[ He Ming laughs, because yes, of course Ras would try to just eat the most enjoyable foods and nothing else. He responds to the question with a tilt of his head and a smile. ]
I like lots of kinds of food. I like stuff that's... spicy?
[ Something like that. He Ming's smile stays wide. ]
Why didn't you just eat the vitamins and nothing else? You still wanted to eat food?
[ He was the definition of spoiled brat growing up, no one is surprised.]
Spicy? Like full of flavour or hot kind of spicy?
[ There were some meats that ran on the spicy side back home, but Ras didn't each much of that. Mainly because, well, sweets.]
Mmm, well you would take a different packet if you didn't want to consume food, still need calories after all but-- I enjoyed food. It was plentiful, so why not enjoy it.
[ Food is necessary to them even now, but the rations that are most commonly available at ports aren't the best. These vitamin packets that Ras is describing would be great. ]
Because you could spend the time doing something else. I don't think about eating for fun.
[ Sorry, Ras might make a little bit of a face at that. Mainly because, well, he never could handle hot spicy things. He tried, really (not really), but there was too much pain involved for his liking. ]
Really? Don't you find you can't eat much then? And eating isn't fun but-- enjoyable. Also usually involved friends and gatherings I guess, it was as much social as it was for sustenance.
Eating is enjoyable, but it's not as fun as some other things. I just rank them and decide... [ He Ming finishes another fry and begins gesturing with his hands, drawing out the layers of a triangle. ] Do I want to spend time eating food or exploring somewhere new? Or going on another mission? Or spend time with a friend?
[ Spending time with "friends" is at the top of that hierarchy. He Ming sits back in his seat once more, poking through the pile of fries with his fingers until he finds a suitable one. ]
But eating with friends, that's pretty good. That's what we're doing now!
[ Please don't get ketchup paste on his face while you fling that fry around like that. Or on his clothes, he just cleaned this and it's his favourite shirt. ]
I guess that makes sense when you put it like that. It was never a choice for me though, not really.
[ Eating was a break from training, from learning etiquette or politics or history or languages, eating meant something else. He also wasn't always forced to eat with his family, there were a lot of times when eating took place with the guards that were also training, other officers in the palace.
In other words, nothing like what He Ming was used to.
Ras watches with a faint smile as another fry is found, reaching in to find and consume another of his own. Tries not to choke on it with how pleased He Ming says when they are friends eating together. Not that Ras didn't consider them friends, just-- it was something else to hear it from He Ming.]
[ Then they just rank eating as a pleasure differently. He Ming enjoys his fries, still. But—he gets the most enjoyment from seeing Ras fluster a bit. ]
Right. [ He Ming moves close enough to nudge his knee against Ras'. ] Now eat up.
[ Like he thought before, you are clearly here to test him. Ras is fairly sure it is impossible to know He Ming and not find him strangely endearing despite the levels of idiocy that also seem to happen around him. There were times when Ras might actually find that idiocy entertaining, but like the void he would say that out loud.
Ras huffs, pushes his knee back against He Ming's before grabbing another fry to swirl in the ketchup.]
I liked these snacks you could get at convenience stores. [ Do they have convenience stores in other sectors of space? He Ming continues regardless, letting the touch of Ras' knee be unreturned for now. ] They're like, crispy rice sticks... but really spicy, and they come with this extra sauce tub you can dip them in. The sauce is spicy too.
[ He brings his fingertips together repeatedly, as if there's something stuck to them other than a bit of salt from the fries. ]
Makes your fingers sticky and all red. Then you lick them clean and feel your lips burn even more, haha.
[ Do you see the confusion on Ras's face? It is equal parts because he has no idea what a convenience store is (but can extrapolate based on the word) and partly because, well, that sounds not great? Sticky? Burning? Yeah, no thanks.
But yeah he might be a little curious still.]
So was it the spice that you enjoyed more or the sauce? Or the combination of both together? [ He shoves the last bit of a fry into his mouth before grabbing another one completely unthinking.] I feel like the rice sticks could be pretty delicious on their own honestly....
Fun? [ If he sounds skeptical it is because he is, highly. That sounds a little too uncomfortable for him to call it fun.
Though with the way that He Ming continues, Ras isn't quite sure they are talking about food anymore. Slowly, Ras finishes chewing his fry (and grabs another, what is this witchcraft) before he answers, furrow between his brows.]
I'm not sure, there wasn't a lot of things that were spicy when I was growing up, and what was available wasn't really my favourite. Though I suppose I can see how that kind of thing would be addictive.
[ It's fun to have some pain with the pleasure. Exciting.
Yes, addicting. ]
Then I'll cook you something spicy, sometime. And it's the thrill of it!
You've never done something kind of dangerous just because it'll be fun?
