Late night donuts [CLOSED]

[stampeded]

Characters: L and Vash, possibly others later
Content: L wants to make Vash donuts as an apology for earlier ill treatment, but will it do the trick?
Setting: The kitchens
Time: A little after 2 AM, takes place a day or two after the kitchens get fixed up
Warnings: A little angst, a little awkwardness, and possibly some kitchen accidents.

Comments

[sugarforteatime]

L finally scooped out the second batch of donuts, and although he thought they could stand to wait a little longer he pinched off a corner of one of the cooled ones and held it up to Peanut who ate it greedily. "They are cool enough to eat." He grabbed the rest of the donut for himself.

It tasted very good if he did say so himself. Watari would be proud.

"Women fetch a better asking price, I suppose." Or women were less likely to bid for men? He didn't really know how those things work. It made sense to him anyway, otherwise why go to the trouble?

[stampeded]

Vash didn't wait any longer, grabbing one off the rack and taking a bite. It was delicious - a little different than the way the cooks tended to make them, but that was not a complaint at all. He scarfed down the donut in record time, completely oblivious to how Peanut was now trying to climb up his chest.

"Mmmm... these are great! I haven't had donuts this good in a while!" He had already picked up another, and was likewise chowing down on it in record time.

"I don't think," he said between bites, "An auction was, mmph, needed at all! I like their drive, but really!"

[sugarforteatime]

L worked much more casually at his donut, he was allowed to go off and buy donuts, cakes and candy any time he wanted to, so that was not pressing for him.

"I am glad you like them." Peanut was deftly working her way up Vash's front and L didn't think she would be too happy to discover Vash had no intention of parting with donuts. He went to pull Peanut off of Vash, grabbing her by the scruff and supporting her a little more than he might have otherwise.

"I looked over the figures. The auction was a large portion of our profits, although the fair was a moderate success in its own right. We could not have made such extensive repairs without the auction." He wasn't sure why Vash was so resistant, it was clear they had made a great deal of money from the auction, the bachelorettes had not been asked to provide services. L didn't particularly see the harm.

[stampeded]

After he finished his second donut, he shook his head at the sight of the now very unhappy-looking kitten. She might've been able to beg like a pro, but there was very little Vash would willingly give up donuts for, and cats weren't included in that list.

"It brought in that much money?..." He ate his next donut a little slower, thinking about it. Vash still didn't like the general idea of it, but... "...They could've at least asked us about doing it," he said finally, a little lamely. Vash would've shot the idea down, but the captain... well, he might've let it happen. It was hard to guess what sort of reaction he would've had.

[sugarforteatime]

Peanut had stopped squirming finally and L put her carefully on his shoulder before he offered her another corner of a donut. She nearly bit his finger in her enthusiasm. And after she'd settled down, he went back to making more donuts.

He wasn't sure if he should bring it up now that they seemed to be back on such easy speaking terms, but he did think it was worth mentioning. "The plan was cleared with the boatswains and quartermasters. I believe everyone knew that you and the Captain would not be appreciative of the auction." L nudged the donuts that had been cooling over towards Vash while he worked on cooking more.

"I suppose the rest of the crew knew you both well to have kept you out of it."It seemed like a strange line to draw. L had been uncomfortable with the strange jutsu aspect, but he'd become more comfortable after a day or two to reflect. Vash clearly had not found that comfort.

[stampeded]

"..." Vash stopped to frown at him before picking up yet another donut, this time looking just faintly confused. Mostly upset, though, in a stern way that wasn't usually like him.

He wasn't eating the donut yet, just looking at it. "...The last time a secret was kept from me, it was about plans for a mutiny. It wasn't nearly as serious as it sounds, but you can see why I don't like the crew to be keeping secrets, right?"

Knowing that at least some people in command were involved was a small comfort. It was the principle of the thing. He ate the donut he was slowing at a surprisingly normal pace, even if he was biting into it a little harder than he had to.

[sugarforteatime]

Mutiny ...? That did sound serious, but it was obviously long before L had come on board.

"I had considered bringing it to you, but I did not see the harm. There was nothing illegal and the intent seemed earnest." L took a step closer to Vash and squeezed his shoulder. "I would never allow for a mutiny, that is clearly inappropriate." He definitely did not want to comment on keeping secrets. He could fill a book with the ones he was keeping from Vash.

Peanut took the opportunity of their closeness to jump on to Vash's shoulder. She wobbled slightly before turning around and almost chirping at L and in Vash's ear. L broke her off a small piece of donut.

[stampeded]

"I know you wouldn't." He smiled at L, "It's more that they kept it secret in the first place. This ship... everyone here is really close. Sometimes it's like having a big family instead of a crew." Vash gave a shake of his head, "It makes it hard to dole out punishments, or get them to be serious."

These were fears he hadn't voiced to anyone, not even Kurt. It felt a little strange, to be opening up to Ryuzaki like this of his own volition. All Vash was looking for was some advice, or maybe just some reassurance, but he still had to wonder why he was even bothering to say it now.

It was only then that Vash half-turned his head towards the kitten, giving her a scritch on the head as he muttered to her, "Why do you have to be so cute?"

[sugarforteatime]

"I have also noticed it is difficult to be serious. I find myself acting more casually than I might otherwise." There was something about the ship and the crew. It was far more casual and friendly and just playful than he was used to. "Just because it is like a family does not mean that punishments and rules are not necessary, however

[stampeded]

Oh, he knew all about the personal secrets. He was still hiding quite a lot from everyone on the ship, and that included Ryuzaki. Still, anyone would agree that there was quite a lot of difference between an individual's secrets, and such a large portion of the crew carrying out some strange plot without permission.

Vash nodded, scratching the now faintly-purring kitten under her chin. "Thanks. That would be a huge help. I still don't expect them to do anything horrible, but I can't underestimate what sort of trouble might happen."

Aware now that all the talking only left the donuts cooling, Vash snagged another one of the rack, promptly biting into it.

[sugarforteatime]

"I will let you know should anything come up."

He pulled out the last batch of donuts from the cooking oil, setting them to cool as well before he started to clean up the kitchen, leaving no trace of his and Vash's late night kitchen exploits. The last thing he needed was for Joshua or anyone else who cared to pick up on his donut bribing scheme.

On the other hand, it seemed like he might not actually need to bribe Vash again. The air between them was back to comfortable, at least he thought it was. He gave Peanut a final head scratch before he left her to her perch on top of Vash.

"I am glad we can speak like this again." He's not sure why he cares or why he said it, but he did, and it was the truth. He looks out over the kitchen. It was back to its normal state -- just like everything else. He could live with that.

[stampeded]

Vash hurriedly stuffed another donut in his mouth before moving to help him clean up, taking charge of washing out the mixing bowl and measuring cups he'd used. He didn't want to leave Ryuzaki to do all the work, not with how nice he was being in the first place.

Drying his gloves off on one of the extra towels, he looked down and smiled, "Yeah. Me too." This was the first time they had talked so easily since that incident, and it felt... nice. It was really nice. He'd been missing their talks without quite realizing just what he was missing.

The kitchen looked downright pristine now, except for what few donuts were left over for the both of them. It was good food, good company, and a good feeling. For now, he was feeling downright content.