Juniper

The Nickname Hating Guy

[the-human-juniper]

“Hey.”

Narration

Orphan 😔

Pronouns: He/They/It

[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]

“Yup.”

[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.”

[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.”

[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.”

[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.”

[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.”

[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.”

[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-“

[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.

[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.

[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?”

[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?”

[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.”

[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.”

[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.”

[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.