knuxieh

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Had she gone too far with her teasing? James' face was quite red...He didn't seem to say much as they headed out of the apartment and climbed into the car. The drive towards the market was rather quiet. Clearing her throat after some time had passed, she gently twiddled her thumbs. "S-Sorry...Maybe that was...uncalled for." She retreated. "Back at the apartment. I just..." Freya moved a hand up to the area where James' lips had come into contact with her skin. "You made my skin all tingly when you did what you did. I thought payback was only fair."

Perhaps James was already past it and she as talking for no reason, though? Sighing softly, she turned her attention out the window, watching the many buildings get further apart until they were on the highway towards the store. "I don't mean to make you uncomfortable if I did." After a few minutes went by, she glanced towards him as they pulled into the parking lot of the store. "I am still looking forward to cooking with you, though..." Freya smiled, and as James shifted the car to park and cut the engine, she emerged from the vehicle, shutting her door behind her. Once James had come around to her side, she embraced him, her arms going around his torso. Pulling back, she offered her hand to him.

"Let's go in and get some pizza ingredients, hm?"

Heading towards the building, she made sure to grab a cart, pushing it along as they explored he various aisles. "What sorts of toppings do you like for pizza, James?" She asked, as they walked down the baking aisle, grabbing flour, yeast, and a pan to cook the pizza on. Getting to the sauces, she looked at all the selections. Would it be better for them to use a jar or pre-made sauce or make it themselves? Looking to James, she looked between him and the sauce on a shelf just out of her reach. Pushing on her tip toes, she could barely touch the shelving with her fingers. Blowing air out of her mouth in small frustration, she put a hand on her hip.

"Did you want to go with pre-made sauce?" Freya huffed, a bit embarrassed she couldn't go for any of the sauces out of her reach. There were many selections. Garden Combination, Tomato, Onion, and Garlic, even Meat flavored Sauces! The possibilities of sauce flavors were endless it seemed.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

"I don't think I've ever made pizza dough before." She smiled. "I can't wait!" Happy to hear that James wasn't completely against cooking again so soon after he had just done so relieved her. And they were going shopping after! Did they have everything they needed here to make dough? It didn't seem like James had much in his own apartment. Right. Duh - he said they would go shopping afterwards. Freya giggled. "Well, yeah probably, but still! Think of how cool it would be! It's like a little hidden surprise." Shaking her head, she smiled. "No, I'm already super comfortable where I am right now." With that, she wiggled a little to secure herself in and her eyes widened feeling James' lips on her neck. She shivered slightly at the tingly sensation it left on her skin.

Just when she thought she had a small bit of time to recover, his breath was in her ear and she felt her cheeks get hot. What was that for? She turned her attention to the movie, deciding to withhold payback until after the movie was over. This was a movie she did want to really see, after all.

As the credits began rolling, she moved her arms above her head to stretch a moment. "Okay, James. It's time!" She turned around, pinning him to the couch. Leaning in, she paused by his ear. "Payback time." Freya whispered, and returned the same kiss on his neck that he had given her. Deciding to add to the payback though, she kissed his skin again, this time going for his collarbone. Leaning back, she let him go, seeming pretty satisfied with herself, even if her cheeks were a little red still. Clearing her throat, she shifted to move off of him.


"Now then...L-Let's go to shopping!" She announced.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Her cheeks couldn't help but flush as he simply kissed her nose. He wasn't really saying too much through it, and she wondered for a brief moment if perhaps she had rambled on just a little too much. His statement confused her, and she raised an eyebrow as he moved to unfold her arms. A small smile crossed her lips. "Good, I'm glad." Him moving back towards the living room and giving her arm a gentle tug caused her to look towards him. At his offer, and him leaving her a way out, she tugged back on his arm, moving him towards her. "Don't be silly, James. I'd love to spend time with you." She leaned on her tiptoes and softly kissed James on the cheek, before quickly moving back and smiled shyly. "I don't mind watching something, but I might want to do something else..." Freya rubbed her arm. "You know, it's still early in the afternoon. I know you..just spent the afternoon cooking but.." She gently kicked at the tile floor, as if something was there.

