Tuesday Night Baseball at Nell's

[mylandmyrules]

Nell had everything clean and ready to go by the time people were to arrive. She'd made a batch of vegan brownies since the Detective was planning to join them tonight and she wanted to make sure he could have something sweet as well should he choose.

She was bustling along as usual and marveling once again at the sheer amazement and wonder of not only having friends, but being able to have them at her house without fear of reprisal. It was a good feeling, even if there was a tinge of sadness over other things.

Nell also couldn't help but smile after hearing on radio that apparently one of the classes yesterday had been about baseball. Maybe they all should have attended!

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[sword_chocobro]

And, of course, Gladio was there, and he did not come empty-handed. He couldn't have even if he tried, because, after a slight reconsideration of the direction of the recipes, Ignis had whipped up
jalapeno poppers and cauliflower buffalo wings that were 'healthy' enough that he'd feel comfortable enough foisting them upon everyone.

So he was there, and he was knocking at Nell's door, and ready for some baseball or not-baseball or whatever else.

[mylandmyrules]

"Oh those smell even better than last week's!" Nell said with a smile. "Oh goodness, come in, of course, hospitality and safety to you while you're here. You know the way to the kitchen."

[sword_chocobro]

Gladio did know the way, and he headed that way with a grin toward Nell.

"We didn't really know where everyone stood on spice," he said, "but figured this would be a good way to find out."

And there had been extras to send Prompto's way, too, since they already knew where he stood on spice and it was a firm yes please.

[mylandmyrules]

"I am definitely a fan of spice," Nell said with a smile. "I considered making my spicy bean and pork recipe, but with Detective Watts coming... He doesn't eat meat - not even bacon - and he usually eats vegan with Steven."

[sword_chocobro]

"Yeah," Gladio huffed out a faint laugh, "you keep mentioning these spicy beans, but at this rate, I might start just thinking they don't actually exist. But, yeah, Iggy felt pretty justified in his choices this week once I mentioned Detective Watts was coming now. Apparently, he was one of the regulars at the diner, too, so he always tried to have a vegan or mostly vegan special."

[pocketpretzels]

At approximately the appointed time, there was Watts- a tray of cinnamon rolls on hand. Which, yes, he could have made a non-vegan recipe easily enough, but the vegan ingredients were what he had on hand, and it wasn't as if there were any difference in taste.

He'd thought about bringing wine as well, and then decided against that. Baseball didn't seem much of a wine sort of activity.

[mylandmyrules]

Baseball, as it turns out, at least for this group of aliens and might as well be, was an anything you'd like sort of activity. Who knew?

Nell opened the door and took in a deep breath. "Oh, Detective, those smell wonderful! Please, come in, hospitality and safety to you while you're here. You can just go straight through there to the kitchen. Gladio is in there already."

[pocketpretzels]

“Evening, Ms. Ingram,” Watts nodded, taking off his hat and hanging it on… well, whatever was funniest, really before heading over to the kitchen.

[mylandmyrules]

Nell carefully retrieved his hat as he went past her and hung it from a hook by the door.

"There are a selection of beers in the refrigerator as well as water and some sodas," Nell said. "Or I can make you some tea or coffee if you prefer. Most of the snacks should be fine - the brownies are vegan - though I think the jalapeno things Ignis made for us have cheese. Please make yourself at home."

[pocketpretzels]

Watts was appreciative of the consideration regarding the brownies.

“I am not quite as strict about keeping vegan when not in Steven’s company,” he admitted. “I don’t mind a bit of dairy here and there, but I do appreciate you letting me know all the same,” he acknowledged.

He took the listing of what was in the refrigerator as an invitation and picked out a can of cola. “Cheers, thank you.”

[sword_chocobro]

And, of course, at some point, Gladio would be offering Watts a nod and a lift of his beer in greeting.

"Detective," he said. "Good to see you."

And not just because it would be nice to have another body around to maybe soften the blow of someone else's absence, either.

[pocketpretzels]

“Mr. Amicitia,” Watts replied with a nod of his own. “Likewise.” He took a sip of his soda. “How have you been?”

[sword_chocobro]

Gladio shrugged a little. "It comes and it goes," he admitted, honestly enough, because there really was no way of getting around just how much that pendulum seemed to be swinging for him these days. "But it's mostly been pretty good. How 'bout yourself? Any exciting trips lately? Hot crime waves I haven't been aware of?"

[pocketpretzels]

“Steven and I are headed to Vancouver for a weekend at the end of the month,” Watts said. “A city in Canada, on the other side of the continent,” he added, since Gladio might not be familiar with this world’s geography. “As for crime waves- I suppose that depends on whether you count attempts to instate ‘Recycling Amnesty Day’ as a crime.”

[unusual_sith]

Lana was here, and leaving the food to people that actually cooked, but she'd brought a good-sized cannister of beer from an Alliance world as her offering, since that did seem to be a tradition for sports here.

[mylandmyrules]

"Lana! Come in! Gladio and Detective Watts are here," she says, smiling to see her friend. "Come in, grab some food and make yourself comfortable. Oh! Hospitality and safety to you while you're here, of course!"

[unusual_sith]

"Of course." Lana smiled. "How have you been?"

[mylandmyrules]

"I'm good," Nell said. "A little..."

She shook her head. "No response at all from Marc. I guess..." she made herself shrug, "I guess he's decided he doesn't want to see or talk to me and there's nothing I can do about that. I'm just glad that you and Gladio are still here and still my friends. That makes it easier."

"And, I have brownies and more ice cream and the Detective is here, so it will be a good night," she said firmly.

[unusual_sith]

"I spoke to him last week," Lana said. "Apparently he feels he's been a poor influence. I don't pretend to understand his reasoning. But I will always be your friend. And I will never turn down your brownies," she added, smiling.

[sword_chocobro]

"Lana." Gladio nodded, lifted his drink in greeting. "How've you been?"

[unusual_sith]

"Gladio." Lana lifted her own. "I've been well; and you?"

[sword_chocobro]

Gladio lifted a shoulder in a shrug, but there was a faint smile there, this time, in answer that question, which, just as things seemed in general for him lately, seemed to vary greatly depending on just when you were catching him.

"Not too bad. S'good, getting to do this again this week."

Even that felt a little fraught, though, all things considered, but he was trying his best not to think too much about it. Nell seemed fine, and that was ultimately what really mattered to him in all of this.

[unusual_sith]

"It is," Lana agreed. "Nell said you work with swords and might teach her?"

[pocketpretzels]

“Miss Beniko, hello,” Watts greeted. “How are you?”

[unusual_sith]

"I'm well, thank you, Detective." Lana nodded pleasantly. "And you?"