[Though she knows had she given him nothing but a slice of stale bread, he would still probably eat it, both because he's survived on less and because he wouldn't dare tell Jill she did him wrong.]
But would you not appreciate a hot meal once in a while?
[ Jill always tries so hard. Always going above and beyond what she is asked to do. He's always found it endearing, and he wants to always encourage her, but... ]
You are not required to go above your means. If it is a talent you wish to learn than I will always support you, but is this something you want to do?
And going to taverns and inns multiple times a day, every day is fine by you?
[It's an genuine question, so no need for him to worry when her next reply takes a few minutes to come through, as if she needed time to think about it.]
It is something I have been considering.
[With all the downtime she's had with her arm on the mend, Jill has been feeling left out again. She can't help stock the ship and she definitely cannot steer it. If there needs to be any rescuing, her sword must remain in its sheath, leaving her with only one way of fighting. She's never been the main hero--and Jill is thankful for that--but she's never been one to rest on her laurels either.]
[ Though it still is difficult to get a read of emotions via this new technology, Clive can sense that something was amiss. Ever since that incident he's noticed little by little how stir crazy she has become in the home... not that Clive could blame her in the least.
Yet the long pause for another reply was more than enough to set off a few alarms. ]
But if that is what you want... then I would gladly assist you.
Why don't we go to the marketplace together? To gather ingredients?
I'd feel better if you had one, at the very least. Having one at home wouldn't hurt either.
[The next reply also has a pause because Jill is glancing at her bookcase where a tome, the title SIMPLE COOKING BY THE SEA is emblazoned on the spine, rests. She only picked it up a few days ago and quickly flipped through it before putting it on the shelf, so no recipe has really set in her mind, but perhaps a more thorough look is needed.]
I would need to decide on something to cook first, don't you think? Or did you have something particular in mind?
[ Jill was really putting her all into this, wasn't she? Then what kind of boyfriend would he be to try to deny her passion?
He knew answering a "whatever you would like" would not cut it in this situation, and if they were ever going to move forward with this plan, then Clive was the one who needed to make a decision.
So while pondering for a moment, his fingers tapping against the device, he finally responds ]
Why not a stew? [ That seems rather the sort for beginners, right? ] I've not had one with fish before, but I'm certain it would taste the same.
[Time seems to be ticking by quite a bit on her end of things, but with one hand, Jill can either hold the shellphone or she can breathe a sigh of relief he didn't answer how she expected him to, get up, and search through the book for a fish stew recipe. Once she's found one that looks the simplest the make (that is, with the least amount of steps listed underneath it), she's picking up the device again to type in her response.]
Then to the marketplace we shall go. I'm sure the fishmonger can guide me toward which fish is best for stewing.
[ And whether or not you wanted this to become an action thread IT SUDDENLY HAS as Clive, now accompanied by his trusted companion, quickly gather their things and head to Jill's door!
Ever as polite as he is, this gentleman will give a knock to her door to announce his arrival. He knows her arm has slowed things down for her a bit, and wants to give her all the time she needs to get ready. ]
[Long has it been since they've traded keys, but much like she expects birds to sing, she expects Clive to knock anyway. He seems forever considerate of never barging in on her, always thinking of her comfort and to be honestly, she hopes he never changes.
Jill moves to open the door, swinging it back to come face to face with wolf and master. She tiptoes slightly to press a kiss to his lips, something honey sweet in its greeting, before smiling up at him. No matter how many times she'll see this face this week, each time she's reminded of how she gets to see it at all and that makes her grin like a silly little schoolgirl.]
Hello there.
[Back level on the ground, she gives her head a toss to swing some rogue strands out of her eyes. Her hair is in a sloppy braid that begins mid-length of her hair, the best she could do one-handed, and the rest is determined to remain wild and uncontrolled.]
Before we leave, I must ask for you a small favor, if you are so inclined.
[ The feeling was very mutual. For as she opens the floor and elevates towards his direction, does Clive lean down and meet her halfway into the kiss. A greeting he had come to cherish in quiet moments like these, and something he shall not soon take for granted. ]
Hello. [ His simple response back, yet his eyes were brightly lit and full of the happiness Jill so freely gave to him. Torgal barks back as well, announcing his greeting, before moving on inside to let the two lovebirds discuss anything before their departure.
