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 Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:12 pm
Duncan smiled and nodded warmly at Zeke's confirmation-- no, the red grapes were incorrect. As he searched the platter for any other indications, though, Duncan grinned; he was sure that Zeke would be close to the answer by now.
And right he was! Duncan brightened considerably when Zeke picked up the pomegranate aril. He chuckled and leaned back in his chair, though he didn't expect Zeke to not know, exactly, what he was looking at. He adjusted the rim of his glasses and leaned forward to examine the aril that Zeke had picked up-- the typical bright crimson color looked beautiful. Like always.
"What you're looking at is a red angel pomegranate aril," Duncan replied, "It's a hardy fall and winter fruit. I'm sure you've had it in a drink, at least, but I'd urge you to try it plain: if you like it, I can pack you some before you leave today."
He waited with bated anticipation to see if Zeke would guess that this was it. Without the whole pomegranate, of course, a single pomegranate aril was a minuscule item... smaller than most spiders, even. Without its whole pod, could a seed so small hold something as significant as a soul?
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Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 6:39 pm
He studied the little seed even after Duncan gave away its identity. Zeke had most definitely had pomegranate in drinks before - as juice or elsewise grenadine as a part of more alcoholic fare - but never before had he actually eaten the fruit as it was meant to be. Even without his host's urging, Zeke was more than willing to try. The aril was popped in and deftly bitten into, and the raver was more than surprised with just how flavorful a little kernel-sized thing like that could be. It was delicious! He didn't hesitate in taking a palm-sized helping from the tray to nibble on.
"I think I might have to take you up on that one. I've always liked pomegranate juice and grenadine but this is my first time having the fruit itself." He grinned, even though his teeth were sure to have a red stain to them now. "It's really good!"
Zeke pushed a few of the arils around his palm with his left index finger, idly trying to recall if he had ever seen a whole pomegranate before. Perhaps on a tv show or a commercial for juice, but he didn't ever recall seeing them whole in a grocery store. Regardless, he never would have guessed that a baseball-sized fruit like that would have edible bits that didn't resemble an apple or maybe even an orange. Thinking on it, wasn't the skin of a pomegranate just as red as these pips here?
The vet was quiet for all of several seconds as he worked it out. There was still a chance Duncan's tray was in fact part of this little guessing game he had going and the arils were red. Quite red, in fact. Bright red. One could almost say vivid. Zeke looked up from his hand, smile faded into a serious look. He eyed the man across from him, looking for a give away - any little sign that what he was thinking was in fact true. Looking Duncan in the eye, Zeke was certain he found the right answer there.
"This is it, isn't it?" His voice was low, but not quiet. "The soul's a pomegranate." He wasn't asking this time; it was stated and just about certain. This was the mystery soul - a pretty red fruit that had an utterly unique sweet yet tart flavor to it. A new smile threatened to come over Zeke. The corners of his mouth were twitching with his own anticipation for the solid, inexplicable 'yes'. This was it; this HAD to be it. If not, he was sure to give up and beg Duncan for the truth right then and there.
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Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 9:17 pm
Duncan practically exuded with warmth and pride when Zeke guessed correctly.
"That's correct," Duncan laughed, picking up a few arils for himself, "The soul is indeed a pomegranate. These ones are particularly soft arils, so they're great for making juice. I'm glad you like the flavor, though-- let me excuse myself real quick while I get that ready for you."
Thankfully, the kitchen was adjunct to the kitchen table, which meant that Duncan could easily walk to it and talk to Zeke while there at the same time. He opened up their fridge-- white, round, and big enough to suit food for two-- and opened up the freezer. The pomegranate arils were separated into small plastic bags, for easy keeping, and he grabbed a good portion of them-- then, gradually, all of them, which accumulaetd into a total of seven bags. He closed the door and placed them on the counter, where Zeke could easily see.
"We don't have too much," Duncan sorted through the seven bags, "I still have to pick the pomegranates, but these are from only a few day ago. The soul itself was technically from the juice, which we also have. Would you like a pitcher of that as well?"
