I feel the same about the food here. That's why I don't normally order out.
[That and the fact Angeal is still a cheapskate despite enjoying all the luxuries and benefits of being a SOLIDER. Unlike Rude who seems to enjoy fancy dinners and expensive wines, Angeal enjoys the simpler things in life. Besides, cooking is something of a passion of his. Even so, not too many people know that this big burly soldier is so domesticated.]
Still, I find Midgar to be rather interesting because of all the different cultures represented here. If you ignore the grease and grime, this city isn't so bad.
[He admits with a hint of fondness in his tone as he glances over at the other patrons briefly. Even now, his statement holds. Midgar is a fascinating place. Terrifying and fascinating all in the same breath. Sometimes Angeal wonders if he likes this city more than home. While he sometimes misses the tranquility of Banora, he sometimes prefers the hustle and bustle of Midgar more.]
[Well, Angeal was lucky to be able to cook. Rude could mostly only make things that were frozen and pre-made. Time. Work. Life. It consumed much of his freedom.]<./small>
Midgar has downsides too. Like fanclubs.
[So far Rude hadn't seen a sign of someone trying to take a picture of them. That would be annoying.
He's thinking about that as Angeal asks, and he can't help the slight smirk.]
[ Poor Angeal nearly choked on his water when Rude mentions the fanclubs. If there's one thing he hates about his life currently, it's the fanclubs., Shinra thought it was a good idea to promote fanclubs for their elites in hopes of gaining more favor with the public with their militaristic goals. The higher-ups never imagined that these fanclubs would take off so well among both the public and the military. While Sephiroth is certainly more popular than him, Angeal has noticed a strange uptick of interest in him ever since he took a protege. Now he rivals the General for likes on social media and honestly, Angeal hates it. ]
It's not easy to be popular.
[ He peeks over his shoulder briefly in a fit of paranoia before letting out a tense sigh. The last thing he wants is a camera in his face right now. Privacy is something he truly values but seldom gets.]
Hm? Why ask?
[ A smirk curls onto his lips as he regards Rude. ]
Curiosity. I always wanted to ask you out but never had the chance.
[If there were any clubs here, Rude would deal with them. It wasn't a good Turk thing to be taken like this. Still, he watches Angeal very closely. Very carefully. Because he doesn't understand. Curiosity was what brought him here. But the other thing...]
Always wanted?
[He sips at his wine, leaving the question as the main point. Strange how much he wants the answer.]
[ Angeal falls silent for a moment as he pours himself another round of scotch. He gives Rude a knowing smirk as he thinks of the best way to explain himself. It's a little difficult since he's encroaching upon unfamiliar territory but eventually, he finds the right words. ]
Maybe they don't try because they don't see an opportunity.
[ He answers honestly with a genuine smile. ]
For the longest time, I wasn't even sure you be interested so I kept my distance. Though, who would've guessed all it would take is for Zack to start experimenting with prairie dogs to get us to talk.
[They don't try because Reno is possessive and scares people off. Harder for a Turk to scare off one of the most dangerous men in the world. But he chuckles, because yes, that is a very good point. He enjoys more of the drink and then, after a moment, takes his sunglasses off.
IT's not something he does often. His eyes are too expressive.]
Perhaps it would be best to not question this then. I admit, I was not aware that men were....
[Angeal finishes with an amused grin. It goes without saying that Rude is a very attractive man. He's classically handsome in every sense of the word, the iconic "tall, dark, and handsome" archetype but his affiliation with the Turks almost makes him too dangerous to pursue. Add that in with Reno's penchant for violence and it's a recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, Angeal doesn't seem too perturbed at the thought of getting on Reno's bad side.
If anything, he respects the redhead's protectiveness over his partner. It certainly reminds him of his protectiveness over Zack somewhat. In a sense, Reno did take Rude under his wing when he joined the Turks. The hotblooded Turk is about two years his senior work-wise despite being the younger of the duo. That much is known to Angeal since he did a little digging around in the past about them.]