Clive however idles a bit by the door as if to take in the sight. He notices the movement of her hair, and opens his mouth to question it, but stops when Jill speaks up before him. ]
Of course— anything for you. What can I do? [ Like he would ever say no to a request from her. ]
[Not ever to be forgotten, Jill reaches out as Torgal pads by, running her fingertips through his thick fur. He seems intent on doing his own thing at the moment, so she doesn't chase him for a proper petting. There'll be time enough for that later.
Moving aside to let Clive in, Jill makes her way to the kitchen table where a thick book lays open, turned to a page for a fish stew. It promises to be simple, great for beginners, yet full of flavor. The ingredient list is thankfully short, but it still requires this trip to the markets for what isn't already in her pantry.
Which is practically everything. Starting from scratch will be expensive.]
I need to make a list. I don't want to take the whole book with me and I...
[Her voice trails off when it occurs to her how she was about to end her sentence. Mentioning how her writing hand is out of commission isn't necessary, but more than that, she knows Clive has been feeling especially guilty for letting the situation happen at all. Bringing up her injury seems like a poor reminder of the event and that's the last thing Jill wants for him to think of.]
[ Thankfully Clive has been spending most of his free time glued to the edge of the Manta Board in hopes of earning funds should a situation arise when the need for coin was great. He wanted to be able to provide for them, and while he had some set aside (for other matters he meant to use for Jill in the future), this particular instance was well worth the splurge.
He meets Jill at the table and idly glances down at the book as she speaks. Yet when the pieces of puzzle begin to line up in his mind, a thin frown surfaces on the forefront of his face.
He doesn't want to mention it, either. He doesn't want to bring back old wounds or have his lover feel anymore of a burden than she likely already felt in this moment. It was for both of their protection that they would try to move forward from that situation and never let it happen again.
For now, all Clive could do was continue to try to be her rock and support her. ]
No, you're right. A list would be easier. [ Clive agrees as he gives her a reassuring glance, and in an attempt to relax his suddenly stiff body posture the man leans down to better survey the page. Thankfully there was a writing utensil close at hand that he was easily able to reach for and begin jotting down the ingredients.
It was a rather simple recipe, but she was right. They were going to have to grab quite a few things from the market. ]
There. That should do it. [ He'll quietly pick up the piece of paper with his hastened handwriting before finally and fully turning his attention back to Jill. ] Anything else you need before going?
[Though she expects him to want to provide for them for whatever future they may have, today, Jill will end up telling him to hold onto his coin. She has her own little stash of doubloons and she's also been rereading her collection of books instead of adding more to it. Anything needing to be spent has been on food for her and Bluetooth and the absolute basic necessities. Now with her learning how to cook at home rather than going to inns and taverns every day, Jill feels like not only can she save more, but she can also put more together with Clive and help grow the seedlings of their life a little taller.
But that's a thought for another day. Right now, she nods a silent thank you to Clive for the favor as she moves beside the door towards a little stool. On it is a straw basket with a large lump of grey-furred cat inside who complains a bit when Jill lightly taps her bottom as a signal to move elsewhere. Bluetooth hops out of the container and grouses over to Torgal who she gives a greeting headbump to before trotting off deeper into the apartment.]
Just my basket. [She slides the handle into the crook of her elbow and gives it a little lift.] I'm ready if you are.
[ Clive had always pictured their life together to be a simple one; a peaceful life with many of their needs already met with one another. So little by little he was going to ensure that he would provide that life for her.
Starting by being the one to help Jill carry her groceries. So he'll pocket the list for a moment, turning just in time to see Bluetooth hop out of the basket. ]
I'm ready. Ah, but— [ A quick pause as he appears at her side. He briefly hesitates, seeming to contemplate something, before lifting a hand and gently combing through one the strands of her hair that had been misplaced from the mangled braid. ] —May I?
[Her hand is open palm up towards him expecting him to hand her the slip of paper—that much she can handle with one arm—but suddenly, Clive is beside her and his hand is reaching out towardds her instead. Jill blinks once, then again, slight confusion on her face that only lasts for a mere second before she realizes his intentions, expression melting into a warm smile of gratitude.]
