[ and that slight difference is what Gilbert notices, it far more than enough to erase the prickly irritation at being teased about old age. (But yes stop leaving him alone, Oz. He hates that part and will gladly accept you everywhere all the time.)
He reaches over then, bringing one hand to brush affectionately against Oz's hair before resting it on top of his head. There's the smallest smile, trying not to look concerned but hope rather than making Oz potentially shy away from disclosing what's bothering him instead make it slightly easier to open up to him. ]
He probably will be sticking close in the coming days, that said, since being without his body had been a more terrifying experience than he'd like to admit. Stuck in a state of quasi-nonexistence where he could only communicate with people through sound, where he was as good as gone to those who were deaf, not needing to eat or sleep - just... drifting. He can't recall his earliest memories well even now, but he imagines in must have been similar. An existence without any form of self-awareness wouldn't care, but Oz had been struck by how lonely it was.
That's just one of the things that happens to be on his mind, though it's not voiced just yet. His expression softens instead when he feels a hand against his head, reminded of how nice it is to have a body that can interact with the physical world.]
—I'm just thinking about how incredible it is that you would serve a meal to a cat first instead of your master! [Dastardly.
...But Oz came here for a reason today, beyond making sure that Gilbert was all right. He doesn't plan on shying away.]
[ it takes Gilbert a moment to process that, but he once he does he looks a little bit more than 'oh my god' because wow, Oz is right?! (and he doesn't even like that cat, either...!) ]
Erk— damn it, Dinah...?! [ stupid cat...!
Drawing his hand away, he immediately gets to his feet a little less gracefully than he would like to right now (time is of the essence here now), but at least he's on his feet and able to grab his apron and get to putting it on. ]
What would you like? Breakfast? Dinner...? Both—? [ the time is just about well enough for Oz to have whatever he wants. Or, you know, Oz being Oz can usually have whatever he wants, regardless. ]
[LAUGHING like a tyrant, and then following after Gilbert as he gets crackin. He's got his body back, Gil is as easy to fluster as ever, life is PRETTY GOOD. It's almost enough to distract him from the heavy topics that are about to be smacked down onto the counter!!]
Let's have breakfast for dinner! [BOTH. It's probably a little too early for dinner but whatever, they make their own rules here.
Anyway, he's going to be a kitchen helper apparently, merrily moseying his way over to the fridge and popping it open, sticking his head inside.] Do you have bacon and eggs?
[ he's definitely not going to argue, although he glances to the fridge as Oz asks his question, Gil still bringing some bowls down and setting them gently on the counter. ]
Yes, that I can be sure of. [ Dinah and Megumi are like meat monsters, so bacon is sort of a given and eggs he needs for at least just about everything else, even if not on their own, so Oz is pretty much lucky as ever.
...because, you know... it's not as if Gil would just go... GET whatever they didn't have, or anything... yep... definitely lucky... ]
[Gil no... no spree shopping on the verge of an Important Discussion!! Oz will dutifully pull out the bacon and eggs once he's found both, placing them on the counter next to the bowls that Gil's brought down.]
What about toast? Let's have some of that, too! You keep your bread over here, right?
[LIKE HE DOESN'T ALREADY KNOW he's totally making a beeline for it.]
Yeah. [ just another day with oz, it's default to answer him like that so... ]
What do you want with the toast? [ he goes back to the fridge now that oz is away from it, not quite remembering what is in there other than butter, but megumi did go shopping for him sometimes to make sure he magically had all the ingredients she demanded from him. He guesses he might have to thank her in the long run for making this situation much more catered to pretty much most of Oz's requests and any further ones he might have.
[Wow Gilbert, go thank people, it won't kill you!!
But he'll successfully rescue the loaf of bread from wherever it is, taking care to bring it back and place it on the counter wherever Gil's setting up his work.]
Hmm... [Like he really needs to think this over, either?!] What about something sweet? Do you have any jam or honey?
I have both. [ therefore you can have both, Oz!! Which means he'll being them back to set them on the counter, but away from the other ingredients since they'll be for the final touches rather than the eggs or any other prep work. ]
All right, I think we can pull this off without any missing items.
[Oz immediately goes for the jar of honey and pulls it over to himself, unscrewing the cap so he can rudely stick a finger in... He'll continue talking like he's not being a honey bandit, though!!]
