Accidental Valentine's Dinner

[the_fourteenth]

WHO: Open log for one and all
WHAT: Raidou is making you all dinner.
WHERE: Base cafeteria and commons
WHEN: Evening of Feb. 14th
WARNINGS: N/A

Everyone could use something nice after that kaiju fight, and what better than a real meal? It won't be easy to cook for so many people, but Raidou is willing to try. He makes sure to get permission to use the kitchen and the commons space, and recruits a few friends to help get it all together.

It's not an easy feat to get all the ingredients together, especially in the aftermath of a kaiju attack, so it won't be the most resplendent meal the Outsiders ever had. But if nothing else, he can make the broth and noodles for some ramen, and get as many vegetables together as he can to fill it out. It takes him several days to make what he hopes is enough, and hopefully no one raiding the fridges will take any of it in the meanwhile. He's not the world's greatest cook, but this surprisingly domestic devil summoner is good enough to make something delicious. It's not like Narumi was ever doing any of the cooking back home, so someone had to do it.

Early on Wednesday, everyone would have gotten a text saying that dinner will be at 1900 hours in the common area, and he comes straight home from school to work on putting it all together. Anyone is welcome to help cook or set the tables, and once it's ready, people can line up to get a bowl of their own to take. People are also welcome to bring their own food or drink if they have any they want contribute. Who's got dessert?

After dinner entertainment will be provided by Yuji Itadori, who has managed to find a small projector to use on the commons wall. All the tables and chairs will get rearranged to cram everyone in. Get close, okay? The first feature will be a comedy, and the second will be a horror movie.



OOC: Happy Valentine's Day, Outsiders. Raidou only just learned today what that is, whoops. If your character doesn't have any hot dates planned in a city recently smashed by monsters and tsunamis, then drop in a top-level comment, have a seat and enjoy some soup and some team bonding. Check up on your teammates after their first big battle.

Comments

Bakugō Katsuki 💥 Boku no Hero Academia 💥 Everlight

[blastedass]

💥 KITCHEN.

[He might have expected something to be thrown together by LILITH for their efforts against the kaiju. Monetary reward excluded. After all, they put up a Christmas party as best they could. But for someone who finds Valentine's Day nothing more than an annoying bunch of "mushy shit", Bakugo's relieved there's no heart-shaped celebration being blasted in people's faces. Instead, a modest ramen meal spearheaded by two people in his dorm. Huh.

Of course he has no intention to help out! Of course he gets wrangled in to help out. It's Shashou and Gari Head.

Probably as expected, Bakugo either takes over the kitchen work or is at least being his usual confident, explosive self getting things prepared and ready: expertly dicing vegetables (and yelling at people who are too slow or suck at it), preparing whatever meat they manage to find (look, there's a SHITLOAD of orca-like meat out there ... IF those above say it's safe to eat), checking in on pots of broth to make sure they're salted and seasoned per the respective pot, and then either dealing with or inspecting the noodles. Most of the ramen noodles go whole in the pots, but there is one pot of broken-apart/crumbled ramen for the heathens/wusses who can't use chopsticks/forks for simpler soup...

That being said, Bakugo also finds some time to work on ramen salads, which have dry ramen crunched up and stirred in among diced vegetables, some scant cooked meats, raisins and nuts, and spruced up with light seasonings and oil. It's a different take on ramen and while not as hot as the seaming bowls of ramen soup, some might find the salad more appealing in the cold air. Fuck off, it's an option.

Of course, if you want to try Bakugo's personally-crafted ramen... be warned it's dragon fire spicy.]

💥 COMMONS.

[Bakugo stays in the kitchen to focus on the meal, but eventually has to relinquish control and get something to eat. It's no one's surprise that he'll head for a more private area of the commons and sit down to tend to his bowl of hot ramen. Most of his injuries have healed in the scant time between the raid and now, a combination of doctors and the healing implants many Outsiders have, but he's toughing any remaining pains out and tending to them with rest. His right arm's still stiff.