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Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 9:31 pm
The look of pride that came over Zeke's face when his guess was confirmed was palpable. The veterinarian closed his hand over the arils he still held in order to raise both arms up in a victory pose. Third time's the charm had proven right once again!
"Yes!" He cried out, the 's' sound extending into a pleased hiss when the pose became a full on stretch. "That was fun, but I was going to have you tell me if I was wrong again. The suspense was killing me!"
Duncan got up from the table and although he excused himself Zeke wasn't just going to sit around and watch. He popped the handful of pomegranate he had into his mouth before rising from his seat, pulling the Soul Glass off the table and carrying it with him into the tidy little kitchen. Zeke stood by the counter as Duncan went about sorting the other arils, admiring the soul in the afternoon light that streamed through the windows. Looking at it now, it was so obvious it was a pomegranate.
Apples and grapes; what was I thinking? Nothing compared to that stark red. He looked up when he was questioned, curiosity thoroughly piqued and quite keen to try everything pomegranate that Duncan threw at him. "I love fresh juice," Zeke was beaming and bouncing just a little on his sneaker-clad heels like the big kid he was. "So I'd love to try some of that...If it's not too much trouble. D'you need a hand, Duncan?"
He would be remiss not to offer a hand to his host, especially since there were several Ziplocs sitting on the counter. Zeke put the soul down next to its frozen cousins and moved around to stand next to the future pomegranate Raevan's Guardian.
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Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2013 10:51 pm
"I had faith you would get there. I forgot that pomegranates were even on the platter for a while, how silly of me," Duncan chuckled. Though he didn't ask for it, he did appreciate Zeke's company in the kitchen-- he rummaged around the counter shelf for an empty cardboard box. He usually kept small ones to gather fruit from the garden-- fortunately, there were a few to spare.
After he dropped the pomegranate bags into the box, he nodded toward Zeke. "That's no trouble at all. Don't you worry about helping, I already have some made."
He opened the main compartment of the refrigerator and took out a small, translucent pitcher of pomegranate juice. He placed it next to the cardboard box of pomegranates, and tapped its case. "Now, this should be about a liter of pure pomegranate juice. There are absolutely no sweeteners or water in this, so if you drink this plain, expect it to be quite bitter."
Duncan smiled. He always appreciated sharing food with others, and giving people pomegranates to eat and possibly share on their own was rewarding in its own right. "Pomegranate juice is one of the healthiest drinks you can find. It only lasts a week or so in the fridge, though, so be sure to freeze it after that. It'll keep for about a year in the freezer."
He waved a hand at Zeke and motioned back towards the dining table, though. "Anyways-- that was just me being overly excited," he grabbed the box and pitcher and walked over to set it back onto the table, before resuming his seat, "I did as much research on pomegranates as I could after the soul was captured, but... I'm not too sure it will help at all to take care of a sentient Raevan."
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Posted: Mon Nov 25, 2013 7:41 pm
Zeke peered into the box after Duncan filled it with the seven Ziplocs and a look of surprise came over his face. Before he could say anything, his host was carrying over the juice and explaining its bitterness and how well it would keep so long as Zeke was careful. The vet nodded and followed Duncan back out of the kitchen, only taking the filled bottle with him as an afterthought in passing.
"You're giving me all of that?" Zeke stood by the table, gawking between the box placed on top of it and the man who had set it there. The vet did not sound ungrateful - or mean to, at any rate - but his tone was surprised that his host was giving him with so much! For all the vet knew, it could have been a small harvest this year and he didn't want to leave Duncan with nothing for himself, even if the man gave him his blessing. "Thank you, really, but I mean...Don't you want any for yourself?"
The look Zeke now wore was quizzical, borderline owlish. His light brown eyes were wide and his pierced lips were parted just a little. He had set the Soul Glass down again and now had both long-fingered hands flat on the table, leaning over it as he stared down the now seated Duncan. His red coral cornicello dangled in the air as he did so and to top the look off, Zeke's head was cocked to the left and his bi-colored mohawk quivered with the sudden motion. The stare down didn't last too long before another smile was tugging at one corner of the raver's mouth.
