H!Phoenix

[phoenix-but-human]

Intro Blog

(Mod text will be in brackets like this.)

(This is a Human AU of my OC Phoenix - @that-stickfig-phoenix)

(Mod IAAT here. I live in Australia, so my blogs, answers, and reblogs will all be at an ungodly hour for many here. Just a heads up.)

Hey, I'm Phoenix

I'm 22 (My birthday is October 3rd)

NSFW or creepy asks WILL BE DELETED

M!Anons are allowed, just don't kill me

My hair and eyes are a weirdly bright orange

I like to wear an orange jacket, since it matches my hair and eyes.

I'm also really good at parkour.

(Pfp by @xxmoonduskxx)

(Alt: @phoenixhumanau-alt)

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I only have Let’s Go Eevee.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, then that we will play. How far in are you?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. Brock.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, so not all that far. Your team so far?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I have an Eevee, a Caterpie, a Rattata.. and I think that’s it? I’ve neglected the game for like. A month or two.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright... Maybe we could get an Oddish and try to level it a bit so we can get some poison attacks. If we get the gift Magikarp, we could level that into a Gyarados and blast him with that."

[the-human-juniper]

“Ooo… smart.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, I've been playing the pokemon franchise for years. I do nuzlockes every couple weeks, too."

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez… nuzlockes are hard.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Only if you stick to the conventional gameplay. Getting creative can make the whole thing into a more fun and manageable challenge."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh! Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, let's get back to the game. Oddish spawn in Route 1, so we'll need to head back to there. I'm assuming we're at Brock's gym?"

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I only have Let’s Go Eevee.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, then that we will play. How far in are you?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. Brock.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, so not all that far. Your team so far?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I have an Eevee, a Caterpie, a Rattata.. and I think that’s it? I’ve neglected the game for like. A month or two.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright... Maybe we could get an Oddish and try to level it a bit so we can get some poison attacks. If we get the gift Magikarp, we could level that into a Gyarados and blast him with that."

[the-human-juniper]

“Ooo… smart.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, I've been playing the pokemon franchise for years. I do nuzlockes every couple weeks, too."

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez… nuzlockes are hard.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Only if you stick to the conventional gameplay. Getting creative can make the whole thing into a more fun and manageable challenge."

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I only have Let’s Go Eevee.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, then that we will play. How far in are you?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. Brock.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, so not all that far. Your team so far?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I have an Eevee, a Caterpie, a Rattata.. and I think that’s it? I’ve neglected the game for like. A month or two.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright... Maybe we could get an Oddish and try to level it a bit so we can get some poison attacks. If we get the gift Magikarp, we could level that into a Gyarados and blast him with that."

[the-human-juniper]

“Ooo… smart.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, I've been playing the pokemon franchise for years. I do nuzlockes every couple weeks, too."

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I only have Let’s Go Eevee.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, then that we will play. How far in are you?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. Brock.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, so not all that far. Your team so far?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I have an Eevee, a Caterpie, a Rattata.. and I think that’s it? I’ve neglected the game for like. A month or two.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright... Maybe we could get an Oddish and try to level it a bit so we can get some poison attacks. If we get the gift Magikarp, we could level that into a Gyarados and blast him with that."

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I only have Let’s Go Eevee.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, then that we will play. How far in are you?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. Brock.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, so not all that far. Your team so far?"

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I only have Let’s Go Eevee.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, then that we will play. How far in are you?"

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

“Jeez- hi-“

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hi. So, which one we doing?"

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

He sits down on the couch, gesturing for Phoenix to join him.

[phoenix-but-human]

He vaults over the back of the couch to land beside him.

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

“Alright, bet.” He walks over to a Nintendo Switch stand and pulls the controllers off before turning on both the TV and the Nintendo. He then tosses a controller to Phoenix.

[phoenix-but-human]

He catches it, giving it a little spin like a butterfly knife before holding it properly.

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

“You wanna play, then?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yes, absolutely."

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you ever play Pokémon Lets Go?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, yes! I love those ones!"

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Not really.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hmm... How about a game? Could be a board game or a video game, whichever you prefer."

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s true.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"So..."

He leans back against the bench.

"Anything you wanna do?"

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"It also makes cleanup easier."

As he says this, he's wiping down the bench after putting the scraps in the bin.

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Usually the families who fostered me waited until after they ate to put leftovers away, that’s all.” He shrugs.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Eh, better to put it in the fridge when you finish serving to clear up room on the bench, in my experience."

[the-human-juniper]

There is a single orange car in the visitor parking lot of the college.

| @phoenix-but-human

He blinks a few times. He’s just gotten to school, and he is fighting his curiosity.

[phoenix-but-human]

"So, you said it was... I think 103?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright."

After a short while of walking and small talk, they arrive at Juniper's apartment.

"Alright, I think we're here."

[the-human-juniper]

“Yep!” He opens the door and there’s a bunch of stuff piled in corners and on the counter, but only one side of the counter. “Come on in!”

[phoenix-but-human]

He enters the apartment and looks around.

"I'm guessing you like hoarding?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yea”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Fair enough, honestly. As long as people can navigate through it, I don't really see any issue with it."