Or did you mean "intimidated"? Without the sunglasses, you look like a completely different person.
[ Rude does have beautiful eyes. They're shockingly expressive, dark, and soulful. Angeal finds himself smiling unconsciously as he observes Rude. It's hard to not be somewhat mesmerized by him. ]
[Rude holds no illusions about himself. He is fit. He is dangerous. He is well dressed. For some people that is all that is needed. Not that Rude believes himself handsome. But he knows sometimes it's the risk that makes a thing appealing. Unless it's Soldier. They had enough risk already.
But when he is complimented, he looks away a little. The shades were great at hiding those shy edges that somehow survived. And the gentleness of his gaze. He didn't have the unaffected look Tseng perfected, or the 'going to eat you' eyes that Reno was good at. He was soft, always.]
bout it[ Angeal arches his brow once Rude clarifies. It shouldn't come as any surprise that Angeal treads very carefully regarding the topic at hand. After all, it would be positively disastrous for Shinra's PR if one of their top elites came out of the metaphorical closet. Or would it? Angeal heard of some of the fiction out there about him and the others thanks to Genesis. To say the least, he's not happy about that. ]
Maybe I'm a little too secretive about it.
[ He admits with a somewhat uneasy chuckle. ]
But then again, if I could fool a Turk, then that's a compliment.
[ He gives Rude a sympathetic glance once he notices that bashful expression. While he didn't expect him to be shy, it now makes sense as to why Rude often wears his shades. He's too soft, probably the type to wear his heart on his sleeves. ]
Is it the same reason why Reno is so protective of you?
[ Angeal almost forgot all about the food until it arrived. He's already halfway through his bottle of scotch and he isn't even tipsy yet. If anything, Angeal might be a bit more talkative than usual but he's definitely not drunk. ]
Oh, that's a relief!
[ He exclaims with a breath of relief as he adds a bit of dressing to the salad. Just a touch of balsamic if anything. Angeal typically stays away from the creamier variety because of his strict diet.]
And here I thought you guys were snooping into our personal belongings and such.
[Rude may not watch them, but there are others to do that. Cissnei was currently on the duty. But he does wait for Angeal to finish before taking the dressing for himself as well, pouring it lightly on his salad.]
[ Angeal admits with a charismatic grin. It's true. The Elites are rather mundane unless they're in the middle of a battlefield. Sephiroth seems to hole himself up within his study, while Genesis and him usually hangout at lounges and bars. Of course, they drag Sephiroth with them nearly everywhere along with the pup. Even so, they're rather well-behaved despite their rowdy evenings. ]
Though, I wouldn't have much of a problem if you kept an eye on me.
[Interesting yet again. And enough to earn a small smirk from Rude. No. Not a smirk. With the way the skin crinkles around both eyes... it's a smile. A smile, just for Angeal. The man looks uncomfortable when he realizes he's done it, though, instead turning his attention to putting dressing on his salad.]
That is an idea. One you are welcome to run past Tseng.
Well, I was hoping to keep Tseng out of it since this would be a private affair.
[ He's joking, of course, but still laying it on thick. Angeal is attracted to the Turk. That much is certain considering he almost can't keep his eyes off those sweet brown eyes or that wonderfully kind smile. He always thought Rude was a handsome man but he's even more handsome when smiling. ]
Is it too early to ask if this is a mutual attraction?
[ He may or may not be using a line he heard Genesis use before. Angeal is trying to be smooth but the man wasn't born with a silver tongue. ]
[A private affair, huh? Well, he supposes he can approve of that. But the comment earns a soft look, and then right back away. Geez, he's bad at this.]
I think it might be early. The fish hasn't even arrived."
[ He answers with an affectionate grin after eating a little bit of his salad. It seems that some of Genesis' flirtatious tactics worked well. However, Angeal is cautious not to flirt too much. He doesn't seem desperate and honestly, he doesn't want to make Rude feel uncomfortable. The fact he managed to get the Turk comfortable enough to take off his sunglasses means he's doing well.]