I knew I could depend on Gil to be prepared! I haven't had any of your cooking in ages, so let's eat as soon as possible, okay?
[It's probably been like, a day. Maybe two... IT'S NOT RARE FOR OZ TO COME OVER TO DEMAND FOOD...]
[ and yet Oz never not continues to make him feel special, even with his exaggerations because Gil sucks this shit right up. At least, when it's from Oz.
Everyone else can jump off a bridge.
Also Oz, pls, no Winnie the Poohing over here!! But, Gil also doesn't seem to mind that Oz is doing it except for the comment: ]
It'll be fast; so don't fill yourself up on too much of that. [ you don't need that much sugar even in a lifetime for yourself, Oz!! ]
Gil doesn't even say anything, staring at Oz as he walks away to do exactly the opposite of what he just basically said not to do...!!
Which obviously just means Gil is going to turn on double time mode make this food in record time because why waste time telling him no, he needs to just feed his master properly instead of only have the honey available...?! ]
Because he really does grab a spoon and scoop out as much honey as possible, immediately sticking it into his mouth and sealing his cavity and diabetes-filled fate.]
Ah, Gil's moving at the speed of light—!
[HE'S LEAVING AGAIN... this time he comes back with a second spoon?!]
[ oh what a surprise Oz right in his path with a spoon to share in his gluttonous sugar fest with. How can one resist—
But Gil does, determined to finish this because that's way too much honey gone from that jar than when it originally left with you to find a spoon, Oz. Gil weaves the other, bringing the bowl of the uncooked scrambled eggs to the stove to pour them on and start preparing them because it's only GOOD if the eggs look pretty, too. ] ]
I'm okay; maybe after I finish this—! [ just in case Oz needed some reassurance the sharing thought counted ...
he's running by to get the bacon fixed though, just sit in a chair, Oz, he's got this! Or... Make yourself some toast with the toaster to go with your honey... ]
[Yes thanks for the much-needed reassurance Gilbert...
He's also not doing EITHER OF THOSE THINGS. Instead, he just starts tailing Gilbert around while he flits from spot to spot in the kitchen actually trying to get things accomplished. In The Way™...]
Is there anything I can help with?
[He says with the honey jar in one hand, Gilbert's spoon in the other, and another spoon still in his mouth.]
[ oh my god oz no you are making this very difficult..!!
Gil only can forever blame himself, though, because does he ask Oz to move out of the way or be careful of where he's walking/following/being a golden honey bear enjoying his newfound pre-dinner snack?
Not a chance.
Instead, he just works harder to maneuver correctly to not collide with the other in the process without having to slow down too much because haven't you ever been told if you just eat sugar you'll get parasites growing inside of you!! ]
Uhm...! You could start the toast or set the table, if you really want—but, really, you are just fine and don't need to do anything.
[which still includes having to move out of the way. Life problems of a dedicated servant. ]
[YEAH! YEAH!! HELL YEAH he's on a roll now and no one's going to stop him!! He'll put Gil's spoon down on the counter next to the honey jar, though he keeps his with him. Who knows why... just in case he gets a sudden craving in the middle of the Difficult Task that is putting pre-sliced bread into a toaster, maybe??
Which is the first thing he proceeds to do, lining up four pieces in the slots and cramming them down a little inelegantly BUT HEY, it gets the job done... He then goes back to rummaging around in the drawers, pulling out two sets of knives, spoons and forks. After that, he'll flounce off to go set the table, picking two places directly across from each other.]
That's all he can think with Oz safely out of his way as he moves around to finish these parts to the breakfast. Maybe a minute after Oz has finished table setting, Gil is standing in one place at the stove and he glances over and asks curiously: ] Do you want to wait for the toast or get started eating? If you want to start, mind bringing your plate?
[ normally he would just serve it at the table or do this himself, but Gil is making a sincere effort to let Oz help like he seems to want to and feel more like a participant rather than a spectator (and to keep him away from the honey jar as long as possible until he's had real food with done nutritional worth...). ]
[What was that about keeping Oz away from the honey jar, because he sure is slowly moseying back in its direction...
