint didn't get into any delicate gaps when you dipped yourself in it thought?"

They start stirring the chocolate, but in the process their elbow hits the glass of water and knocks it over. Mer swears softly.

"Enaid, love, could you get me a fresh towel?"

Miraculously, the glass had not broken, but there was quite a bit of water on the floor now.

Sure, of course. [Astatine hops up off the counter and onto the floor, then immediately slips backwards and lands on the ground with a splat of pink, not-yet dry paint. They grimace visibly under their helmet.]

[Instead of commenting on the mess they just made, they choose to answer Mer's other questions. Astatine's voice is somehow filled with another two levels of dangerous annoyance, though it's directed at themself this time.] ...I didn't make sure of anything. Once I get back to my office, I am going to do some sort of water bullshit and maybe take a several day long shower to get all this out.

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"Ah." They grimace in sympathy. "Are you alright?" They ask, turning to them and reaching down to help them up.

[Astatine sighs, accepting the hand gladly.] Yeah, fine. I can go grab a towel and clean all this up, if you tell me where those are? Sorry.

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"Top drawer left of the sink," they say. "And thank you. Sure you won't slip again?"

Hopefully, I will not slip again. [Astatine says this pointedly, almost as if directed towards someone.] And if it is really all up to my own ability I can just walk on the towels I dropped. They have a decent amount of friction. Remember to stir the chocolate. [Carefully, they walk over to the sink and grab a towel, then start cleaning up their mess.]

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"Right, the chocolate!" Mer hurries back over to the stove. "Almost forgot there... We're nearly melted now, nice."

Excellent. Once it is fully melted we need to cool it to 81 degrees Fahrenheit for a minute or two, then heat it back up to 87 degrees. I can start a timer if you need me to?

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

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Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

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Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

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Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

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Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

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"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

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"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

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"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

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"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

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"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

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"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

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"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

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"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

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Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

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"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

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"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

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They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

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"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

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"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

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"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

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"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

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"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

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"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

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Mer suddenly coughs and splutters a little, seeming to have choked on the water from laughing.

"Sorry, did you just say you made an OKR hull out of a paint vat?" she asks, putting the glass down on the counter next to the double-boiler, and going to grab a wooden spoon.

"Is that why the paint drippings?"

I- No, I- [Astatine looks away, clearly embarrassed.] I, uh... just dipped myself into a paint vat entirely. [Clearing their throat, they change the topic.] This is actually a special OKR hull I made that's waterproof and a little more streamlined so that I don't have to deal with Valentine's Day. And. Valentine's Day connotations.

[They shrug with their shoulders, still avoiding eye contact.] I mean, how do you participate in a holiday that is by nature meant to imply a relationship for around three decades without any relationships to speak of? In a way that is not really weird. Pink paint is the easiest option.

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"Yeah..." she chuckles lightly, "I can definitely get that. In the past I mostly thought of it as the day-before-chocolate-goes-on-sale-day. Pink paint is a fun acknowledgement of it though! How'd you make sure the paint didn't get into any delicate gaps when you dipped yourself in it thought?"

They start stirring the chocolate, but in the process their elbow hits the glass of water and knocks it over. Mer swears softly.

"Enaid, love, could you get me a fresh towel?"

Miraculously, the glass had not broken, but there was quite a bit of water on the floor now.

Sure, of course. [Astatine hops up off the counter and onto the floor, then immediately slips backwards and lands on the ground with a splat of pink, not-yet dry paint. They grimace visibly under their helmet.]

[Instead of commenting on the mess they just made, they choose to answer Mer's other questions. Astatine's voice is somehow filled with another two levels of dangerous annoyance, though it's directed at themself this time.] ...I didn't make sure of anything. Once I get back to my office, I am going to do some sort of water bullshit and maybe take a several day long shower to get all this out.

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"Ah." They grimace in sympathy. "Are you alright?" They ask, turning to them and reaching down to help them up.

[Astatine sighs, accepting the hand gladly.] Yeah, fine. I can go grab a towel and clean all this up, if you tell me where those are? Sorry.

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"Top drawer left of the sink," they say. "And thank you. Sure you won't slip again?"

Hopefully, I will not slip again. [Astatine says this pointedly, almost as if directed towards someone.] And if it is really all up to my own ability I can just walk on the towels I dropped. They have a decent amount of friction. Remember to stir the chocolate. [Carefully, they walk over to the sink and grab a towel, then start cleaning up their mess.]

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

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Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

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Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

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Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

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Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

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"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

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"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

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"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

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"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

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"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

union-of-mad-scientists

"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

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"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

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"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

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Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

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"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

union-of-mad-scientists

"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

union-of-mad-scientists

They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

union-of-mad-scientists

"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

union-of-mad-scientists

"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer suddenly coughs and splutters a little, seeming to have choked on the water from laughing.

