[closed] There is a terrible cost to dark magic, but you know what they say

[spellslots]

who: Taako + various others (if u want something hmu!)
what: What it says on the tin! Catch-all for the next few weeks to save spamming y'all
when: mid July - when I decide I need a new one of these
where: Arounnnnnd
warnings: None yet, will update if necessary

Comments

[spellslots]

Help yourself, bubbale, there's a few different kinds in the fridge that I think were my ex's, so the sooner they're gone the better.

[He keeps his tone light, playing up the whole "get rid of the ex's stuff" stereotype, but there's nothing in his expression that suggests it actually bothers him.]

[ohhmrburnsides]

[Taako's ex isn't a subject he wants to push, but he is mildly interested... for whatever reason. He picks the most hipstery bullshit beer he can find from the fridge and twists it open.]

If drinking up your booze will make you feel better, I will gladly make that sacrifice.

[spellslots]

[Eddie is into craft beers so it is, in fact, hipstery bullshit beer.]

Oh, yup, you're really taking one for the team here.

[He turns away from the stovetop long enough to wink at Magnus, then picks up the pot and dances his way over to the sink to strain the pasta.]

Annnnnd we're nearly ready. Wanna get some dishes for us? Top cabinets, three left from the fridge.

[ohhmrburnsides]

Sure thing!

[After a swig, he sets his drink on the counter to retrieve the dishes as per Taako's request.]

Hey—thanks for doing this, by the way. I don't remember whether I thanked you yet.

[spellslots]

[It doesn't take too long to plate up some pasta, pour the sauce over and top it off with some pecorino because he's a fancy boy.

He hands one plate to Magnus, then heads over to the table, claiming a seat amongst the (slight) mess of papers and trinkets.]

No thanks needed, this is totally a fair exchange as long as you gimme plenty of compliments.

[That's how this works.]

[ohhmrburnsides]

[As he finds himself a spot at the table, he grins. He's already used to Taako's sense of humor.]

You got it. Hey, Taako, you've got nice hair.

[He knows Taako is talking about the food. It's meant to come off as a joke more than anything. He blows on a forkfull of pasta to cool it down, then takes a bite.]

Oh, shit. Wow. God damn.

[He's like, staring at his fork inquisitively, like, how did all that flavor get onto this little thing.]

[spellslots]

[Taako does a little Marcia Brady hair flick at that compliment, because even if it was a joke, he'll still absolutely take that compliment.

He'll also take the unspoken compliment about the food, laughing a little at Magnus's reaction.]

This isn't even my A game, I'm gonna knock your socks off when I break out the big guns.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[He has to take another few seconds to process this Flavor-Blasted(tm) pasta, but he comes back fast enough to prevent the moment from becoming awkward.]

Are you talking about your hair or the food?

[Without missing a beat, he continues eating. For real this shit is baller.]

[spellslots]

[That earns another laugh.

He really did miss Magnus.]

I mean, I guess it depends how into braids you are, cause that's about as fancy as the hair gets.

[ohhmrburnsides]

[With a mouthful of food, he gives it some thought. He at least tries to swallow before answering, but unfortunately, Magnus has a habit of talking mid-chew.]

I could dig braids.

[It hits him that he's being kinda gross and gets embarrassed. Taako's probably used to this, he thinks, but to him Taako is still a stranger. He cleans himself up and tries to fix the moment.]

So what's your specialty? Like, food.

[spellslots]

[You always did catches somewhere in his throat, and decides to roll with the second question, instead.]

I picked up a lot from our aunt, it was a lot of uh, provincial kinda shit? Quality meat, lots of sauces, roasted veggies, that sorta stuff. [Fantasy France. It's basically Fantasy France.] I'm doing a lotta desserts these days, cause I got the business and that stuff's easier to market and prep, you know?

[Magnus probably does not know.]

[ohhmrburnsides]

Totally! I get that.

[He does not know.]

So, a business? Are you selling desserts? I should come out and buy something!

[spellslots]

Fuck yeah I do, but there's no store or anything, I take orders? Kinda like you'd do with furniture, right?

[Not that Magnus was doing his carpentry thing as a business, while they were working for the Bureau, but Taako figures that's kind of how it'd go.]

Sometimes I sell at markets, just to make a little extra cash and get the name out there.

[ohhmrburnsides]

Commissions, yeah! I'm doing one for Cisco right now. I would totally bring stuff out to markets but furniture is kind of a hard thing to transport. ... I guess I could bring like, carved animals and stuff, but I'm not super good at that yet.

[When he brings up his carved animals, he has this... thoughtful look on his face.]

If I were to order something, what would you suggest? Do you have a menu?

[spellslots]

[Thanks! He hates this!]

Speaking from a couple centuries experience, practice makes perfect.

[If a fucking wooden duck turns up anywhere near him, he's going to yell and/or cry, partly because they kind of haunted the Starblaster once they got Fisher and honestly Taako is glad to be free of them. But also: emotions? Are gross?]

I've got examples? Gimme a sec...

[He puts his fork down to dig out his phone, then pulls up his instagram page and slides the phone over the table for Magnus to check out.]

[ohhmrburnsides]

[He looks through Taako's insta inquisitively.]

I love this aesthetic you've got going. Very Taako.

[Does Magnus even know what "very Taako" means, though... He's just trying to catch up with Taako, honestly.]

I'm not sure what I want, it all looks so good! ... You're the expert. What do you think?

[spellslots]

I try my best.

[But he seems genuinely pleased at the compliment, and then seems to give the question some genuine thought.]

There was a recipe for maple bacon donuts that I was gonna give a shot. You wanna be the test subject?

[ohhmrburnsides]

[His eyes widen instantly at the thought of this delicious combo.]

Is that even a question? Maple AND bacon? Of course I do! Lay it on me!

[spellslots]

[That's about what he expected.]

Gimme like, two days. I get my bacon from this guy who lives near the edge of the city, and he only comes into town once a week, so once I can pick up supplies I'll whip those up for ya.

[Of course he has a bacon guy.]

[ohhmrburnsides]

Sounds great!

[Taako having a bacon guy really puts an image into Magnus's head about who he is. And also kind of concerns Magnus.]

... Is bacon some kind of contraband here? You made it sound all sketchy and mysterious somehow.

[spellslots]

[Magnus pls...]

If bacon was contraband I'd be running a fucking racket by now, but nah, I'm just particular, you know? Not really into the store bought shit.