You may. [Taking her hand in his, she presses a kiss to it, soft lips against callused fingertips.] I apologize for not looking my best. I have been considering going as short as I used to be in my younger years, if not for temporary ease.
[ The kiss, while so simple in its act, still manages to form a tightness in Clive's chest. He feels so breathless around her, yet her words did cause him to pause momentarily as the flames in his heart ignited. ]
Jill. [ He begins, eyes peeling towards her with an almost halfway shocked expression.
They had very little talked of their appearances during their adult lives (childhood, yes, given the standard they were forced to keep within the Duchy) but to hear her mention her looks now causes Clive to frown in the slightest. ]
Your appearances matters little to me. You're beautiful and always have been. [ His words are sincere and always honest. Never clouding or beating around the bush. But had this been something she was worried about?
It's enough to compel himself to work halfway on the continued combing her hair out with his free hand, allowing the strands to slide easily through his fingertips. He'll even take the opportunity as the gray strands made their way down, to lift them to his own lips and give them a gentle kiss. ]
To what ease you decide for your hair is up to you. I've grown rather accustomed to this look, though.
[There's a tinge of seriousness in the way he says her name that gives Jill pause, especially with the frown that accompanies it. She didn't think she said anything offensive, just airing an idle thought that has come to her more than once in the last couple of weeks.
But was she worried about her appearance? In a superficial way, yes. She didn't like looking less than put together, especially in public, when she now had the time to take for herself. But anything deeper than that, Jill has never ruminated on. She has much more serious faults to reflect on. Those are what made her feel ugly, not her facial features or her hair.
But his words have her thinking less about the compliment he pays her (and one that is always appreciated coming from his mouth) and more about how Clive is dangerously close to making a breakthrough.]
So you have a preference, then?
[It's a little push, for him to say that he likes something one way over another. That he wanted something just the way he wanted it. Jill knows Clive has a hard time considering what he wants over everybody else's desires and whenever he approaches saying so, she always wants to encourage him. Right now is no different.]
[ The words caught him into a bit of silence. Eyes widening and a curious look casted in Jill's direction, the man was left with his mouth open slightly agape.
He was at liberty to give his preferences, but there was always apart of him that struggled to ever verbalize. Jill had lied the trap out before him, and Clive had fallen right in. ]
I— [ Founder, his face was heating up quite a bit. The aether stirred wildly in his chest, causing his own body to emit a sudden warmth on his skin as he turned his eyes briefly back to her hair. ] —I suppose I do.
[Something in her own aether churns as well, and she places her good hand on his chest, hoping to calm him down. The heat of his skin is braced by the coolness of hers and the contrast reminds her of how different they are while being the same as Dominants of a greater power.]
Then I shall let it be. You deserve to have what you desire as well.
[Not that Jill is the type to ignore her own wants for a man, but sometimes, there's little sense in doing something against what Clive wants. He's been denied so much for so long that something as inconsequential as her hairstyle is nothing to throw a battle over.
A soft and light rub to his chest and Jill is chuckling softly at the image of them standing in her kitchen, growing closer over the messy mop on her head. Any more fooling around then they'll miss the best picks of the shops.]
Now, if we're done conversing about hair, perhaps we can get to the market before it closes for the day?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Well no but
[ ??? He's not going to say it's bad EVEN IF IT HAS BEEN A MINUTE. It was not a lady's role to cook all the time! These were more modern eras! ]
that's not to say your cooking talents have been replaced. There is nothing wrong with the food I have eaten by your hands before.
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[In other words, all those sandwiches don't count either.]
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[Though she knows had she given him nothing but a slice of stale bread, he would still probably eat it, both because he's survived on less and because he wouldn't dare tell Jill she did him wrong.]
But would you not appreciate a hot meal once in a while?
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[ Jill always tries so hard. Always going above and beyond what she is asked to do. He's always found it endearing, and he wants to always encourage her, but... ]
You are not required to go above your means. If it is a talent you wish to learn than I will always support you, but is this something you want to do?
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[It's an genuine question, so no need for him to worry when her next reply takes a few minutes to come through, as if she needed time to think about it.]