I'll wait until after the main course.
[The wink he gives Rude is both playful and inviting. Whether or not Rude accepts the invite is up to him. For the meanwhile, Angeal seems content enough to leave everything as it is until the food is finally served. It's a good thing Rude ordered his dish prior to them arriving. Both their meals arrived at the same time nice and hot fresh from the oven.]
['The chef gives his compliments.' The waitress says before quickly leaving to attend to the other patrons. Angeal had can't help but look mildly surprised by the sheer beauty of Rude's expensive meal.]
[The taste is what Rude cares about, but it definitely feels like home in the taste. He takes his first bite and the pleased noise speaks volumes. And, of course, he pushes the plate a bit more toward Angeal. He DID promise to let him try.]
It's good. If you eat all of it, it might affect my opinion.
[ He peeks over at the offered plate with a hint of surprise. Rude said he would let him sample it but he didn't expect the Turk to make good on his promise. Now grabbing his fork with muted excitement, Angeal gives Rude a playful smirk before helping himself. ]
Don't worry. I won't gobble it all up.
[ He says before taking the first bite. If there's one thing he likes more than anything else, it's a well-grilled fish. The fish itself is moist and rich with a buttery-like sauce that compliments the natural flavors. There's a nice hint of crunch there and the vegetables accenting this meal were roasted to perfection. Angeal lets out a hum of approval before gently pushing the plate back to Rude. ]
If my mother cooked like this, I would've never left home.
[ He's only joking! Angeal loves his mother's cooking but he'll admit, her style of cooking is nowhere as good as this. He's not disappointed when he tries his dish next. The shrimp scampi is damn near perfection. Every bite is just as creamy and savory as the next and the shrimps are plump and juicy. This is probably the best meal he had ever since moving to Midgar. ]
[Those bright mako eyes light up in surprise. While he doesn't wish to pry too much about Rude's past, Angeal can't help but feel curious about the Turk.
Is Rude the son of some wealthy diplomat or something? The man has absurdly expensive tastes. Angeal can't help but fret a little about that. He's nothing more than a country-bumpkin in comparison.]
I'm scared to hear what you'll think of my cooking.
[Is he hinting that the next date will be at his place? Maybe.]
[His family wasn't wealthy, not at all. But there was a secret to good food that this place could never replicate, and it leaves Rude smiling fondly to think of it.]
It's not fresh. In Costa, my favorite place was this cantina on the bay. You go up, sit down, and you tell them how you want the fish cooked. Not what. And they catch you something, right there. Got guys that just man the poles, casting off the cantina's dock. Catch a fish, put it in a submerged container. When you get the fish, it was alive a few minutes before they starts cooking. Vegetables were similar. Bought that day or the day before from farmers who came to the city to sell it.
[Freshness was the key ingredient. Among other things.]
And the salt.
[Rude reaches over to nudge the shaker on the table. Small, fancy little crystal thing. And filled with ordinary table salt, small, fine crystals.]
We don't use this. We're a coastal city. The salt isn't mined or made from water pumped into factories. Every family knows how to get water from the bay, how to let it evaporate in the sun to make salt. It tastes like the sea. The wealthier buy it, but we made it.
[Those are the touches. Here, he has to pay quite a bit to get good chefs, because they didn't grow up eating this, cooking this.]
[ The more Rude talks about the freshness and spices associated with Costan cuisine, the more Angeal wants to try his hand at cooking an authentic Costan meal. Of course, he's not crazy enough to attempt such an endeavor for their next date. No way! However, Angeal is interested enough to try it a bit later in the month.
The main bases of Costan cuisine focus on the freshness of the fish itself. if the fish isn't fresh, then it's an instant failure. Angeal is literally going to have to pay Costa del Sol a visit in order to make a successful dish. It's practical for a man who lives in Midgar but Angeal wants to try and cook it someday. ]
So Costan cuisine is a combination of freshness and the lack of unnecessary processing of spices?
