Monday Night at 43 Unicorn

[mylandmyrules]

Nell had decided recently that living on Unicorn Street must have been a sign because the odds of her having such amazing things in her life had been as unlikely as finding a unicorn outside of Fandom.

She had decided to make a large batch of spgahetti for the gathering, one pot of sauce with meat and the other vegan. Surprisingly enough the pasta itself - most of them anyway - were actually vegan.

In any case, the rich smells of the sauce filled the house, welcoming whoever made it over tonight.

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[sword_chocobro]

Another added benefit of living here now was that Gladio had a good idea of what Nell would be making for everyone on Monday nights, and could then tailor his beverage selection to that!

Ignis would be so proud.

So when he did get back from training, gym stuff, errands and shopping, he returned bearing a pretty good sounding (in his opinion anyway!) strawberry basil drink and some new sweatpants.

Hey, it was buy one, get two free! He was practically losing money if he didn't!

Ignis would be so proud of that, too!

[mylandmyrules]

"Nice sweatpants," Nell said with a smile. "And that drink looks wonderful!"

[sword_chocobro]

"Right?" Gladio agreed, looking overly proud of himself as he lifted up the case and gave them another look. "I like how simple the design is, you know? No bullshit, just drinks, and, you know, basil's supposed to go good with pasta, right? So it seemed like a good pick.

"And thanks," he lifted up the bag in his other hand and his grin went a little crooked. "Got some for you, too, you know. The sale they got going at the store was too good to pass up."

[mylandmyrules]

Nell just looked at him for a moment, processing. "You...you'un bought sweatpants for me too?" She swallowed hard. "Ain't no one ever bought me something just 'cause. That's... I don't hardly know what to say, 'cept thank you."

She was still another moment, then just wrapped her arms around him.

[sword_chocobro]

And for something he'd mostly just done because it seemed like a funny thing to do, that he didn't he even think anything of it, because they were just sweatpants, to get a reaction like that caught Gladio off-guard. It took him a moment to really process what was happening, and once he did...his arms wrapped around her, too, curling in slightly for a tight (not too tight) embrace.

"You're welcome," he said softly, and just let that sit for a moment before adding, "it's really no big deal, you know. It just seemed like the thing to do."

[mylandmyrules]

"It is," Nell said. "I mean, Liliana gave me that beautiful book for my plants, but a man - I know you're not like the men from back home, but I never could have imagined... it's different."

SHe couldn't begin to put into words why an unexpected gift from another woman was so different from a man buying her something, just because. And as if it was no big deal. "Anyway just... thank you. For always being you."

[sword_chocobro]

"Don't know anyone else I'd rather be," Gladio said, snorting faintly into Nell's hair, before pressing a kiss on the top of her head. "With anyone else, either. But if I'd have known this would be this big a hit, I'd've at least picked you up some fancier ones. Like the ones with the rhinestone words across the butts."

[mylandmyrules]

Nell pulled away enough to look up at him in mild horror. "No... there isn't such a thing. Is there?"

She shook her head. "Oh no, I'm not wearing any words across my bottom!"

[sword_chocobro]

And Gladio just had to grin fondly at Nell, her reaction to that perfectly unsurprising and all the better for it.

"Don't worry," he assured her, "the ones I got for you are totally plain and without embellishment. Just some nice, un-elaborate green, brown, and gray."

[mylandmyrules]

"Much better," she said. "Those I will wear very happily." Now that she'd started wearing sweatpants at least some of the time.

[sword_chocobro]

"And totally fine," Gladio said, since he was feeling the need to be particularly clear on a point like this for some reason, "if you wouldn't be, either. Completely up to you, and no business of mine."

[mylandmyrules]

"Thank you," she said, stretching up again to kiss him."You are very kind and thoughtful and I love you for it."

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana would have to agree, if only because she lived on Phoenix way and something about a bird of undying flame resonated with her as well.

She once again arrived bearing nothing but an appetite, which, honestly, was all that anybody really wanted her to bring. And, considering the weather outside, it wasn't entirely ridiculous for her to declare her presence was a present. Even if Nell and Gladio's home was warm, there was still a long, unpleasant trek to and from this side of town to be braved, and yet, here she was.