It is something I have been considering.
[With all the downtime she's had with her arm on the mend, Jill has been feeling left out again. She can't help stock the ship and she definitely cannot steer it. If there needs to be any rescuing, her sword must remain in its sheath, leaving her with only one way of fighting. She's never been the main hero--and Jill is thankful for that--but she's never been one to rest on her laurels either.]
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[ Though it still is difficult to get a read of emotions via this new technology, Clive can sense that something was amiss. Ever since that incident he's noticed little by little how stir crazy she has become in the home... not that Clive could blame her in the least.
Yet the long pause for another reply was more than enough to set off a few alarms. ]
But if that is what you want... then I would gladly assist you.
Why don't we go to the marketplace together? To gather ingredients?
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[The next reply also has a pause because Jill is glancing at her bookcase where a tome, the title SIMPLE COOKING BY THE SEA is emblazoned on the spine, rests. She only picked it up a few days ago and quickly flipped through it before putting it on the shelf, so no recipe has really set in her mind, but perhaps a more thorough look is needed.]
I would need to decide on something to cook first, don't you think? Or did you have something particular in mind?
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He knew answering a "whatever you would like" would not cut it in this situation, and if they were ever going to move forward with this plan, then Clive was the one who needed to make a decision.
So while pondering for a moment, his fingers tapping against the device, he finally responds ]
Why not a stew? [ That seems rather the sort for beginners, right? ] I've not had one with fish before, but I'm certain it would taste the same.
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Then to the marketplace we shall go. I'm sure the fishmonger can guide me toward which fish is best for stewing.
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I certainly would hope so. [ But of course it's Clive and he could care less about which fish it is, so long as it makes her happy! ]
I'll come by to pick you up. We can walk together.
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[Which means attempt to wrangle her hair into something publicly acceptable now that she hasn't been able to braid it or wear her usual ribbon.]
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[ And whether or not you wanted this to become an action thread IT SUDDENLY HAS as Clive, now accompanied by his trusted companion, quickly gather their things and head to Jill's door!
Ever as polite as he is, this gentleman will give a knock to her door to announce his arrival. He knows her arm has slowed things down for her a bit, and wants to give her all the time she needs to get ready. ]
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Jill moves to open the door, swinging it back to come face to face with wolf and master. She tiptoes slightly to press a kiss to his lips, something honey sweet in its greeting, before smiling up at him. No matter how many times she'll see this face this week, each time she's reminded of how she gets to see it at all and that makes her grin like a silly little schoolgirl.]
Hello there.
[Back level on the ground, she gives her head a toss to swing some rogue strands out of her eyes. Her hair is in a sloppy braid that begins mid-length of her hair, the best she could do one-handed, and the rest is determined to remain wild and uncontrolled.]
Before we leave, I must ask for you a small favor, if you are so inclined.
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Hello. [ His simple response back, yet his eyes were brightly lit and full of the happiness Jill so freely gave to him. Torgal barks back as well, announcing his greeting, before moving on inside to let the two lovebirds discuss anything before their departure.
Clive however idles a bit by the door as if to take in the sight. He notices the movement of her hair, and opens his mouth to question it, but stops when Jill speaks up before him. ]
Of course— anything for you. What can I do? [ Like he would ever say no to a request from her. ]
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Moving aside to let Clive in, Jill makes her way to the kitchen table where a thick book lays open, turned to a page for a fish stew. It promises to be simple, great for beginners, yet full of flavor. The ingredient list is thankfully short, but it still requires this trip to the markets for what isn't already in her pantry.
Which is practically everything. Starting from scratch will be expensive.]
I need to make a list. I don't want to take the whole book with me and I...
[Her voice trails off when it occurs to her how she was about to end her sentence. Mentioning how her writing hand is out of commission isn't necessary, but more than that, she knows Clive has been feeling especially guilty for letting the situation happen at all. Bringing up her injury seems like a poor reminder of the event and that's the last thing Jill wants for him to think of.]
And I just thought a list would be easier.
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He meets Jill at the table and idly glances down at the book as she speaks. Yet when the pieces of puzzle begin to line up in his mind, a thin frown surfaces on the forefront of his face.
