papa was a rolling stone

[insolvent]

Who: Yang (flaredo), Ludger (insolvent>), and Elle (foodcritic)
When: October 18
Where: Ludger's apartment
What: Play date... more or less.
Rating/Warning: None

---

[ ludger wasn't entirely sure how it had happened, but one way or another yang had talked him into inviting her over to his (moderately overpriced) apartment. er... at least, that's what he thought had just happened. still, this was probably a good thing. when all was said and done, ludger still wasn't sure how to best take care of elle now that she was here, so having some help on that front was appreciated. though he'd taken care of her back in their world as well, he'd always had jude and the others to rely on. suddenly playing dad to an eight year old girl was not something ludger was particularly equipped to do... okay he was actually strangely well equipped to do that, but he was still having some trouble wrapping his head around it.

it would definitely help if elle had some friends around her age here though, so calling yang over seemed like a good idea. not that yang was actually elle's age... now that he thought about it, he actually wasn't sure how old she was, but she was definitely closer to ludger's age than elle's. well, regardless, having someone else to play with would would be good for elle.

probably.

he'd at least used that as an excuse to put his place back in order at least, not that it was ever particularly out of order. he'd told elle that yang was coming over too, and she seemed more or less happy about the idea (at least, he thought that was happiness, anyway). so for now, all there was to do was wait. ]

Comments

[flaredo]

[ Yang is above a nose scrunch (no she isn't), opting instead to crouch down and bestow Rollo with a few pats. Admittedly, she's more than a little curious to see how Ludger will do. ]

[insolvent]

[ it doesn't take him too long to prepare his specialties. tomato soup (sorry elle, he has to play to his strengths here) and some spaghetti carbonara. he lets the smell drift out a bit from the kitchen for a while as he puts his finishing touches on both dishes, well aware that presentation can't be skimped on.

but soon enough he's placing plates on the table, his masterpieces complete. ]

There. Dig in. [ if there's anything he has confidence in, its his cooking. ]

[foodcritic]

[it can't be helped — she's still making a "really, seriously, ludger?" face at the tomato soup. she's pretty sure she'll never understand why grownups are so into tomatoes. the pasta, on the other hand? that she's totally ready to dig into it.

and of course, what follows is a sound of delight. it's good... it's always good, because ludger's super great at cooking, as far as she's concerned. the verdict on this one really lies with yang.]

[flaredo]

[ As for Yang, she will make a big show of being a very stern judge, glancing from the soup to the spaghetti with a solemn nod and a considering expression. And for just a second, she almost looks sad-- but then the look has fled, and she's digging in.

... And blinking. ]

This is...

[insolvent]

[ he had to bring his A game, and tomatoes are his A game. one day you'll understand, elle!!

though for now his attention is more focused on yang. this was all to earn her approval, wasn't it? or something like that... actually he isn't really sure why he was so fired up earlier. but still, he just kind of stares, waiting for her to finish that thought. ] Is...?

[foodcritic]

Really yummy, right?

[it's the only acceptable response, as far as elle is concerned. she's following it up with a forkful of spaghetti. she doesn't really catch yang's brief look of sadness, just everything else.]

[flaredo]

... Yeah. [ And she'll take another spoonful of soup before she grins. ] This is amazing, Ludger!

[insolvent]

[ okay, he passed. not that really doubted he would, but still a weight off his shoulders. ]

I am a pro. [ sort of. ]

[foodcritic]

I told you, Ludger's super good at this stuff!

[she's proud of her notpapa partner, even if she knew that he'd pass. how could he not, after all?]

[flaredo]

A girl's got to experience things before she makes important decisions!

[insolvent]

That's true. [ wait... ] But was this really something that important?

[foodcritic]

[rather than interject, elle just keeps at spaghetti, exchanging a glance at rollo before looking between the two of them ... and maybe giggling a little. of course it's important, ludger.]

[flaredo]

Of course it's important! [ well, good to know she's echoing Elle's sentiment here. ] A guy who can cook as well as you can is a blessing!

[insolvent]

I don't know if it's that big a deal... [ but oh hey you made him blush, that has to count for something. ] Anyone can get this good with enough practice.

[foodcritic]

Ludger's pretty modest, isn't he? [maybe a little too modest!] His is the best around, for sure.

[flaredo]

[ Yang's grin only grows more delighted. Yes, getting Ludger to blush is a definite achievement in her book. ]

You know, it's fine to be proud at what you're good at. Elle's got it right.

[insolvent]

Alright. I'm a little better than most people, then.

[ at least that's progress, right... ]

[foodcritic]

[elle will put her fork down long enough to cross her arms over her chest and nod.]

You got that right! [embrace it!]

[flaredo]

Say it with confidence! With passion!

[ waving her spaghetti-laden fork like a conductor's baton why the hell not. ]

[insolvent]

With passion...? [ he has no idea why he's going along with this, but somehow he's getting swept up anyway. ]

Alright, I'm the best there is! No one else can compete.

[foodcritic]

[because they could use a little bit of silly cheer now and then.]

That's the spirit! Now you're really getting it!

[flaredo]

There you go! Keep up that attitude and you'll have the ladies cheering for you in no time!

[insolvent]

...what do ladies have to do with this?

[ why can't he keep up with this conversation at all!! ]

[foodcritic]

What ladies?

[are there even ladies around to cheer for ludger? she can't keep up with this either, it okay.]

[flaredo]

...

I'll tell you both when you're older.