semi-closed; cozy leisure time

[lapislazily]

WHO: Black Order members and anyone else they want to invite.
WHERE: Arcadia apartments, in the rec center!
WHEN: Forward-dated to 5/6
WHAT: While POKEGO fights over nerd shit, the Addams Family has a potluck.
WARNINGS: Language, but I'll update if there's violence over the potato salad.

[There are several long tables pushed together to accommodate a small crowd, and all are draped in crimson and gold tablecloths. Two are set up with enough space for all the dishes people are bringing. It should be an impressive spread, if only because no one wants Velvet to eat them instead of the food... There are plates and silverware on the ends, and napkins. For drinks: there's a quick boil tea kettle and a more traditional one for people who insist on having their tea a certain way, some kind of fruit punch, water, generic brand soda, and whatever else people decide to contribute.

The other two tables are for people to sit at. Someone has taken the time to fold extra napkins in a stupidly fancy way and set them as decoration. As for chairs, there are twelve and then some, just in case someone wanted to bring a friend. Unfortunately, the Black Order can't count so who knows if that will even get noticed.

It's not high class, but with all the food spread out... it sure looks tasty.]

[ooc: Threadjack away!]

Comments

[lapislazily]

[It isn't opulent. It isn't elegant. Even the word clean is a bit of a stretch for this space. It's just so... unremarkable. He would have much preferred to rent out the back room in that one buffet restaurant, but then the food would have been... not quite up to his standards. And he probably would have been overruled anyway, seeing as suddenly he's been accused of not really knowing how to handle money.

... Well, it wasn't so much of an accusation as the truth, but he has money. Somewhere. He just can't keep track of it in a manner that is acceptable to strangers. It's like everyone else in the Black Order had suddenly become a financial advisor overnight. What was it that people here had against comfort and quality?

Cooking is a great way to get to know someone, though, and he couldn't argue that. He's always open to new gastronomical exploits (spoiled as he is by Wanmin Restaurant's cooking), and so he's done his level best to set everything up for a proper potluck. No one can fault him for trying, though Fugo and Morgan have also assisted him with a great deal of the prep work (i.e., shopping).

Rather than a soup, he decided to bring Lion's Head meatballs. They sit nice and warm on a bed of perfectly-sliced bok choy, with the salty-sweet sauce in a nearby container ready to be scooped out. There's also Yangzhou fried rice to go with them. All in all, not a bad showing from a guy who prefers to cook things slowly and methodically—as always, it's in the preparation. None of it should be too spicy, either.

... He really would have preferred the restaurant, though.

Before everyone settles down and begins eating in earnest, Zhongli busies himself with making so much tea. He'll even pour it for people who want some. It's oolong today, his favorite, and it's uh... stronger than usual.

There's a reason for this. Because eventually, he'll be ducking out of the room for a second so that he can invite Xiao in to have a seat. He's hopefully not the only person who brought a guest, right? Right?]

Xiao, these are the people I've been working with recently. [And, as if it's absolutely routine, he continues:] Everyone, this is Xiao. Please treat my son well.

[✨SURPRISE!!!!✨]

[alatum]

[ social engagements are not xiao's strong suit, but for his father, he is willing to try and push through it ─ which is exactly why there is no pushback when zhongli goes to fetch him, only the slight slump of defeat after spending far too long trying to psych himself up for this. he breathes out, expression still as he looks over those gathered and bows his head in greeting; ]

Pardon my intrusion, [ despite being invited in there is a tiny part of him that feels as though he is intruding. ] It is a pleasure to meet you all.

[ SURPRISE, IT IS A MINI-ZHONGLI. ]

[gotbadblood]

[ ]

You have a kid!?

[lapislazily]

[Zhongli sips his tea before deigning that question with a response. Last he checked, he was old enough to raise a kid.]

Yes, and I have since long before I joined the Order. Is that strange?

[Doesn't Ei have family here? He glances at her briefly.]

[gotbadblood]

But- how-

[????????]

You don't even know how to balance a budget!

