Max is practically bouncing around the kitchen this morning. He's a ball of energy. And why? Because today is shopping day! Erik promised them a day to go out on the town to enjoy the spirit of the winter holidays, and to pick up some gifts in person.
Max is especially looking forward to finding the ingredients to make some old fashioned wassail because this year he won't be drinking it alone. Honestly, he's not sure there any other gift in the world that could compare to that. Matthew's presence in the house is all the joy he could ever ask for. (Which means he really needs to find something for Matthew that will express just how happy he's made Max.)
But first, they need to fuel up with some good food. Can't shop hungry, right? Matthew's idea has Max buzzing with just as much excitement. An excuse to eat fried food all week? Hell yes.
As he looks to his partner in crime across the kitchen, he asks, "What will it be today? Should we do the donuts? I've been looking forward to those."
"We absolutely should do the donuts today. What fillings do you have in mind for them? I'm not going to be a stickler for tradition if you decide you want custard-filled sufganiyot--or even white chocolate."
They'd discovered that white chocolate is safe for Matthew, and while it's not quite enough to get rid of all his cravings, he's gotten used to it. Between that and things like peanut butter fudge, Max has been able to indulge Matthew, all as part of a proper meal plan meant to help him get healthy again.
And he is much healthier now than when he arrived, for certain, and happy to be here too. Their household has become a surrogate family for him, and he's taken every opportunity to express his gratitude, verbally and otherwise.
Max is happy enough that they had found a few things. The hunt for other comparable foods isn't over in his book either but, of course, he doesn't want to accidentally poison his only friend. Max has taken his job as primary cook for the both of them very seriously. He's approached the task with a kind of vigor that borders on obsessive. As if it wasn't already.
Seeing Matthew thrive has been the greatest reward of them all. The werewolf tells him all the time how grateful he is, and Max can only return the sentiment whole-heartedly. They already feel like famiy and this finally feels like home.
"I think strawberry jelly sounds good? Shame about you being allergic to raspberry; that's my favorite kind of filling. But, oh well. Can't have it all." He shrugs and starts pulling out the fryer and the oil.
"While I'm doing this, let's make some plans? Because let me tell you, shopping for an immortal vampire who's already got everything-hooboy. That's a conundrum. I could use some fresh ideas. Josiah, at least, is easy. I have a tradition of getting him a new novelty deck of cards every year. The weirder, the better."
"I'm not going to steal your tradition with Josiah, but something in the same vein might work." He's gotten to the point where blood puns just happen and tend to go unremarked. "Maybe knives. Find some new and interesting knife to give him each year. He'd appreciate that. As for Erik...I don't even know what to do there. A nice pair of slippers so I can fetch them for him every morning?"
Like the loyal dog he is.
He stays out of the way of Max with the fryer, unless he requests help--but gives that help eagerly if it's requested. "As long as everything's clearly labeled, you could make raspberry ones for yourself?
"That's fair," says Max with a devilish twinkle in his eye. No, he just can't let the puns go. He just can't, "since using the same vein all the time isn't recommended." Ba-dum-tss.
"No, but really. I think that's a great plan. Man, I almost wish I'd thought of it."
Ah yes... as for Erik. What do you get the guy who has not only everything but the means to get it at a moment's notice?
"I like the slipper idea. If only because I'd love to see his face when you suggest playing fetch with him." Max, for once, genuinely does not know how Erik would react to that. Could go either way. But, Matthew would get points for surprising a vampire. That's no small feat.
Max will just have to keep thinking. Which he will, but lets the topic of gifts drop for now while he beckons Matthew over to help watch the dough that's floating gently in the hot oil, to make sure they come out at the right time.
"You know what. Okay. I'll make a few raspberry ones," he says after a moment of consideration. "Only because I did already get some preserve to use in my turnovers. Now, those are really my favorite so I was gonna make 'em either way. And apple ones for you of course."
"I mean, I expect you to be there while Erik's opening presents, so with any luck you'll see the look on his face." He's totally going to do the thing now, with Max's encouragement. These two are dangerous together sometimes in that reckless way.
"Here, flip the two on the left, they're getting pretty golden on that side." He points to two of the sufganiyot that hit the oil first, grinning. "And yes, apple turnovers do sound absolutely amazing."