[ He Ming leans forward now. He wants to poke that little furrow in
his brow. Instead, he taps his shoe against Ras' and grabs another fry for
himself. ]
Would you be able to teach me how to cook something spicy?
[ Because he is trying to expand his repertoire, also he just likes learning things honestly. Also, it might give him a little bit more of an understanding on just how spicy is spicy.
There is a raised brow at the question, the implication of 'seriously, have you met me' clear. But still--]
Not in a long while, not since-- not since I was a teenager really. [ And he learned that lesson quick. ] But I guess I see your point.
I could try! [ He Ming laughs, because right now he's feeding Ras fries for the first time in his life. He's not sure if they're going to succeed in cooking spicy regional dishes from his hometown.
But yes, they must try. ]
You're not so old yet. You still have time to try things. And you're around us—we're fun. Or at least, I am.
[ He Ming raises his eyebrows a bit, though he doesn't name any names. ]
[ The fact that Ras is eating fires is one hell of a triumph really, and him learning something in the processes is going to make it all the better for him. If there was one thing that Ras did enjoy it was learning, one of the things that he didn't hold bitterness towards in his past.
There is a snort while he finishes the fry, absently licks the ketchup that made its way onto his thumb before nodding.]
I still have well over a century left, sadly. [ He actually looks a little upset about that oops. There is an amused smile at that though, well, twitch of his lips. ] Fun? That how you describe yourself?
[ Look at that, you've unlocked Ras's almost goodnatured teasing as well. ]
Yeah. Isn't it obvious? [ Because he's always doing things and
"being himself". That's fun in his book. Still, he knows he sounds
exaggerated, and he shrugs to dull the effect somewhat. ]
You don't think I brighten your day? Look, what would you be doing if I
didn't invite you to eat with me?
[ Well, you have a point there. Ras hums as he lets his fingertips drill against the tabletop, the almost smile still curling at the corners of his lips.]
[ There is a flicker of surprise on his face at the contact, something Ras still isn't completely used to despite everything.]
I mean, nerd is better than idiot isn't it? [ He isn't pointing a finger at you, honestly. Others who shall not be named. ] Hey! Who said I don't get out of my room!
[ Everyone, Ras. Literally everyone, unless there are actual things to be done, Ras is in his room.]
[ rolling his eyes now wow. but he is still grabbing another fry and the smile hasn't quite faded from his lips so yeah okay maybe you are allowed to be smug.]
Mmhmmm, I can help clean up. Oh, you want some tea?
[ he gestures to the pot on the counter, possibly a little strong at this point but Ras is pretty sure that He Ming will be okay with that. ]
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2019-12-01 01:11 am (UTC)I like lots of kinds of food. I like stuff that's... spicy?
[ Something like that. He Ming's smile stays wide. ]
Why didn't you just eat the vitamins and nothing else? You still wanted to eat food?
no subject
Date: 2019-12-01 01:35 am (UTC)Spicy? Like full of flavour or hot kind of spicy?
[ There were some meats that ran on the spicy side back home, but Ras didn't each much of that. Mainly because, well, sweets.]
Mmm, well you would take a different packet if you didn't want to consume food, still need calories after all but-- I enjoyed food. It was plentiful, so why not enjoy it.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 12:31 am (UTC)[ Food is necessary to them even now, but the rations that are most commonly available at ports aren't the best. These vitamin packets that Ras is describing would be great. ]
Because you could spend the time doing something else. I don't think about eating for fun.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 12:48 am (UTC)Really? Don't you find you can't eat much then? And eating isn't fun but-- enjoyable. Also usually involved friends and gatherings I guess, it was as much social as it was for sustenance.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 01:23 am (UTC)[ Spending time with "friends" is at the top of that hierarchy. He Ming sits back in his seat once more, poking through the pile of fries with his fingers until he finds a suitable one. ]
But eating with friends, that's pretty good. That's what we're doing now!
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 02:01 am (UTC)I guess that makes sense when you put it like that. It was never a choice for me though, not really.
[ Eating was a break from training, from learning etiquette or politics or history or languages, eating meant something else. He also wasn't always forced to eat with his family, there were a lot of times when eating took place with the guards that were also training, other officers in the palace.
In other words, nothing like what He Ming was used to.
Ras watches with a faint smile as another fry is found, reaching in to find and consume another of his own. Tries not to choke on it with how pleased He Ming says when they are friends eating together. Not that Ras didn't consider them friends, just-- it was something else to hear it from He Ming.]
Y-yeah. Social, like this.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 02:08 am (UTC)Right. [ He Ming moves close enough to nudge his knee against Ras'. ] Now eat up.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 02:29 am (UTC)Ras huffs, pushes his knee back against He Ming's before grabbing another fry to swirl in the ketchup.]
