[ shhh leave Navia alone right now, this isn't her place to sob about her cake misadventures. she'll tell everyone later!
she's happy. Despite the weather being so cold, despite their circumstances and minus a few friends, they've managed to pull off a nice gathering for a cherished friend. Her roses look brighter, not unlike some of the withered ones previously. With friends, with her emotions being bright, she feels good. ]
It's no trouble at all, so please, don't think that. We wanted you to have a special day - we'd gladly spend all day for you.
[ there’s an exaggerated lift of his brow as the room looks to him for the final word, followed by a sweeping gesture back toward the crowd with one hand. ]
Both chef and pâtissier have spoken, and I’ve been nothing more than their humble helper today.
[ he flashes a tight little smile, then smooths it out with a short huff of laughter. ]
And I have to agree with everything they’ve said. The three of us came together to serve up a little slice of home while we’re all here, and I’d like to think we managed that for you.
[ he exhales softly, as if releasing the weight of the final words now that their little stand-up has come to a close, and his smile shifts—warmer, more at ease. ]
So, with that said—happy birthday, Monsieur Neuvillette.
( yes, indeed. there is never a need to face hardships on your own when there are people around who will be more than happy to help! for the first time in awhile, neuvillette's heart feels incredibly warm, and he can't hide the happiness that bubbles up in his chest. truly, in this cozy moment, he can't help but realize that these three are the closest to his heart.
he returns the half-hug after a split second, awkward only because he hasn't actually hugged anyone before, and he can't help but feel the pleasantness of a budding imprint, warm like honey. and navia, beautiful navia with her roses and the brightness of her smile. he steps toward the cake and macarons, admiring the delicate beauty of the confections. )
This took a lot of work, didn't it? They are truly a feast for the eyes. ( his smile widens when he catches wriothesley's smile, and that little greeting, before he nods his appreciation and gratitude, unable to keep a smile off his usually-dispassionate face. he picks up one macaron, holding it between his fingers delicately. a even more delicate bite follows, and neuvillette blinks. )
... it seems our Patissiere Supreme has competition.
[The joy in the air is easy to sense and Aether's expression shines when Neuvillette praises Navia's creation. The traveler quickly casts a look to his friend as if silent telling her "see? He loves it!" while also being very proud of her.
They all have done an amazing job, he thinks. Neuvillette enjoying his time with them is the greatest prize they could ask for.]
Since the menu is now approved by our estimated guest... it's time to celebrate!
[Aether makes his way to Wriothesley, gently placing a hand on his back to lead him towards the table.]
I'll handle the rest in the kitchen. You should take a break.
[ navia's hands clasp together in front of her, smile bright at the praise. ]
That makes it all the better! I wouldn't say I'm competition with her since the cake was definitely a second time around completion. The first one was more brownie than cake and I... I might have sobbed for an hour earlier today while I ate it.
[She laughs at it, because looking back on it now, it's funny. There was no reason to cry over a bad cake, but she had a moment where she wanted everything perfect and it just wasn't working.]
I'm glad you enjoy them... it fills my heart with joy.
[ leave it to aether to corral him into participating, especially when his part of the dinner course had been finished some time ago. still, wriothesley follows aether's lead and busies himself at the table, caught between watching neuvillette sample navia's macarons and ensuring everything remains in order.
he does, however, laugh alongside navia when she recounts her first attempt at the cake—it reminds him of an old adage. ]
Well, as they say in Snezhnaya: the first pancake is always lumpy. And I'd say it fits in this case in more ways than one.
( ah, aether is incredibly endearing; it's not difficult to see how much he adores present company. perhaps it's why fontaine is always abuzz when the traveler comes around to fontaine. and oh, wriothesley too. the man is doing his best to stay out of it, but his gaze on him warms when aether clearly ropes him back in again.
even so, navia's quiet confession is alarming. )
Miss Navia... you were crying because of the cake?
( neuvillette is concerned, a hand gently brushing her elbow in quiet comfort. the last thing he wants is anyone to be in distress over his birthday, especially her, so lively and vivacious, like the sun on a winter's day. )
I would have loved it even if it were more brownie than cake. You were the one who personally made it, after all.
Oh no, don't worry everyone! I promise I was fine. I got a little overwhelmed, that's all! I promise I'll come to everyone next time.
[Her hands come up to touch both Aether's and Neuvillette's, appreciating their kind gesture.]
I had been so sure of myself during the baking process that I used more than an ingredient than I should have. I'm not going to serve something to any of you that isn't my best work.
Now. [She smiles, taking in a deep breath quickly and exhaling.] Today isn't about my failings, it's to celebrate another.
