abraxaslogs | maybe i'm a mess

[ For what it was worth, Hilda did know how to cook. Her dislike lay in the actual preparation of the food and whether or not the person eating it would actually like it. Oh right. And she hated standing over a hot stove. Much like Claude, her thinking was in the same vein. Sylvain's cooking wasn't bad and he paid attention to what they liked eating so she certainly wasn't going to complain if he was going to do most of it.

Her eyes stay delightfully trained on Sylvain even as she stage whispers right back to Claude. ]

I think a cookbook every month should work right? That way he can have time to work through the different recipes.

[ She clears her throat then, returning to a normal volume. ]

Hey Sylvain, if we were going to improve the kitchen, what kind of things would you want to see?

I'm not going through a cookbook a month, even for you two.

[ He rolls his eyes at them, since their play at subtlety wasn't even a little convincing, even if there is still a smile fighting to break free around the corner of his lips. He clearly doesn't mind either way. Luckily for them, he actually really does enjoy cooking. And even the concept of keeping house for family - at least when it's appreciated, anyway. He's so used to keeping his own space tidy that it had been easy to extend that in their Inn quarters. He doesn't see that changing much here.

Then again, he doesn't mind that much, either. He doesn't have a whole lot of other responsibilities on his plate right now, so why not?

But instead of dwelling on that, he lets his hands rest on Hilda's shoulders and gives her a nudge towards the large glass-paned doors he can see from here, intent on distraction before they come up with ridiculous ideas for the kitchen. ]

Let's go take a look at the terrace. I bet we could put a garden in out here. You know, besides the plants we're using for cooking. Or that Claude's plotting people's untimely demises with.

Nice try, but you don't get to avoid Hilda's question so easily by throwing out talking about a garden and plants. Who do you think we are?

[ Claude's including Hilda in this protest because that wasn't even a good sidestep and they are Determined. Plus, not answering the question only makes him more curious about 1) why that's happening and 2) what the answer would be. All the better to prod Sylvain a little bit more in the process while he's at it since he's not letting it go without something more specific for too long.

He's going to trail along with them anyway as Sylvain leads a path to the terrace and Claude's busy eying the walls (or lack thereof) inside for future possibilities of what they could ask for if the owner's willing to cooperate with them. Indoor plans and the number of cookbooks Sylvain's going to get whether he actually wants them can wait, because the outdoor space? ]

Wow.

[ That sums it up, right? It's impressively sized and far bigger than he'd thought it would be, especially because it'll have space for a garden and then... seemingly just about anything they might want to have out here. Claude spends a second turning in place just like he did when they'd arrived, then shoots a grin back at the both of them. ]

I think we just found the biggest selling point of this place considering we wouldn't have to climb onto a roof just to enjoy the outdoors for a bit anymore. [ And with a point towards the end closest to the doors they'd just walked through, ] Here wouldn't be a bad sitting area or to have another dining table set up out here to enjoy it whether Sylvain complains about melting or not.

[ Hilda doesn't have a particular inclination towards gardening. Watering plants? Sure. Easy enough. But the act of getting dirt under her nails or the prospect of finding bugs or bugs crawling on her? No thank you. The beauty and possibilities of the terrace isn't lost on her though. The sun is beginning to peek through the clouds outside and the warmth of the concrete radiates from beneath them.

She stretches her arms up into the air like a cat stretching in the sun. ]

While Sylvain thinks about the answer to my question - what do we think about a setting up a little pergola that you can grow some climbing ivy on. That should take care of some of the sun.

Or [ She smiles sweetly over her shoulder towards the red head. ] I could get Sylvain another sunhat. We want to protect that handsome face of his, don't we? Nothing throws a wrench in romance like a sunburn.

[ They were much easier to distract when they were drunk. Maybe he should have taken them wine tasting before they went apartment hunting.

