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

[stresspoint]

[Raidou once again is focused entirely on his service, not taking any breaks. It's a good gesture, but a kid shouldn't be that worried about everyone else. You only get to be young once. Nanami steps in and pushes Raidou aside, shouldering him out of the way.]

Go eat. Rest. Stop worrying about it. I'll take it from here.

[He can't stand the overly responsible and worrying nature of the young man. Probably because it's too nostalgic and in the end only left him alone.]

Just listen to your elders.

[the_fourteenth]

[In his defense, this was all Raidou's idea, so he wants to make sure everything has gone well. But at the same time, enough of the others have participated that this is no longer just his project.

He's a little surprised to be physically moved out of the way, though, and being told to listen to his elders earns Nanami a slight huff. Mature as he is, he's still a teen too.]

If you insist. [He'll look around for a nearby empty bowl and start preparing his own.] Have you tried any yet? Seems to have turned out well.

[stresspoint]

[As usual, Nanami is another fussy adult worrying too much about the younger people around him. He's too pushy, too ready to move in on things that he really doesn't have to, but that's part of his protective and caring side. He wants to make sure the kids worry less about responsibilities because they have enough on their minds as it is. He just has more trouble communicating what he feels when he treats it all as obligation and work.]

You're a good cook. I don't see why it wouldn't.

[Despite the initial pushing, Nanami's posture softens slightly as he continues the routine. Raidou is getting his own meal and he looks as satisfied as Nanami has ever seen him. That's good enough.]

It was a good idea. I'm glad you started this.

[Yes, everyone participated and it's nice that they got together for something other than a mission, but Nanami is giving credit where it is due. He doesn't want to admit it, but the atmosphere is relaxing for him too.]

[the_fourteenth]

[He shoots Nanami a momentary look over his shoulder.] Does that mean you haven't eaten yet yourself?

[He smiles to himself at the praise though.]

Thank you. I just thought everyone could use something besides cafeteria food after everything. I'm glad people are enjoying it, though.

[stresspoint]

[He doesn't reply to the question, because Nanami isn't about to let Raidou find a way to make an excuse to keep serving. He knows him well enough after fighting alongside him not to let him get away with that.]

They look happy. You can see for yourself.

[He turns enough to nod toward the tables in the next room where everyone is gathered and eating together, talking and finally getting to focus on something other than kaiju.]

You're taking care of your team.

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou was so busy hadn't realized so many had filtered in. It was nice to see.

Working on a team this large was still so foreign to him, but he's trying. Everyone really pulled together for the kaiju attack, and everyone came back in one piece.

He smiles, happy to see everyone there.

He turns to Nanami again, picking up his food to go find a seat nearby.]

Thank you. But I'll be back as soon as I'm done.

[stresspoint]

[ Usually Nanami doesn't show much emotional reaction. He's tired, and when he's not tired, he's relieved that he doesn't have to put on any performative displays just to please others. Being simple and honest is all that should matter, so he rarely expresses the same amount of emotion that he's feeling.

But when Raidou says he'll be back, Nanami does react. He clicks his tongue like a scolding uncle and shoos the younger man away. ]

Tsk! Go talk to the others and relax. The kitchen will survive without you.

[the_fourteenth]

[He huffs again, and nods. He does add one last thought before he turns to go find a seat.]

Only if you promise to do the same later.

[stresspoint]

[ That response is almost feisty, and Nanami pauses with his ladle still raised in his hand, watching Raidou go. He takes his answer in, digesting it, and looks away with a small huff that might very well be close to a laugh. ]

Brat.