you, and hibachi grill, and a bear

[icebearforpresident]

[It's another nice day in the Nexus, people are walking around, some more happier than others. But today, in the Forum area of the Nexus, someone has set up a pop-up restaurant. Clearly the proprietor must be Japanese, since the appearance of the restaurant and it's cuisine choice could really only be prepared by someone from the land of the rising sun.

If a curious Nexus-goer decides to stop and take in the wonderful smell of meat cooking, they'll notice that a large polar bear, dressed in a chef outfit, is manning the grill. No other people seem to be working in this pop-up shop besides the bear, so he must be the sole owner of the establishment. The bear seems very aloof today, almost as if completely focused on his work, but not against the ideas of having customers.

What's his question? Well, that's a simple one.]

"How may Ice Bear help you?"

Comments

[icebearforpresident]

[The smile merely gets a nod from the polar bear, not to be rude, but his attention is on the cooking while holding the conversation. One paw reaches for a pinch of brown sugar, gently spreading the substance on top of the fish, before flipping it over on the grill.

It takes him a few seconds to process what Katsuya is saying, mainly out of natural skepticism, so he's not quick to respond. Instead, the bear merely flips the well-cooked salmon onto a plate with finesse, along with two bowls, filled with warm fluffy rice and a warm serving of miso soup. All three items are presented to Katsuya for consumption or for approval?]

"...What kind of savory things"

[sumarusfinest]

What a splendid looking meal. Katsuya breaks his chopsticks apart and gives a bow of his head in thanks when the meal is set in front of him.

"Thank you very much. Itadakimasu."

Katsuya has grown accustomed to eating all kinds of different cultures of food since coming here, but he really does appreciate a taste of home and this delivers in spades. Even the dishware reminds him of home and the officer can't help the pleased hum he makes after his first sip of the soup.

"That would be up to the chef, wouldn't it? I would hardly want to dictate the creative freedom of someone else. But while I have an extensive knowledge of pattiserie skills and techniques, I confess I would be working more from a book were I to attempt to create a menu for meal items. I would much rather take on someone with skills in that area and focus on what I'm best at."

The officer sets his chopsticks down gently. Smiles to Ice Bear.

"I confess, I actually was looking for you to see if you'd be interested in the position."

[icebearforpresident]

[A light nod comes from the bear, as he starts to clean the grill quietly, letting Katsuya speak his mind freely. The invite to cook whatever he wants for people, the very freedom any good cook desires, almost scares Ice Bear. He's experienced people who lack an open mind, refusing his food, and some who do the opposite.]

"..." [He's almost too quiet after hearing the offer, taking a long time to think about everything that's been said so far. The look on his face is hard to hide, his usual stoic demeanor has been reduced to a pensive, thoughtful stare.]

"...Ice Bear needs time to think about it. Gomen'nasai."

[sumarusfinest]

"I understand completely."

The officer picks up his utensils and returns to his meal for a moment. The food really is divine and Katsuya doesn't want it to go to waste. It gives him a moment to think back to the offer Radio had made him earlier.

"I said the same thing to Ms. Radio when she suggested the establishment. Please take all the time you need."

[icebearforpresident]

"Much appreciated. Ice Bear must figure out how to balance life in Nexus with home life." [That's one thing slowing him down, but the very nature of cooking for other people is something he has to work himself into.]

"Meals compliment dessert, and vice versa. What kind of things will Suou-san be making?"

[sumarusfinest]

"I confess, I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I know how to bake breads and savory dishes, but I prefer to make cakes, rolls, shortbreads, and pies. I'm quite fond of roll cakes and castella cakes in particular. As they pair well with a dark cup of coffee."

It's hard to choose a favorite however, given just how much freedom he has. It's staggering in many ways when he thinks too hard on it.

"I studied European style desserts when I was younger, though as I grow older I find myself appreciating the subtler flavors of my homeland's baking."

[icebearforpresident]

"Food that pairs well together. Ice Bear would need to synchronize meals with Suou-san's desserts. Not a challenge."

[Two competent cooks in one kitchen that won't hopefully step on each others toes? The concept of a human still asking him to cook still mystifies Ice Bear. He just shrugs his shoulders calmly.]

"What inspired Suou-san to do this?"

[sumarusfinest]

"Finally having the chance." Katsuya's answer is earnest and softly spoken as he looks down at the remnants of his delicious meal. "I would never have thought to do it by myself, but when Ms. Radio offered me the chance I..."

He chuckles slightly, finally beginning to smile.

"I couldn't think of a reason not to do it that wasn't me just denying myself what I have always had a passion for. I'm so used to putting others first. Doing what I ought to instead of what I want...part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop, but I want to do this."