"Sorry, did you just say you made an OKR hull out of a paint vat?" she asks, putting the glass down on the counter next to the double-boiler, and going to grab a wooden spoon.

"Is that why the paint drippings?"

I- No, I- [Astatine looks away, clearly embarrassed.] I, uh... just dipped myself into a paint vat entirely. [Clearing their throat, they change the topic.] This is actually a special OKR hull I made that's waterproof and a little more streamlined so that I don't have to deal with Valentine's Day. And. Valentine's Day connotations.

[They shrug with their shoulders, still avoiding eye contact.] I mean, how do you participate in a holiday that is by nature meant to imply a relationship for around three decades without any relationships to speak of? In a way that is not really weird. Pink paint is the easiest option.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Yeah..." she chuckles lightly, "I can definitely get that. In the past I mostly thought of it as the day-before-chocolate-goes-on-sale-day. Pink paint is a fun acknowledgement of it though! How'd you make sure the paint didn't get into any delicate gaps when you dipped yourself in it thought?"

They start stirring the chocolate, but in the process their elbow hits the glass of water and knocks it over. Mer swears softly.

"Enaid, love, could you get me a fresh towel?"

Miraculously, the glass had not broken, but there was quite a bit of water on the floor now.

Sure, of course. [Astatine hops up off the counter and onto the floor, then immediately slips backwards and lands on the ground with a splat of pink, not-yet dry paint. They grimace visibly under their helmet.]

[Instead of commenting on the mess they just made, they choose to answer Mer's other questions. Astatine's voice is somehow filled with another two levels of dangerous annoyance, though it's directed at themself this time.] ...I didn't make sure of anything. Once I get back to my office, I am going to do some sort of water bullshit and maybe take a several day long shower to get all this out.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Ah." They grimace in sympathy. "Are you alright?" They ask, turning to them and reaching down to help them up.

[Astatine sighs, accepting the hand gladly.] Yeah, fine. I can go grab a towel and clean all this up, if you tell me where those are? Sorry.

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

union-of-mad-scientists

"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

union-of-mad-scientists

"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

union-of-mad-scientists

"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

union-of-mad-scientists

"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

union-of-mad-scientists

They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

union-of-mad-scientists

"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

union-of-mad-scientists

"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer suddenly coughs and splutters a little, seeming to have choked on the water from laughing.

"Sorry, did you just say you made an OKR hull out of a paint vat?" she asks, putting the glass down on the counter next to the double-boiler, and going to grab a wooden spoon.

"Is that why the paint drippings?"

I- No, I- [Astatine looks away, clearly embarrassed.] I, uh... just dipped myself into a paint vat entirely. [Clearing their throat, they change the topic.] This is actually a special OKR hull I made that's waterproof and a little more streamlined so that I don't have to deal with Valentine's Day. And. Valentine's Day connotations.

[They shrug with their shoulders, still avoiding eye contact.] I mean, how do you participate in a holiday that is by nature meant to imply a relationship for around three decades without any relationships to speak of? In a way that is not really weird. Pink paint is the easiest option.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Yeah..." she chuckles lightly, "I can definitely get that. In the past I mostly thought of it as the day-before-chocolate-goes-on-sale-day. Pink paint is a fun acknowledgement of it though! How'd you make sure the paint didn't get into any delicate gaps when you dipped yourself in it thought?"

They start stirring the chocolate, but in the process their elbow hits the glass of water and knocks it over. Mer swears softly.

"Enaid, love, could you get me a fresh towel?"

Miraculously, the glass had not broken, but there was quite a bit of water on the floor now.

Sure, of course. [Astatine hops up off the counter and onto the floor, then immediately slips backwards and lands on the ground with a splat of pink, not-yet dry paint. They grimace visibly under their helmet.]

[Instead of commenting on the mess they just made, they choose to answer Mer's other questions. Astatine's voice is somehow filled with another two levels of dangerous annoyance, though it's directed at themself this time.] ...I didn't make sure of anything. Once I get back to my office, I am going to do some sort of water bullshit and maybe take a several day long shower to get all this out.

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

union-of-mad-scientists

"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

union-of-mad-scientists

"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

union-of-mad-scientists

"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

union-of-mad-scientists

"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

union-of-mad-scientists

They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

union-of-mad-scientists

"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

union-of-mad-scientists

"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

union-of-mad-scientists

"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

union-of-mad-scientists

"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

union-of-mad-scientists

"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer suddenly coughs and splutters a little, seeming to have choked on the water from laughing.