[the-human-juniper]

“And I know where everything is!”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, even better! Organised chaos is the best kind."

[the-human-juniper]

“Agreed!” He grins, searching through the counter pile for a moment before pulling out a paper. “I gotta remember to put this in my bag tomorrow, but ah well.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Coursework?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Yeah.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, well, that can wait. When was the last time you ate? Or took a break? Or got a good night's sleep?"

[the-human-juniper]

He opens his mouth to talk but then freezes, eye narrowing a bit as he thinks.

[phoenix-but-human]

He just. Has this expression.

"...Alright. Go sit down, get some rest, take a break, and I'll get you something to eat, yeah?"

[the-human-juniper]

“I can get myself something to eat. Most of what I have is microwave meals anyway.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Not today. Today, I want you to eat something substantial, and I'm gonna cook that for you. You'd be surprised with what you can make with very few ingredients."

[the-human-juniper]

“You don’t have to.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, but I want to."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re strange.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"How so?"

[the-human-juniper]

“You’re nice. Weirdly nice.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"...I am?"

He is. Genuinely confused.

[the-human-juniper]

He narrows his eyes. “Are you a vampire? Did I fall for your scheme to get inside my house?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"No, for two reasons - One, I didn't burn in sunlight. Two, my reflection was visible in the car windows and the mirrors."

[the-human-juniper]

“…you’re right.”

[phoenix-but-human]

He pats the other on the head.

"Alright, time for you to rest, mate. Want anything in particular?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Uhm. No, not that I can think of.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"That's fair. Mind if I have a look to see what I've got to work with?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Sure, go ahead.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Okay, I can definitely work with this. Anything you don't like?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Tomatoes. And the pasta they use in lasagna. Actually just pasta in general..”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Alright, that rules out carbonara... Okay, I think I have an idea."

He starts getting various ingredients out of the pantry and fridge.

[the-human-juniper]

He raises an eyebrow, watching Phoenix. He’s not letting this man out of his sight.

[phoenix-but-human]

After about 30 minutes of frying mince and combining ingredients, he puts the dish in the oven to bake.

"You ever had shepherd's pie?"

[the-human-juniper]

“No?”

[phoenix-but-human]

"I reckon you're going to love it. It's really simple, but really good if you make it right."

[the-human-juniper]

“Huh. Alright.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anything you wanna do while we wait for it to bake?"

[the-human-juniper]

He shrugs, looking at his hands. “I dunno, I don’t usually have company over. Not unless Jasione comes over, but she doesn’t come over much because I kicked her out about two months ago.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Ooh, I'm sensing some drama. Can you tell me more?"

[the-human-juniper]

“Basically, Jasione smoked in my apartment after I told her not to, so I kicked her out. She isn’t aloud to bring any of that shit into my apartment anymore. I swear, she’s gonna get me kicked out someday.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Honestly, that's completely fair. If you do get kicked out, or you just wanna move, you can crash at my place for as long as you need. I definitely have the space."

[the-human-juniper]

His pupils dilate. “Wait, really? That’s… really nice of you.” Oh and the suspicion is back. He’s searching for any hint of deception.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anytime, mate. The only condition is that we share the chores evenly."

[the-human-juniper]

“That’s… fairly reasonable.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Anyway, that's a future that's not even certain. We should focus on the here and now. The pie's almost done, would you mind getting a couple plates out while I get a hotplate to serve it up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“A huh-?”

He stares at Phoenix for a moment, before going to a cabinet and grabbing two plates.

[phoenix-but-human]

"A hotplate. It's used to protect the benchtop from baking dishes fresh out of the oven. They're usually made from cork or other cheap, heat-absorbent materials like that."

He starts looking through the cabinets for one.

[the-human-juniper]

“I… I usually just use oven mitts… like, I put my food on… an oven mitt…”

He seems. Confused. But he just opens a drawer and pulls out an oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Yeah, that'll work. Might need the other one so I can hold the dish more easily, though."

[the-human-juniper]

He gives Phoenix another oven mitt.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Cheers, mate."

After putting on the oven mitts, he gets the pie out and places it on the bench on top of a folded tea towel for a makeshift hotplate.

[the-human-juniper]

He just kinda. Stares at Phoenix. He narrows his eye again, looking at the pie.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Something wrong?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…eh, just an irrational fear. ‘M sure it’ll go away when I get to know you, but for now, this is gonna happen a lot.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"If it makes you feel batter, you can point to a random spot and I can take a spoonful from there."

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks. “Ah- no, it’s fine. Considering the fact you’re willing to do that, it’s not poison.” He says that with a completely straight face.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Oh. Alright, then."

Shrugging, he cuts out two slices and plates them up, covering the remainder in cling wrap and putting it in the fridge on top of the tea towel.

[the-human-juniper]

He blinks a few times, squinting his eyes a little. He seems to find this strange, somewhat.

[phoenix-but-human]

"Hm? What's up?"

[the-human-juniper]

“…nothin’. The way you do things is just kinda different from how I was raised.”

[phoenix-but-human]

"Really? How so?"