But instead of answering anything about the kitchen, he gives a quiet, dramatic gasp at that smile Hilda shoots him over her shoulder. Dipping down just enough that he can wrap his arms around her waist from behind, he lifts and spins her without warning, smirk playing at the corner of his lips. ]

Are you telling me you're going to stop loving my face if I turn into a lobster? How cruel, Hilda.

[ But he drops an exaggerated kiss on one of her cheeks before setting her back on her feet, his grin impish as he glances around the terrace area. ]

I like both those ideas. A big pergola here with some sort of ivy or climbing plant - or maybe even grapevines? - growing over it for shade. I bet we could fit a little seating area and a dining corner under one if we stretched it between these two walls.

[ There's a grin on his face as he watches Sylvain spin Hilda around before kissing her cheek; it's an easy sort of affection to both watch and receive as he's learned when it comes to the latter, and seeing it here is no exception to appreciating it. Sylvain's still not answering that question, though, which really is just inviting the opportunity for Claude and Hilda to figure something out without his input.

Not right now, at least, since he's back to appraising the space to see if the area can really fit both of those things. It might be a little on the tight side based on the furniture he's picturing which surely is something easily customized. At the same time it sends his mind down a different path as he looks to the other end of the terrace again and then back to this one - but not exactly at eyesight level like before. ]

A pergola would be nice. Same for the grapevines if someone's offering to make wine out of them. [ A joint hobby for all of them, possibly, though Claude sounds more than a little distracted as he steps forward more into the center of the area. ] What if, and hear me out on this, we keep this end with the dining setup and still have the pergola and grow something on it, flowers or otherwise, and then -

[ Now he holds both hands palms out in front of him towards more empty space before moving his arms out like he's clearing something away to let this picture take its place. ]

What if we asked about them building the sitting area as something lofted with enough room underneath for storage or more garden area? It doesn't have to be like a full other floor, maybe just enough for a small staircase up to it unless we really want it to be higher, but then we could have more of a view of what's around for whatever scenery that might provide. Another pergola can go on that too, but you'd better still get him the hat, Hilda. Wouldn't want to take any chances here.

Hey! [ Being picked up and spun around is a surprise to say the least. Her noise of protest is short-lived, especially because a giggle bursts from her lips seconds later at the kiss to her cheek. ] You're putting words in my mouth. I'm not that shallow. But even you have to admit that an actual lobster would be far more difficult to kiss. I'm sure Claude would agree.

[ Her gaze flits back towards the green-eyed man, no implication there apart from jokingly ganging up on the red-head. Unfortunately it will take more than a kiss and a twirl to make her forget what they've been discussing. Not having a picture in front of her hasn't stopped her from envisioning what Claude is trying to paint for them. ]

So you're basically trying to turn this into a mini version of the courtyards at Garreg Mach, right? [ It's an idea she's certainly open to. Her memories of the courtyard are fond whether it's laying out on the grass on a sunny day lazily dozing, or partaking in tea between classes or during whatever free time they had. ] I could see it. I'm guessing you two will be doing most of the gardening though, right? I can already see the line up of hats I'll get you two.

[ Sylvain just groans at that as he slumps against Hilda's back, forehead thudding lightly against her shoulder. ] That's it, I'm never going outside again.

[ But a moment later, he's picking his head up to shoot them both hopeful smiles, glancing back and forth between the pair of them as he searches their expressions. ]

So? Thoughts? How do you guys feel about this one?

[ Claude just shoots her a grin right back, one that's only encouraged to grow somehow even wider at Sylvain's complaint following it. That's half the fun of doing such things, even if none of them believe any proclamations about never going outside. ]

Now that you say it, the courtyard's a good comparison. Maybe a little less sprawling since we only have so much space here, but I bet we can make sure there's a good spot for you to sit while you watch the two of us toil away around you.

[ Not that he minds, really; Hilda has enough going on with her jewelry ventures and they've already done their fair share of weeding the monastery grounds at Teach's insistence. Why not get to relax with something they'll all enjoy now? Or, well - the gardening part will be relaxing for him, anyway.

