Mistletoe Shenanigans

[universal_charm]

This post to be used for mistletoe shenanigans running Dec. 26 - Jan. 1st for anyone who does not want to do so in the log and/or the log starts using captchas!

Kirk is open to all versions of shenanigans, simply specify in your subject!

Comments

[stillplaying]

She shrugged, trying not to look too interested in his reaction. But truth was, her heart heart was pounding and she felt utterly nervous. It's been a while since she's last invited someone to go hunting with her. And it's never been something she's done lightly. Hunting is her time, her time away from the rest of the life, where she doesn't have to be anyone or anything to anybody.

She nods, the corners of her lips quirking upward just a fraction. "If you want."

[universal_charm]

"I think I would be an idiot to pass this up," he waved the paper. "So, is this coupon redeemable at any time? Because I kind of don't want to do this in the freezing," he smiled at her, folding the paper and tucking it into a pocket.

"In the mean time, I fully intend to enjoy this stew, I don't care what conventions say about breakfast food," he went to his cupboards to get down bowls.

[stillplaying]

She nods at his question. Now wouldn't be a good time anyway. There's not much out there in the woods right now anyway. Most species are hibernating and the ones that are out there are relatively scarce in number. It's hard enough hunting on her own, let alone with a partner.

"How about spring?"

[universal_charm]

"Sounds good," he nodded. "I'll get some more training in between now and then too, so hopefully I can actually keep up with you for half the outing."

He had no illusions he would be anywhere near Katniss' level, now or ever, but he liked to think that he could match her for stamina for part of the time.

He brought down two bowls and scooped up a bit of the stew into each - breakfast portions. He sat down in his stool, spooning up the stew and popping a large bite into his mouth, licking his lips.

"Hmm, your stew always tastes great, did you know that?"

[stillplaying]

She had already eaten before arriving, meaning the stew to be a gift just for Jim. But when he offers her one of the bowls, she has to smile and accept it anyway. It's his Christmas gift and he doesn't have to share. But she appreciates it. A lot.

"Thank you," she answers, blushing a little as she takes a bite herself. "It's just stew."

[universal_charm]

"But it's good stew, and it always tastes great, so I figure you should know," he nodded as he dug into his with a hum, licking his lips so as not to waste any little droplet that might escape him as he ate.

"Maybe once I learn to hunt, I can learn to make this," he pointed at it with his spoon.

[universal_charm]

"Yeah, but it always seems to taste better when someone else makes it you know?" he smiled at her as he dug in, his tongue flicking across his lips to make sure he didn't miss a single drop of the meal.

"Maybe when you teach me to hunt I can learn to make it myself," he smiled, pointing down at the stew before taking a new bite.

[stillplaying]

She knows. She remembers her mother's cooking from when she was a child, before her father ever died, leaving her mother practically comatose in grief. She misses those moments sometimes but she knows she'll never get them back.

Peeta's cheese buns had been the closest she had ever gotten.

"It's not that hard," Katniss promises. "I never even wrote the recipe down."

[universal_charm]

"Well, there might be hope for me yet," he smiled at her. "I can try making something for you sometime too, if you want. I can't promise that it'll taste as good as this though."

[stillplaying]

That catches her off guard. She places her spoon back into the bowl and looks at him curiously. He had never mentioned once cooking to her. Yet let alone suggest cooking something for her.

"Why?"

[universal_charm]

"I dunno, to say thanks?" he shrugged, stirring his soup. "You've made me soup a lot, I feel like at some point I should try making something for you. I can manage burgers pretty good, and hot dogs. Guy food, you know."

[stillplaying]

She stares at him blankly. None of those foods sound remotely familiar to her. Not even like something she might have found in the Capitol.

"I don't know."

[universal_charm]

"Don't know as in the things I just said freak you out, or "don't know" as in thanks but no thanks?" he chuckled.

[stillplaying]

Her brow wrinkles and she shakes her head quickly. Did she look freaked out? She didn't think so. Mostly, she just felt - and presumed that she looked - confused.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Burgers and hot dogs?"