2022-12-23: Proper Jovian Home Cooking! Happy Birthday, Himeyuri!
- Log: 2022-12-23: Proper Jovian Home Cooking! Happy Birthday, Himeyuri!
- Cast: Himeyuri Oono, Michiru Tenjou
- Where: A Secret Sanctuary, Side 2 PLANT
- OOC - IC Date: 24 December 0096
- Summary: Through an incredible stroke of luck, the Socrates crew get shore leave for Christmas Eve. Michiru and Himeyuri retreat to a place that feels like home, to celebrate Christmas and Himeyuri's Birthday in the proper fashion.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
In a private apartment in the PLANTs, 'tis truly the season. Tinsel decorates the walls, the tree is up, in the corner, the kotatsu sits on the tatami mat floor, warm and toasty. The shrine in the corner holds a Gekigangar Figure. pictures of the main cast arranged in order of importance, and the minidiscs sit in their traditional place. In the corner, an old disc player plays music full of sleigh bells, the time signature slightly off.
A practiced woman's voice sings along. "o/~ Yume o tsuyoku dakishimeyou o/~" At the stove, she stirs a cream stew while waiting for the oil to heat up for the karaage. "o/~ maedake o mitsumete LET'S GO CHRISTMAS! o/~"
She's wearing a plain white apron over a red dress with white trimming, Miss Nanako's party outfit from the lost Episode 13- 'The Tragic Holy Night! Satan Clock M!'.
"I think we're almost ready, Michi!" Himeyuri calls out, at she turns the stove to low and drops the chicken into the deep fryer. This was how it was supposed to be. A Christmas Eve being a proper Jovian, after all that time being 'captain' and 'scientist', taking her birthday off to touch base with her roots was important, and someone had agreed- they'd let the Socrates take leave even during an occupation. The Admirals were wise and understood- None of them dare risk her losing her woman's gentle heart.
It's not the same as assisting Mama with the cooking, as they prepared a big dinner for father, but Michi is as close as family already. She trusts the girl implicitly.
If only she were a man, doubtless she would be an excellent husband candidate. But she isn't for all her actions- and all Himeyuri can do is try and direct her to the proper path.
<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.
Himeyuri's preparations aren't the only ones being made, of course. For all that most of Michiru's way of speaking and behavior is that of a Jovian man, she still has that one feminine touch. The thing Himeyuri clings to as hope of making her a proper Jovian wife one day. The Holiday to be celebrated is twofold tonight, and so Michiru had busied herself creating a culinary masterpiece. A work of love and artistry, for the two of them alone to enjoy. Himeyuri's birthday cake.
Still, it isn't quite ready to eat yet. So for the moment, Michiru is parting from the accessories of the kitchen. On duty, she's almost always seen with her hair tied back, for practical purposes... Tonight, it flows loose and free, cascading down her shoulders in waves of bubblegum pink and starry galactic blue. Times like these, Himeyuri can see her potential as the wife anyone would be proud to have, fully on display. She's even wearing a comfortable sweater and skirt combination, with no sign of her uniform or Gekigan-Team accessories.
The only person Michiru would ever let this deep into her life, the way things are now. Someone who is only the faintest step removed from family in her heart. After all, what else could she BE, aside from her best friend and almost-family? "Almooost ready over here too!"
She can't really sing as well as Himeyuri, but she's trying her best. That's all she can do, as a good Jovian. Her best, to celebrate this most treasured of days.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
Himeyuri watches the chicken as the coating browns- she was never one to rely on a timer. Mama taught her the proper way, how to get it just right- and this was a vital skill she looked on to passing on one day. Michi, working away at her baking, dressed so casually... this was definitely right. One day, they could be neighbours, maybe. Trading recipes and talking as they return with the shopping. Once the earthlings were destroyed.
She pulls it up, and sets the chicken to drain. Perfect as akways, Himeyuri. "It's so strange, having to spend Christmas away from Mama and Papa. And my 17th birthday!" She sighs. "Oh, I hope Mama isn't sick with worry..." She sighs. Despite herself, and the importance of the crusade, Himeyuri is homesick. She wants to go home- but she can't. Not until the admirals tell her her mission is over.
Moving the chicken to some paper towl to let the oil soak off, Hime starts ladling out the soup. She was glad a care package came in time, making a traditional meal for the two of them today was important.
She'd made extra, of course, and she'd package some up to take to Shiho-chan and Ako-chan, the two of them could use a nice meal. It's not nuggets, but it might lift her spirits. Mrs Zelinn may be with her family, but maybe she might want a stew for when they depart. Should she send some to Le Creuset-san? No, surely not that would be forward of her. Cooking for someone like that sends a message, and while she respects him as a man, she should definitely not confuse matters for someone who isn't a Jovian man, let alone one she's not interested in.
After a few moments, Himeyuri plates up, places the food, hangs up her apron, and gets ready to wait for Michiru. "Michi, when you're ready, do you want to do the honors?" Someone has to start the meal properly.
<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.
If only the world were so simple. That the two of them could have that ideal life. The one all women of Jupiter should aspire to. Yet, Michiru knows perfectly well that isn't really possible. Not... ideally anyway. With her history, and the way she behaves, she's long been considered impossible to marry. She's heard it plenty of times before.
So while Hime hopes her family isn't too worried... Michi simply prays they'll soon be blessed with a more proper daughter. Or better, a son who can carry on the name, and become the kind of man that makes them all proud. "Maybe we should see if we can send them a letter, or recording of tonight? Surely Command wouldn't begrudge a message to your family, on this of all days."
For their allies, certain rules still have to be observed. Michiru simply couldn't make enough cake to send them. It wouldn't be proper, with how private this moment is. So instead, their care packages will have some of Michi's other recipes held within. Hopefully they'll all understand.
