midnightstar

Since graduating from the Academy, life has been..interesting for Alisa, to say the least. She's been kept very busy, since she was upholding her promise to her mother on showing her the proper way to run the company, and it wasn't easy to put in those changes. Though it would have been a lot harder if she didn't have the support of those around her. But because of that, she hadn't been able to get time to get to visit Rean as much as she liked.

Translation: As much as she liked = every day. She did get to visit - or vice versa - at least on the weekend, and she talked to him almost every night thanks to the range on the ARCUS. Just as finished up for the night, she made her way up to the penthouse, glancing around to make sure she was alone (And you never know with Sharon) in order to take out her ARCUS once more and see if she could get a hold of Rean before bed. She was planning on seeing if he was in the area - alternatively, she was sure she could get away for a visit, if he wasn't busy.

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Oh. Oh she really was going to feed him herself. And this time no Sharon to interrupt them either. Well then how could he possibly refuse. Rean shook his head to himself on the inside for a moment before opening up his mouth and aahing for her as he leaned towards Alisa a bit.

She was trying not to think about that - that Sharon wouldn't be there to interrupt them all night. Honestly she had hoped Sharon would be able to help her get ready for her date later, but she'll just have to make do on her own.

So Rean got to see her rosy cheeked face as she leaned forward, feeding him the spoonful of gumbo and giving him time to process the taste and everything before she went to scoop up another spoonful. "I didn't put too much spice in it did I?" She might have overdone it a TINY bit andmade it rather hot, but hopefully not.

"Hmmmmm I can definitely feel the spices but it' not in an unpleasant way. It d a good kind of kick to the dish. I like it~" Rean finally shared his feedback with a delighted mile all over his lips.

Alisa's smile brightened at the approval, and dipped the spoon into the soup bowl, to feed him another mouthful, "Do you like spicy food, Rean?" She's not fishing for things to make him. Nope. "Or do you prefer sweet?" Or something in between? Was he a meat and potatoes kinda guy, or something more exotic? She needed to know these things!

Sampling her cooking turned out to be even more enjoyable than Rean expected as he gladly took the spoonful of the soup as well befre humming in delight at the taste that flooded his taste buds.

"Mmmm I like things with a little bit of spice. As for sweet things I have been told I have a bit of a sweet tooth." He chuckled bashfully remembering hte last time he'd been teased about that.

"Good! I-I mean, I see. I mean. It's ... good that you have a taste for both. You should always have a variety in your diet." But internally she was actually saying 'Oh GOOD, so I can make cookies and brownies and cakes and things for Rean now!' And he'll even like it.

In all hoensty she could probably bake things and give them to Sharon and Sharon would bring them to Rean with -EASE-. She wouldn't even mind since she'd be able to grill Rean about his ~relationship~ and be an ear for his woes, if he wanted to vent to her. Though she doubted he would vent to Sharon.

"I'm the same way, actually. Although ... I guess you could say I indulge in my sweet tooth a little more than I should.." ahah...hah. She's actually having more fun feeding Rean that each spoonful becomes more relaxed and natural... though she's neglecting her own food.

"Hahaha that's what...mom always told me too." Then again who knows what his original mother was like. Still he couldn't bring himself to completely let go of the schwarzers either. Yet that was something that he still hadn't figured out how to work out.

Still he would not allow himself to linger on such dark topics. Especially not after Alisa's small comment.

"Really? Somehow I find that hard to believe. You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you after all."

Alisa's smile softened a little when Rean mentioned his mother. As far as she was concerned, he shouldn't just forget about his adopted parents, just because he found out who his real father was. They were more family than his real father in the first place.

Though she did wonder who his mother might have been. Odds are his father would never tell him. But before she could ponder more on that, Rean had to go and say THAT. Just as she was about to reach in for another spoonful for him - though hearing him drop that compliment so casually, she actually drops the spoon back into the bowl with a surprised squeak, blushing. "Ah--"

How can he DO that. How can he just SAY stuff like that so -casually-, so easily. Alisa is always tripping over her tongue when she wants to say something like that - like when she got the nerve to get into the open air bath with him in Ymir. "I... I do?"

That was certainly true. It wasn't like knowing the truth made him hate them. IT was more along the lines that someone like him would simply drag them all down with him now that his father was openly making his moves. He did not trust the man at all to not use his adoptive family to coax and coerce Rean. So he put distance as much as possible.

Luckily Alisa's reaction to his single bit of honesty provided a perfect distraction. After all how could he overlook that adorable expression she was making.

" Yes you really do. You have an even more mature charm around you. Don't think I didn't notice that new office dress you were wearing when you came to pick me up."

Put that way... it was totally understandable why he might put distance between himself and his family. Heck, he might have tried to do that with his friends too, if they let him.

Meanwhile Alisa's blush intensified by 100 times, "Y-you noticed that? You.. You didn't say anything," she stammered. Not that she had particularly worn THAT outfit for him specifically. Not like she planned for tonight. "I mean... seeing each other for the first time, and all... and and!! If.. if that were the case I'm not the only one who looks different...In a good way, I mean!" Ugh she's flubbing this so much.

Exactly. Bearing everyting on his own to protect others was one of Rean's qualities that was also his flaw. Unfortunately meeting his father had done no good in sorting out that flaw instead aggravating it.

Goodness she was so red it was impossibly cute to Rean. Seeing her this flustered was starting to make Rean realize why Sharon loved messing with Alisa so much. Still he wouldn't allow himself to fall too far into that particular pit. That being said her own comment made him blink curiously.