[HER BRAIN IS BROKEN WHY DID ZHONGLI PROCREATE??]

[lapislazily]

[He blinks once or twice.]

That... may be true, but I don't see how it's relevant.

He was no infant when I took him in, though, if that is your concern. [You could have just asked if he's gay, Velvet.]

[lapislazily]

[Xiao is doing his very best. He must've rehearsed that like a hundred times... Zhongli gives a well-deserved nod of approval.

Go forth. Make some friends. There's other kids here who will understand you.]

[alatum]

[ he did don't tell anyone, dad. he'll visibly relax a little but doesn't really... make a move to go and mingle, that is a lot okay give him a moment. ]

[lapislazily]

[While Xiao is otherwise distracted, Zhongli expertly uses chopsticks to slide one of Lapis's little egg custard things onto Xiao's plate.

Of all the weirdness that is Zhongli's everything, this is probably the most normal thing for a parent to do.]

[alatum]

[ he saw that, don't think he didn't see that. but when there is a moment xiao does pick up the little egg custard thing and brings it to his nose. he gives it a sniff, uncertain, before taking a small bite. food has always been a strange thing with xiao, while there is no denying his love for almond tofu most other things are rather hit or miss ─ not to say he doesn't eat what is put before him, he most certainly does because to do otherwise would be rude, but rarely does he find himself enjoying that which he eats.

after a moment of chewing xiao seems to nod, swallowing his food before taking another bite. these are nice, he likes them. ]

[infezione]

Oh, it's not an intrusion at all!

[Is Fugo surprised Zhongli has a kid? Oh, absolutely, but that's not important right now. He can process that info later.

He smiles as he motions for Xiao to sit nearby.]

Patrizio Fugo. It's nice to meet you, too.

[alatum]

[ xiao spares a glance towards zhongli before shifting his weight, taking the seat beside fugo with a soft thank you. don't mind that he sits somewhat awkwardly, as though he hadn't really thought of what to do past the point of introducing himself... because he honestly didn't. ]

[infezione]

[Well, Fugo's the last person who'd comment on any awkwardness--he's a pretty awkward person himself, and frankly, the situation doesn't help.]

What sort of stuff do you like?

[As he helps himself to some of the fried rice. It's, uh... pretty to the point and far from the best ice breaker but it's the best Fugo's got at the moment.]

[alatum]

[ it's certainly difficult, despite how determined xiao is to at least make some form of attempt. even before zhongli he had very little experience in socializing, brought out of the dark only when he master needed him for one thing or another. his gaze flicks between the people gathered, his father, and fugo as the other speaks again and xiao blinks, almost surprised to be asked a question. ]

In regards to what exactly? [ food? drink? hobbies? fugo you can't just ask such a broad question!! ]

[awalkinthedark]

[One can practically hear the Wii shop theme play as Artorias tries to process this new information. After a moment though, he just kind of decides to roll with it, giving Xiao a smile and a little wave.]

Nice to meet you, cousin. My name is Artorias.

[alatum]

Cousin?

[ sorry, what do you mean cousin? he does not understand. ]

[crisantemo]

[ Oh, Zhongli has a son? Well, it's not the strangest thing she's ever heard and she's only met the man, so she can't really make any assumptions either.

Even if Zhongli looks pretty young. But anyway.

As someone also relatively quiet and awkward, she can understand Xiao's not having the easiest time. So she'll. Do her best to be welcoming!! ]

Pleasure to meet you too, Xiao. My name's Lapis. [ She hesitates for a second, before offering the plate in her hand - holding some of the egg custard pastries she's made. She did notice him trying it earlier, so... ]

Would you like some?

