01 - Bake a Pretty Cake (ota)

[firsteditionbfs]

WHO: Angeal and whoever wants to bother a man throughout a week
WHAT: Roosters and bread oh my
WHERE: Town
WHEN: The vague existence of October
WARNINGS: none planned

SUMMARY: As a practical man with goals, Angeal has a lot of things he wants to do to make sure his household is doing okay. This means things like re-establishing his bakery, and carrying a rooster. The rooster is important. Don't worry about it.

A - Agriculture

While the autumn air makes things somewhat cool, that doesn't seem to be a matter that's bothering Angeal as he pushes a wheelbarrow along the more residential streets, filled with dirt. He does take a break occasionally as he goes about his business constantly, sometimes carrying little bags on top of the dirt. "You would think dragons could have better timing, rather than right at fall," he says during such a break to anyon who joins him. There's the faint glimmer of gold up along his hairline, horns that are just starting to appear. He doesn't seem happy about it.

B - Bakery Remade

For those making their way through Town today, they may come across one of the empty not-residential buildings with its doors wide open. There are a variety of encounters to be had with this simple fact...

For example, early morning may find anyone passing directly in front of the doors having a face full of dust. Angeal's voice comes from inside. "Ah, shit, sorry. You alright? I was just cleaning this place out. Need something to get the dust out of your mouth?

By noon, a pleasant smell is wafting out of the newly cleaned out bakery. Anyone is welcome to step right inside, as the doors have been left open for the time being. It's not a big fancy place or anything, but there are a couple of tables for anyone who'd like to sit, and a good amount of space behind the counter. Angeal is hard at work kneading more dough as bread bakes in an oven, fairly content with how things are going for the time being.

When evening finally rolls around, Angeal can be found relaxing right outside the bakery with a decently sized piece of wood in his hands that he is making a commendable go of carving words into. "I should have asked for a smithy," he says casually to anyone who slows down enough to linger. "I don't know anything about woodcarving."

C - Cock

Angeal has a rooster tucked underneath his arms at the market.

None of the locals are batting their eyes about this.

Other people at the market, however, may have different reactions. They may especially have different reactions when the roster (otherwise being a pissy little football hisses at them.

"Sorry about that," Angeal says casually. "He's not happy about the situation."

D - Do Whatever

[The wildcard catch all option, for interacting with Angeal however you want]

Comments

C

[snapp_crackle]

Popp points indignantly at the rooster, his other hand coming up to cover his nose defensively.

"You."

This might not actually be the same rooster that crossed him last week but it sure seems like it's broadcasting the same sinister malevolence out of its beady little eyes.

[firsteditionbfs]

It's almost certainly not the same rooster, or else Angeal might get in trouble for theft here. That doesn't mean, however, that the rooster isn't giving Popp the kind of malicious side glance that chickens seem experts of.

If it could peck his toes out, it almost certainly would.

Angeal doesn't think twice about it. "If you're going to pick a fight with my rooster, can you wait until later here? We're working on something."

[snapp_crackle]

"That thing you're working on had better be a coop or a cage for that demon bird! You can't leave them wandering around, or they'll get people."

Between his hair, and his glossy green clothes, and the squawking pitch his voice tends to hit when he's yelling, he can easily be interpreted as a large rival rooster by something with a brain the size of a walnut.

Popp's personal theory is that chickens might be evil on this planet.

[firsteditionbfs]

"Yeah, they do that," Angeal says fondly, fully aware of the evil alignment of chickens. "But unfortunately for you, they are going to be free range. But that's exactly why I'm doing this." He jostles the rooster from its place in his arms.

This earns a loud little demonic bird noise of protest, and frantic scratching from its tiny little feet and spurs. He's not going to pretend it doesn't sting like a motherfucker, but he doesn't let go regardless. The other scratch marks on his arms are a testament to that.

"And he'll need to know how to get home anyway, so taking him out on town is good."

[snapp_crackle]

The future mythical hero of courage yelps and leaps back from a potential horrific birdmauling.

"I wouldn't want that thing knowing where I live. Close your windows overnight, big fella."

B

[worthallthis]

The former HYDRA asset is prowling up and down the main thoroughfare, looking restlessly for something to do. Anything. The noises coming from the building Angeal has chosen for his bakery catch his attention, just in time to get said dust right in the face.