While Bakugo normally keeps to himself in social settings, he's more reserved than usual, less radiating the "fuck off" vibes and more sullen or introspective. Mind full of the realities they encountered during the kaiju raid. For two months, it'd been on the horizon, but to actually experience it? ... So long as everyone made it back alive and they won, that's what he cares about.

As for Valentine's Day... Would it be surprising anyone to learn Bakugo's never gotten a Valentine's before? Even if he was quite the popular guy in middle school, his intensity, arrogance, violence, and status as top dog badass really kept people away in that aspect. Plus he was known for never liking sappy crap any day.]

💥 MOVIES.

[As a kid, he loved watching hero movies. Especially those with All Might. Wide eyed and fascinated at the screen, shouting out lines or Ultimate Moves spoken by his idol. Growing up, his tastes changed more towards action and documentaries, still focusing on the heroes of his world's superhero society. All to say, by the time he's a teenager, having been through villain battles, seen the horrors of war, and dealt with things most people would only see "in movies", the stuff on the screen doesn't faze him.

Then again, Bakugo's never been that fond of comedies or horrors. He has a mocking sense of humor and horror movies are boring, full of characters who make stupid decisions and monsters that make no sense or could get owned easily by some thought. And no offense to Yuji, but after spending days trying not to get eaten or torn apart by monster killer whales, is horror that great of an idea to screen right now? ... With the other option potentially being romance films, Bakugo keeps his mouth shut.

He'll sit through one, but afterwards, will likely get up and go back to the kitchen to start cleaning up. Guess it's not a bad point to come in and talk to him. About whatever. He seems in a quieter mood than usual.]

💥 WILDCARD.

[OOC: Feel free to tag in with any other interaction or prompt you want! Did you hear through the grapevine that Bakugo's able to make hot baths that doesn't rely on the communal baths or the hot springs? Want to inquire about his battling during the kaiju fight? Want to ask how the hell he's able to eat something that spicy? Set up training? Bug him? I'm game. PM me if you'd like to plot something, or feel free to drop an OOC comment below and we'll hash it out right here!]

Commons

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou would have spent his time in the kitchen ignoring any of Bakugo's outbursts, but was grateful for his help. He got the vegetables done in record time, after all. Raidou would have still been giving him some directions, though, despite any pushback he might or might not get for it. While this was a project for everyone to participate in, he's the one who put this together and spent several days hand-making these noodles, okay.

Once they're done, and others have taken over the cleaning before the movie, it's time for Raidou to finally take a break himself. Seeing Bakugo sitting by himself, he walks over to join, sitting down next to him wordlessly. In his hand is one of the boxes of LILITH-issued chocolates, which he takes one from himself before wordlessly offering it over to Bakugo.]

[blastedass]

[It's a good thing Raidou's adapted to Bakugo's volume level like so many in Class 1-A by now. And while he does tend to take over, if needed, when Raidou's out of the kitchen, it only takes a comment to get him to accept the summoner's running the show this time. The guy did all the work planning and prepping, so Bakugo slot himself into a worker and did the best damn job there. Though he was a little irked Raidou did all the hand-making noodles himself. More people could've made more noodles, you know. Plus he didn't get to see the guy's technique, which was for some reason, important.

Next time then.

Bakugo recognizes Raidou by the sound of his steps without even looking up, but flicks his gaze towards the box of chocolates when offered. Fine, fine, he'll sample one.] Where'd you get these?

[the_fourteenth]

These are the ones Synthia wanted us to hand out. They're not bad.

[He looks over the one he took a bite of before popping the remaining bit in his mouth. Pretty good.]

There are more over there. [He nods to the nearby table that has a few more small boxes and bars, different than those issued by LILITH.] Those came from school. I didn't know about this holiday so I was caught off guard.

[blastedass]

That nosy AI bitch is still running around?

[He has not yet forgiven her for that attempt to make them all play nice together or else get locked in their rooms. LILITH Bakugo's at least willing to work with. They haven't entirely overstepped personal boundaries. Yet.

