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]

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.

[brave_heart_verity]

"Yes. Where would you all be without me."

She knew he'd do it up pretty. Smoothie-making isn't so pretty, but it'll be tasty. There's a couple pieces of fruit she's kept back for garnish. Gotta try to keep up with his plating skills.

"There we go. You ready?"

[losthunter]

"Ready." Hunter gives her a smile, as he takes the two plates of salad over the table.

[brave_heart_verity]

She'll pour the smoothies and join him at the table. "Here you go."

Once they've got everything and are seated, she'll take a moment to properly appreciate the arrangement of the plate. "So pretty. As always. I wish I could do this."

[losthunter]

"Well, you are teaching me all the cooking finer points... I am sure I could teach you plate art."

[brave_heart_verity]

"That would be nice, thank you."

Verity's a good student, if not a talented one. If he can be patient they should be fine.

[losthunter]

"It is just as easy as making a clay pot," Hunter tells Verity with a smile. "It just takes time and patience."