"Would you...want to make dinner together?" She herself had to leave an out for James as well, not wanting him to feel locked into any one decision. "B-But we don't have to! We could ah...order takeout or pizza or...or...go somewhere? Maybe we...should order something? I don't...know if you're tired from cooking earlier. It was a lot of prep work.." Freya sighed. "I-It's just a suggestion, James. Let's go watch that movie, we can talk about dinner afterwards? Let's just.." Freya gave pause, and took a deep breath, forcing herself to breathe a moment. "Let's just enjoy each other right now, yeah?"

Leading James into the living room, she unfolded all the sheets, snuggling up to James. "Have you ever thought about getting one of those couches that turn into a bed? It'd be super useful for when we want to snuggle up. I can't imagine you're comfy on the couch all the time." She teased. Passing James the controller, she shrugged. "I've been picking these last few times, you decide James."

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Staring into the soapy water that she had created, she narrowed her eyes, focusing her attention on some of the bits of grime stuck to the pan for a moment, but it came off with relative ease. Of course it would, the pans that she had gotten for James were non-stick to allow him free creative range for cooking. Finishing one, she rinsed it and put it on the rack nearby to dry and started scrubbing at the next one, when she heard footsteps behind her. Tensing slightly, her grip on the pan and sponge tightened.

James eased the sponge out of her grip, and she puffed out her cheeks, making a small noise of displeasure. “I was using that James,” She sighed, moving to grab it again when she felt his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his chest. Her cheeks flushed slightly at the sudden move, and she let go of the pan, it falling back into the water with a gentle plop. “What is it? Was it what I said? Listen I already said it was ridiculous so—“ She gave pause, feeling his chin on her shoulder and him accusing her of being jealous.

Her eyes went wide. “J-J-Jealous?! Me?! Wh…Why would I need to be jealous?!” She sneered, clearing her throat a few times. She could practically hear him smiling. “It’s not funny!” Freya whined, curling her fingers into small fists. “Who cares if…they’re all ‘Ooh, look at James!’ or ‘He’s so hot, ohmahgosh’, or – or here’s a riot! ‘He’s a wonder in the kitchen—‘ Okay that one is true, I-I mean not to say that you’re not…attractive…I just…”

She was digging a small hole for herself, it seemed. “I don’t…” Her gaze fell and she managed to turn to face him. “I don’t like the way they look at you! Molly hardly cared about helping with the midterms! I mean – did you see how she was dressed? I was cold for her! And…And…” Freya gently bit her bottom lip, her arms moving to rest at James’ hips. “…I don’t know.” She gave a small defeated sigh. “I just...if nothing else is good about leaving, I’ll have you to myself, and be away from the peering eyes of all those…girls.” She huffed, raising her arms to fold them over her chest.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Freya sat staring at Molly a bit dumbfounded for a moment. Was she even listening to what she had asked? And the way she was talking…It bothered her a little, but in a way she couldn’t quite explain. She almost instantly regretted asking her a question, thinking it might have been better to leave the young woman in her own thoughts because soon she was simply rambling on and on. It was…rather unsettling if she was to be honest. She did keep a polite smile on her face, nodding occasionally to show she was in fact, listening. Not that she thought Molly was actually talking to be heard by anyone else.

Was James really that popular? Looking up as the pair returned from the kitchen, she nodded. “Of course, it wasn’t a problem. I know you two will make something fantastic for your midterm test.” She stood, giving a small wave towards the girls as they were ushered out, no doubt with some protests about why Freya herself wasn’t being excused.

How swiftly he locked the door made her giggle. “You know James, here I thought you actually liked entertaining guests.” She teased, sitting back down beside him as he returned to the living room. When he mentioned Rebecca’s plate she shook her head. “It’s fine. I don’t know if Molly would have caught that it was overcooked. It’ll help her maybe pay a bit more attention to the foie gras when it goes in the pan.” At his suggestion for her having something she cook, she gasped, looking at him rather shocked.