[ thankfully, wriothesley doesn’t add to the pile of soothing pats or touches—only flashes a small smile navia’s way when she finds her footing again after sharing the little anecdote about her baking troubles. and since he recognizes her subtle attempt to shift the spotlight back to the birthday celebrant, he helps the others segue as well. ]
Well, now that we're at the table and dessert has everyone's stamp of approval…
[ he gestures for everyone to slowly take their seats. ]
Should we work our way backwards and enjoy Aether's dish next? I've got no problem starting with the main course.
( neuvillette makes a quick note to send aether and navia a gift after this, to thank them to going to such trouble to create something so memorable for him. at her reassurance, he relaxes and nods, understanding what it means to be someone who yearns to do their best.
he takes his seat opposite wriothesley, his attention drawn to the dish aether's clearly also taken such pains to make, his expression warm with appreciation and delight. )
Ah, the main course it is. The other star of the evening.
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she's happy. Despite the weather being so cold, despite their circumstances and minus a few friends, they've managed to pull off a nice gathering for a cherished friend. Her roses look brighter, not unlike some of the withered ones previously. With friends, with her emotions being bright, she feels good. ]
It's no trouble at all, so please, don't think that. We wanted you to have a special day - we'd gladly spend all day for you.
no subject
Both chef and pâtissier have spoken, and I’ve been nothing more than their humble helper today.
[ he flashes a tight little smile, then smooths it out with a short huff of laughter. ]
And I have to agree with everything they’ve said. The three of us came together to serve up a little slice of home while we’re all here, and I’d like to think we managed that for you.
[ he exhales softly, as if releasing the weight of the final words now that their little stand-up has come to a close, and his smile shifts—warmer, more at ease. ]
So, with that said—happy birthday, Monsieur Neuvillette.
no subject
he returns the half-hug after a split second, awkward only because he hasn't actually hugged anyone before, and he can't help but feel the pleasantness of a budding imprint, warm like honey. and navia, beautiful navia with her roses and the brightness of her smile. he steps toward the cake and macarons, admiring the delicate beauty of the confections. )
This took a lot of work, didn't it? They are truly a feast for the eyes. ( his smile widens when he catches wriothesley's smile, and that little greeting, before he nods his appreciation and gratitude, unable to keep a smile off his usually-dispassionate face. he picks up one macaron, holding it between his fingers delicately. a even more delicate bite follows, and neuvillette blinks. )
... it seems our Patissiere Supreme has competition.
no subject
They all have done an amazing job, he thinks. Neuvillette enjoying his time with them is the greatest prize they could ask for.]
Since the menu is now approved by our estimated guest... it's time to celebrate!
[Aether makes his way to Wriothesley, gently placing a hand on his back to lead him towards the table.]
I'll handle the rest in the kitchen. You should take a break.
no subject
That makes it all the better! I wouldn't say I'm competition with her since the cake was definitely a second time around completion. The first one was more brownie than cake and I... I might have sobbed for an hour earlier today while I ate it.
[She laughs at it, because looking back on it now, it's funny. There was no reason to cry over a bad cake, but she had a moment where she wanted everything perfect and it just wasn't working.]
I'm glad you enjoy them... it fills my heart with joy.
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he does, however, laugh alongside navia when she recounts her first attempt at the cake—it reminds him of an old adage. ]
Well, as they say in Snezhnaya: the first pancake is always lumpy. And I'd say it fits in this case in more ways than one.
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even so, navia's quiet confession is alarming. )
Miss Navia... you were crying because of the cake?
( neuvillette is concerned, a hand gently brushing her elbow in quiet comfort. the last thing he wants is anyone to be in distress over his birthday, especially her, so lively and vivacious, like the sun on a winter's day. )
I would have loved it even if it were more brownie than cake. You were the one who personally made it, after all.
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I could've helped you, you only needed to ask.
[He steps closer to her and presses his hand against her shoulder, hoping to provide some comfort.]
And look? We would all be happy to eat it either way. Your second attempt turned out to be perfect, too.
[Next time, he hopes she'll let them know if she needs help and doesn't feel bad about any failed attempts at anything.]
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[Her hands come up to touch both Aether's and Neuvillette's, appreciating their kind gesture.]
I had been so sure of myself during the baking process that I used more than an ingredient than I should have. I'm not going to serve something to any of you that isn't my best work.
Now. [She smiles, taking in a deep breath quickly and exhaling.] Today isn't about my failings, it's to celebrate another.
no subject
Well, now that we're at the table and dessert has everyone's stamp of approval…
[ he gestures for everyone to slowly take their seats. ]
Should we work our way backwards and enjoy Aether's dish next? I've got no problem starting with the main course.
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he takes his seat opposite wriothesley, his attention drawn to the dish aether's clearly also taken such pains to make, his expression warm with appreciation and delight. )
Ah, the main course it is. The other star of the evening.