( open )

[hoasen]

Who: YOU, MY FRIEND & The friendly staff of Thistle Do Nicely, a humble flower shop.
When: IC: 29th January to February 14th (OOC: Starts 3rd July, full month log.)
Where: Thistle Do Nicely, Shopping District.
What: It's nearly Valentine's Day, so there's sales and events! Want to learn how to make chocolate? Look here! Cashing in your coupon for the upcoming Blind Date player event? That's here too! This is a mingle log, so everyone come mingle to your hearts content, and come in anytime, there's no such thing as late.
Rating/Warning: Nothing so far. There might be some future nightmares.

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NOTE: There are some forward-dated prompts/part of prompts in this log. This is to coincide with the Blind Date Player Plot this month! More links and updates will be posted here once they come up.

Also if you wanna know how this works, it's just a mingle! An example here, our previous open mingle log. Treat it however you like, open and closed options welcome.

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Welcome to Thistle Do Nicely! Make yourself comfortable and browse the grand selection. In spirit of upcoming Valentine's Day, the store is decorated in pink and red, hearts scattered here and there. Sweet soft toys are on display, and there are bargains to be found. The tea shop is also decked out, but there seems to be something extra special happening on that side too.


A: ROSES ARE RED, VIOLETS ARE DISCOUNTED

[Are you here for the flowers? Sure you are, it's a grand tradition that all Valentines must share: the giving of flowers to loved ones. Roses are a definite favourite, but maybe you're after something more unique? Then look no further! Ask one of your friendly staff about it. Or maybe they're coming to you! But if they do, some may have the misfortunate of being told by the mysterious NPC boss to repeat the following: "What can Cupid's assistant do for you today?" Yeah, it's pretty embarrassing.

Or maybe you've bumped into a friend! In that case, buying flowers for Valentine's Day? Are you proud of this, or are you so embarrassed you must hide all evidence.

Alternatively, time has passed and you're now here because you have coupons for an additional price cut on your flowers if you are taking part in the Blind Date event. Blind dates can be particularly nerve-wracking, so let this store make things a little easier for you. You'll thank them for it.]


B: ANYONE WHO HATES CHOCOLATE IS A MONSTER (no we're kidding we still love you)

B.1: KITCHEN NIGHTMARES

[In all walks of life, chocolate is a very popular gift for Valentine's Day. And in some places, even more importance is placed on whether it's homemade or not. A section of the tea shop has been cleared just for this: earthy tables now have small stoves on them and ingredients set out. It's time to learn how to make chocolate. These classes are lead by head chef Shokudaikiri Mitsutada and his (reluctant) chef's assistant Ookurikara, but you can be sure that all the other reliable staff of Thistle Do Nicely are getting in on the action to help out (or learn themselves) too! Maybe Mitsutada and a handful of staff will make this great. The other half...

Everyone interested in these classes will gather round each of these tables, and together you will learn how to make chocolate. It's a team effort, so discuss with each other and work together to perfect it! In the end, you will be given cute little boxes or bags to put your chocolate in so you can give it to those intended. Or yourself, you can eat them too. Alternatively, you were forced into this mess, or have no idea why you're here but you're going to roll with it because it's chocolate.

The classes are free, happening a couple hours a day, but the ingredients require a small donation to keep the classes going. These classes are ongoing, so by the time you've gotten your Blind Date, you don't have to donate if you show them your coupon.]


B.2 CHOCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

[Or maybe you're not here for the classes, you're spending time on the other half of the tea shop where it's still set for customers. The tea shop half of the entire store is not actually that big, so you might be finding it a bit cramped.

That being said, a treats bar has been set out as a complimentary offer. There's a chocolate fountain in the middle of this bar, and you know you wanna dip some heart shaped marshmallows or fruits in that sucker. There's also these flower shaped gummies. No one actually knows how they got there, but maybe for the sake of science, you want to coat it with chocolate and eat it.

Do it.]


C: WILDCARD.

[Because there's so much more to explore! Or maybe you're just here to visit and laugh at them. Or maybe you wanna use the tea space as a PLACE FOR A DATE, AYYYYYY in which the scene from Lady and the Tramp could happen and there will be a cute musical number (look, I'll have it arranged, I'm not even kidding. Too bad I can't get an Okiayu character to do it though, you might have to make do with a loser girl). Or maybe you've MESSED UP THIS ENTIRE PLACE Vietnam will kill you with her bare hands (unless she likes you, then you will live).]

Comments

[aslyfox]

[ He's just about to thrust the delicious treat into the flow of chocolate before hesitating, turning to look at Nanoha with narrow eyes. ]

Have you ever had it before? [ Food science must be done, so if she had any idea of the result, he'd listen. Otherwise, the fox sword is going to MAKE MAGIC HAPPEN and nothing will stop him because science. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

No, because I can tell it's a bad idea! [ She nods. Sometimes you don't need to eat something to know it's awful. ]

But you look like you're going to do it anyway, so... I'm just going to be here to say "I told you so" when you're done.