"C'mon Duncan, you should have some too!"
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 3:31 pm
Duncan chuckled and waved his hand toward Zeke in dismissal. "No, no, don't worry about me. We have plenty more out back, and to be frank, I've had my fair share of pomegranates this season." The pomegranate tree wasn't as receiving as it'd been in years previous, but the harvest was plenty enough for two bodies. Duncan closed the cardboard box and tapped the top, "Anyways, it's the season of giving, and it wouldn't feel right not to give you something, Zeke. You've been such great help to me this entire time."
"Now sit, sit," Duncan motioned Zeke back to his chair, chuckling, "I know it's all going to someone who will put them to good use."
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Posted: Tue Nov 26, 2013 4:02 pm
"Only if you're sure. And I mean sure-sure, not just simply sure." Zeke continued to stand, staring at Duncan with that same look. When his host spoke of the season of giving and the pomegranate arils going to someone who would put them to good use, the vet finally smiled - his cheeks turning a rosier pink than before - and took the seat as offered. Duncan was indeed sure.
"Thank you again. When I get home I'm looking up every recipe there ever was for pomegranates and I'm gonna try and make them all!" Which in Zeke terms meant he was going to help make whatever recipes he found and liked, after convincing his boyfriend to go along with another harebrained scheme. Although over the years Zeke had learned to cook more than just scrambled eggs and toast without the food becoming a potential fire hazard, he was still not ready to graduate and leave the nest, so to speak. He would need all the help Brad could and surely would provide.
Settling back into his chair again, Zeke polished off the rest of his cooled tea and decided a little backpedaling was in order. Before his little modesty moment, Duncan had spoken of researching pomegranates but was unsure of how that would help in the long run with his Raevan. The vet could only continue to smile; Duncan would probably find some use in that research later on.
"So anyway...What you said about researching and that helping with your Raevan? You might actually find there's some merit in that stuff you found out." He plucked an aril off the tray and held it out between them. "Remember when I told you a Raevan was made up of the soul and the Essence? Well Raevans do take traits from both of those things. When they're born, they'll obviously look the part and have powers deriving from both," maybe one more than the other like in Anya's case, "but their personality will also have shades of those things in it. So let's take the pomegranate, since you mentioned it. It's a plant so...maybe your Raevan will be partial to a lot of sunshine!" Zeke put the aril on his tea plate and patted the bulb of the Soul Glass fondly. "Of course that's just plants in general. I'm sure pomegranates have a lot of things that make them unique from other fruits and trees, so it's not unlikely to think that your Raevan might show some of these traits. You said they're ready to harvest in the fall, right? Maybe he or she will be more active this time of year, though that's just speculation on my part."
He chuckled lightly, rubbing at the back of his neck. Everything he was saying now was pretty much speculation at the heart of it. Who knows, perhaps the Frei would take on more of her Essence than her soul. Zeke looked to the jar sitting largely undisturbed between himself and Duncan. The only thing he could figure off the top of his head for that aspect would be the Raevan enjoying rainy days. It only made him more curious as to what Duncan's Raevan would be like when he or she was born. He really couldn't wait!
"I guess what I'm trying to say is...Keep researching. You never know what you might find and who knows, maybe he or she will have a trait or a quirk that makes you think back to it." He had researched extensively after realizing what Anya's soul truly was. Areas the black widow lived in, species, their venom, and everything in between: no stone had been left unturned and even now he was still amazed at how many traits from that one part of her she showed regularly. Perhaps Duncan would have a similar experience. "And speaking of the soul: since I know it now, I think I should get that written down!"
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Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 2:36 pm
Zeke's indignance against taking the whole box was humbling, certainly. Duncan smiled calmly at him and nodded, eyes briefly closed-- "I am sure-sure-sure, more than certain." Upon opening his eyes again, Duncan took the teapot to pour himself another cup-- the water was now just warm enough to drink immediately, which he was grateful for, as the cold was settling in his bones again. Duncan sipped the cup plain and beamed at Zeke.