Of course, the appointed time shortly arrives. And the two of them are here, with no man to take the lead... In these situations, it's the only thing they can do. Have Michiru, who regretfully embodies so many of those traits, handle the accompanying responsibilities. "It would be my pleasure, Hime."
But why does it make Michi's heart swell with joy, to do this for her? For it to be only the two of them. Sharing this moment that no other is allowed to witness.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
"Oh, that's an idea! It will be censored of course, but I can send them something. It might even arrive on time!" The secret communications method used between Himeyuri and Jovian space is... awkward and a touch unreliable, but what can you expect with Boson Technology. It's also top secret.
The dinner rituals end with a hearty 'Itadakimasu!', and the eating begins. "I hope you like it, Michi!" There's still a little trepidation- her bodyguard and close friend has never disliked her food but... it's a special meal.
Once Michi has had a taste, Himeyuri takes a spoonful of the stew and savours it with a smile. "I'm glad I got it right... Apparently this recipe dates back to Great Exodus. To enjoy it in the Earth Sphere..." She pauses. "Next year, I'll make it on Earth for you!" They'll surely have won by then.
Next is the chicken, with a perfect crunch and a delightful flavour. She continues to savour her work, dipping it in sauce for the second taste. Excellent. It is... nice. This is nice. "Michi, I heard something interesting from some of the crew. Apparently for some of the PLANTs, Christmas is a couples holiday!" She giggles, like it's a little ridiculous. "And here we are, with just each other. But... I appreciate not spending it alone." She smiles, softly. "I'm sure you could easily find a male among the colonists to keep you company, so... Thank you for spending my birthday with me, too."
Himeyuri sees this statement as completely platonic.
<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.
While it's true she's never disliked anything Himeyuri has prepared... Michi has never been shy expressing an opinion. If she thought it might require slightly less of a seasoning, or more of one. She's been happy to help Hime's cooking steadily inch closer to perfection. So, when words come forth at the very first bite, they're unquestionably heartfelt and sincere. "It's... it's delicious Hime! You've outdone yourself with this! And I know, when you prepare it for that special person one day, they'll fall in love again, five times over."
Why does saying that leave a sour twinge in her chest? Probably just stress from the war.
Next year... yes, there's no way they'll hold out that long. They already struggle to fight just the Galaxia after all. And it's practically an incomplete prototype. A testbed unit, for putting Hime's genius through all the proper testing. When the time comes to unveil its full capability... The war is as good as over. "I'm looking forward to it."
A... couple's holiday. She hadn't heard that. But then, her squad doesn't tend to talk romance around her, for some reason. Those girls always get so much more quiet when she walks in the room. It must just be how deeply they respect her command. "I'm happy to spend the time with you. You might be right, but honestly, I haven't yet met anyone I'd rather give my time to."
Michiru, much the same, sees nothing unusual about it.
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
Himeyuri blushes bright red. "Thank you!" To fall in love with her five times over... It would be wonderful, wouldn't it. "Well, I'm sure that my husband will have been chosen by the time we're home. I'm sure I'll be perfect for him!" She smiles, so gently, so calm, as though this is something she's been looking forward to her whole life.
"Me too. I can't even think what I want to do there first!" The dinner is wonderful, and the company... Well, who wouldn't want to spend Christmas with their best friend. "I'm glad." She pauses. "Besides, you'd deserve better. A real Akira type..."
The rest of the meal goes quickly- but Hime knows Michi has been working hard on a surprise. She clears the table handily, doing the dishes while Michiru prepares.
<Pose Tracker> Michiru Tenjou has posed.
Michiru still isn't the most comfortable with the whole 'chosen for her' idea. For whatever reason, it's just always sat strangely in the pit of her stomach. Hime deserves someone who will move the heavens and wage war against gods for her sake after all. But she won't dwell on that feeling. In fact it seems almost like it's already gone, the moment they move on.
As she's talking about the kind of partner Michiru deserves, she ducks away to her own cooking area. Still easily in conversational range of course. "It means the world to me, that you think so. I know I've been a little troublesome in the past." And only a moment later, she's carrying in the cake. Perfectly sized for the two of them, and a perfect match for the traditional Jovian style. The sort of cake Hime would have gotten from her parents if the two of them hadn't had to come out here to fight. She won't say much about it yet though. She'll let Hime taste it first, to realize it's a near-exact match for the cakes her mother always makes... bar one tiny flavor shift. Easily chalked up to Michiru just... not being a parent. Not having the parental love to fill it with.
And yet it's so, so very close. "Happy birthday, Himeyuri. I hope you'll get every one of your heart's fondest desires this year."
<Pose Tracker> Himeyuri Oono has posed.
<poem>
"Michi, you're not troublesome at all, really!" Hime smiles earnestly, and it can be heard in her voice. "With you around, I know I have nothing to worry about!"
When the cake comes out though, Himeyuri's eyes light up. A perfect cake for two. "Oh, Michi, it's wonderful! It's like I'm back on Callisto!" Once the cake is safely down, Himeyuri wraps her in a hug from the side, full of excitement, letting go after a few seconds, and then blowing out the candles, before waiting for Michiru to slice.
Slowly, she takes a piece with her fork, and bites into it. Hime notes the flavour shift... but doesn't mind it. "I can't believe you managed to work it all out! Michi, you're the best I love it!"
And then comes the wish from Michiru, and Himeyuri looks ever so happy. "Thank you, Michi." She takes a few moments to just... enjoy. To enjoy everything. To be back home, in her heart, for a moment. "Merry Christmas, Michi. I hope we can celebrate together again next year."
After all, it would be a shame to defeat the earthlings, and then not spend her victory with her Best Friend.