But Gil's suggestion is a successful distraction! He's quick to glance over that way instead, and then happily flits off to get his plate. He stops once he's standing even with the stove and holds it up!]
Here! [And then just sort of leaning in the direction of the stove...] Breakfast smells extra good today, somehow!
There's nothing different, maybe you're just craving this type of food?
[ thank life for its small favors, apparently. Gil almost actually sighs in relief at Oz bringing the plat over but he nods when its actually offered up for him to serve him some of it.
So he'll be piecing the eggs neatly apart with the spatula and setting them down there, as well as check the bacon before offering a few pieces while mentioning: ] ...They're not all quite done yet, but take those three and I'll bring the rest over for you when they are.
Hmm... Maybe! It's been a long time since I've had breakfast here, after all! [Like two days...
But Oz will take his plate of breakfast treasure and tromp his way back on over to the table, pleased with the meal that's about to be had. IT LOOKS REALLY GOOD. He can almost focus entirely on that and forget that he came here to talk about some really dire stuff-!!
After taking a first bite of bacon:]
Just like I hoped! Your cooking really is the best, Gil!
[ and he's thinking with great concern oh god did he not eat breakfast in the last 20 or so hours ? This is definitely concerning.
But, Oz is able to distract Gil, mostly, and he smiles over from still working to finish up the bacon. Of course he always appreciates Oz love of his cooking, but you know... it's Oz how can he not appreciate it continuously?! ]
I'm a little worried what you are eating when not my cooking, if it's so enjoyable again. [ actually a lot worried because didn't he feed you recently or was that Dinah...!! Not that Oz has never not gone out of his way to be excited about it, but, still... ]
If you think so, though, that's all the confirmation I need.
I've been trying to cook for myself more, lately! [Which says about all that needs to be said, considering Oz still occasionally sets fire to his apartment even after having months to get used to the appliances in the kitchen...
But he'll crunch his way through about half of that piece of bacon before speaking up again.]
You know, I've tried a lot of cooking since I got here! People make extra food all the time, and there are so many restaurants... But yours is still my favorite. [His smile becomes a little more subdued after that, and he says (to his eggs):]
I'm glad you're here. I know it isn't the best place to be sometimes, but... [It's already hard enough without Alice. He's not sure he would be able to handle things even half as well without Gil, too.]
[ Gil actually really smiles at that, looking back to the stove a moment longer before pulling the pan off to bring over to the table. ]
I'm glad you're here, too. It doesn't have to be the best place; if you're here, it's where I belong.
[ and Alice missing does make it hard, and he knows it far more so for Oz than himself.
He puts a some more bacon on Oz's plate before putting some egg and bacon onto his own, finally setting the remaining pieces on a plate in the center of the table for easy grabbing later and returns to go turn the stove off and set the pan down on an alternate burner to cool off. ]
And... you will be making food just as well with a little more time. [ ok maybe not but Gil is biased and Oz can do anything (but it'd be a lie to say he's not happy at the idea Oz doesn't and depends on him, instead, so no complaints from Gil here, ever. ]
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He reaches over then, bringing one hand to brush affectionately against Oz's hair before resting it on top of his head. There's the smallest smile, trying not to look concerned but hope rather than making Oz potentially shy away from disclosing what's bothering him instead make it slightly easier to open up to him. ]
...Something on your mind?
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He probably will be sticking close in the coming days, that said, since being without his body had been a more terrifying experience than he'd like to admit. Stuck in a state of quasi-nonexistence where he could only communicate with people through sound, where he was as good as gone to those who were deaf, not needing to eat or sleep - just... drifting. He can't recall his earliest memories well even now, but he imagines in must have been similar. An existence without any form of self-awareness wouldn't care, but Oz had been struck by how lonely it was.
That's just one of the things that happens to be on his mind, though it's not voiced just yet. His expression softens instead when he feels a hand against his head, reminded of how nice it is to have a body that can interact with the physical world.]
—I'm just thinking about how incredible it is that you would serve a meal to a cat first instead of your master! [Dastardly.
...But Oz came here for a reason today, beyond making sure that Gilbert was all right. He doesn't plan on shying away.]
We can talk while we eat.
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Erk— damn it, Dinah...?! [ stupid cat...!
