Monday night at Nell's (and Gladio's)

[mylandmyrules]

This would be the first time everyone would get together at the now shared residence of Nell and Gladio. The overall decor hadn't changed much, though the number of books had at least doubled and there were 100% more swords around.

Nell had made a delicious all vegetable stew as well as a similar beef stew that was more than a little spicy. She made fresh sourdough bread to go with them both and had biscuits ready to pop into the oven for a mixed berries and cream version of strawberry shortcake for later.

Comments

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana would absolutely and categorically refuse to call you Beefcake, Gladio. Not unless it was followed up by an absurd surname like Thighpunch or Rockhead or something.

"My heart is warmed by your genuine and sincere apology," Liliana drawled, taking a sip of the weird drink he'd brought tonight. Which was absolutely the worst timing on her part, because he was already asking about what they were doing, which led to Liliana swallowing wrong and having a coughing fit instead.

Which, hey! Meant not having to answer, at least!

Listen, their relationship had worked perfectly well thus far without defining anything or talking about it, why change now?

[sword_chocobro]

Well, then, things might get real confusing with other G-named Beefslabs down the road, but Gladio won't be too bent out of shape about it if he at least got to be Beeflab Numero Uno.

Very carefully and gently, Gladio gave Liliana a pat on the back for the coughing.

See? Helping! He was such a helper!

Not getting off that easily, though.

"I take it that's a no?"

[deathsmajesty]

God, the two of them sauntering around the island like there was a critical shirt shortage. Liliana would spend the entire weekend facepalming at their antics.

"Did you know," she wheezed softly, "that you aren't meant to aspirate liquids? Particularly carbonated ones? I'm glad I can assist with a demonstration."

Sorry, Gladio, she couldn't hear your impertinent questions over the coughing.

[sword_chocobro]

Now look who was being helpful.

"Huh," he stated, "I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing, Lils, that sounds really useful to know."

He eyed her a moment, before his head tilted with a more genuine, "You need some water? Or you think you'll be good?"

[deathsmajesty]

The two of them, such a helpful pair!

She waved off his concern. "I'll be fine," she insisted, clearing her throat once or twice. "Honestly, if I'm taken out by a poorly swallowed mouthful of soda, the kindest thing you could do would be to let me die to that."

You know, instead of being taken by the shame.

[sword_chocobro]

Was it bad, that Gladio's first thought, about Liliana falling victim to some rebellious soda taking an unauthorized trip down the wrong pipe was that at least there were plenty of people around for her to pull from if that survival instinct really kicked in?

"It's surprisingly strong stuff," he offered. "But I think you'll make it through this one."

[deathsmajesty]

Well, it certainly wasn't a helpful thought.

"It was a harrowing battle," Liliana said, straightening. "But I have emerged victorious. All hail Liliana, Battler of Beverages, Swallower of Sodas."