He swipes at it once to clear his eyes, blinks a few times, then stares around inside.

It's... something to do. "Do you need help," he asks, ignoring the actual question Angael gave him.

[firsteditionbfs]

...Yeah, he's seeing a pattern here.

Fortunately, an offer of help means Angeal can drag him into things regardless. "I could," he says casually, stepping side so that there's plenty of room to go into the bakery. Simple, a bit like the bakery in his childhood memories. A shame to lose the progress of his prior bakery, but pleasantly nostalgic regardless.

"I have a few different things to look over before I can really open this place up to anyone. Any thoughts about the place, just from a first time glance?"

[worthallthis]

He looks around and gives his report. "Front room has multiple points of entry to defend. Windows are highly suspect. I see four points where the glass is impure or cracked that could be used for easy breakage. Counter does not look reinforced enough to use as a barricade or shield. Back room is more defensible. Window is smaller, door sturdier, though entry door from the front room needs replaced."

It's the most words pretty much anyone has gotten out of him at one time. It feels weird. But he'd asked his thoughts, and most of his thoughts are tactical.

[firsteditionbfs]

Yeah, that really is the sort of report he would expect from someone like this. Angeal isn't wholly surprised, but it is still sort of disappointing... Disappointing in the way of hearing a story has a sad ending more than anything else.

None of the shows on his face. He just nods, taking it into consideration. "Yeah, I noticed the window problems as well. I'm hoping that, before winter rolls around proper, I can get the glass replaced one way or another. Which is going to be the tricky thing, really..." Glass is kind of a hot commodity, in times like these, but he'll make it work.

"Although, how likely do you think it is for a bakery to get attacked like that?"

B

[zodiheart]

Well. Themis didn't have 'dust in his face' especially high on his list of expectations for today; more the fool for him, as he wipes away enough to clear his vision. A quick lean and spit to the side clears his mouth. Glamorous? No. But the dirt won't mind.

"Exuberant today, dearest Angeal?" the teasing tone is a bit amusing with his face all dirty.

"What project is this, if I may ask?"

[firsteditionbfs]

Well, shit. When Themis straightens up, Angeal takes that opportunity to lean closer and wipe away some more dust from his face with his hand. "Same project that I was doing back in the sim," he says, brow furrowed a bit as he makes sure nothing more is on Themis's face.

"May as well get Annie's Bakes started up again, even if it won't be as fancy as it had a chance to be when food was all technically fake." And they could just spend time making whatever they liked, with how few people were really in the simulation.

Different story here, where it's really going to matter that he get some good plain bread out in people's hands.

"Talked to Charlie about what it would take to start up a bakery here, and apparently that was all it took for him to help me get this place started up. I'll be getting some flour and such in a little while."

[zodiheart]

Another bakery? But different this time. Attuned to the very real needs of a populace seated within a world made real. That Angeal had wasted no time to do so speaks to who he is, and Themis cannot help the fond smile that creeps onto his face. Nor can he help leaning into the taller man's touch.

But that was a given.

Still, there are differences here, even between the two of them. At this distance Angeal will absolutely notice the dusting of something shimmering in Themis's hairline. A faint luminescence that previously had been absent. A closer look will show tiny scales - horns to be, perhaps - that catch the light. They shine like moonstones do, moondust blending in with that silvery-white hair.

"It was kind of Charlie to provide you with a space so easily." He dusts off his hands on his robes, "You will need hands to bake and to help set up the space, yes? Consider myself at your disposal."

[firsteditionbfs]

It is wholly unsurprising that Themis is already offering his help, and yet Angeal still can't help the little smile pulling at his mouth. "With Mithrun and Erich here as well, we could get the whole thing up and running again simple as you please," he muses, stepping side to allow Themis an easier time inside.

"Just cleaning things up. I've already got the baking area itself done with, so we can get to making some things immediately, but the rest could uses a nice do-over. Maybe as things progress, we can even make it all a lil' fancy again."

Angeal wouldn't ask for too much - even the original Annie's Bakes was fancy mostly through the kind of equipment it had in the back. Anything else had been charming and cute as a nod to Annette's own original tastes, and that was it. But still. A little something here and there, right?