"Sorry, did you just say you made an OKR hull out of a paint vat?" she asks, putting the glass down on the counter next to the double-boiler, and going to grab a wooden spoon.

"Is that why the paint drippings?"

I- No, I- [Astatine looks away, clearly embarrassed.] I, uh... just dipped myself into a paint vat entirely. [Clearing their throat, they change the topic.] This is actually a special OKR hull I made that's waterproof and a little more streamlined so that I don't have to deal with Valentine's Day. And. Valentine's Day connotations.

[They shrug with their shoulders, still avoiding eye contact.] I mean, how do you participate in a holiday that is by nature meant to imply a relationship for around three decades without any relationships to speak of? In a way that is not really weird. Pink paint is the easiest option.

*Astatine gets a ping on their computer, with a message from Merlyn*

Mer: Hey so. I haven't done this since gradeschool but... Here.

Anyway, happy Valentine's, now that it's officially past midnight.

You wanna do anything?

ASTATINE, after a good 30 minutes: [Uh, sure. Want to cook something? That should be mutually beneficial.]

ASTATINE: [I do not know exactly how to respond so imagine that I responded positively. Please.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: laskldhg DW that was positive enough lol. I've never been very invested in valentine's day as a concept, but I've always enjoyed the cheesy puns and the grade school version where everybody gets candy and obligatory cards with superheroes or cartoon characters or whatever. Mer: And it felt right to acknowledge the holiday somehow since we're together now. Mer: Anyway, yeah, cooking something sounds Awesome! Wanna try something complicated, like candy? Little chocolate hearts with tasty caramel or whatever as a filling, perhaps?

ASTATINE: [I keep forgetting that we are in a relationship of some sort. It is nice.]

ASTATINE: [Want me to come over?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Yeah I suppose how we talk to each other hasn't changed much so that makes sense.

Mer: And yes, that would probably be best. Unless you've gotten a more complete kitchen since I was last over?

ASTATINE: [I kind of have? Let me grab some supplies and I will run over. It is not finished.]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Fair enough! I'll have to come over and see it later though, when you're ready.

Mer: I'll start looking up instructions, I've never actually done this before either.

ASTATINE: [Right. Got it.]

[After around twenty minutes, Astatine bonks on Mer's castle gates.]

ASTATINE: [Here. Have supplies in both hands. Help?]

union-of-mad-scientists

Mer: Be right there.

It takes a couple of minutes, but a slightly breathless Mer soon opens the door, grinning. Did... did they run Herr?

"Hey Astie! What should I grab off of you?"

Hi. Hello. [Astatine stands shorter than usual, and is cloaked in at least two layers of towels draped on their form haphazardly. They are carrying two plastic bags, which they offer to Mer.] One of these? Either one works?

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"Gotcha," she nods and takes one, brushing her hand against theirs in the process. "Hey, uh... Is everything alright dear? The towels are. New."

[Their hand is a little gooey, and they gesture towards the door.] Valentine's Day is a holiday. Holiday protocol applies, but, you know, makes me feel weird, so towels.

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"Ahh, gotcha." They nod, and make sure the door is open wide enough for Astatine to get through. "To the kitchen then?"

Kitchen! [Astatine shuffles through quickly, making their way to a kitchen nearby.] Did you have any ideas for what to make?

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"Yeah!" she hums softly, walking next to Astatine. "I think a salted caramel filling with a coating of dark chocolate would taste good, and I think I've got a heart-shaped silicone mold we can use. So, unless you've got any other ideas for flavor combinations we can just go for that?"

I, uhhhh, sure. As long as you handle the food. That does sound really tasty... [Astatine pulls their shawl a bit closer to themself.]

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"I can do that, if that's what you want," they agree, "Is it related to the towels?"

Uh, yes. Sorry.

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"No need to be sorry, Enaid," she smiles, "It'll be more fun just from you being in the room either way."

They arrive in the kitchen and Merlyn puts down the bag Astatine had brought and starts looking through it.

[Some assorted confectionary supplies are in there, along with a bit of pastry dough and a few splattered pink splotches.] I suppose that is fair. What is our first step?

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"The caramel, I think," they say, sorting the supplies out on the counter. "It... is supposed to be rather tricky. Can I have you on reading the instructions duty?"

Absolutely! Where are the instructions?

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"Uh... Internet?" they shrug, "I think I pulled up a few options on the laptop over there, you can just pick one."

Ah, okay. [Astatine goes over to the computer and looks up a recipe, then starts reading out what to do for the caramel.] ...does that work? I am unsure what specific recipe you are looking for.

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"That should be fine, yes," they nod, beginning to follow the instructions. "Probably, anyway."

