Autumn in the Park

[stoicism]

[Although seasons don't entirely exist in the Nexus, it seems autumn has found its way to the Nexus park.]

Comments

[clonesoldier]

[David wanders into the room, curiosity getting the better of him. He inhales the crisp air of the Fall, and steps out onto the path. Beneath his feet, the fallen leaves make crisp sounds as he steps on them, being cautious about his surroundings.]

[That's when he notices Frank. And those delicious looking pumpkins.]

[He licks his lips.]

[stoicism]

[Null jerks his head up to see David approaching. He's still sitting atop the biggest pumpkin in the patch -- which is really quite large; it comes up to just over his knee. He regards the other boy soldier with a nod.]

David.

[clonesoldier]

[It was very large. Probably the biggest pumpkin David had ever seen.]

[He stared up in awe, quietly pattering his feet towards Frank when he knew it was safe.]

Frank. Where is this place?

[stoicism]

This is a park. It is similar to a forest but not as dense; it is an area for public gatherings of civilians... And ducks.

[clonesoldier]

I see.

[He crouches down on the ground, gently clasping his hand on the pumpkin. He smoothes his palm along the fruit.]

Why are you out here all alone?

[stoicism]

I often spend time on my own.

[He watches David touching the pumpkin.]

...Did you want to help me cut it open?

[clonesoldier]

[He had taken Big Boss's advice and had recently aquired a knife on his person.]

[He peered up at Frank from where he was crouched, and then stood up slowly.]

Sure. You gonna turn it into a pie?

[stoicism]

No. I want to roast the pumpkin seeds.

[Opening the pumpkin just for the seeds does seem a bit wasteful, especially since it's so big. He pauses a moment, thinking it over. He's never made a pie before, nor can he read a recipe on how to make one. David on the other hand, he seems to know how to read.]

We could make it into a pie though. [He clears his throat a bit] Together.

[clonesoldier]

The seeds... Mm. May as well make use of all of it. Otherwise it'll be wasted.

[He blinked, and then straightened out. He tried not to smile too much.] You'd really like that?

[stoicism]

[He nods.]

If you read the instructions on the proper construction of a pie, we shall make one. Perhaps more, this pumpkin is very large.

[clonesoldier]

We could make a few. I don't think we'd be able to eat all this by ourselves.

[He thinks for a moment.] There should be a recipe in the library.

[stoicism]

Let's bring the pumpkin into one of the kitchens. It will be easier to prepare it there -- I will start removing the seeds while you retrieve the recipe.

[clonesoldier]

Right.

[He nods obediantly, moving towards the large pumpkin. He clasps his hands into it.]

We'll carry it together. You ready?

[stoicism]

[Null stands on the opposite side of David, getting his hands around the pumpkin.]

Ready. We lift on three -- one, two, lift.

[clonesoldier]

[David did as instructed, and lifted the pumpkin on Null's command. He winced a bit.]

Hnh... Heavier than I thought it'd be. [But he didn't complain.]

... Hey Frank? You know what else we could do with this pumpkin? We could carve it for Halloween.

[stoicism]

It will be lighter once we remove the contents inside...

[he pauses a moment, tilting his head a bit.]

I don't understand what you mean by "carve" it.