B - evening

[amaratha]

[In the late afternoon a red Tiefling steps through the doors of the bakery, initially passing by Angeal without comment- he looks like a guy on break, so she’s not gonna bother him- and making a circle around the premises within with noises of wonderment. Wow! Bread! It smells great! Etc. etc.

Eventually, Absinthe’s mind drifts towards buying some of these baked goodies for herself, which means finding someone to talk to about payment. And there's nobody in the store that she can see. She could just try to steal the bread, but it’s an unnecessary risk when she can go next door and sweet-talk other food out of an NPC storeowner for free. And she does know there’s someone right outside, even though she didn’t stop to talk with him the first time.

She will now. Absinthe pokes her head back out to look at Angeal, her expression friendly, slightly quizzical.]

Hi! You’re the baker here? [Then, taking in his struggle with the sign:] Damn. Do you want to try painting it instead?

[firsteditionbfs]

Painting would probably be the smarter idea, but I don't got paint money, and so here we are. Well, I'll get a handle on it sooner than later, I think.

[He's always been a quick learner. And he's currently the owner of a whole new establishment, so Angeal sets the hunk of wood to the side and pushes himself up onto his feet.]

But that can wait. Yeah, I'm the baker. Decided on what you want? Although I suppose I don't have too much of a fancy selection here.

[Basic goods only, instead of fancy dessert.]

Name's Angeal, by the way.

[amaratha]

You don’t have paint money? You got a whole bakery, though!

[She feels like if he can set up this whole place he should have had the money for paints at some point, and besides, if he has a business he can make paint money. Conveniently, this is where she comes in. Angeal’s selection may not be as extensive as a metropolitan bakery, but good bread is good bread and she's not complaining.]

I’m Absinthe! I was wondering what your prices are. And what you might be looking for, cus’, y’know, not a lot of coins going around here. [At least for now, Town seems to be more of a barter or goodwill-based economy, which has its pros and cons.] What if I found someone who could trade paints for some of your bread, would that work?

[firsteditionbfs]

Yeah, because Charlie decided he wants to be helpful. Found me a place and is letting me work things out.

[Which is a lot more good than some other gods, probably, although Angeal has to admit that this is mostly because his experience with gods is pretty minimal. Doesn't really matter. For now, Angeal just leans against the doorframe and lets her make her spiel.]

If you could find me some paint for a bit of bread, I'll even through in some pies along with whatever you were looking for, frankly, because that would be a pretty impressive trick. So long as you like pears and apples, anyway.

a

[fatedfinality]

"Oh, I don't know," offers Ardyn, unhelpfully. "What better way to test us than to plop us into homesteading right before a harsh winter?" He wouldn't be surprised if that was the case. While these dragons aren't deities, he's still inclined to believe some of them at least may be assholes just trying to make their lives more difficult than they already are.

"You seem like the capable sort though already. I'm sure you'll do just fine with... whatever it is you're doing." He should know, he thinks. He used to do something like this, maybe. It bothers him a little that he can't remember but all the memories he is pulling up about preparing for winter aren't his anymore.

[firsteditionbfs]

Ah yes, the world's most unhelpful hobo. Angeal at least is used to worthless commentary, because his own husband is even worse in this regard. "That's assuming some testing is going on in the first place," he says mildly. "Don't assume malice when there's always incompetence." Or, you know, not giving a fuck about the situation you put other people in, at the very least. Simple selfishness is its own thing.

Which is still assuming a whole lot about their own situation, Angeal has to admit... His first sentence still stands more than anything else.

Although you know what, while this guy is standing around doing nothing... Angeal pauses, looking Ardyn over. "Hey, why don't you follow me, since you seem so interested in what I'm doing?" he asks casually.

[fatedfinality]

In his experience, most powers to be do test their subjects and quite harshly. Unfairly. Malice is more likely than simple inconsideration. Granted, he doesn't have much experience with benevolent - or thoughtless - beings. Even the dragon bonded to him he isn't about to trust as far as he can throw it since he figures it's bound to try and fuck him over eventually somehow.

"Going to teach me something, are you?" he asks, casually. He doesn't want to do anything but watch. Yet, saying 'no' wouldn't look good so... Sure. Why not? He'll play the part for now of a helpful man. He'll just know in the future not to be around Angeal when he's doing anything productive lest he get roped into it.

Though, there is always the tried and true: "I'm not the best study, mind you, but I can try." Learned helplessness, babe-y. Act bad enough at something, get told to go away and not have to do anything.