"My only request is that you tell me what recipes you find, then. I'm always curious to try new things." He wasn't the main cook of the household, as it were, but he handled a majority of the operations in terms of pomegranate-related dishes.
Pomegranates aside, Duncan's eyes widened with curiosity as Zeke moved onto Lab matters, and he was immediately enraptured in the subject again. He found himself leaning slightly forward as he took in the wisdom Zeke had to offer-- he digested the man's predictions and guidelines. Duncan leaned back in his chair slightly and held his cup of tea between both hands. He hummed.
"I see... yes, I did suppose that was the case, that the Raevan would adopt certain personalities from the essence and its soul," he smiled invitingly and set his cuppa down. He stared down at the liquid in wonder. "Well, I'm very glad to hear that the research won't go to waste, even if everything is just hypotheticals right now. I'm just so amazed at how different this process is from raising a human child... simply remarkable."
He grinned enthusiastically up at Zeke at the mention of more research. "Oh, certainly. I've tried to do some researcn on the Fel essence as well--" he tilted his head slightly and eyed the living area behind Zeke, "And of course. Would you like some paper? A pen? I can fetch some from the living room."
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Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2013 3:16 pm
"I'll be sure to send you the best recipes, I promise. Scout's honor!" He touched his middle and pointer fingers to his brow and gave Duncan a salute before dissolving into another round of easy laughter. He shook his head at the mention of paper and a pen, lifting the heavy case he had with him with one hand up enough so Duncan could see it. "I've got your file right here and I always keep a pen in the case. Thank you though!"
Zeke got up in order to crouch down and open the case, pulling the cushy foam out in order to retrieve the items he sought. First came Duncan's file and then the pen, both placed on the table before Zeke stood and returned to his seat. With a flourish meant to be a playful action on his part - this was a rather big moment; the setting in stone of just what the older man's future ward was to be - the humble secretary jotted the soul's identity down upon the respective line. The pen was then set aside in favor of taking the stapled sheets in both hands and Zeke blew upon the ink he had just laid down. When he felt it was suitably dry, Zeke passed the forms and the pen over to Duncan. Signing the return sheets might as well get out of the way now too!
"Just put your name on those lines there," he pointed the three sections out in turn, "and we'll consider your Soul and Essence officially turned over." He was in no rush to leave despite another appointment scheduled for later this afternoon and made this apparent by reclining in his chair and pouring himself yet another cup of his chosen tea. As he took the first sip from that, he hummed over what Duncan had said about Raevans being different from human children.
"Well, y'know it's actually kind of a gamble saying that. There's plenty of Raevans out there who are born with senses of self, intelligence, and mentalities that are rather mature, but there's been more than a handful who come into the world thinking and acting more like kids, even if they don't look the part." Off the top of his head it was Cruz who came to mind first as an example of that. The Crocodile had certainly matured since then but he had been rather kid-like to start with. "So it's kind of up to the individual. Their make up doesn't seem to have any effect on how they are first born, but that's just coming from what I've seen. Your boy or girl could be wise beyond their years right outta the gate or they could...need to be taught to speak, even."
He needn't repeat himself on everything being up in the air because it was highly apparent that's just what everything was when it came to Raevans. Appearance, gender, personality, powers, and - yes - even maturity and level of mental ability were all guesswork on everyone's part up until that Raevan was born. Watching Duncan sign the forms across from him, Zeke hoped that didn't worry the man at all. It was certainly something to consider and prepare for just in case because who knew what the Pomegranate and Rain combo would have in store when they merged and took on their new form.
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Posted: Wed Jan 15, 2014 2:08 pm
Duncan laughed in return to Zeke's promise of best recipes, and bowed his head in agreement. "Very good! I'll look forward to them." He nodded compliantly and gave a small ah, I see when Zeke pulled out his paper and pen. Of course! What would Zeke be if not prepared?
