milliways_bar | (no subject)

Javert does not know how lucky he was to have avoided both the zombie invasion, and Halloween. So he does not feel any particular gratitude at coming up from the office, and finding the place entirely normal. He just deposits a large box on his corner table, sets a pad of paper next to it, a fountain pen on top, and an inkstand to the side.

That done, a rat brings bread and water, and a napkin that directs him to a package left for him at the bar. He does not notice this at first, because he is preoccupied. He sits, picks a random sheet of paper out of the box, stretches his fingers out and begins to transcribe it to proper paper. In proper handwriting. With proper headings, and a uniformity of style. Because someone knows how to keep account of things, unlike anyone else in the security office.

He came up because it was time to eat, but apparently there is no time to stop for repast. If anyone cares to dispute that, they may go and see the state of the office for themselves.

[OOC: Open until the weekend.
ETA: but for tonight, I must beg slowtime for sleep. Am around to continue all tomorrow. Night, all, and thanks to those who tagged. <333]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Sonya made a motion of silence across her mouth. "I read nothing."

The military was set with discretion and things that 'weren't read', she understood that.

She then notices the basket, not touching anything, but the labels catch her eye. "That's a lot of spreads.."

Especially for someone with a sweet tooth.

'Yes!'

He is very confused by them. Since the rat brought them over, he has been distracted.

'They were a gift. Perhaps you can assist-'

He pulls a small jar of Nutella from the top.

'-this word does not translate, mademoiselle. And I cannot believe that smooth hazelnuts would be that colour, or would taste good on toast.'

There is a picture of a hazelnut on the front. While Javert is familiar with the idea of a chocolate drink, it does not immediately occur to him that it could be modified and spread on to bread.

Sonya couldn't help but smile when he pulled out the jar. "Nutella. It's actually hazelnuts mixed with chocolate and skim milk. I haven't eaten that since I was a kid. Mom would sometimes let us have it on toast or with fruit during holiday breakfasts."

It was sometimes marketed as healthy, but even her mom knew that anything with chocolate and sugar couldn't possibly be healthy for every day use.

'Ah. Chocolate and nuts. I believe the Italians like this.'

He puts it back.

'And this?'

Lemon curd. He has no idea about this.

"Lemon curd, made from lemon juice, zest, egg yolks and a lot of sugar. One of my aunts always used it for pie filling during the rare chances we could visit."

What could she say, most of those, especially in her dads family, were really into cooking. "It's also really good just as a spread. Looks like whoever gave these to you didn't want to put that toast to waste."

And had a hell of a sweet tooth.

'Yes. I believe that was her thought.'

He examines another label.

'Pimento cheese. I have not heard of this either. It sounds Spanish.'

"Don't think so. I've been to Spain and we didn't have this. It's mostly from the southern part of the US, used for sandwiches or spreading on crackers. My brother loved it for lunch, I never cared for it."

Maybe it was just the taste was overpowering or texture didn't set right, but it was one of the few foods she ate quickly just so she wouldn't have to taste it.

He puts the jars back, and just looks at the whole thing for a long moment.

'No matter. I will have to give them back.'

He is not curious about food, in any case.

'You seem to know a lot about edibles.'

"That's kind of rude. Why would you want to give them back? They're gifts." Some of Sonya's southern upbringing coming back even after all this time.

She grinned, unsure to feel flattered or embarrassed. "Mother aside, my family was big into cooking. My brother and I spent a lot of time with dad helping him cook, and family gatherings always included food because we rarely had the chance to meet together."

'Is it considered rude to give back a gift? There was no need for it to be made in the first place.'

He looks genuinely curious, and a little surprised.

'It was offered as an apology, I believe. But I have already accepted one verbally, so I do not understand the need for these too.'

She knows about food and, it seems, gifts. Perhaps it is something usual to families, or anyone from a future time.

She rolled her eyes. "If people needed gifts, they wouldn't be called gifts in the first place. People give them to show appreciation, or in this case a way to show or hope that things are settled. It's just going the extra mile, here."

Even she knew that. Though she wondered just what happened to send such a gift basket, she knew well enough that it was between the sender and Javert.

"Will take the jar of nutella if you insist on not accepting the gift." No sense in it going to waste, and she wouldn't mind having it on base.

'I cannot give it back if something is removed.'

That would be very strange, and Sunshine would think he took it for himself. He stares at the thing a little longer, then shakes his head. He does not have time for this now.

'I will think on it. If I keep it, I will leave the jar of chocolate nuts at the bar for you.'