[firsteditionbfs]

Anyone would sense would know not to be around Angeal is doing something productive, because the end result is always the same. That's unfortunately always going to be true. And it is especially even more true around people who are difficult.

So he just loosely smiles at Ardyn and says with a dismissive gesture, "Oh, don't worry, I'm a real patient kind of guy."

He neglects to mention that he used to be a professional trainer, and that his boyfriend is the most annoying man in all of existence. He thinks he can outbeat Ardyn in this particular area.

"Anyway, you might want to take off that coat of yours as we head on over. You'll heat up real quick."

B...Somewhat! Bread and Sparring?!

[relativefugue]

Cloud has a bone to pick with a certain SOLDIER First Class. Lucky for him, the man isn't all too hard to find. Give or take some time of wandering about Town, the blond will find Angeal seated in front of a wonderful-smelling building carving away at a wooden sign of some sort. Of course this guy is already opening or helping open an establishment. It was only a few weeks ago that he built an entire chicken corral upon arriving here.

Cloud scratches at his fluffy hair before making the approach, wincing at the aggravatingly itchy and sore pair of bumps coming in up there. He swears he didn't hit his head at all in recent memory- probably some strange kind of sickness that will pass with time.

"You really just love sticking your nose in things, don't you?" he says flatly, coming to a stop just in front of Angeal. His expression is that of his usual stern sort, with some annoyance peppered in, all covering up some level of genuine curiosity Cloud would rather not anyone see. "What the hell kind of skin do you have in the game to pull a stunt like that?"

Cloud knows Angeal knows exactly what he is speaking of, as the engineer of the entire startling and eye-opening talk the boy ended up having with Sephiroth not long prior. "Why are you messing with me?" As far as Cloud knows, Angeal doesn't know him, despite knowing his friends. They didn't really cross paths back in SOLDIER. What gives?

[firsteditionbfs]

"I think you just answered your own question," Angeal says casually, still working on his sign. He's not bothered at all by Cloud coming up at him, clearly. "I really just love sticking my nose in things." A pause as he blow away some wood dust and sweeps off some of the sign. It's not perfect but it's certainly coming along.

Well, he can always do better when spring comes through, and he's practiced carving some more. Or get someone else to do it.

"Anyway, what - you have some complaints about how that entire meeting went? Because according to a little birdy, it seems like it went pretty well. My chickens all seem rather happy with the arrangement."

[relativefugue]

"Okay, smartass, I know there has to be more to it than just loving it, and so do you," Cloud snaps, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He really, really sucks at talking to people, let alone confrontations when the other party is as quick of wit and seemingly multiple steps ahead like Angeal is. None of his usual prickly nonsense seems to work on the guy. He'd rather have a one-on-one fight with a pissed off behemoth than this.

"It went-" Cloud actually pauses. How it actually went was sort-of well. World-shattering for him, but, ultimately...Fine. The existential crises were certainly a thing, but now he doesn't feel like he has to constantly watch for a katana to be skewered through his chest again, or see his nightmares around every damn corner of this place. "It went, I guess."

"What I need to know is why the hell any of this benefits you. If you know so damn much about me, you should have known that was not a good idea at all." As per usual, the awkward, and frankly somewhat stunted Cloud sees this as merely transactional, despite the results speaking volumes of over-arching benefits. A chance at a better future, healing, and closure. "You planned all of that. My problems with Sephiroth back home have nothing to do with you."

Oh, how woefully wrong this huffy stray SOLDIER is. Buried somewhere beneath the mess of memories not his own, the answers to all his questions lay out of reach.

[firsteditionbfs]

"Bad idea that seemed to go pretty alright, if the best you can say is that it went," Angeal points out. It's hard to argue with a guy who's pretty confident he's in the right, and Angeal is pretty damn confident. It helps that he's being proven right, too. Cloud may not want to admit to as much yet, but Angeal can read the signs.

And he can see a hopeful future, here, too.

"Although you seem pretty caught up in how anything would benefit me." Leaning the sign against the wall behind him, Angeal pushes himself up onto his feet. He'll at least make an attempt at having this conversation not be so awkward.

"Can't I have seen plainly that things were going to explode for either or both of you, if they went like they were going, and decided to do you both a favor?"