[ Food is always the best icebreaker obviously. ]

[alatum]

[ the food definitely gets his attention, his eyes widening a fraction looking between the pastries and lapis herself. he nods, taking one of the pastries and placing it upon his plate. ]

Thank you, they are very good. [ which coming from xiao, a notoriously picky eater, is a very big compliment. ]

[crisantemo]

[ While she doesn't smile, but her eyes do light up at his verdict - almost seeming to perk up for a moment. If she knew how much of a picky eater he is, she would be even more pleased. But for now she's just quietly content, placing the plate on a nearby table once he takes a pastry from it. ]

Ah, thank you very much. I'm glad you like them. [ Maybe she should make these more often... ]

Though, what other kinds of foods do you like? [ So she can be ready! If there's more things like this in the future! ]

[alatum]

[ she made these? xiao seems to blink a couple of times as though surprised, his expression softening into something just a little more relaxed. ]

You are welcome.

[ at the mention of other foods xiao seems to brighten a little, the thought of her cooking other things he enjoys almost... exciting? ]

Almond Tofu, [ a beat. ] I also enjoy Grilled Tiger Fish. [ although he seems surprised that he said that. where did that come from? ]

[eiternity]

[Congratulations, Zhongli! Your hard work has paid off. Ei has made it here, and she's even willing to interact with her coworkers.]

[Unfortunately, Ei has never been very social, even in her previous life. And double unfortunately, she has no excuse here. In Inazuma, one could argue that the Raiden Shogun had to maintain an air of aloofness in order to properly rule. Here, Ei is just an awkward PhD student. C'est la vie.]

I'm here.

[Is all she says to Zhongli. Aren't you proud of her? Really, she should get a gold star.]

[lapislazily]

[He offers her a fresh cup of hot black tea.]

So you are. Thank you for joining us, Ei.

[He's terribly curious if she remembers anything from her past life, but that would be invasive, and he doesn't exactly want to bring it up around people who don't understand who and what they are... It might cause some alarm.]

You should try a bite of everything. I think you'll quite enjoy the different dishes people made.

[eiternity]

[She nods, and takes the cup. For all that she is a complete mess who relies on DoorDash, she can appreciate the lure of a hot cup of tea.]

This is...much nicer than I expected.

[Translation: There are fewer people here than she expected and she is grateful. Historically, Ei has never been great with people, and it's only gotten progressively worse since memories of her past life started returning. They come in snippets, but each one reinforces her ideal of a solitary life.]

I shall. Most of my experience with food here has been take out. I cannot recall the last time I had the opportunity to eat this much handmade cooking.

[lapislazily]

It would have been nicer had they allowed me to spend the money.

[Does he sound a little wistful? Maybe.]

Though, that would have taken away from the dishes everyone prepared today. It seems we were fortunate despite the humble venue.

[If she feels like he's looking through her, it's not intentional. He's certainly thinking about their past lives, though.]

If you spent more time with the others, I'm sure you would find many opportunities to eat good cooking and perhaps even learn a thing or two yourself. I can see how it would be overwhelming, however... If you're comfortable with it, you may come visit my apartment, and I'll treat you.

[In a near future, Ei murders Zhongli with bad tea...]

Small steps are best to ascend a mountain.

[And then, he adds...]

A very long time ago, there was a group of old friends who would meet wherever was convenient, and they'd talk and drink wine. This was how they commemorated their victories and weathered their defeats, and it was how they were able to move forward despite the shadow of a great war in their memories.

Though that time has long passed, I would still invite you to do the very same. [A pause.] With one exception: I prefer tea for most company now.

/slams back into this

[eiternity]

Do not worry. I was able to spend money for my part of the catering.

[He doesn't mean McDonald's money, Ei. He doesn't mean McDonald's money.]

[But that's not her concern right now. She looks at him with a thoughtful expression. It would be easy to assume that the reason she is so quiet is because she's so ill-accustomed to the presence of others. While that is a concern, there's something else that gives her pause.]

That would be...

[Old friends. Old friends at a picnic. Old friends at a picnic, disappearing one by one. Old friends long gone, now she is alone.]

[Even the greatest mountain may eventually fall to the power of the winds. Even the most vivid of memories eventually suffer from erosion. How then, does one protect them?]

[She takes a long moment to think. If someone, if anyone is able to help keep these memories alive, Zhongli is undoubtedly the best bet.]

Good, I believe. There is something I wish to discuss with you.