[ He lets out a thoughtful hum. Yeah, he would literally have to cook this food there in order to ensure the quality doesn't go down. Maybe if Angeal could get some vacation time--- ]
That's a tall order but someday I'll try cooking it.
[ Angeal gives Rude a grin while contemplating just how he'll manage it. ]
Until then, I could make you some of Banora's signature dishes.
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 04:13 am (UTC)[That and the fact Angeal is still a cheapskate despite enjoying all the luxuries and benefits of being a SOLIDER. Unlike Rude who seems to enjoy fancy dinners and expensive wines, Angeal enjoys the simpler things in life. Besides, cooking is something of a passion of his. Even so, not too many people know that this big burly soldier is so domesticated.]
Still, I find Midgar to be rather interesting because of all the different cultures represented here. If you ignore the grease and grime, this city isn't so bad.
[He admits with a hint of fondness in his tone as he glances over at the other patrons briefly. Even now, his statement holds. Midgar is a fascinating place. Terrifying and fascinating all in the same breath. Sometimes Angeal wonders if he likes this city more than home. While he sometimes misses the tranquility of Banora, he sometimes prefers the hustle and bustle of Midgar more.]
So, tell me...what made you accept my invitation?
[Angeal asks once he glances at Rude again.]
Curiosity?
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 04:27 am (UTC)Midgar has downsides too. Like fanclubs.
[So far Rude hadn't seen a sign of someone trying to take a picture of them. That would be annoying.
He's thinking about that as Angeal asks, and he can't help the slight smirk.]
Had to eat dinner anyway. And confusion. Why ask?
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 01:34 pm (UTC)It's not easy to be popular.
[ He peeks over his shoulder briefly in a fit of paranoia before letting out a tense sigh. The last thing he wants is a camera in his face right now. Privacy is something he truly values but seldom gets.]
Hm? Why ask?
[ A smirk curls onto his lips as he regards Rude. ]
Curiosity. I always wanted to ask you out but never had the chance.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 06:01 pm (UTC)Always wanted?
[He sips at his wine, leaving the question as the main point. Strange how much he wants the answer.]
Few people ever try.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 07:34 pm (UTC)Maybe they don't try because they don't see an opportunity.
[ He answers honestly with a genuine smile. ]
For the longest time, I wasn't even sure you be interested so I kept my distance. Though, who would've guessed all it would take is for Zack to start experimenting with prairie dogs to get us to talk.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 07:40 pm (UTC)IT's not something he does often. His eyes are too expressive.]
Perhaps it would be best to not question this then. I admit, I was not aware that men were....
[He gestures, unable to complete the sentence.]
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 09:47 pm (UTC)[Angeal finishes with an amused grin. It goes without saying that Rude is a very attractive man. He's classically handsome in every sense of the word, the iconic "tall, dark, and handsome" archetype but his affiliation with the Turks almost makes him too dangerous to pursue. Add that in with Reno's penchant for violence and it's a recipe for disaster. Nevertheless, Angeal doesn't seem too perturbed at the thought of getting on Reno's bad side.
If anything, he respects the redhead's protectiveness over his partner. It certainly reminds him of his protectiveness over Zack somewhat. In a sense, Reno did take Rude under his wing when he joined the Turks. The hotblooded Turk is about two years his senior work-wise despite being the younger of the duo. That much is known to Angeal since he did a little digging around in the past about them.]
Or did you mean "intimidated"? Without the sunglasses, you look like a completely different person.
[ Rude does have beautiful eyes. They're shockingly expressive, dark, and soulful. Angeal finds himself smiling unconsciously as he observes Rude. It's hard to not be somewhat mesmerized by him. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 09:59 pm (UTC)[Rude holds no illusions about himself. He is fit. He is dangerous. He is well dressed. For some people that is all that is needed. Not that Rude believes himself handsome. But he knows sometimes it's the risk that makes a thing appealing. Unless it's Soldier. They had enough risk already.