Mmmm, what was your favourite spicy food then?
no subject
Date: 2019-12-02 03:27 am (UTC)[ He brings his fingertips together repeatedly, as if there's something stuck to them other than a bit of salt from the fries. ]
Makes your fingers sticky and all red. Then you lick them clean and feel your lips burn even more, haha.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-03 07:29 pm (UTC)But yeah he might be a little curious still.]
So was it the spice that you enjoyed more or the sauce? Or the combination of both together? [ He shoves the last bit of a fry into his mouth before grabbing another one completely unthinking.] I feel like the rice sticks could be pretty delicious on their own honestly....
no subject
Date: 2019-12-03 07:55 pm (UTC)Both together! The spicier the better. It makes them fun to eat.
[ He Ming's eyes flick down to the disappearing pile of fries, and smiles, eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. ]
The rice sticks are kind of bland on their own... you don't like a little bit of spiciness? The burn is addicting.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-03 08:37 pm (UTC)Though with the way that He Ming continues, Ras isn't quite sure they are talking about food anymore. Slowly, Ras finishes chewing his fry (and grabs another, what is this witchcraft) before he answers, furrow between his brows.]
I'm not sure, there wasn't a lot of things that were spicy when I was growing up, and what was available wasn't really my favourite. Though I suppose I can see how that kind of thing would be addictive.
[ Maybe. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-12-03 09:17 pm (UTC)[ It's fun to have some pain with the pleasure. Exciting. Yes, addicting. ]
Then I'll cook you something spicy, sometime. And it's the thrill of it! You've never done something kind of dangerous just because it'll be fun?
[ He Ming leans forward now. He wants to poke that little furrow in his brow. Instead, he taps his shoe against Ras' and grabs another fry for himself. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-12-04 12:15 am (UTC)[ Because he is trying to expand his repertoire, also he just likes learning things honestly. Also, it might give him a little bit more of an understanding on just how spicy is spicy.
There is a raised brow at the question, the implication of 'seriously, have you met me' clear. But still--]
Not in a long while, not since-- not since I was a teenager really. [ And he learned that lesson quick. ] But I guess I see your point.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-04 04:50 am (UTC)But yes, they must try. ]
You're not so old yet. You still have time to try things. And you're around us—we're fun. Or at least, I am.
[ He Ming raises his eyebrows a bit, though he doesn't name any names. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-12-05 06:32 pm (UTC)There is a snort while he finishes the fry, absently licks the ketchup that made its way onto his thumb before nodding.]
I still have well over a century left, sadly. [ He actually looks a little upset about that oops. There is an amused smile at that though, well, twitch of his lips. ] Fun? That how you describe yourself?
[ Look at that, you've unlocked Ras's almost goodnatured teasing as well. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-12-05 09:13 pm (UTC)Yeah. Isn't it obvious? [ Because he's always doing things and "being himself". That's fun in his book. Still, he knows he sounds exaggerated, and he shrugs to dull the effect somewhat. ]
You don't think I brighten your day? Look, what would you be doing if I didn't invite you to eat with me?
no subject
Date: 2019-12-05 10:53 pm (UTC)Probably reading honestly.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-05 11:44 pm (UTC)[ He Ming returns the smile. With a movement of his foot he hooks it behind one of Ras' ankles and tugs lightly. ]
Nerd. But that's okay. I'll invite you to do more stuff so you can get out of your room once in a while, 'kay?
no subject
Date: 2019-12-05 11:53 pm (UTC)I mean, nerd is better than idiot isn't it? [ He isn't pointing a finger at you, honestly. Others who shall not be named. ] Hey! Who said I don't get out of my room!
[ Everyone, Ras. Literally everyone, unless there are actual things to be done, Ras is in his room.]
no subject
Date: 2019-12-06 12:05 am (UTC)[ He Ming laughs and jostles his foot again. ]
It's okay. I'll keep bugging you to make sure you're not dead.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-06 12:43 am (UTC)Hey that's what the nutrient packs are for! Now, at least. Less so before. [ A beat before, quieter:] But thanks.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-06 03:47 am (UTC)[ He Ming might sound a little too pleased with himself. The smugness dissipates, after a moment. ]
Now eat up. I'll clean up after.
no subject
Date: 2019-12-06 07:12 pm (UTC)Mmhmmm, I can help clean up. Oh, you want some tea?
[ he gestures to the pot on the counter, possibly a little strong at this point but Ras is pretty sure that He Ming will be okay with that. ]
no subject
Date: 2019-12-07 05:39 am (UTC)[ Not really something that goes with fries and ketchup, but He Ming is not picky. He gets up to fetch some cups. ]
Is this tea you made earlier?
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