"E-Eh? You think so? I didn't really pick it out for the looks if I am entirely honest. It just...felt appropriate compared to my old uniform." Well there was a certain idea cooking about in his mind for his future once he managed to gain enough leeway however long it took.

"W..well yeah. I mean, you look a lot more mature and...and handsome too." He's been through so much, how could he NOT mature though. "And the color is really good one you. I mean, the old uniform was a good color too, but um.." aggh, she almost wishes Sharon were present to interrupt her tripping over her own words. "When I first saw you after so long, you completely stole my breath away." .... ... oh god did she just say that out loud? She coughs sharply, glancing away, "W...we should finish our food before it gets cold." SO. EMBARRASSED.

But she meant every word.

Oh dear. He might have broken Alisa there a bit. Because she was saying a lot more than she probably intended. Especially that part about having her breath stolen away. That was...there was no misinterpreting that even for him. WHich was why there was a very distinc blush on his cheeks afterwards when she remembered oh yeah they had to eat.

"Ah right. That would be a terrible shame after you went through all the trouble to cook such a feasst."

She was mentally kicking herself for saying so much - but eh, it was already out there, so no harm now. Nothing but her embarrassment at least.

"Y-yeah, exactly..!" Although next time he visits she would have considered making dishes he eats in Ymir, but...maybe that would be cruel.

Of course with the distraction and her being flustered, that meant he'd have to feed himself the rest of his dinner! How awful~.

It wasn't like she said anything bad or untrue. So really other than embarassment there was nothing wrong with her words.

Yeah it might be best to avoid Ymir cooking for now. Maybe if things settle down a bit later down the line. For now he was more than happy just to have Alisa's cooking as is.

Though a pity he had to start eating on his own but it wasn't the worst. That being said he did sneak glances over to Alisa while eating.

She was content to have idle conversation, while her thoughts were somewhat distracted, the blush fading a little. Though she was doing the same as him, so when he sneaked glances towards her he would catch her watching him, only to quickly look away, a little flustered.

"Um. W..well the fish you caught really came out well! I thought it would be tough, as much of a fighter as it was, but the meat is actually really moist..!"

"Well even with top tier ingredients the cook still has to be up to the task of using them and you certainly didn't disappoint on that front." Rean smiled warmly before taking another big bite humming in delight at the perfect blend of spices to go with the delicious fish.

"I can't take full credit for that," Alisa admitted sheepishly, "Sharon is the one that guided me in the proper way to cook it to make the most of the dish. It wouldn't have come out as well as it did if I made it myself, so you should thank her too when you see her." Erm. Tomorrow.

Rean just chuckled at her humble retort. He had a feeling that Sharon would say otherwise were she here but he decided not to fight Alisa over this. So he smiled softly and nodded.

"Alright I will next time I see her. But I am not taking back the thanks I gave you no matter what you might say~"

Alisa's blush warmed her face at the cmpliment, and chuckled softly, "All right, I can't win against you when you're like this, I guess." It sounded familiar to her ears - she's been known to use similar words against him after all.

Fortunately dinner progressed without any issues afterwards, though Alisa was regretting she hadn't thought to make any desserts. But they could have tha for their dinner ..and it'll be even more tempting to feed him, but they'll be in =public= then so she'd have to restrain herself. Rean was definitely being watched though, throughout dinner, and Alisa wasn't entirely subtle about it. Not for lack of trying though.

Oh it was svery familiar indeed. Rean smiled knowingly as she finally admitted defeat. Well not like that would come at a cost to Alisa other than some more embarassment from being so happy to receive his praise stubborn was it was.

The two locked gazed often during the meal and Rean almost felt it was just another part of the wonder that was the feast she had personally prepared for him. As such he had no real problem with the lack of a dessert. He felt more full and warm on the inside than he had felt in months.

What a high cost indeed! Though Alisa had to be careful not to stare too much, because it was hard to look away once their eyes met. Still, once lunch was finished, she sat back in her chair with a sigh, "I think I've overeaten. The food came out much better than I thought, and I just couldn't stop myself~!" She put too much love into the ingredients.

"Shall we check out that RUMU Unit?"

Well with the food already heartily consumed the two were left to enjoy the afterglow of the feast. So much so that Rean chuckled at Alisa's comment.

"Nothing wrong with appreciating your own work. Though I know what you mean. I coulnd't eat another bite now."

Hearing the topic of Rumu come up, Rean quickly nodded.

"Yeah I want to see what the little guy thinks of the world outside his test chamber~"

Alisa grinned, getting to her feet, "We can take care of the dishes later. If nothing else it'll be a nice test for it too." Transporting plates to the kitchen.

She was also a little excited to see it in action, so she waited just long enough for Rean to get up and join her before heading over to the table she put the box on. "Hopefully they charged him before packing him up.." carefully, she opened the box and reached in, styrofoam popcorn scattering everywhere as she lifted out the familiar shape. The difference being the casing was a brighter silver than the prototype they saw, which was a dull grey.

"Here we go~!" Taking a step back, she placed the RUMU unit on the floor and touched a button on it, giving it some space and moving back to stand by Rean. At first nothing happened, but a quiet - almost barely audible *click* followed about ten seconds later, and a cute chiming jingle started playing as the unit 'woke' up.

Rean stood by Alisa's sideholding his spot there as hte little device whirred to life. Even that wake up chime was adorable somehow.

"Oh? How long would it take to charge him up if that were not hte case?"