He stood by and watched Zeke's affairs, though his main interest was on the papers, which he assumed were contracts. Duncan thanked Zeke quietly and gingerly took the pen into his own hand, hummed quietly and nodded again, his eyes already scrolling through the paper's contents before Zeke had instructed him. He pulled the papers a little closer to him and let the information sink in once, twice, then scrawled his signature where needed.
"There we are," he slid the papers to Zeke and beamed up at him. He listened intently to what the veterinarian had to say, his brows raised, then leaned back into the seat himself. "I see! I should have assumed as much. Thank you for the information, Zeke, I'll keep all of it in mind. Now, is there anything else we must accomplish today?"
Just as Duncan straightened his back out in anticipation, the front door jiggle idly until it swung open. Duncan poked his head to the side to see who it was, eyes wide, and stood, but drooped his shoulders with relief immediately at realizing it was only Mordekai.
With the door still open to bring the autumn breeze in, Mordekai stared at the back of Zeke's head, confused. He had a few grocery bags in tow in one hand, and a backpack slung around his shoulders. "Evenin'? You look surprised. Who's our guest?"
"Ah, this is Zeke, the Lab doctor I told you about earlier. You're home early."
"Oh! Hey there, then. Yeah, Stephen let me out early." Mordekai shut the door behind him and walked briskly to the kitchen area, dropping the grocery bags right onto the counter-- he brushed his hair out of his face a bit and took his gloves off, which he stuffed into his pockets, and glanced at Zeke. Duncan sat back down and allowed Mordekai go about his routine, though the blond did look back at Zeke with a curious smile.
"Y'gonna stay for dinner?"
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Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:32 am
He pulled the papers towards himself when they were returned, glancing over the areas he had pointed out to Duncan to make sure everything was in order. When it was clear it was, the vet took up the pen in his left hand and added his scrawl to a line on the very bottom of the sheet.
"And now you've officially turned them over." As he spoke he folded the cover back over the face of the legal papers, beaming like the ray of sunshine he was likened to by certain individuals. For the time being Zeke didn't make to pull the aforementioned items over to his side of the table, content to simply let them sit between himself and the man who had taken care of them these many months. Likewise, he didn't make to put the folder back into its hiding place, instead folding his arms over the cover and drumming on the face as he thought over what they had done and what needed to be.
"Lemme think...I figured out the soul, the papers have been signed, I've given you a bit of advice on what you should expect when he or she is born, and we've had an enjoyable chat throughout. Hm..." He made a show of jutting his lower lip out and reaching up to stroke his beard. "I think we're all set, really, unless you have any more questions?" Zeke was always up for more questions; Twenty Questions was one of his favorite games.
Before they could continue, the door opened and Zeke - like Duncan - was made to pause and look in the vicinity of the front door. When Mordekai came through with his bags in tow Zeke immediately smiled anew and stood up from his seat, wincing a little as the chair's legs squeaked against the floor.
"Nice to meet you!" He turned as Mordekai passed, wanting to shake the man's hand but giving a small wave instead on account of the other man's full arms. At the question of dinner Zeke's smile turned into a look of surprise then sheepishness. He held both his hands up to Mordekai, palms out and fingers splayed as though stopping the thought right then and there. "Oh I ah...I don't wanna impose or anything! I'm just here to get Duncan's bottle and vial and do a little catch up with him."
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Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2014 9:44 pm
Mordekai dropped the grocery bags unceremoniously onto the kitchen counter while listening to Zeke speak. He hummed bemusedly and took Zeke's hand into his own, and offered a firm handshake in return.
"Oh! You wouldn't be imposin' at all. Nice t'meet you, my name's Mordekai." The blond retreated back into the kitchen to set up a pot and rummaged through the fridge. "Hey, now! Catch up a s'more with Duncan! And tell me what you're in the mood for eatin'!"
Duncan managed a chuckle and filled his cup with another round of water which, at this point, was turning rather lukewarm. "It might be best if you stay, Zeke, it's his way of saying you're more than welcome."
FIN
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