Claude's still looking around picturing what all they can put into this empty space just waiting for them until Sylvain speaks up again - not about sunburns - and he glances back over with a smile. ]

I think this is far more promising than basically every other place you've taken us today, if that helps narrow it down. What's the timeline like on when we can move in, or will that depend on what we ask for?

Edited (wrong claude whoops) 2023-05-22 18:46 (UTC)

Funny you say that, because that's exactly the image I had in mind. [ She shoots Claude an easy grin, a rare one these days. ] But can we maybe throw in some fans? And some grapes?

[ She's teasing. Mostly. Clasping her hands behind her back she turns to face them both. ]

It definitely had more promise than what it looked like on the outside. It's nice that it isn't as noisy as I thought it would be too. [ She may as well cut to the chase about her opinion; Claude after all has asked the important questions. ] I'd be happy to stay here as long as you two are.

Yes!

[ Sylvain gives a playful little pump of his fist in victory, because the possibilities of this place had made it by far his favorite option on the list, even before they'd gotten to see it in person. He hadn't been sure they'd think the same, however. ]

And I guess the timeline'll depend on how much they need to build and if we want to live here while parts of it will still be under construction. I think he said at least two weeks before it would be livable, what with the walls and plumbing needed and all that, but he estimated about four to six weeks otherwise.

[ Sylvain's immediate cheer is too endearing, and the direct result of all those careful checks for their opinions throughout everything. Something that'd happened at the others too but less so than here which told Claude all he needed to know about the other man's ranking of this on their list of potential homes. Hilda's own embracing of it is the last puzzle piece needed for it all to fall into place. Of the important things outside of construction, anyway. ]

I guess it can't be any worse than living in the monastery while it was being rebuilt. [ That's an optimistic take on being in the midst of construction - and construction that'd be far closer than a tower being repaired somewhere across expansive grounds - but this will definitely be worth it. ] But we could always delay it a week or so past those two weeks just to make sure more's settled when we move in.

[ And also, just as importantly in his mind, he slings an arm around Hilda's shoulders with a smile and adds purely because there is no other option in his mind despite teasing, ] That means you're stuck with us both at the inn and here for even longer, if you can handle that.

[ Even if the fist pump and his little victory is for show, Hilda thinks it's adorable. Endearing even. It's not often she gets to see that sort of excitement on Sylvain's face and she can't help but think that it suits him far better than the mask of niceness that he had put on for her during their Academy days. To think that they'd come this far is incredible to her. ]

I'd almost rather be at the monastery if there was construction going on than trying to sleep in when the construction workers start their work here.

[ An attempt to say it wryly is dashed with the smile creeping across her face. She gets swept up in it all, the romanticization of a life that could be theirs after some work, time, and a little money. She doesn't even flinch when Claude throws his arm over her shoulder, so enamored with it all. But then he says something that makes that romanticized life come to a grinding halt. She can't help but groan in an attempt to cover up the anxiety beginning to creep across from the place where Claude's hand rests against her shoulder. ]

Oh, great. Maybe I can just go and stay in Aquila while you two stay at the Sarstina? I've got some business there anyway. I'd love to just get one good night's sleep without being woken up by someone snoring.

[ Who the 'someone' is is kept ambiguous however. ]

Edited 2023-05-23 05:26 (UTC)

[ Sylvain's gaze shoots to Hilda a moment later, brow furrowing slightly in focus as he gets slapped with an emotion that doesn't at all match her expression. It pops up so suddenly and strong that it catches him off-guard and he has no idea what caused it.

But he doesn't exactly want to draw attention to it just now - if she's hiding it there's got to be a reason, right? - so he just gives a protesting huff and crosses his arms over his chest. ]

I do not snore.

Hey, we've been over this! I don't snore either, so you must be hearing someone else next door.