"Not just see. I'm planning to take a picture." He will too. That's another strange consequence of Matthew joining their little family. Now, suddenly, Max feels the desire to memorialize things in photos once more. He has someone to show them to now. Erik probably won't be too mad if they make sure to keep their snickering low-key.
"Ah, thanks," with an easy gesture, he flicks the donuts over. "Good! I know what we'll be having for breakfast tomorrow then."
Max will happily continue on with the task at hand. With Matthew's careful watch, they manage to make all the donuts without burning a single one. Soon enough, they have a plate full of jelly-filled goodness. And a second, smaller plate with Max's raspberry batch too. The whole house smells of sweet dough and oil.
Max is just reaching for one, to test if it's cooled enough to eat, of course, when Josiah slides into the doorway.
"Times like this," he says, in a cheery mood by the looks of it, "makes me wish I could still taste as well as I used to."
Max, finding the donuts cool enough to handle, picks one up and tosses it to the younger vampire. "You might still taste the jelly. Try it."
As they age, vampires lose their sense of taste. But it doesn't go right away. Sweet, bitter, and sour are the last holdouts. The raspberry might still count.
"Thanks," Josiah says, catching the pastry mid-air and bringing it right to his lips. His eyebrows flick up. He can taste it, a little. Huh. He nods and smiles at the pair of them. "So, you two sound excited for the day ahead."
Watching Josiah's reaction to being able to taste the sufganiyah, Matthew can't help but grin. It's nice to be able to find one of the rare few things Josiah can still enjoy. And if that's good, things like pies with fruit fillings might be too.
"It's like being back in grade school again and getting excited about a field trip. Same rules apply, too--stick close to your buddy, listen to your chaperone, don't lick the windows of the school bus..."
Max snorts powdered sugar all over his front at that last remark. Lick the windows. A wolf would, wouldn't they?
Even Josiah gives a light chuckle. "Funny you should call it that. Because I was just coming to give you a few reminders. Remember what I've taught you so far, keep your ears and eyes open. Stay aware of your surroundings. I've got no reason to think this outing won't go smoothly, but you learn to expect to be surprised. So, just keep that guard up."
"Josiah," Max whines, "It's a shopping mall, not the front lines."
The vampire's gaze doesn't leave Matthew. The two have been training for some time now. Josiah has a lot of respect for the werewolf's diligence, and the focus he's put on those lessons. This is his first test in the real world. Josiah is expecting good things from his best student.
Matthew meets Josiah's gaze quietly, nodding slowly, taking the reminder for what it is. He's here to protect Max, as he's been trained to do.
"Eyes, ears and nose open. Good watch pattern, check glass and mirrors for what's going on behind. I remember, and I won't let you down, no matter what."
Even as he speaks, he's grabbing a paper towel for Max to dust the powdered sugar off with.
"That's right." Josiah's usually stern expression lifts into a look of pride. "I know you won't."
As Max is reaching to gratefully receive the offered napkin, Erik makes his entrance. Now the gang is all here.
"Are we nearly ready?" he asks, amber eyes scanning the donut-making operation. "You can take those to go can't you?"
"Yeah," Max answers. He shuts off the fryer and begins cleaning up some of the mess. "We can do that. I'm excited to head out anyway."
"Okay. Just make sure to stay in sight at all times, Max," chides Josiah, "No getting distracted and wandering away or it'll be you who ends up on the leash."
"Yeah, yeah," Max sticks his tongue out.
Josiah snorts and plucks up one more of the raspberry pastries before he turns and saunters back out of the kitchen. Erik takes up a position leaning against the doorway now as if to replace him.
"I think our friend Josiah may be a little anxious over the fact that I told him I'd be driving today," Erik comments. "I told him if he doesn't let me do it every now and then I'm going to forget how." He winks at Matthew.
"You mean like me?" Max said, not looking up from his work putting away the fryer.
Matthew grins at Erik. "I have absolute faith in your ability to drive, Master. Even if it's been a bit since you've had the opportunity."
It does mean, though, that Josiah will have more attention to notice the antics in the back seat. Because occasionally, Max and Matthew are just goofy together while Josiah's driving. So today, they'll need to actually sort of kind of pretend to be on their good behavior.
Matthew walks over toward Erik, like the good dog looking for petting. "Though if you're coming with, we'll have to work doubly hard to keep presents a surprise."
"Good answer Matthew," says Erik. Look out Max, he's gunning for your spot as favorite Pet.
The vampire master reaches out and strokes his hand over Matthew's head, nails digging into his scalp softly. It's a gesture that's become so natural, he barely needs to think about.
He chuckles to himself. "As if you or Max could keep anything secret from me in my own house? But do not worry, it is the gesture I appreciate just as much. And I will try not to snoop."
Max comes up next to Matthew, to-go sack in hand, and stares longingly at Erik's other hand like a jealous puppy. So the vampire starts petting him too.
Look at them, thinks Erik fondly, his beautiful (mostly well-behaved) pets. They are his pride. And he is pleased to see them both looking so happy today.
"All right," he tells them with a playful pat to the backs of their heads, "To the car. Go."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
[Closed for Matthew]
Date: 2020-11-28 09:30 pm (UTC)Max is especially looking forward to finding the ingredients to make some old fashioned wassail because this year he won't be drinking it alone. Honestly, he's not sure there any other gift in the world that could compare to that. Matthew's presence in the house is all the joy he could ever ask for. (Which means he really needs to find something for Matthew that will express just how happy he's made Max.)
But first, they need to fuel up with some good food. Can't shop hungry, right? Matthew's idea has Max buzzing with just as much excitement. An excuse to eat fried food all week? Hell yes.
As he looks to his partner in crime across the kitchen, he asks, "What will it be today? Should we do the donuts? I've been looking forward to those."
(no subject)
Date: 2020-11-28 10:01 pm (UTC)They'd discovered that white chocolate is safe for Matthew, and while it's not quite enough to get rid of all his cravings, he's gotten used to it. Between that and things like peanut butter fudge, Max has been able to indulge Matthew, all as part of a proper meal plan meant to help him get healthy again.
And he is much healthier now than when he arrived, for certain, and happy to be here too. Their household has become a surrogate family for him, and he's taken every opportunity to express his gratitude, verbally and otherwise.
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-03 06:21 pm (UTC)Seeing Matthew thrive has been the greatest reward of them all. The werewolf tells him all the time how grateful he is, and Max can only return the sentiment whole-heartedly. They already feel like famiy and this finally feels like home.
"I think strawberry jelly sounds good? Shame about you being allergic to raspberry; that's my favorite kind of filling. But, oh well. Can't have it all." He shrugs and starts pulling out the fryer and the oil.
"While I'm doing this, let's make some plans? Because let me tell you, shopping for an immortal vampire who's already got everything-hooboy. That's a conundrum. I could use some fresh ideas. Josiah, at least, is easy. I have a tradition of getting him a new novelty deck of cards every year. The weirder, the better."
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-04 05:46 am (UTC)Like the loyal dog he is.
He stays out of the way of Max with the fryer, unless he requests help--but gives that help eagerly if it's requested. "As long as everything's clearly labeled, you could make raspberry ones for yourself?
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-21 01:01 am (UTC)"No, but really. I think that's a great plan. Man, I almost wish I'd thought of it."
Ah yes... as for Erik. What do you get the guy who has not only everything but the means to get it at a moment's notice?
"I like the slipper idea. If only because I'd love to see his face when you suggest playing fetch with him." Max, for once, genuinely does not know how Erik would react to that. Could go either way. But, Matthew would get points for surprising a vampire. That's no small feat.
Max will just have to keep thinking. Which he will, but lets the topic of gifts drop for now while he beckons Matthew over to help watch the dough that's floating gently in the hot oil, to make sure they come out at the right time.
"You know what. Okay. I'll make a few raspberry ones," he says after a moment of consideration. "Only because I did already get some preserve to use in my turnovers. Now, those are really my favorite so I was gonna make 'em either way. And apple ones for you of course."
(no subject)
Date: 2020-12-21 07:01 am (UTC)"Here, flip the two on the left, they're getting pretty golden on that side." He points to two of the sufganiyot that hit the oil first, grinning. "And yes, apple turnovers do sound absolutely amazing."
(no subject)
Date: 2021-01-01 05:15 am (UTC)"Ah, thanks," with an easy gesture, he flicks the donuts over. "Good! I know what we'll be having for breakfast tomorrow then."