But when he is complimented, he looks away a little. The shades were great at hiding those shy edges that somehow survived. And the gentleness of his gaze. He didn't have the unaffected look Tseng perfected, or the 'going to eat you' eyes that Reno was good at. He was soft, always.]
There's a reason I have them made.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 11:09 pm (UTC)Maybe I'm a little too secretive about it.
[ He admits with a somewhat uneasy chuckle. ]
But then again, if I could fool a Turk, then that's a compliment.
[ He gives Rude a sympathetic glance once he notices that bashful expression. While he didn't expect him to be shy, it now makes sense as to why Rude often wears his shades. He's too soft, probably the type to wear his heart on his sleeves. ]
Is it the same reason why Reno is so protective of you?
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 11:24 pm (UTC)[He reaches for his shades. And doesn't. Just lets his hand go past for the wine and drinks a little more as their salads are delivered.]
My duty does not include the first classes. I don't monitor you, so didn't know.
[Chance were he could have learned it if he had wanted to.]
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 11:48 pm (UTC)Oh, that's a relief!
[ He exclaims with a breath of relief as he adds a bit of dressing to the salad. Just a touch of balsamic if anything. Angeal typically stays away from the creamier variety because of his strict diet.]
And here I thought you guys were snooping into our personal belongings and such.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-11 11:55 pm (UTC)Would be a waste of Turk man-hours, wouldn't it?
no subject
Date: 2020-05-26 03:29 am (UTC)[ Angeal admits with a charismatic grin. It's true. The Elites are rather mundane unless they're in the middle of a battlefield. Sephiroth seems to hole himself up within his study, while Genesis and him usually hangout at lounges and bars. Of course, they drag Sephiroth with them nearly everywhere along with the pup. Even so, they're rather well-behaved despite their rowdy evenings. ]
Though, I wouldn't have much of a problem if you kept an eye on me.
[ That flirtatious quip is no accident. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-05-26 03:36 am (UTC)That is an idea. One you are welcome to run past Tseng.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-26 02:03 pm (UTC)[ He's joking, of course, but still laying it on thick. Angeal is attracted to the Turk. That much is certain considering he almost can't keep his eyes off those sweet brown eyes or that wonderfully kind smile. He always thought Rude was a handsome man but he's even more handsome when smiling. ]
Is it too early to ask if this is a mutual attraction?
[ He may or may not be using a line he heard Genesis use before. Angeal is trying to be smooth but the man wasn't born with a silver tongue. ]
no subject
Date: 2020-05-26 10:53 pm (UTC)I think it might be early. The fish hasn't even arrived."
no subject
Date: 2020-05-26 11:09 pm (UTC)[ He answers with an affectionate grin after eating a little bit of his salad. It seems that some of Genesis' flirtatious tactics worked well. However, Angeal is cautious not to flirt too much. He doesn't seem desperate and honestly, he doesn't want to make Rude feel uncomfortable. The fact he managed to get the Turk comfortable enough to take off his sunglasses means he's doing well.]
I'll wait until after the main course.
[The wink he gives Rude is both playful and inviting. Whether or not Rude accepts the invite is up to him. For the meanwhile, Angeal seems content enough to leave everything as it is until the food is finally served. It's a good thing Rude ordered his dish prior to them arriving. Both their meals arrived at the same time nice and hot fresh from the oven.]
['The chef gives his compliments.' The waitress says before quickly leaving to attend to the other patrons. Angeal had can't help but look mildly surprised by the sheer beauty of Rude's expensive meal.]
It looks like a work of art.
[He says with a hint of awe within his tone.]
no subject
Date: 2020-05-27 12:20 am (UTC)[The taste is what Rude cares about, but it definitely feels like home in the taste. He takes his first bite and the pleased noise speaks volumes. And, of course, he pushes the plate a bit more toward Angeal. He DID promise to let him try.]