[ With a squeeze of Hilda's shoulder in mock reproach as he puts on a frown that's less effective thanks to a laugh threatening to break through it. It's the world's least convincing attempt at looking offended, and Claude doesn't bother trying to hide any of it. ]

That or Sylvain's not aware he snores with that denial since, you know, he's asleep.

[ The act passes as quickly as it began when Claude surveys the area again, still thinking of all the plans for it and the inside just waiting for what they end up asking for to make it just what they want. It's difficult to not smile so he doesn't try to avoid it - and as a result, the smile on his face is more genuine than it's been in days. ]

All the more reason this place will work out even better than the inn since we can't have your sleep disturbed like that.

[ The sound she gives them is one that is completely unconvinced. One of them snored and it certainly wasn't her (her unfortunate sleeping habit was drooling, which she would vehemently deny until the end of time).

She gives Claude a quick poke in the side that is meant more chidingly than anything else. ]

You can't just throw poor Sylvain under the bus like that. [ Don't say she never defends you, Sylvain. ] You're both next door, so one of you is lying.

[ And she's spent more time in Claude's bed over the years than she has in Sylvain's to know that the brunette isn't immune to snoring after a particularly long day. Some level of tension dissolves from her shoulders when her joke that has some partial truth to it goes unnoticed. ]

But I'm glad that someone is being so considerate of my sleep schedule. [ Seemingly satisfied she gives both of them a glance. ] So, what are the next steps then? Do we have to sign some kind of contract?

Edited 2023-05-24 04:44 (UTC)

[ Sylvain lets his gaze wander about the space again before shooting them both a grin. He can't help but feel excited for the possibility of this. As much as he's enjoyed their time at the Inn, having a place that's theirs in this new world...

It feels more real, in a way. More permanent. ]

I'll talk to the owner this afternoon and see what he needs from us. In the meantime, we should probably sit down and figure out what we want. And how we want it to look, I guess? [ He scratches the back of his neck, because that had never been his strong point. ] How bout I let you guys decide that part, actually.

[ A very dramatic exhale happens when Hilda prods him as if she's wounded him, an old habit that never gets old (to him), and in 'retaliation' he reaches to lightly tug a lock of her hair he winds around his fingers for that purpose before letting it go. ]

So you're saying we get full control over picking out what else is going to go in the kitchen? That's a bold choice.

[ He's certain that's not at all what Sylvain meant especially with so much actual construction to go on. There's the matter of their rooms, the outside space - cost, probably, depending on what goes into that contract he's found he's already eager to have a chance to look over.

It'll be easy enough to write up their specifications for what they need or want, and it'll be something more than the standard inn rooms. The community there is one he's grateful for - and it's been long enough to branch out further into something they can make their own and he lets go of Hilda to turn now to look back through the doors into the loft. ]

I think I heard something about a clawfoot tub needing to go in here somewhere. Maybe multiple of them, while we're at it?

[ Claude's retaliation is met with a swat of her hand. ]

Bold, but probably the right choice.

[ Not that she would steamroll ahead on any sort of shared living space. Would she have opinions? Absolutely. But this wouldn't just be hers to have.

Her mind drifts to the Aquila markets, recalling that there had been a tile maker in the pottery district she could go back and look at to ask about some options to accent various parts of the loft. She knew there was a limit to what they could spend because they only had a finite amount of money, but a girl could dream. And bargain.

If she wanted to stay busy, this new project had practically been a gift wrapped up with a bow and dropped right into her lap. ]

Well since Sylvain doesn't care about the kitchen, we could just build one right in here right? I was thinking maybe right beside the kitchen island or something. Or maybe across from it.

No putting tubs in my kitchen!

[ He calls it after them with a shake of his head, laughing to himself as he turns to follow. Even then, he's far too excited to even be exasperated about it.

