Monday Night at Nell's

[mylandmyrules]

Nell was in the mood for comfort food today so she made a big pot of chicken and dumpling stew and a smaller pot of a veggie stew for the Detective if he should stop by. She also prepared a batch of sourdough rolls to pop in the oven so they'd be piping hot when it was time to eat. Then, with time to relax, she curled up on the chair by the gas fireplace with the cats and read her book.

Comments

[chef_chocobro]

And here Ignis was feeling quite proud of his ability this last week, to go about life without his attention so laser-focused on that particular topic (or, more accurately, pretending to), and here he was being confronted with it almost immediately through the door. So congratulations, Nell, you've accomplished a rare thing indeed: upon a particularly close inspection, one might have made a good case for a hint of a blush-like flush appearing briefly against his cheeks.

It seemed to mostly clear away, though, along with the clearing of his throat. He gave a small nod, and a smile to match.

"Perhaps I'll have to pass along the invitation to her, then," he said. "Thank you. And here's to hoping they taste as good as they smell. I've been considering experimenting with various ways of making plant-based variations of meats without leaning on the very processed meat alternatives available in the stores. This one uses sweet potato and tofu...I figure if we get Gladio scarfing down his fair share of them, then I will have succeeded, but if not, it may be back to the drawing board, I'm afraid."

[mylandmyrules]

Nell raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure Gladio eating a lot of something is quite the recommendation," she said with a grin.

She was amused and intrigued by the slight blush. "I could always invite her if you'd prefer," she offered.

[chef_chocobro]

"Well, no," Ignis allowed, "he may not be as staunchly opposed to consuming more vegetables no matter what form they may come in as some might,"--Noct--"but he'd also no doubt be the first to tell you about how much more satisfying he finds real meat to be, so if there's barely a complaint about missing it or a significant comparrison, then I'll consider it a success.

"And I've no doubt," he added, almost aggressive in its cool casualness, "she'll be pleased for the consideration, no matter who is offering the invitation."

[mylandmyrules]

"True," Nell said. "I must admit that I don't understand choosing not to eat meat myself, so I see what you mean about minimal complaining."

She was quietly amused by his response, but didn't say anything except, "I'm sure she would."