Bakugo looks at the candy, then side-eyes Raidou for almost a full minute. Yes, he suspects these candies might be somehow "drugged" to do something to Synthia's liking. But since Raidou's been eating them and hasn't turned into some overly polite lovesick weirdo... he pops it into his mouth.

... sweet.]

A bunch of girls thought you were cute, huh.

[the_fourteenth]

I'm guessing you just ignore all of her messages. Better not unless you want to get locked up again.

[Not that he was a fan of this nonsense, but he'd rather not be trapped in his room for 24 hours.

He looks a little embarrassed at that suggestion.]

AH. My cover identity, I suppose. They don't know who I actually am.

[As if Raidou would be any good at concocting a fake personality to go with that identity, though. He's exactly the same at school.]

[blastedass]

If her messages are worth looking at, I'll look at them.

[Something telling them about kaiju or training or other shit, announcements that actively progress their purpose for being here, yeah. But bullshit like she pulled last time? Fuck no!]

I got out. The rooms aren't inescapable.

[Well, he didn't get out by himself... but he's not about to admit THAT part.]

Tch, a few of them wouldn't care. [He never paid much attention to Valentine's Day things, but he does know there's a difference between honmei-choco and giri-choco. Anyone who gave Raidou the former would likely look past who he actually was in the name of getting to know him.]

[the_fourteenth]

... Did you break the door down?

[Raidou wouldn't put it past him.]

Maybe, maybe not. I've been told we're supposed to reciprocate next month. But it's around the same time as graduation, so...

[Hopefully everyone will be too distracted.]

[blastedass]

I tried. [He really did. But the doors and windows were surprisingly reinforced.] Uni Head found a way out.

[As annoying as it is to admit he had to get help... well, it's better than lying.]

You don't have to. That's just some stupid obligation tactic wrapped up in a celebration.

[Good luck banking on the distraction idea.]

[the_fourteenth]

[He raises an eyebrow. He needs a notebook to keep up with all these nicknames.] "Uni Head"?

[Bakugo isn't exactly wrong about that, but Raidou isn't as cynical.] Perhaps. But the people here have been through a lot. If they want to hand out some candy and cheer each other up, so be it.

[blastedass]

Gari Head's friend. He looks like he's done with shit all the time. [Because why would he bother to give someone a name when someone else is confused over the first name? Then again, only one person he knows looks like a sea urchin's atop his skull.

Cynical? No, it's just a stupid marketing thing! Mushy crap.] You know that candy represents something, right?

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou nods after a moment of recognition. Uni head, right.]

Ah, it was explained to me that there is candy you give to friends and acquaintances, and then there is candy you give to... others. If you like them.

[Or so how Nanami explained it.]

[blastedass]

[The name may or may not evolve a little over time. Depends on how much more he sees of Megumi.]

Tch. [So someone explained it to him. Good, because Bakugo certainly didn't want to.] Bunch of fucking "rules" and implications... The whole thing's a mess.

[He picks up another candy and looks at it, then grumbles more to himself.]

If you like someone, you should tell them, not hide it behind a damn gift and hope they get the message.

movies

[stresspoint]

[ Nanami is equally turning his attention to cleaning the kitchen while the movies play. He finds the activity just as soothing and someone has to clean up, so he's doing some of the dishes when Bakugo comes in. He definitely seems quieter than the personality that Nanami has seen before. After continuing his chores for a few more quiet moments, Nanami speaks up. ]

You don't like the movies?

[blastedass]

[Since Nanami's dealing with the dishes, Bakugo opt to work on the food. He puts each version of ramen (stock) in individual containers, then bags any vegetable additions that weren't used. While another movie starts, he's left to think silently back on the dorm. His classmates watching something on TV while he and one or two others dealt with the kitchen, Bakugo focusing on whatever things he used and leaving their mess to them. (Until someone pissed him off enough to do it.)

The question catches him off guard, but he recovers instantly.]

I've got better ways to spend my time.