Max will happily continue on with the task at hand. With Matthew's careful watch, they manage to make all the donuts without burning a single one. Soon enough, they have a plate full of jelly-filled goodness. And a second, smaller plate with Max's raspberry batch too. The whole house smells of sweet dough and oil.
Max is just reaching for one, to test if it's cooled enough to eat, of course, when Josiah slides into the doorway.
"Times like this," he says, in a cheery mood by the looks of it, "makes me wish I could still taste as well as I used to."
Max, finding the donuts cool enough to handle, picks one up and tosses it to the younger vampire. "You might still taste the jelly. Try it."
As they age, vampires lose their sense of taste. But it doesn't go right away. Sweet, bitter, and sour are the last holdouts. The raspberry might still count.
"Thanks," Josiah says, catching the pastry mid-air and bringing it right to his lips. His eyebrows flick up. He can taste it, a little. Huh. He nods and smiles at the pair of them. "So, you two sound excited for the day ahead."
(no subject)
Date: 2021-01-02 01:38 am (UTC)"It's like being back in grade school again and getting excited about a field trip. Same rules apply, too--stick close to your buddy, listen to your chaperone, don't lick the windows of the school bus..."
(no subject)
Date: 2021-01-12 06:00 am (UTC)Even Josiah gives a light chuckle. "Funny you should call it that. Because I was just coming to give you a few reminders. Remember what I've taught you so far, keep your ears and eyes open. Stay aware of your surroundings. I've got no reason to think this outing won't go smoothly, but you learn to expect to be surprised. So, just keep that guard up."
"Josiah," Max whines, "It's a shopping mall, not the front lines."
The vampire's gaze doesn't leave Matthew. The two have been training for some time now. Josiah has a lot of respect for the werewolf's diligence, and the focus he's put on those lessons. This is his first test in the real world. Josiah is expecting good things from his best student.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-02-27 04:10 pm (UTC)"Eyes, ears and nose open. Good watch pattern, check glass and mirrors for what's going on behind. I remember, and I won't let you down, no matter what."
Even as he speaks, he's grabbing a paper towel for Max to dust the powdered sugar off with.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-01 02:56 am (UTC)As Max is reaching to gratefully receive the offered napkin, Erik makes his entrance. Now the gang is all here.
"Are we nearly ready?" he asks, amber eyes scanning the donut-making operation. "You can take those to go can't you?"
"Yeah," Max answers. He shuts off the fryer and begins cleaning up some of the mess. "We can do that. I'm excited to head out anyway."
"Okay. Just make sure to stay in sight at all times, Max," chides Josiah, "No getting distracted and wandering away or it'll be you who ends up on the leash."
"Yeah, yeah," Max sticks his tongue out.
Josiah snorts and plucks up one more of the raspberry pastries before he turns and saunters back out of the kitchen. Erik takes up a position leaning against the doorway now as if to replace him.
"I think our friend Josiah may be a little anxious over the fact that I told him I'd be driving today," Erik comments. "I told him if he doesn't let me do it every now and then I'm going to forget how." He winks at Matthew.
"You mean like me?" Max said, not looking up from his work putting away the fryer.
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-09 04:12 pm (UTC)It does mean, though, that Josiah will have more attention to notice the antics in the back seat. Because occasionally, Max and Matthew are just goofy together while Josiah's driving. So today, they'll need to actually sort of kind of pretend to be on their good behavior.
Matthew walks over toward Erik, like the good dog looking for petting. "Though if you're coming with, we'll have to work doubly hard to keep presents a surprise."
(no subject)
Date: 2021-03-12 02:54 pm (UTC)The vampire master reaches out and strokes his hand over Matthew's head, nails digging into his scalp softly. It's a gesture that's become so natural, he barely needs to think about.
He chuckles to himself. "As if you or Max could keep anything secret from me in my own house? But do not worry, it is the gesture I appreciate just as much. And I will try not to snoop."
Max comes up next to Matthew, to-go sack in hand, and stares longingly at Erik's other hand like a jealous puppy. So the vampire starts petting him too.
Look at them, thinks Erik fondly, his beautiful (mostly well-behaved) pets. They are his pride. And he is pleased to see them both looking so happy today.
"All right," he tells them with a playful pat to the backs of their heads, "To the car. Go."