Got it. [Continuing to read off instructions, Astatine brings the computer over a bit so they can be closer to Mer.]

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Mer follows the instructions carefully, often smiling up at Astatine but more often looking at her work in deep concentration.

For all that though, they are not skilled enough to avoid a bit of splash and mess, and some sugar winds up on her cheek from thoughtlessly touching her face.

And a bit of the fully-formed caramel creme on their nose from the same, after she tested to see if it was at the right stage of crystallization.

[Astatine is engrossed in reading, and doesn't realize the mess until they're most of the way through the first part of the recipe. They look up and their eyes shoot to Mer's cheek.] Oh. Uh. Mer you have stuff on your face. I think it. I am pretty sure it is sugar. Do you want a towel?

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"Oh!" She instinctively reaches up to touch her face in response, only managing to smear more of the caramel on it. "Yeah, actually, you got a spare? Cuz after this it's gonna be tempering the chocolate if those cooking shows are to be believed. And I'll probably only get messier from there."

... [Astatine stands completely still for a few moments before reaching up and grabbing one of the more haphazard towels strewn on their head. They offer it to Mer tentatively, pink stains facing the floor.] Here? Do you want me to, uh..?

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"...I would appreciate it, yes," they say. "I'm almost done putting all this in the molds and wanna finish."

Then she looks back up at Astatine. "Oh, I think I am seeing why the towels now... why on earth hasn't that paint dried yet?"

No reason. Hm. [They step a little closer and start wiping some of the caramel off to the best of their ability. They smear things a bit, but with a little bit of holding her cheek it's pretty easy to get a decent amount of the caramel off. A little of the pink paint gets smeared on Mer's shirt, which Astatine swears at quietly.]

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They giggle softly when they notice the pink spot.

"Thanks, love," they say, "And don't worry too much this is hardly a favorite shirt or anything. And maybe I can do some science about the stain later."

She reaches out to pat them on the shoulder, making a soft squelching sound as they encounter another towel.

[They wince at the squelch, but try to smile regardless.] That could be interesting, but it is just normal paint. I am pretty sure it is normal paint. If it was weird in some way I would probably not have came.

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"I meant like, in terms of stain removal. reversing chemical bonds and such," they chuckle. "It's not as mad, but it is science too."

Oh. That... also, yes. I almost forgot less mad science existed, being entirely honest. Stain removal... [They pause, confused briefly, then motion to the chocolate.] Ah, uh, sorry - tempering time?

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"Er, yes," they nod, "I think we melt the chocolate first, can you get out the double boiler?" she asks, beginning to open the packages of chocolate.

Definitely. Where is that? [Astatine starts opening cupboards. The floor is a little wet with pink paint.]

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"Should be under the stove," she says, making a note to mop or something later. "Careful not to slip too."

Got it. [They pull out a double boiler from under the stovetop, expertly maneuvering around and slightly towelling the paint up as they move. With not a ton of effort, they plunk it onto the stove.] Need help with chocolate?

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"Not yet, but I will once it's melted and we're pouring," she says,,putting water in the lower chamber of the double boiler and chocolate in the upper.

Okay. It should not take that long, but the instructions provided by the website are annoyingly nonspecific. Do you have prior experience melting chocolate, or should I look up... uh, relevant information of some sort. (Not sure which...)

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"I, uh..." She frowns. "Well, I assume we just... Watch it? And wait for it to be melty? I know tempering is very fiddly and about getting it to exactly the right temperature so it crystalizes the way we want, but that's... about it. I've never actually tried it before, always used compound chocolate where you don't need to..."

They stare at the innocent-looking lumps of chocolate which were beginning to get softer from the heat.

"Yeah please look up something about that. That would be very helpful."

Right, okay. Let me just sit down, uh... I found a nine minute video on how chocolate tempering works. [Astatine hops up on a nearby counter, well out of the way of the cooking process. They start looking things up through their helmet.] It should be fine to continue having it cook.

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"Good, cuz that's what it's gonna be doing," she chuckles, and goes to get herself a glass of water. "Are we supposed to stir?" they ask, and then take a sip.

Uh... I do not know. Maybe stir it anyways? I am only about halfway done with the video. Er, actually, yes stir. Sorry, I am pseudo-overclocking my. Yeah. Do you have any like, bars of chocolate around here? Apparently that will help speed up the process. We also probably need a thermonmeter. Thermometer.

...I should try and make an OKR hull out of chocolate next Valentine's day. Less hassle than a paint vat. [Astatine doesn't seem to notice they've said this.] (God, I am going to love resetting away all of this shit. Or maybe taking a shower.)

Hades-class OKR, designation "Astatine-170" @astatine-osha - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag