Baking with Allen (tothelastbreath)

[churchninja]

[Brisk footfalls echo throughout the vacant halls. Howard Link strides towards his destination with purpose, a thick book of recipes tucked underneath one arm. Although it's nearly six in the morning, he's dressed as though he'd been awake for quite some time. Where could he be off to at this ungodly hour, when the rest of the Dressing Room's

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[tothelastbreath]

[Wonder of wonders, Allen's actually out of bed by then, although it's debatable as to whether he's really awake. There's a muffled--]

Just a moment!

[--and the sound of some hasty rushing about. Clearly he doesn't do on the dot too well. At any rate, the door falls open a moment later to reveal Allen, all dressed and ready to go. Don't mind the distant look in his eyes suggesting he's not all there yet. He's also... not exactly slouching, because gentlemen don't slouch, but he's definitely listing to one side like he'd very much like to go back to sleep against the door frame. Timcanpy's (also droopy) presence on his shoulder helps prop his head up. Have first a muffled yawn, and then a sheepish smile.]

Good morning, Link.

[churchninja]

[Quickly, Link looks him over. Seeing how Allen is actually out of bed and properly dressed, he has nothing to complain about. After casting a curious glance past Allen's shoulder, seemingly inspecting the contents of his room, Link steps aside.]

Good morning, Walker. All ready to go? And stand up straight.

[tothelastbreath]

[There isn't much to be inspected, just some pieces of basic furniture belonging to someone who hasn't resigned himself to staying yet. The only odd item in the room is what must have used to be a balloon dog on a corner of his dresser, nothing more than a pile of half-deflated rubber now. It's tucked right up against the wall, as though Allen tries his best not to catch sight of it often, but he obviously hasn't gotten rid of it either.]

It's too early for that, Link. Just be glad I'm not flat on the floor.

[He attempts to right his posture nonetheless; a pity it only succeeds in making him list in the opposite direction. Stepping into the corridor, he shuts the door behind him to show that he is indeed ready to go.]

[churchninja]

Nonsense. It's good to make a habit out of rising early. Though I can't speak for my counterpart from your world, I kept my Walker on proper schedule.

[Or he tried to. Hoping Allen is coherent enough to follow along, Link swiftly turns on his heel and retraces his steps, intending to lead them to one of the kitchens. Thankfully, the journey proves rather uneventful without the usual myriad of (in Link's opinion) outrageous characters running around.]

[tothelastbreath]

[Sounding quite mournful about it.] So did he, Link. So did he.

[Allen has to hurry to catch up at first, eventually settling into a steady pace one step behind and to the left of Link, feet dragging juuuuuuuuust the slightest bit in protest at the unholy hour. Good thing the inspector remembers the way, because he certainly doesn't.

He looks up a moment later and breaks the silence with an awkward--] I'm afraid I didn't get you anything, but... Happy birthday.

[Allen still hasn't gotten the knack of wishing gifts into existence in the DR. Probably never will, since he doesn't really believe in wishing. Hoping, yes, and also beating himself black and blue and bloody to get things done, but not wishing.]

[churchninja]

[The kitchen is just as empty as everything else. Good. Link didn't think he could protect those cream puffs against more than one Walker. As he settles his recipe book on a nearby counter and begins to carefully shrug off his overcoat, Link peers over his shoulder in Allen's direction, completely unfazed.]

Thank you for the sentiments, Walker, but it is hardly expected of you to provide every 'me' you run across with a gift. Now, I believe the cream puff recipe is on page thirty-six. I placed a tab along the edge to assist you with finding it. Do make yourself useful.

[tothelastbreath]

[Just nods and smiles a little, then sets Timcanpy down on said counter in exchange for the book. Link had better keep an eye on the golem and its every intention of stealing as much batter as his master. Allen flips to the correct page as asked, reading it carefully before sending a bemused look in Link's direction.]

Er... How exactly should I make myself useful? Should I--[a vague gesture at the page]--begin by trying to locate the ingredients?

[churchninja]

[Link neatly folds up his coat-and then promptly drops it on the counter, right over Timcanpy.]

You know as much about this particular kitchen as I do.

[Meaning nothing, but that doesn't stop Link from opening and closing cabinets and drawers. He already knew most what he was looking for, anyway.]

Start searching. We'll be needing a whisk and bowls.

[tothelastbreath]

[--!! That was totally uncalled for, frowny man! Tim would make his indignation felt, but this whole coat-on-head business is proving to be rather daunting. The wiggling lump under Link's coat looks mighty suspicious, but Allen's too distracted by the recipe to notice for now.]

Alright, I'm on it.

[And he does get right down to business, tackling his task with the frightening intensity of a parasite type starting to feel the first pangs of morning hunger. Everything that looks vaguely relevant is being tugged out of hiding and lined up on the counter.]

[churchninja]

[Not to be outdone, Link begins poking through various cupboards. In no time at all, the counter scarcely has enough room for anything more. Link holds his hand out near the edge of it, where a bowl cradling one dozen un-cracked eggs teeters dangerously. Brandishing a wooden spoon in his other hand, he uses it to point at each item as he mentally checks it off the list.]

That looks like everything. I believe we can get started.

[Link turns his attention on Allen.]

I'm going to heat the saucepan. Can you promise not to eat anything while my back is turned?

[Specifically the nearby chocolate bars.]

[tothelastbreath]

[Sadly, this effectively hides Tim-lump from sight. The golem's rescue will have to wait a few more minutes. Allen's eyes track over each item pointed out by Link's spoon, eventually coming to rest and focus to the point of tunnel vision on said chocolate bars.

...

You're asking a lot of him, Link.]

Does that mean I can start as soon as you're looking?

[churchninja]

Clever, Walker. Must I find another task to stay your idle hands?

[Link assumes he wouldn't dare. With his back facing Allen and his attention focused solely on adding pinches of flour and salt to the heating saucepan, those bars of chocolate have just become fair game... along with everything else edible.]

[tothelastbreath]

[Have a wide, disarming smile that's probably fooling no one...... And he does dare, as soon as Link's back is turned. He'll be good and practice self-control, though. Perhaps a single bar of chocolate will do for the moment. Or maybe two. No, better have three. Riiiip goes the first wrapper, and the chocolate is soon on its merry way down his gullet. But wait, where's Tim? Trying to be as discreet as possible, which is to say he's being painfully obvious with his mouth stuffed full of chocolate, Allen attemps a muffled--]

Tim?

[Hear that, Link? That is most definitely someone talking with his mouth full of food.]

[churchninja]

[After stirring, Link drums his spoon on the edge of the pan, perhaps a little harder than he'd intended to. If only Allen could see the intensity of his scowl...]

Walker, that had better be Timcanpy in your mouth.

[tothelastbreath]

[Just a helpful erm from Allen's general direction. When he speaks again, it's not muffled anymore, and he manages to sound quite respectable despite having just snuffed an entire bar of chocolate in under five seconds.]

Actually, I can't seem to find him. Did you see where he went?

[churchninja]

[Link casts a quick glance over his shoulder, his eyes darting around for Tim.]

Not since earlier. Where did you see him last? Wasn't he on your shoulder?