[mylandmyrules]

"Welcome, Liliana," Nell said. "Hospitality and safety to you while you're here. Come in and get warm! We have the fireplace going in the living room." It was a gas fireplace, but it was warm and pretty.

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana kissed Ignis and then immediately abandoned him for the warmth of the fireplace. Her (un)natural body temperature meant that she almost never sweat, but winter was extra cursed.

"Much appreciated, dear," Liliana said. "Is it likely to warm up any time soon?"

[mylandmyrules]

"Not for a few months, probably, though it usually isn't quite this cold," Nell said, bringing her over her mug filled with hot water and a caddy with a selelction of teas.

[deathsmajesty]

An appreciative look and Liliana set about making herself a nice cup of tea. "Can I make you one, as well, darling?" she asked. "It does feel like forever since we sat around and gossiped over a nice cuppa."

[mylandmyrules]

"Oh, I'd like that," Nell said. "Gladio can manage any kitchen stuff for a while. Hangon, let me just go get my mug and more hot water."

She was back quickly and settled in near Liliana. "Oh, this is nice."

[deathsmajesty]

"We'll shoo the gentlemen off into the kitchen and stay here and gossip outrageously about them in their absence," Liliana decreed, definitely loud enough to be overheard by said gentlemen.

Not that Ignis would need much persuasion, though he also loved a good gossip.

[mylandmyrules]

Nell laughed. "I think you'll have to start us off since I'm not the best at gossiping."

[deathsmajesty]

"What, not going to regale me with tales of all the plants you've entered into your herbal since I gave it to you?" Liliana teased lightly. "Nor with what new mischief the kittens have been up to now that Gladio has moved in."

[mylandmyrules]

"I'd think my plants would bore you to death," Nell said as she sipped her tea. "But the kittens love Gladio. It's fun to watch them dash for him whenever he comes in. If I didn't totally understand their love for him, I might be jealous."

[deathsmajesty]

"If I had no interest in plants, I wouldn't have had so many to draw into your herbal, now would I?" Liliana pointed out. "That does sound adorable. I don't think Ignis is quite up to cuddling Josu yet, though he's certainly warmed up a great deal. There were even presents for him under the Christmas tree."

Presents that Liliana had not bought, it should be noted. Ignis had purchased them for Josu of his own volition.

[mylandmyrules]

Nell smiled. "True. I was just talking about that beautiful herbal earlier. When Gladio bought me sweatpants. No one ever did anything like that for me before. Well, no man. Women give each other things, like you gave that to me, but a man - back home at least - would never."

[deathsmajesty]

"It truly does sound like the men back in your home need to spend some time with plague rats," Liliana noted idly. "Do let me know if you'd ever like that to happen, dear. It's quite simple."

[mylandmyrules]

"I thank you, but I'd be afraid there would be innocent victims there as well," Nell said. "So... how are things going now that Ignis has actually moved in?"

[deathsmajesty]

"I could assure there wouldn't be, but fine, fine, no plague rats." Liliana sighed, clearly Greatly Put Upon^TM that she couldn't bedevil unworthy men.

Much like last week, she was taking a sip of her tea when Nell asked about Ignis, but she managed to swallow quickly and avoid choking, which was a blessing. Though the few moments it took her to get herself situated were also put to work fighting down the instinctive denial that rose up in answer.

"Quite well, thank you," she said, sounding horribly stiff and formal even to her own ears. Which was neither right nor fair, considering how happy she was, but...

Listen, trauma was a hell of a thing, even if (perhaps especially if) one was simply pretending it didn't exist.

"It is...always good," she added softly. "When he is around. Even when it isn't." And then she was quickly drinking more tea, as if to prevent her mouth from saying anything else.

[mylandmyrules]

Nell nodded. "It's always better when Gladio is around," she said quietly. "And even when he isn't, I'm happier."

[deathsmajesty]

"So it would seem," Liliana said, giving Nell a little smile. "Why, one could say there's been a bit of a...happy glow about you for a while now."

[mylandmyrules]

"I am awful happy," Nell said cheerfully. "Happier than I ever let myself dream I might be."