[aslyfox]

[ Psh, bad idea. What do you even know?! Kogitsunemaru is extremely confident that the mixture of fried firm tofu and chocolate will be a tremendous experience. ]

If you'd like, I'll share some. [ HE'S THAT CONFIDENT, so he'll go ahead and dip the tofu in, coating it in the delicious milk chocolate and quickly evacuating it into the ice bath. ]

Are you sure you don't want to try some with me?

[zenryokuzenkai]

No, I'll definitely just let you go first. [ No hesitation.

Nanoha's fairly sure that it would be an experience, though almost certainly not in the same way Kogi thinks it will be. A real once in a lifetime experience, because if you try it once you'll never do it again. ]

[aslyfox]

[ Bah! Nanoha is really missing out. There's no way this combination can possibly fail. So when he pulls out the chocolate covered piece of fried tofu, he'll quickly place it on a nearby plate before chomping into it.

He chews quietly, not reacting positively or negatively while his brows furrow. He's trying to figure out exactly what's going on in his mouth.

Hm.

Hmmmm.

Hm! ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

[ Nanoha's just staring in shock, waiting for a proper reaction.

Although normally when you take that long to say anything... Well, she's never heard of food that's supposed to taste "confusing." ]

[aslyfox]

[ What was Nanoha expecting? Kogitsunemaru to turn green and get sick? Surely, she knows NOTHING. NOTHIIIIIIING.

He'll shrug, smack his lips together, and smile weakly. ]

Wasn't that bad... but you might've been right. Firm tofu was not the best choice.

[ ... okay, one point to Nanoha. Damn. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

Is it time for me to say "I told you so?" Because "I told you so."

[ However, while Nanoha is a ruthless devil, she's also a helpful magical girl at heart. She's not going to leave Kogitsunemaru alone, even if he is a fully grown man with silly fox hair. ]

For now, let's stick to the classics and go with strawberry and marshmallow fondue, alright? There are recipes for fried tofu and chocolate I can teach you, but they're a bit more complicated than just taking inari and sticking them in a chocolate fountain.

[ patpats his shoulder ]

[aslyfox]

[ Helpful AND ruthless? That's not an awful combination. Given his own disposition of being a spirit of an object meant to protect/kill/experiment with food, it's nice to have a little bit of comfort from the smaller girl. The pats are nice, too.

Not silly though. How dare you. ]

Strawberry and marshmallow, huh? [ Okay, that sounds awesome. He's totally for that life. Nanoha, if you somehow teach the little fox how to make delicious fondues and he'll be grateful... and his apartment-mates will be happy, too! ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

[ Totally silly. The silliest. ]

Strawberry and marshmallow. They're the classics. You know what to do, pick up the skewer and stick them into the fountain! [ And then eat them, naturally. ] The other fruits provided work, but... probably not the gummies.

[ She pops a chocolate coated strawberry into a mouth and ponders. It's delicious of course, but that's not the point. ]

Wait here, I'll make a shopping trip as quickly as possible! [ And she's dashed off. Really fast. Superhuman fast. ]

[aslyfox]

[ Everything Nanoha talks about sounds delicious, and he'll quickly dip a strawberry and eat one as well (that'll get rid of that awful taste in his mouth).

And he'll open his mouth to reply but WOW OKAY she's fast and Kogitsunemaru will watch her zip off after mentioning a shop. Well, okay then. That'll leave him some time to try out dipping one of those gummies into the fountain...

When Nanoha returns, she'll find the little fox sword enjoying the gummy flowers, just without chocolate on them. That's two culinary mistakes in one day. Weh. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

You tried the flowers with chocolate, didn't you? [ Nanoha sighed, but didn't comment further. She had just met this fox and she's already not at all surprised by his antics. ]

Alright! [ She plops a plastic bag on the table in front of them. ] I figured I might as well show you the recipe right now! Fried tofu with chocolate!

[ For yes, it was a bag full of tofu, amongst other things, mostly in powder form. ]

We'll have to go to the other room where the kitchen is, but it'll be fine! By the way, I'm Nanoha!

[aslyfox]

Maybe. [ Num num num. By themselves, the gummy flowers actually tasted alright--- straight up sugar, but with floral and wooden notes. They were probably placed as palate cleansers more than anything, especially when faced with fruit and chocolate.

As he eyes the tofu, he lights up. That's a familiar food. He fights the temptation to just go right into the bag and eat some... neutral flavors will save him today. ]

Ah. It's nice to meet you, Nanoha-san. I am Kogitsunemaru. [ The fox sword bows slightly. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

[ Kogitsunemaru. Was he called kitsune because of his silly fox hair, or did he purposely grow silly fox hair because he was called kitsune? He was also not at all little, so the "ko" was entirely out of place. Actually, in the first place, was that a name anyone would use for their children?

Nanoha looked at Kogi, then at the sword hanging from his side, then back at Kogi again. ]

Are you a sword spirit? [ That would be the fourth she's met, and she seems to be recognising a pattern.