“James, honestly…You’re sitting here asking me if I would like some of your cooking? Please.” She smiled and stood to head into the kitchen, soon returning with a small plate that James had cooked, and a warm cup of tea she had poured. Biting into this one was what she had expected to taste, a small moan of bliss escaping her throat as she held one of her cheeks. “That is sooo good! You always amaze me in the kitchen James.” After finishing it, she drank her tea little by little, and when it was gone as well, leaned her head against James’ shoulder. Glancing at the clock, it was close to 2pm. That didn’t take a terribly long time.

“I’m glad I could help you today, James. It feels really nice to be useful. Although…” She gave a slight pause, and her fingers moved to gently grip at the fabric of his shirt. “…Molly gave off the impression that you’re quite ah….popular…with the ladies in class..” Freya cleared her throat. “Goodness, I…I don’t know it was a little weird? Not to mention the looks I got, haha.” She sighed softly, her fingers letting the fabric slip through them as she sighed. “I sound ridiculous…” The young woman stood up and ran a hand through her hair before picking up the dishes she made, and turned to head towards the kitchen again. “I’ll help you get everything cleaned up.”

Entering the kitchen, she grabbed a few pans off the stove and began washing them, trying to move on and focus her attention on something else, besides the annoying feeling in her stomach of other people gushing over James.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

The change in James didn’t go unnoticed by Freya, who tried her best not to giggle at his sudden shift in demeanor. She couldn’t really blame the other girls for watching him as he moved about. He was rather graceful when he got into a rhythm. As the main course was placed in front of them, Freya smiled towards James as he explained they didn’t have to be shy with wanting seconds – of course to fully help them articulate what they needed to give feedback wise.

As the Foie Gras arrived, Freya’s nose wrinkled slightly at the presentation. She herself wasn’t a fan of the figs used. She knew they were meant to compliment it…but…still, she felt as it took away from the elegance of the dish. Quickly noting it down, she sliced into it, and blinked as she looked down at the fork and knife. She could tell something was just a bit off. Eating a small portion she had cut off she glanced up towards the pair as they returned after a brief moment, no doubt to give the girls time to think. It was slightly overcooked…From what she could gather, it stayed in the pan just a bit too long. Were the figs on this meant to cover up that fact?

She didn’t really touch the dish after her initial taste, not wanting to really finish it. Picking up her pencil as she gently pushed the first part of the main course away, she began writing:

‘Foie Gras not as pleasing to the eye as appetizer. Too much going on? Suspect whoever prepared my Foie Gras was distracted, for it was overcooked. I think the presentation would fare better from perhaps a citrus or plum reduction instead to really let the sear of the meat shine, instead of covering it up.’

Turning to the second portion of their main course, Freya was pleasantly surprised to see that the presentation was rather minimal. Fitting in her eyes as they winded down. It was a rather clean taste, the potatoes doing wonders to naturally clean any duck notes off her tongue, which she noted.

‘Confit was beautiful in presentation, palate cleansed with the potatoes. Seems like a good strong dish here.’

She dared not say anything about the dish being overcooked aloud, knowing that feedback sheets were there for that very reason. They cleared the main course off, and brought dessert. Seeing that it was, her eyes widened. This reminded her of the appetizer, so interactive and fun!

Dipping the bread into the melted cheese mixture, she rolled it through the crumbles and ate it with delight. It was so simple, yet so engaging. It wasn’t long before she had her fill.

‘Camembert was incredibly pleasing and simple! Perhaps offering different dried berries would help add a variety to the kind of taste you get from dessert? It was very interactive, but I would have enjoyed it more if I could play with different flavors.’

As she and Molly finished filling out their sheets, she handed the completed form over to James when he came by. “I hope that helps.” Freya smiled. She stood from her place at the table, and moved to go sit back in the living room. They would need time to review the feedback that they had gotten, and could ask any follow-up questions to the girls if they needed to. When Molly joined her, she took another sucker, finding this one to be cherry and looked over towards her. “What did you think of the samples?”