[sword_chocobro]

"Lils," Gladio greeted, especially since tensions had definitely smoothed out rather nicely, wouldn't you say from last week?, with a nod and a lift of his drink. "How's it going?"

[deathsmajesty]

"Beefslab," Liliana returned with a purely internal sigh for the persistent nickname. "It's far chillier than a civilized place should be - and, yet, I'm unsurprised you remain shirtless for it. And you?"

[sword_chocobro]

Hey, now, he's put on a shirt for company!

But an absolutely shameless grin grow on his face. "Meh," he said, "it's barely even cold. But I'm good." The way that grin seemed to softened and warm like butter on bread fresh from the over, though, suggested that maybe he was underselling it a little. "Thanks. You're teaching this semester, too, right? How's that working out for you so far?"

[deathsmajesty]

Radio suggested this was a rarity. Though she appreciated it, as it saved her eyes the strain of rolling them at the lack.

"I am," she said, with no little satisfaction. "It is, for the most part, quite enjoyable and will only get moreso as I dig deeper into the material." Her lips curled into a small smile. "There is something very validating about teaching a subject that has been your life's work for decades."

[sword_chocobro]

Yeah, no, Gladio was gladio to help with that. It really could wear a person down, after all, basking in that glorious view.

"And," Gladio then ventured, innocently, nevermind the grin, "how are those morning hours been treating ya?"

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana was just going to let herself take a moment and daydream about dragging Gladio outside by the hair and washing his face with snow. She couldn't do it, of course, but maybe if she had enough zombies...

It would be a worthwhile use of mana, to be sure.

"They remain the absolute worst part of the day, however I manage to rise to the occasion," Liliana said, glowering at him. "And manage to make it look good, to nobody's surprise."

She can match you arrogance for arrogance, Amicitia.

[sword_chocobro]

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Gladio assured her. "And it builds character, those early mornings. Maybe by the end of the summer, you'll even be getting up early enough to join us on our runs! Or maybe Nell on hers."

[deathsmajesty]

"Absolutely not," Liliana declared breezily. "Darling, I don't run. I saunter leisurely. Sometimes I stride. Occasionally swan, stroll, and slink. I do not run."

[sword_chocobro]

"Well, no," Gladio agreed, looking down for a moment, grin still firmly in place, "not in those boots, anyway..."

Although, with what he'd seen Aranea Highwind pull off...

[deathsmajesty]

Liliana just laughed at him. "Darling, if you're going to be insulting, pick better targets," she declared. "These boots have seen battle, darling. A little running would be nothing. And considering the shoes I dance in, that makes even less sense. D for effort, darling."

[sword_chocobro]

"Who said anything about being insulting?" Gladio countered, almost aloof, without missing a beat. "They look great. I definitely couldn't pull them off."

[deathsmajesty]

"Well, that's certainly true," Liliana agreed with a sage nod. "However, darling, if you'd like to end up in a pair of thigh-high boots that set off the assets you do have, let me know. I know an excellent cobbler who does wonders."

[sword_chocobro]

"And you know," Gladio's tone was intrigued and thoughtful, as he rubbed a little at his chin, "I have been thinking I could use a little help on the height front."

Forget that with Sidon and Goose gone, he was probably now just about second tallest after Tiny...

[deathsmajesty]

He just wanted to be taller in case Gideon showed up.

"I hadn't wanted to point it out," Liliana said with an impish grin. "I'm glad you realize it, though."

[chef_chocobro]

It would seem that cakes were going to be a trend for what Ignis brought along with him to Nell's, this one chocolate orange, because apparently, he was all about orange today, too.

That wintry need for vitamin C, no doubt, and a gratefulness for how much easier it was to maintain here than in the past, what with the whole 'no sun for a decade' of it all.

[mylandmyrules]

"Ooooh," Nell said. "That seems amazing! I can't wait to try it. I have spaghetti for us and some homemade bread." Not nearly as much as there had been yesterday, but there was some!

[chef_chocobro]

"I trust," said Ignis, his faint grin a bit easier and loose this evening, it would seem, "that it tastes even better than it smells, which is saying quite a lot, as the aroma has enticed my attention well before we even graced your doorstep. And kudos, for getting Gladio to eat noodles at aren't from a Styrofoam cup."