[stresspoint]

[It's a relaxing moment, separated from most of the action and simply cleaning up. Quiet and focused on nothing particularly serious, Nanami is less tense and fierce than he was on the yachts, with the stern energy mostly dampened down to a mild serious flavor. Compared to before, it's almost peaceful.]

It makes cleaning faster.

[Well, if he's volunteering, that's fine, but is he really interested in just cleaning?]

You don't have other things you want to do?

[blastedass]

[Bakugo doesn't expect Nanami to be bringing his battle attitude with him into the kitchen, though some people would think the blonde certainly has if you stepped on the proverbial landmine his personality seems composed of. For similar reasons to the sorcerer, Bakugo's taking to the kitchen work to avoid getting roped into weird movies and because it'd bother him to leave a mess behind when he helped with the preparation.

Not that he's going to do all the work; those extras can pull their own damn weight.]

Are you trying to get me to leave you with all the dishes, Shachiku? [Cause he can totally be convinced to leave it all to Nanami. The guy has a work ethic Bakugo would trust to do the chore without breaking shit.]

[stresspoint]

[ It's really not a bad rhythm they have, cleaning up their respective sides of the kitchen and getting away from the movies and more social activities in the next room. Nanami actually has every intention of making sure the kitchen is put back in order so he can have a glass of wine, but for the moment, he's once again weighing out Bakugo's feisty personality. He doesn't actually mind cleaning up--of course it helps to have others contribute, but he isn't going to be surprised if he gets ditched. ]

Nanami.

[ He's also starting to settle into the reality that he'll be repeating that forever. While Bakugo is grumpier than Gojo, the stubborn streak is about the same. He'll just constantly correct him. ]

You have a bad memory.

[ Okay, no. Now he's teasing. ]

[blastedass]

[He's not planning to ditch unless someone continues to suggest he do so. Bakugo will and has certainly ducked out on social activities with his classmates, abandoning them to clean up the mess they made or flat out rejecting ideas he considers stupid while walking off (verbally saying so without filter). But when he feels personally pushed to do something, he's going to get it done. Especially if he feels he's responsible for it. Hence the work on the kitchen since he did work in the kitchen earlier to prepare. But if Nanami's going to suggest he can handle it...]

Haa? My memory is fucking perfect! [Teasing never goes over well with Bakugo, who usually takes it personally and/or literally, and explodes about it. Of course he knows Nanami's name! Of course he's refusing to use it! The guy certainly knows that. Unless he's stupid.] You didn't answer my question. Forget it already?

[stresspoint]

[Nanami continues to wash the dishes in front of him with the same even, impassive calm. He knows that Bakugo is avoiding using his name just as he knows he's a young man, despite his fiery attitude and serious nature. Part of him even feels more at ease as he takes his time, letting the challenge ride between them as he looks up from the sink and toward the hero.

If Bakugo was in the kitchen just to avoid everything else and like Nanami preferred the distance and quiet, he wouldn't turn away help. But if Bakugo was staying because he felt obligated and worried about leaving work to anyone else, then he deserved to go have fun. Whatever activities that might include, he's got his youth to experience.]

Pass me those.

[He nods toward some stray dishes piled near Bakugo, still quietly amused and avoiding the question. Two can play the same game, kid.]

[blastedass]

[Certainly isn't staying in the kitchen because he's "worried" about shit. He does feel a sense of responsibility to clean what he used, namely the chopping boards, knives, bowls, and other things he used to prepare the vegetables for the soups. But he's also in here to avoid the social get together outside and prefers the quiet atmosphere. Nanami actually helps with the latter-most one, reminding him of Aizawa-sensei. Just without the ominous threats and gloomy nonchalance.

It's kind of hard to believe the guy would take to someone as loud and active as Itadori, but then again, opposites attract. He glances up from his work at the comment, then looks at the dishes. Seems he's not going to get his damn question answered. At least he's not petty enough to throw the dishes... Bakugo sweeps them up in his hand and carries them to the sink to deposit next to Nanami before returning to his original placement.]

