Tuesday Night at Nell's

[mylandmyrules]

One of her customers had told Nell that today was National Dumpling Day and since it was a chilly and rather gloomy day, Nell decided to make her famous chicken and dumplings. She'd also ordered some vegetable gyoza for those preferring vegetables to meat.

The kittens were happy to get a little chicken added to their regular food, making them extra sleepy and cuddly for anyone who might want a snuggle.

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[sword_chocobro]

It was only a matter of time, really, before those Ramuné Japanese sodas with the marble to open them made its appearance as Gladio's Tuesday night beverage offering, and he was thinking, with the conversation they'd had at the gym earlier, today was definitely the day for that kind of novelty and fun. So he was there, bearing some very interestingly bottled drinks, and, of course, and Ignis in tow...

....just barely, though, because Gladio had been teasing him so much about whether or not he was sure he didn't have other plans he wanted to make that he was pretty sure he'd almost pushed the guy to the brink of just finally saying he would make other plans just to spite him.

[chef_chocobro]

Despite what Gladio may think, Ignis would deny vehemently that all his teasing was getting him anywhere near just waving a white flag and finding somewhere else where his kimchi toast would be better appreciated. Because, yes, of course, he had to do something with sourdough, there had been so much of it....

[mylandmyrules]

"Oooh! Those look very interesting," Nell said as she welcomed them in. "Come in, hospitality and safety to you both."

[mylandmyrules]

Nell looked at the toast and sniffed at it. "I'm not sure what's on top there, but it smells wonderful."

At some point she'd have to quietly ask him if he was okay with her inviting Liliana along to one of these nights.

[chef_chocobro]

Ask him? But Nell, think of how much more fun it would be for everyone involve if it was a complete and utter surprise...

Ahem.

"It's called kimchi," Ignis offered, with a pleased nod for any opportunity to expand food knowledge, "a spicy pickled cabbage that, on this world, originates from Korea. I think you might like it; it's an acquired taste for some, but the adventurousness of your palate hasn't disappointed yet, so I figured it would be an exciting thing to try. Plus, the cashew yogurt balances it out nicely, I feel, but don't take my word for it. You can certainly try for yourself."

A smile, perhaps a little easier than his usual faint, restrained ones, as he asked, "And how are you this evening, Nell?"

[mylandmyrules]

Maybe Nell would just see what happened then...

"I will," Nell said. "It sounds wonderful!"

She smiled at him. "I'm doing well. Even better this evening knowing you all were coming."

[sword_chocobro]

"And dumplings, too, right?" asked Gladio, grinning broadly at Nell with a waggle of his eyebrows, because of course he hadn't forgot about the promise of those in his future.

And, well, since they weren't at the gym, there wasn't even the slightest hesitation now in greeting her in what he would consider the proper way, arm sweeping around her to give her the kind of kiss he'd held back earlier.

And an even bigger grin once it was done.

"Hey."

[mylandmyrules]

"Dumplings, of-" her voice cut off as he pulled her in for a kiss - no complaints whatsoever on that account.

"Hey," she said back with a smile. "Chicken and dumplings and some gyoza, even since the main dish isn't exactly vegan."

[sword_chocobro]

"Oooh, extra dumplings!" Gladio noted, with a pleased, even excited laugh, before he paused a moment, and then leaned in again. This time, though, it was to whisper, although still probably not nearly quiet enough to avoid being picked up by Ignis' excellent hearing.

"Those are dumplings, right? The little ones, with the stuff inside?"

Way to describe...most dumplings, Gladio, that really narrowed it down.

[chef_chocobro]

Gods help him.

"Well," Ignis said, smiling back; even if he couldn't see it, Nell always did seem to carry a smile in her voice, after all, "we always do look forward to visiting. And, of course, there's always the food. Chicken tonight?"

[mylandmyrules]

Nell nodded. "And they have a delicious dipping sauce. My dumplings are heavier to go with the chicken and gravy."

[mylandmyrules]

"And dumplings," Nell said. "One of my specialities. I hope you like them."

[chef_chocobro]

"Your food has yet to disappoint," Ignis pointed out. "I can't imagine that will change tonight. That sounds delightful, Nell."

[mylandmyrules]

"I just thought with it being colder and a bit dreary, that something warm and filling would be good," Nell said.

[chef_chocobro]

"I have to admit," Ignis mused, "I am looking forward to moving onto to more hearty and warming meals as we move into the autumnal season. Not that I don't have a love for the bright freshness of the flavors of summer, but there's something comforting about a rich meal on a chilly evening."

Granted, Lucis was a fairly moderate climate, if not warmer than most, so there wasn't too much of that in his experience, which made it all the more special when those days did happen.

[mylandmyrules]

"And the way it warms the house," Nell said. "Even the smells are comforting. The aroma of bread baking..."

Here where she didn't have to make her own bread and when the air conditioning made it less of a grueling labor, it was nice to be able to just enjoy it.