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

Molly didn’t seem to respond to Freya’s question, or even her appreciation, making her even more nervous. Her eyes shifted towards a clock nearby. It had only been five minutes?! She was going to die if nothing happened.

Hearing footsteps approaching, she looked towards the hallway curiously. It had only been five minutes. At the sight of James, she relaxed a bit, looking surprised when a handful of suckers were placed on the table. She smiled towards him, a silent thanks as she picked up a sucker. “Hmm…this looks like it might be…watermelon?” Freya unwrapped the sucker, and put it into her mouth, a small sound of delight soon following. “It is!” She giggled.

Soon enough though, they were summoned to the kitchen, and Freya had gone through three of the suckers, wanting to not eat too many since she was going to have to eat actual food and give feedback. The first thing she noticed was how grumpy Rebecca seemed. She looked as if she had smelled funky cheese, or something. Taking a seat, she thanked James as he had pulled her chair out for her.

With the appetizers being set in front of them, Freya blinked, a smile crossing her features. They looked beautiful. The presentation definitely made her want to hurry and dig in. Remembering her sheet, she jotted down her initial thoughts on the dish, simply from the aesthetic. Picking up a shell, she decided to get it all at once, and a light ‘slurp’ was made as she got the contents out of the shell. Freya had a second one, and remembered to write down her thoughts. Freya enjoyed writing. Her handwriting was something she took great pride in, taking care to make sure her cursive was sleek and elegant.

‘Appetizer Thoughts: The presentation of this dish is simply wonderful! It jumps out to the eye and invites you in to taste! Some might be put off by the act of slurping to eat, but I found it to be rather fun and a unique approach to most appetizers! The mushrooms compliment the scallop very well. I do however, though it is a nice pop of color, wish that the garnish was as fun as the rest of the dish.’

Molly had the other two servings at her disposal, and Freya cleansed her palate with a cup of tea, not really liking coffee in the first place.

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

It always made Freya feel warm inside when she could help. She felt like he needed just a few moments to relax. She had felt him stiffen slightly after the realization they had to go back…Would everything that was happening here just evaporate? Would they just return to pretending like they weren’t…enjoying being together? In that moment she felt James take her hand in his, and her cheeks flushed as his lips made contact with her palm. He didn’t say anything, but even still it reassured her.

As James walked away to answer the door, she moved her own hand up to up her cheek, it tingling from where he had just been. He didn’t need to thank her, honestly. He did so much for her, it was the least she could do.

A ear-shattering shriek came into the apartment, and she was thankful that she was James’ neighbor and not another person. Was that Rebecca screaming like that? Her brows furrowed slightly and quickly fixed her demeanor as the girls walked in with James following close behind. Standing as they were in the living room, she couldn’t help but falter slightly at the utter disappointment coming off of the other ladies. Was she…not supposed to be here?

“H-Hello. It’s nice to meet you.” Freya smiled, giving a small wave. Wasn’t Molly cold?

Sitting back down on the couch, everyone was looking at Rebecca and James’ goals for their midterm. As they listed out the different courses that they would be having, and handed over a sheet of questions, Freya smiled and nodded before they headed off into the kitchen. She couldn’t shake the odd feeling in her stomach as they disappeared behind the wall, though…

“S-So! Molly, right? Are you good friends with Rebecca?” Idle chatter was nice? Sitting in silence for forty-five minutes was something Freya wasn’t looking forward to. “Sorry if we sprung being a taste tester on you last minute like this, I appreciate you coming on such short notice.”
[Haha, thanks~]

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

She was a little glad to hear that Rebecca was bringing ingredients over, although she couldn't help but worry about the quality of ingredients she would bring. She was so used to knowing where the food she was eating was coming from, or in the very least, could leave food selection in capable hands like James. Hands... She sighed mentally as she resigned herself to not hold his hand, surprised and embarrassed when he seemed not to miss a beat, easily slipping his hands in between her own and making their way towards the car. Her delicate fingers curled to hold his hand, a shy smile creeping to her face.