It's good. If you eat all of it, it might affect my opinion.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-27 01:14 am (UTC)Don't worry. I won't gobble it all up.
[ He says before taking the first bite. If there's one thing he likes more than anything else, it's a well-grilled fish. The fish itself is moist and rich with a buttery-like sauce that compliments the natural flavors. There's a nice hint of crunch there and the vegetables accenting this meal were roasted to perfection. Angeal lets out a hum of approval before gently pushing the plate back to Rude. ]
That's...good.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-28 01:38 am (UTC)Yes.
[A decision has been made. And he thinks he could be attracted to a man who was good looking, thoughtful, and appreciated good food.]
Reminds me of mi Madre's food.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-28 02:02 am (UTC)[ He's only joking! Angeal loves his mother's cooking but he'll admit, her style of cooking is nowhere as good as this. He's not disappointed when he tries his dish next. The shrimp scampi is damn near perfection. Every bite is just as creamy and savory as the next and the shrimps are plump and juicy. This is probably the best meal he had ever since moving to Midgar. ]
I have to say, Rude, this place is awesome.
[ He says with a big goofy grin. ]
Thank you for inviting me out tonight.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-28 03:11 am (UTC)Midgar does passable Costan food.
[If this is passable, one must wonder what he grew up with. But he nods and has just the barest suggestion of a smile at that goofy grin.]
You were fishing for an invitation.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-28 03:28 am (UTC)[Those bright mako eyes light up in surprise. While he doesn't wish to pry too much about Rude's past, Angeal can't help but feel curious about the Turk.
Is Rude the son of some wealthy diplomat or something? The man has absurdly expensive tastes. Angeal can't help but fret a little about that. He's nothing more than a country-bumpkin in comparison.]
I'm scared to hear what you'll think of my cooking.
[Is he hinting that the next date will be at his place? Maybe.]
I cast the line out hoping you would bite.
[He winks at Rude.]
I'm not a bad fisherman if you ask me.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-28 03:40 am (UTC)It's not fresh. In Costa, my favorite place was this cantina on the bay. You go up, sit down, and you tell them how you want the fish cooked. Not what. And they catch you something, right there. Got guys that just man the poles, casting off the cantina's dock. Catch a fish, put it in a submerged container. When you get the fish, it was alive a few minutes before they starts cooking. Vegetables were similar. Bought that day or the day before from farmers who came to the city to sell it.
[Freshness was the key ingredient. Among other things.]
And the salt.
[Rude reaches over to nudge the shaker on the table. Small, fancy little crystal thing. And filled with ordinary table salt, small, fine crystals.]
We don't use this. We're a coastal city. The salt isn't mined or made from water pumped into factories. Every family knows how to get water from the bay, how to let it evaporate in the sun to make salt. It tastes like the sea. The wealthier buy it, but we made it.
[Those are the touches. Here, he has to pay quite a bit to get good chefs, because they didn't grow up eating this, cooking this.]
But I'll try your stuff.
no subject
Date: 2020-05-29 05:04 pm (UTC)The main bases of Costan cuisine focus on the freshness of the fish itself. if the fish isn't fresh, then it's an instant failure. Angeal is literally going to have to pay Costa del Sol a visit in order to make a successful dish. It's practical for a man who lives in Midgar but Angeal wants to try and cook it someday. ]
So Costan cuisine is a combination of freshness and the lack of unnecessary processing of spices?
[ He lets out a thoughtful hum. Yeah, he would literally have to cook this food there in order to ensure the quality doesn't go down. Maybe if Angeal could get some vacation time--- ]
That's a tall order but someday I'll try cooking it.
[ Angeal gives Rude a grin while contemplating just how he'll manage it. ]
Until then, I could make you some of Banora's signature dishes.
(no subject)
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