You didn't mentor Uni Hair and Uno Loser. Just Gari Head, right?

[Have fun with the names.]

[stresspoint]

[ He could answer. He could even let Bakugo skip out to better things, but Bakugo's contrary nature has Nanami feeling stubborn himself. Even if he doesn't actually mind cleaning up the kitchen alone, having Bakugo ask if he's trying to make him go do other things makes Nanami decide to do the opposite. He wanted to come clean, well now he's being recruited to clean!

At least until the younger hero is fed up and decides he's had enough of him. For the moment, Nanami is taking advantage of the help. ]

I was only asked to help Itadori-kun because he was more unfamiliar with jujutsu. Kugisaki-san and Fushiguro-kun had more experience, and their situations were more stable than his.

[ Not being publicly "dead" and needing a private teacher for basics, for one thing. And not having Gojo to rely on as tensions were heightened by the threat of more curses was a greater risk to Yuji than the others. ]

They all had the same instructor, but Itadori-kun couldn't attend classes as often as he needed to.

[blastedass]

[You can't "recruit" someone to do something they came in here to already do, dammit! Bakugo's intent to escape from the social gathering out in the common room means he's not going to be so easily swayed to go back out there. Well, optimally he'd only go through it in order to head to his own room and shut the door on the noise behind him. But considering Nanami and what's been said and implied via looks and shit... now he's staying because he's not about to look like he's backing out of work.

Plus he wants to clean up the mess he made from earlier. That's the main stick for staying. Nanami aside. Washing off the cutting board, bowls, knives, putting food in containers to prevent it from spoiling while sitting out. All that shit.]

Hmph. [Like how All Might put more time into training Midoriya. The other boy grew up without a Quirk, then gained one later, so had to compensate for and adjust to something he only just got that everyone else already had for years in their lives. Just one more way that Itadori is similar to Midoriya.] So you helped him catch up to the others...

[He's sure there were other reasons to bring a non-teacher into the role of mentor for a student at school. Yuji needed extra help. Simple as that. And this Gojo guy wasn't able to be there all the time. Like how Aizawa had to help Izuku.]

Why not? He was at the same school as those two.

[stresspoint]

[It's somewhat relaxing. No amount work is actually pleasant, no matter what people claim about doing things you like, but cleaning the kitchen is a simple task full of immediate gratification that Nanami appreciates. It's quiet and straightforward, without any hidden requirements or manipulation. It's a thing he can accomplish and feel somewhat good about after he's done.

And even if Bakugo decides to leave and do better things, it's what he should be able to do. Nanami leaves that choice to him.]

He was on missions. He couldn't always supervise the students, and the other two were training with other jobs, but Itadori-kun only recently started using curse energy. Asking him to participate at that level would have been a risk for everyone.

It was a special case. He may have mentioned Sukuna to you, but Itadori-kun himself doesn't understand how unusual his becoming a sorcerer was. When we first met, he barely knew how to sense curse energy.

[blastedass]

[Seriously? Working as a hero is amazing! Bakugo would never say he hates it. There are certain times he doesn't like what's going on, but he's one of those people that would rather work than laze around bored. Even if he strives to keep a balance because overworking himself (while he definitely does that) will only decrease his results later.

Bakugo's sense of responsibility keeps him working beside Nanami even if the man irritates him... He'll leave when he's done with what he feels is equal to what he messed up. Never has been a fan of doing others' work for them.]

So he brought you in as a substitute teacher and guide. [That'd explain some of the rationale. Kind of like how Aizawa mentored Shinsou to help the guy catch up due to how far behind he was starting. And did a hell of a job with it too. Shinsou's going to be a great hero.] I've got a general idea of it.

[Sukuna. Cursed energy. Vessel. Execution. He can assume it was unusual, but like Nanami said, Bakugo doesn't know the real weight of it. It's fine. Not his business to dive into. Sukuna, for all they know, isn't here. Yuji's got some breathing room for once. That's better.]

He's progressed a lot since then. Natural talent or something else?