finding love in time of troubles ((Verity))

[losthunter]

While Hunter did need a night out at the bar after a troubling week, he is smart enough to know that alcohol is not the best way to deal with one's problems. And he was able to talk some of the problems out with Schön that same night...

But really, there are just times when he needs someone to hold him, in addition to comforting him.

Of course, he doesn't want to show up empty-handed. So he had spent a good afternoon baking, using one of the many ingredients he had since learned from Verity. His final result was a batch of cupcakes, which he then decorated to look like miniature carnations.

Armed with the bouquet of cupcakes, Hunter soon arrives at Verity's apartment. She wasn't expecting him, but hopefully she will be home when he knocks on the door.

Comments

[losthunter]

"That sounds great. What can I do to help?"

[brave_heart_verity]

To the kitchen! If he thought 'tuna' meant 'out of a can' he is very mistaken. She's getting a tuna steak from the fridge, some marinated mozzarella balls, and a cucumber. Half a loaf of ciabatta comes out of the bread box and is passed to him. "Cube this please."

The cuke and some tomatoes are set by the cutting board as well. If he knows what they're making, he knows what they're for. She'll handle the tuna. Salt and pepper first, then she uses some of the marinade from the mozz on the tuna before crusting it with sesame seeds. They'll toast while the tuna cooks, it'll be gorgeous.

[losthunter]

Hunter would be very shocked if it had come out of a can. He has come to expect only the best and freshest ingredients in Verity's kitchen.

He starts to cut and cube the loaf of ciabatta.

Once that is done, he cleans his knife before cutting the cucumber and tomatoes.

"This is great. I love these moments."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Me too. I don't normally like people in my kitchen when I'm working, but it's easy with you." While the tuna cooks, she'll get the bread cubes in the oven to toast under the broiler. "What else do we want to put in? Some onion, bell peppers, anything?"

He can think while she makes a vinaigrette of mustard and champagne vinegar.

[losthunter]

"I feel honored that you welcome me into your kitchen."

"Bell peppers would be good." Hunter cleans his knife again, to prepare for chopping another food item.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Good behavior has its rewards," she teases. He can have this nice yellow pepper to deal with; she'll keep half an eye on how he does deseeding it while handling the tuna. It doesn't cook long on either side before she puts it on a plate to rest under some plastic wrap. The pan stays on the heat; a quick mincing gets some shallot and garlic ready to go in with a drizzle of the marinade and a little bit of butter. Those can caramelize while the bread finishes toasting.

"Have you ever made panzanella before?" She'll start gathering herbs from the little garden in the kitchen windows, giving them a quick rinse in the sink and toweling them off before mincing them with her double-blade mezzaluna. Mostly basil, but some oregano and cilantro too. "I like to make it for Matt for his lunches at work. His partner gets so jealous sometimes, I think I should just start sending lunch for all three of them."

[losthunter]

Hunter starts by cutting the pepper into quarters, before cutting out the seeds carefully. He takes his time, careful not to get any of the juices on his hands as he cuts.

"No. I'm afraid that this is another recipe that I used to get delivered to me." Hunter shrugs lightly. "Or Magda would make it for me."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Well, now you know how." The tuna being optional, of course, it's nothing he doesn't know how to do. "Maybe you can make it for Magda some time."

[losthunter]

"If I see her again." Hunter shrugs his shoulders. "I was able to ensure she could get reunited with her children. She has a lot of catching up to do."

[brave_heart_verity]

Okay, she can take the hint of a double shrug. She'll focus on the food and let him choose a topic. Putting together the dish won't take much more work; he can toss while she slices the tuna nice and thin?

[losthunter]

It is just an awkward discussion. His maid and his tutor were the only people in his life for over a year. And it is hard for him to think about them, without thinking about that part of his life.

"You said there were three people in Matt's office?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yes. His partner, Foggy, and their legal assistant, Karen. They're Hell's Kitchen's up-and-coming law firm." And she's immensely proud of them.

If he ever read comic books, though, that might be a dead giveaway.

"They get paid in favors and baked goods pretty frequently so I try to make sure they've got some healthier alternatives available."

[losthunter]

While he has some graphic novels in his collection now, there are none that relate to Matt's world. So the reference doesn't mean anything to Hunter.

"It sounds like their clients don't have much cash, if they get paid in favors and baked goods."

[brave_heart_verity]

Lucky for her. Matt's not super comfortable with people knowing certain things.

"No, they don't. I think Matt wouldn't charge at all if Foggy would let him get away with it. He just wants to help people, and generally lets Foggy worry about things like keeping the lights on. He's a very good man. They both are."

She's adamant that she's not a good person, but she doesn't mind supplementing the lifestyles of good people. It's close enough.

[losthunter]

"Maybe I should talk to them about my idea for the reach-out shelter. It sounds like they have experience helping those who need it."

[brave_heart_verity]

"I'm sure they'd be happy to help out. I'll let Matt know and give him your number, if that's okay?"

Extra big smile for you, Hunter. Doing so much good, good boy!

[losthunter]

"That's okay." Hunter smiles softly.

"I am glad that I have people here to help me."

[brave_heart_verity]

"There's a lot of people here willing to help a worthy cause. What would you like to drink with lunch?"

[losthunter]

"Can we make a fruit smoothie?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Um... yeah. We can do that. Let's see what I've got."

A little fridge raiding will reveal kefir, some berries, oranges, several of the parkland fruits she loves so much, and baby spinach. Bananas and an avocado live on the counter.

"What looks good to you?" He can pick the fruit while she gets other things out: honey, chia seeds, cocoa nibs. There are so many possible options.

[losthunter]

He starts by selecting the parkland fruits, since he too has come to enjoy their taste. And then selects the banana, and some berries.

"I could go a little overboard with all these delicious options."

[brave_heart_verity]

"It's nice to have options," she agrees with a smile. "Get the ice out of the freezer, please? The blue tray is water, the white tray is coconut water." Because ofc she has both ready to go. Dating a superhero means nutrition gets even more important.

She'll set up the blender and prep the fruit while he deals with the ice.

[losthunter]

"Coconut water... nice." Hunter whistles to show how impressed he is. And of course, he pulls out the white tray.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Mm, well. Someone has to make sure my friends stay healthy." A handful of chia seeds gets rough-ground in her mortar and pestle before being added. Healthy, after all. There'll be plenty of honey to make up for that. If he'll plate the salad while she mans the blender, they should be ready to go soon.

[losthunter]

"Good thing we have you taking care of us." Hunter truly appreciates what Verity does for him.

He plates the salad, taking care with some presentation.