Drawing his hand away, he immediately gets to his feet a little less gracefully than he would like to right now (time is of the essence here now), but at least he's on his feet and able to grab his apron and get to putting it on. ]
What would you like? Breakfast? Dinner...? Both—? [ the time is just about well enough for Oz to have whatever he wants. Or, you know, Oz being Oz can usually have whatever he wants, regardless. ]
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Let's have breakfast for dinner! [BOTH. It's probably a little too early for dinner but whatever, they make their own rules here.
Anyway, he's going to be a kitchen helper apparently, merrily moseying his way over to the fridge and popping it open, sticking his head inside.] Do you have bacon and eggs?
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[ he's definitely not going to argue, although he glances to the fridge as Oz asks his question, Gil still bringing some bowls down and setting them gently on the counter. ]
Yes, that I can be sure of. [ Dinah and Megumi are like meat monsters, so bacon is sort of a given and eggs he needs for at least just about everything else, even if not on their own, so Oz is pretty much lucky as ever.
...because, you know... it's not as if Gil would just go... GET whatever they didn't have, or anything... yep... definitely lucky... ]
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What about toast? Let's have some of that, too! You keep your bread over here, right?
[LIKE HE DOESN'T ALREADY KNOW he's totally making a beeline for it.]
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What do you want with the toast? [ he goes back to the fridge now that oz is away from it, not quite remembering what is in there other than butter, but megumi did go shopping for him sometimes to make sure he magically had all the ingredients she demanded from him. He guesses he might have to thank her in the long run for making this situation much more catered to pretty much most of Oz's requests and any further ones he might have.
...he doesn't want to thank her, though, ugh. ]
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But he'll successfully rescue the loaf of bread from wherever it is, taking care to bring it back and place it on the counter wherever Gil's setting up his work.]
Hmm... [Like he really needs to think this over, either?!] What about something sweet? Do you have any jam or honey?
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All right, I think we can pull this off without any missing items.
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I knew I could depend on Gil to be prepared! I haven't had any of your cooking in ages, so let's eat as soon as possible, okay?
[It's probably been like, a day. Maybe two... IT'S NOT RARE FOR OZ TO COME OVER TO DEMAND FOOD...]
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Everyone else can jump off a bridge.
Also Oz, pls, no Winnie the Poohing over here!! But, Gil also doesn't seem to mind that Oz is doing it except for the comment: ]
It'll be fast; so don't fill yourself up on too much of that. [ you don't need that much sugar even in a lifetime for yourself, Oz!! ]
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I won't, I won't! [WAVING HIS FREE HAND.] This is really good, though. I think I could eat a whole spoonful by itself...
[He's turning around... he's walking away... he's digging through Gil's drawers to find a spoon.]
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Gil doesn't even say anything, staring at Oz as he walks away to do exactly the opposite of what he just basically said not to do...!!
Which obviously just means Gil is going to turn on double time mode make this food in record time because why waste time telling him no, he needs to just feed his master properly instead of only have the honey available...?! ]
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Because he really does grab a spoon and scoop out as much honey as possible, immediately sticking it into his mouth and sealing his cavity and diabetes-filled fate.]
Ah, Gil's moving at the speed of light—!
[HE'S LEAVING AGAIN... this time he comes back with a second spoon?!]
Do you want some, too?
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But Gil does, determined to finish this because that's way too much honey gone from that jar than when it originally left with you to find a spoon, Oz. Gil weaves the other, bringing the bowl of the uncooked scrambled eggs to the stove to pour them on and start preparing them because it's only GOOD if the eggs look pretty, too. ]
]
I'm okay; maybe after I finish this—! [ just in case Oz needed some reassurance the sharing thought counted ...
he's running by to get the bacon fixed though, just sit in a chair, Oz, he's got this! Or... Make yourself some toast with the toaster to go with your honey... ]
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He's also not doing EITHER OF THOSE THINGS. Instead, he just starts tailing Gilbert around while he flits from spot to spot in the kitchen actually trying to get things accomplished. In The Way™...]
Is there anything I can help with?
[He says with the honey jar in one hand, Gilbert's spoon in the other, and another spoon still in his mouth.]
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Gil only can forever blame himself, though, because does he ask Oz to move out of the way or be careful of where he's walking/following/being a golden honey bear enjoying his newfound pre-dinner snack?