Getting situated in the car, she closed her eyes, simply enjoying the soft music that played in the car, content with the feeling of James' hand in her own. Upon reaching the school parking lot, she only grew more embarrassed as he held her hand as they made their way up towards his apartment. Smiling and giving a small thank you as he motioned for her to head inside first, she slipped her fingers out of his grasp, watching as he began to pick up a few things, moving to fix some pillows on the couch.

Sitting back on the couch, Freya glanced over towards James when he called her name. At the question, her cheeks flushed. He was asking her out again? It was surprising, even if they had an amazing time last they were on a date. She had to admit she was a little hesitant. What if she ended up saying something silly? Their first date had gone so well, should they even go on a second one? That didn't make sense. She brushed the thought away for the moment, and nodded. "I'd love to."

They sat in silence for a moment. "Hey James? Can you put your head on my lap? I want to play with your hair for a moment while we have some time to ourselves." Even though she asked, she was already tugging at his arm, and her fingers gently gliding through his dark blue strands. Humming to herself, she closed her eyes. "I can't believe it's already close to midterms. Soon we'll be packing up and heading home for summer break." Freya giggled softly. "I do miss home, I can't wait to be back and tell Daddy about how much fun I had so--" She stopped in the middle of her sentence.

It was sinking in a little bit. What they were doing right now...it couldn't happen in any capacity when they returned to the manor. Her hands slowly kept moving through his hair, and she eventually broke the silence by clearing her throat. "S-So, James. What...What country--"

She looked up as the doorbell rang out. They hadn't even been inside that long. Was Rebecca here early??

Not Your Average Butler... [EasilyAmused x Knuxieh]

The delicate nature of their relationship was something that Freya was fully aware of, but something about hearing it said to her made her heart ache, if only for a moment. The feeling was quick to be pushed off as he gave a few good points with Rebecca. She had seen the young woman before, but it was so brief. When James avoided her gaze, she tilted her head, curious. "You may..." She blinked, noticing the pause.

His confession made her cheeks warm, and her heart pound. Of course she knew James would rather be himself around her, but...still. It was one thing to simply be aware of an obvious thing, than to be told it, anchoring it more into truth. She moved to respond, but heard their order being called under his name. Freya couldn't help giggling softly to herself as he quickly excused himself to gather their things. As they ate, she smiled towards him as he turned red. It was a rather selfish thing for her to do, but she felt it necessary. This was James' project, something she shouldn't really have too much of a say in. He wasn't her butler right now anyway, so anything she said would just be a suggestion.

Finishing off her muffin, she looked up at James. "Wait, what? I didn't hear what you said, you mumbled James." She laughed. "You can't talk and eat at the same time," She teased. He quickly moved on to another topic though, only raising her curiosity more. Freya simply nodded at his suggestion on them each just bringing one person. "Of course, James. You know I don't mind helping you." She took a small drink before she giggled. "You're so confusing though, James.." Oh how Freya loved to tease him. She gently kicked her feet under the table. "So, am I to be just an outside opinion, or..." Her gaze went from her sandwich, to James' eyes. "Or am I meant to be something more? I just...want to make sure is all." She gave a small playful smile towards him.

Letting the question sit in the air for a moment, she reached her hand out and gave his hand a gentle squeeze, giggling. "I'm just kidding, James~" Leaning back, she continued to eat her sandwich. "Oh, shouldn't you let Rebecca know to bring someone with her to taste test?" She suggested. Her eyes glanced towards the clock hanging on the walls. It was almost half past eleven. "I suppose we should start heading back, don't you think?" She stood, stretching upwards as she finished her meal. "Right, if you're cooking a meal shouldn't we stop for ingredients? Or...That might have to wait until Rebecca joins us maybe?" Freya began gathering her garbage to take it to the trash can nearby. Moving to head back outside, she went to grab James' hand, her fingers gently brushing the tips of his before deciding against it. Was it bad that she always wanted to hold his hand? Perhaps it was just because she wanted to use the same excuse James had when they were headed to the carnival that one evening.

Just so I don't lose you...