A statement that, if overheard, Gladio would take umbrage with, as he did enjoy most noodles, thank you, he just couldn't help that some of the best ones did come from Styrofoam!

"Have you had a good weekend?" he then asked. "Looking forward to a good week?"

[mylandmyrules]

That got a laugh. "Why thank you. He does seem to appreciate my cooking for sure, though even I enjoy Cup Noodle on occasion."

She appreciated the ease of his grin this week for sure. "My weekend was wonderful," she said, "And I hope my week will be likewise. And Gladio bought me sweatpants today!"

[deathsmajesty]

Once Liliana was properly warmed and had chatted with Nell a bit, she returned to wherever Ignis had ended up, pressing his personalized mug into his hand that she had, of course, filled with nothing but coffee.

"My darling," she murmured. "I have an idea to run by you, about the apartment. What do you think about keeping it?"

Her own sip of tea was perhaps a bit mistimed, as it meant leaving the question there for a moment.

"Between work on Tuesday, my class on Thursday, the upcoming renovations...having a place here in town isn't the worst idea," she continued, albeit a trifle belatedly.

[chef_chocobro]

The warmth of the mug in his hand and the instant aroma of the coffee drifting up from it had set Ignis at a pleased ease that was almost instantly swept away by the question, a shift drastic enough to make his shoulders almost instantly stiffen with that shock of...well, confusion, really, and the concern that followed in its wake. Why was she bringing up the apartment? Wasn't the matter already settled? He'd already resigned himself to pulling away that safety net, and now she was suggesting reinstating it?

His immediate protest, to her addendum, was to point out that it wasn't that big of an island; to suggest that the mansion's relative seclusion in the woods placed it out of town was, quite frankly, a little absurd to him; yes, the winter made it a little more arduous, but it was only a few months of the year...

But her last point stopped the protest on his lips almost immediately.

"Ah," he said, feeling a little nonplussed that he hadn't already taken that into account, "yes, the....the renovations will be quite the ordeal to maneuver around again, won't they?"

But were those truly the only impetus for this suggestion? His brow knitted with a concern he hoped he could pass off as mere consideration.

[deathsmajesty]

"I mean, we could always get a hotel room on days when they're truly insupportable, though I should think the lack of a kitchen of your own would be almost as deep a frustration as the cost," Liliana continued on, blithely unaware of Ignis' own consternation. "We can talk to the contractor, see how long he thinks the renovations will last, and then just fold the cost of the rent into what I've budgeted for that project as well."

Okay, she hadn't really done anything that really counted as 'making a budget,' but that just meant that the budget was 'however much it cost', right? And that could easily absorb a few months' worth of rent.

"Once they start renovating the upper floors for the guest suites, we won't even be able to retreat to the bedroom properly," Liliana continued, lacing their fingers together and resting her head on Ignis' shoulder. "I thought about simply decamping to Innistrad or Ravnica while that was happening, but that would require Planeswalking several times a day and I have no idea what that quantity of portals would cost for you. Keeping the apartment until, say, summer seemed like a much more efficient solution than anything else." She pulled away to look up at him. "Though if you have alternative solutions, I'm happy to discuss those, too."

Liliana was an accomplished liar and sometimes getting a read off of her was tricky, but she did collect properties on whatever planes she alighted on the way other women collected charms for bracelets, so it was entirely possible she just saw nothing odd in the idea of keeping multiple residences for the convenience of it.

[chef_chocobro]

And, whispered a voice, that he was not proud of, in his mind, if something were to happen between now and then...

"No," Ignis said, shaking his head lightly. "That is an excellent idea, and a clever use of resources. And with Gladio moved out, the steward can have bedroom."

Yes, yes, he was an undead servant without much need for personal space, let alone a bedroom, but...anyway....

[deathsmajesty]

Don't be ridiculous, darling. You're not getting to the war by summer.

She blinked a bit at the idea of her steward having his own room - she hadn't been thinking of him at all, really - but shrugged. If it made Ignis happy, why not?

"We can figure out a proper schedule at some point, since I won't want to give up the mansion completely." Her free hand twined with his. "We should figure out the order we want the crew to handle the rooms as well."