Not a chance.
Instead, he just works harder to maneuver correctly to not collide with the other in the process without having to slow down too much because haven't you ever been told if you just eat sugar you'll get parasites growing inside of you!! ]
Uhm...! You could start the toast or set the table, if you really want—but, really, you are just fine and don't need to do anything.
[which still includes having to move out of the way. Life problems of a dedicated servant. ]
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[YEAH! YEAH!! HELL YEAH he's on a roll now and no one's going to stop him!! He'll put Gil's spoon down on the counter next to the honey jar, though he keeps his with him. Who knows why... just in case he gets a sudden craving in the middle of the Difficult Task that is putting pre-sliced bread into a toaster, maybe??
Which is the first thing he proceeds to do, lining up four pieces in the slots and cramming them down a little inelegantly BUT HEY, it gets the job done... He then goes back to rummaging around in the drawers, pulling out two sets of knives, spoons and forks. After that, he'll flounce off to go set the table, picking two places directly across from each other.]
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That's all he can think with Oz safely out of his way as he moves around to finish these parts to the breakfast. Maybe a minute after Oz has finished table setting, Gil is standing in one place at the stove and he glances over and asks curiously: ] Do you want to wait for the toast or get started eating? If you want to start, mind bringing your plate?
[ normally he would just serve it at the table or do this himself, but Gil is making a sincere effort to let Oz help like he seems to want to and feel more like a participant rather than a spectator (and to keep him away from the honey jar as long as possible until he's had real food with done nutritional worth...). ]
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But Gil's suggestion is a successful distraction! He's quick to glance over that way instead, and then happily flits off to get his plate. He stops once he's standing even with the stove and holds it up!]
Here! [And then just sort of leaning in the direction of the stove...] Breakfast smells extra good today, somehow!
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[ thank life for its small favors, apparently. Gil almost actually sighs in relief at Oz bringing the plat over but he nods when its actually offered up for him to serve him some of it.
So he'll be piecing the eggs neatly apart with the spatula and setting them down there, as well as check the bacon before offering a few pieces while mentioning: ] ...They're not all quite done yet, but take those three and I'll bring the rest over for you when they are.
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But Oz will take his plate of breakfast treasure and tromp his way back on over to the table, pleased with the meal that's about to be had. IT LOOKS REALLY GOOD. He can almost focus entirely on that and forget that he came here to talk about some really dire stuff-!!
After taking a first bite of bacon:]
Just like I hoped! Your cooking really is the best, Gil!
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But, Oz is able to distract Gil, mostly, and he smiles over from still working to finish up the bacon. Of course he always appreciates Oz love of his cooking, but you know... it's Oz how can he not appreciate it continuously?! ]
I'm a little worried what you are eating when not my cooking, if it's so enjoyable again. [ actually a lot worried because didn't he feed you recently
or was that Dinah...!! Not that Oz has never not gone out of his way to be excited about it, but, still... ]If you think so, though, that's all the confirmation I need.
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I've been trying to cook for myself more, lately! [Which says about all that needs to be said, considering Oz still occasionally sets fire to his apartment even after having months to get used to the appliances in the kitchen...
But he'll crunch his way through about half of that piece of bacon before speaking up again.]
You know, I've tried a lot of cooking since I got here! People make extra food all the time, and there are so many restaurants... But yours is still my favorite. [His smile becomes a little more subdued after that, and he says (to his eggs):]
I'm glad you're here. I know it isn't the best place to be sometimes, but... [It's already hard enough without Alice. He's not sure he would be able to handle things even half as well without Gil, too.]
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I'm glad you're here, too. It doesn't have to be the best place; if you're here, it's where I belong.
[ and Alice missing does make it hard, and he knows it far more so for Oz than himself.
He puts a some more bacon on Oz's plate before putting some egg and bacon onto his own, finally setting the remaining pieces on a plate in the center of the table for easy grabbing later and returns to go turn the stove off and set the pan down on an alternate burner to cool off. ]
And... you will be making food just as well with a little more time. [ ok maybe not but Gil is biased and Oz can do anything (but it'd be a lie to say he's not happy at the idea Oz doesn't and depends on him, instead, so no complaints from Gil here, ever. ]
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