But clearly letting the two of them loose without supervision is a terrible idea so he follows them in to halt anything too outlandish before Hilda decides she wants a sauna placed next to the stove. ]

[ No tubs end up in the kitchen - for now - even if there's still plenty of construction to be done on the loft by the time moving day arrives. The threat's certainly still there since it could happen even if his (joking) suggestion to think of it as an oversized sink to wash in has been (correctly) shot down several times over.

It's somewhat bittersweet to be saying goodbye to the inn which served as all of their first homes here, but that just leaves room for another adventure. Claude's become more aware that the rift between him and Hilda, somewhat one-sided until he stepped back to give her the space she seemed to be requesting, isn't something he'd imagined on a late night. But pretending Everything Is Fine in a strange situation is something he's rather familiar with and more than that, he's determined to not cast any shadows over an exciting day for all three of them if he can avoid it. The box of belongings in his arms he's bringing in is one of hers. He's pretty sure.

The heft of it is rather substantial and he's ready to be rid of it by the time he makes it into the main room where they're organizing things to go into other rooms a bit later. ]

Gods. [ That could be muttered if it wasn't for the fact that he's doing it intentionally dramatically and at a volume meant to be heard for entertainment's sake as he sets the box down. ] What'd you pack in this one, Hilda? Bricks?

[ Claude's just conveniently ignoring that wherever his books are? They're just as weighty. ]

[ Hilda continues to play off the distance between them as her preparing for their move. For someone who had been there six months with substantially less money than she was used to having, Hilda had accumulated a fair amount of stuff. It only made sense that she (Perry) was taking the time to pack things up and sort through her possessions that she no longer wanted or used.

Much in the same way that she hadn't done the majority of her packing, there is little box carrying and moving of things happening right now. She had managed to actually acquire a little trolley from their landlord and Perry was using that to push some of their boxes along. The trolley breezes into the main room with some very obvious boxes marked "BOOKS - CLAUDE" on them and she gives them a pointed look before looking at Claude as the trolly comes to a halt beside him.

As the boxes begin to float (albeit a little lower to the ground because of the heft) one by one to the ground and she begins to unpack them she replies breezily. ]

What good would bricks do, Claude? That one just has a small anvil I got in the flea market. [ She's being serious. ] Sylvain, do you think we need another bookshelf? I feel like we're already hitting our cap.

[ Sylvain just shoots Claude a knowing look with a faint smirk on his lips from where he's unpacking things in the kitchen, boxes stacked up on the counters around him. ]

You know, the anvil was your idea in the first place, so I don't think even you can rightfully complain about that. [ He's totally helping. ] And no, Hilda, I think we're good on bookshelves, considering we have a wall in here, another room full of them, and whatever mountain of books Claude ends up hoarding in his own room.

I still say whatever's in my room doesn't count! It's like they're not even here then, and besides that? It just leaves more space for both of you to use the shelves.

[ This is his One Comeback to the amount of books for which he is not at all apologetic, and especially not when they've enabled him into having all kinds of bookshelves. That Sylvain lists them off is all the more reason it's a triumph in his mind, really.

Except - ]

Wait, are you serious about the anvil?

[ It might've been his suggestion, and it might've just clicked. He looks to the box again and then to the trolley (but not actually at the boxes of books which would prove he doesn't have any room to talk, definitely not) and then finally to Hilda and Sylvain in mock accusation. ]

Hold on. How did I get stuck moving this inside while you guys just move things around in here?

I just don't want to see any books stored on anything that isn't a bookshelf. That means no books on the floor.

[ Since when has she really cared all that much about where things go though? (The answer is truthfully, a fair amount despite how messy she is.) This is mostly about continuing to relentlessly give Claude a hard time and has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that she's probably just as bad of an offender as he is. ]

You could just open it up and see for yourself.

[ If he does, it is in fact a small anvil. She gives him a bright grin as she pulls out several books about herbology and desert plants. They're stacked neatly on the small coffee table they're acquired for the purposes of sorting their belongings. ]

I still had things to pack up in my room and Sylvain was already here so by process of elimination that left you. Thanks so much again for volunteering.

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