Either way, she's going to head into the big communal kitchen with ingredients in hand, ready to show off her cooking. ]

[aslyfox]

[ Yes, Nanoha, to all of those. Her sudden recognition of what he is does not surprise him, given how many of them there are!--- though, slightly fewer than when he arrived not too long ago. ]

Yes, I am. [ He'll smile, amused, then again carrying a sword around tended to draw a bit of attention. ] Have you've met some of us already? And if so, who?

[ He'll follow her into the kitchen. If she can do the things and make tasty treats, then she's the best!...

... for today, anyway. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

Let's see, Sayo-kun, Hotarumaru-kun, and Kousetsu-san. Two of them are called Samonji, but are they actually brothers or is that just part of the sword-smith's signature? [ She's thinking out loud here. She's also handled two of their true forms, which is probably a bigger deal than she knows, especially since she's not typically a sword-handling type. In all senses of the phrase.

Claiming part of the kitchen for herself, Nanoha finally unpacks the ingredients she bought. Tofu, espresso powder, cayenne powder, cinnamon, eggs, and ginger. Chocolate, flour, and oil were provided so she's snapped some of those up along the way too.

She just going to follow this recipe here. ]

[aslyfox]

[ He's pleasantly surprised by the list of names, each of them making him react with the biggest of smiles. The little fox watches the ingredients, blinking a few times at the number of them, as if he is trying to remember all of them for future knowledge. ]

Ah, you have met two of the Samonjis and the little devil himself. I'm sure they were all kind to you.

[ With wide eyes, he'll stare and watch Nanoha as she prepares and fixes the food. Ooh! ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

I wouldn't call Hotarumaru a devil. He was a real sweetheart. They all were.

[ Not even the most gloomy Samonji pair could be free of the White Devil. And technically she was the one who helped out the Samonjis, but she didn't keep track of things like that. ]

And you're very kind too.

[ If terrible at food. ]

[aslyfox]

[ He chuckles and smirks, sitting down and resting his chin in his hands, propping them up using his elbows. ] You've never had to duel him. He's one of the most ferocious in our ranks, as of now.

And thank you. [ He nods politely and very seriously compared to his overall behavior before. ] We all try to represent our master as best as we can. He cannot watch over us all of the time as we're not all in a citadel together.

[ And a smile, because... hey, he tries to be kind. He's a good little fox, after all. He'll get better at food later. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

I may have to go duel him, then. [ She says it completely casually, because of course she would try to fight a strong boy. What else are you supposed to do with that information? Not rise to the challenge? ]

So you all belong to one person, then? I suppose as swords it's only natural to have a master. [ It just never crossed her mind because they certainly don't look like swords. ] I wonder what Raising Heart would look like if she had a human form?

I am sure I would resemble Master, we are perfectly suited for each other after all. [ That's Raising Heart, currently a small red gem hanging around her neck, talking. ]

[aslyfox]

I'd tell you to be careful, but a part of me says you both should be cautious of each other. [ Anyone who looks forward to fighting a spirit, especially one who can cleave some of the strongest opponents of the touken danshi into pieces with one swing, must be a pretty strong one. Kogitsunemaru may love a fight, but he's not one to go into one like an idiot.

Unless it involves food, and then... that's a different fight all together. ]

... your gem spoke. [ Stating the obvious, but he needs to hear himself say it. After all, this place is crazy weird, so it's like a confirmation. Sort of. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

Don't worry, I always make sure to do things safely when I spar. There's no point getting yourself hurt over a little match, it's not a fight with something important on the line after all. [ During those important fights, she was quite happily incredibly reckless. ]

So it did! This is Raising Heart, my partner. It becomes my staff when I fight, so I suppose it's another talking weapon? [ Although as far as Nanoha knew, sword-men couldn't talk when they were in their "true" sword forms.

So maybe they weren't really talking weapons. ]

[aslyfox]

Your partner? I see. That's different compared to our master and ourselves. We're usually not wielded by others, we fight using our true selves. [ It's a very specific type comfort level of knowing the weapon perfectly when you are the weapon. ]

So in a way, I'm already a talking weapon. [ He smirks, pausing to brush some of his hair out of his face and off to the side. ] Though unlike yours, I am a spirit.

[ A very nice spirit who doesn't know how to food. ]

[zenryokuzenkai]

A sword who wields himself? That's new. [ Nanoha nods and doesn't question further. It's obvious kami were strange things.

Although normally when men say they're wielding their sword that is also part of themselves, they mean something completely different from fighting. Completely. ]

Well, you're a very polite spirit. I'm almost done, by the way.

[aslyfox]

[ ... that is the path of destruction, Nanoha. Steer clear of the waggling swords. ]

Oh? Oh! [ It's like his little hairears perk up at the idea of nearly completed food. He almost forgot about it, mainly because talking about other things. ]

... so does your Raising Heart do anything else other than become your weapon? [ Might as well get another question in before he immerses himself in heavenly tofu. ]