chow time {cameo|blitz}

Ludvig Miristioma

The bowl grew heavy in his hands, and the heat was slowly burning him, but he refused to let it go or even set it down out of fear of ruining the meal. He had worked hard to make it, and he only hoped those who devoured enjoyed it just as much as he did. His weight shifted around, and he was about to turn around and leave when he received a sign that someone was inside.

Valentina answered the door stating the rest had gone to Kirito's for a small gathering. It was no surprise seeing as he spent a couple weeks in the Capitol. So much planning had gone into it, and now Ludvig was slightly sad realizing only she would enjoy a nice home cooked meal with him.

"Yeah, I tried something new. Hopefully it tastes as good as it smells." He chuckled slightly not questioning as to why she was home alone. It didn't matter, though. It just meant more stew for them. His eyes turned towards the bowl, and any person in their right mind would've thrown it away without trying it. But he had to try everything once because it was the only way to enjoy life.

"I guess that's more for us if you want to have some."

215 words

Ludvig Miristioma

Ludvig followed her inside, eyes wandering around from wall to wall. As far as he knew, he hadn't been inside this house before which is rather strange considering they were cousins. Yet he took a breath and continued on placing the bowl down on the table as Valentina grabbed more bowels and silverware from the cabinets as well as a small loaf of bread.

Excitement coursed through his veins as she continued the conversation. Both were hungry, and both would eat well since nobody else was home. Part of him wondered why he didn't know about a gathering - perhaps they were afraid of what he would bring. A soft chuckle escaped his lips as his younger cousin asked what was in the stew.

He paused and scratched his head. Normally, he knew the easy answer, but he wanted to tell the truth. Even he didn't entirely know what he threw inside. "Well, there's a variety of plants. Some onions, tomatoes." Of course they were nearly rotten when he got them, but they were good enough to use. "Uh, I added some nectarines and oranges for some extra flavor." He mashed them all together making the syrup so it wouldn't just be a kettle of leaves. "Uh, a touch of vinegar."

Hopefully, those simple things wouldn't push her away.

220 words

Ludvig Miristioma

He sat eyes wide wondering if she would enjoy it just as much as he would. Ludvig wasn't the greatest cook in the world, and it definitely wasn't anything fancy, but it offered him the chance to survive on what little he had. Kirito helped out a lot making sure he didn't go hungry, however, Ludvig preferred caring for himself. He was almost an adult now. Silence devoured him as he watched his cousin take a bite of the stew he created from scratch. She took a bite, and Ludvig nearly hid his face afraid it would taste disgusting.

He lifts his own spoon into the air, and shovels a bite into his own mouth. The stew was tangy, and yet he could taste the plants and onions inside. It was simply amazing, probably the best stew he had ever tasted. But no everyone would think so. Sometimes his family didn't appreciate his idea of a home cooked meal. Perhaps they were used to Kirito bringing someone fancy home from the Capitol, but this was his.

Hearing it was better, he let out a sigh of relief. She didn't stop eating like he thought she would. Instead she's devouring another bite.

"I'm glad you think it's better than what I used to fix." A soft chuckle escaped past his lips. "Maybe one day the chefs will want to make my recipe famous." He added before taking another bite. "But for now, I guess it's best if I just experiment with the family."

"What should I do to make it even better?"

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Ludvig Miristioma

Ludvig listened intently as his cousin spoke. Learning was important, and figuring out better ways to improve the stew he created became his main priority. Sometimes family didn't give the answers he wanted to hear. They said his food tasted good only to find out later they were lying. Perhaps it wasn't the best, but it never stopped him from trying. At least his cooking hadn't killed anyone yet. Valentina gave him a promise, and Ludvig only hoped and prayed it was one she would hold onto forever. Cooking was important to him. It was the only thing he was good at besides gathering the ingredients being used.

"I won't ever let the Capitol taste me delicacies." He stated firmly without any regret. "They don't deserve it. I think I'll just keep it here in eleven. Maybe open a shop."

His cheeks hurt from the never ending smile, yet he still managed to shove another bite inside. Self control was rather important otherwise he would eat the entire bowl. At least his cousin enjoyed it too.

"Okay, so next time no fruits." He nodded understanding it all. "I'll just try it with veggies and see how it turns out next time." It was a simple understanding because he had a dream to open a shop for all of eleven to eat from, but first he had to make sure he could make different types of soup taste wonderful.

"Thank you for your kind words of wisdom."

He lifted the spoon preparing for one last bite, but before he could reach his lips, he paused, "What kind of soup should I try next?"