He doesn't want to mention it, either. He doesn't want to bring back old wounds or have his lover feel anymore of a burden than she likely already felt in this moment. It was for both of their protection that they would try to move forward from that situation and never let it happen again.
For now, all Clive could do was continue to try to be her rock and support her. ]
No, you're right. A list would be easier. [ Clive agrees as he gives her a reassuring glance, and in an attempt to relax his suddenly stiff body posture the man leans down to better survey the page. Thankfully there was a writing utensil close at hand that he was easily able to reach for and begin jotting down the ingredients.
It was a rather simple recipe, but she was right. They were going to have to grab quite a few things from the market. ]
There. That should do it. [ He'll quietly pick up the piece of paper with his hastened handwriting before finally and fully turning his attention back to Jill. ] Anything else you need before going?
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But that's a thought for another day. Right now, she nods a silent thank you to Clive for the favor as she moves beside the door towards a little stool. On it is a straw basket with a large lump of grey-furred cat inside who complains a bit when Jill lightly taps her bottom as a signal to move elsewhere. Bluetooth hops out of the container and grouses over to Torgal who she gives a greeting headbump to before trotting off deeper into the apartment.]
Just my basket. [She slides the handle into the crook of her elbow and gives it a little lift.] I'm ready if you are.
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Starting by being the one to help Jill carry her groceries. So he'll pocket the list for a moment, turning just in time to see Bluetooth hop out of the basket. ]
I'm ready. Ah, but— [ A quick pause as he appears at her side. He briefly hesitates, seeming to contemplate something, before lifting a hand and gently combing through one the strands of her hair that had been misplaced from the mangled braid. ] —May I?
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You may. [Taking her hand in his, she presses a kiss to it, soft lips against callused fingertips.] I apologize for not looking my best. I have been considering going as short as I used to be in my younger years, if not for temporary ease.
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Jill. [ He begins, eyes peeling towards her with an almost halfway shocked expression.
They had very little talked of their appearances during their adult lives (childhood, yes, given the standard they were forced to keep within the Duchy) but to hear her mention her looks now causes Clive to frown in the slightest. ]
Your appearances matters little to me. You're beautiful and always have been. [ His words are sincere and always honest. Never clouding or beating around the bush. But had this been something she was worried about?
It's enough to compel himself to work halfway on the continued combing her hair out with his free hand, allowing the strands to slide easily through his fingertips. He'll even take the opportunity as the gray strands made their way down, to lift them to his own lips and give them a gentle kiss. ]
To what ease you decide for your hair is up to you. I've grown rather accustomed to this look, though.
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But was she worried about her appearance? In a superficial way, yes. She didn't like looking less than put together, especially in public, when she now had the time to take for herself. But anything deeper than that, Jill has never ruminated on. She has much more serious faults to reflect on. Those are what made her feel ugly, not her facial features or her hair.
But his words have her thinking less about the compliment he pays her (and one that is always appreciated coming from his mouth) and more about how Clive is dangerously close to making a breakthrough.]
So you have a preference, then?
[It's a little push, for him to say that he likes something one way over another. That he wanted something just the way he wanted it. Jill knows Clive has a hard time considering what he wants over everybody else's desires and whenever he approaches saying so, she always wants to encourage him. Right now is no different.]
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He was at liberty to give his preferences, but there was always apart of him that struggled to ever verbalize. Jill had lied the trap out before him, and Clive had fallen right in. ]
I— [ Founder, his face was heating up quite a bit. The aether stirred wildly in his chest, causing his own body to emit a sudden warmth on his skin as he turned his eyes briefly back to her hair. ] —I suppose I do.
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Then I shall let it be. You deserve to have what you desire as well.
[Not that Jill is the type to ignore her own wants for a man, but sometimes, there's little sense in doing something against what Clive wants. He's been denied so much for so long that something as inconsequential as her hairstyle is nothing to throw a battle over.
A soft and light rub to his chest and Jill is chuckling softly at the image of them standing in her kitchen, growing closer over the messy mop on her head. Any more fooling around then they'll miss the best picks of the shops.]
Now, if we're done conversing about hair, perhaps we can get to the market before it closes for the day?