Posted by Civilian Cort Belanger (Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.) in You Won, But Did You Really?

Posted by Civilian Dorma Fen (Governor’s Assistant) in You Won, But Did You Really?

Posted by Civilian Cort Belanger (Executive Assistant to Lt. Gov.) in You Won, But Did You Really?
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻

(snip)

The ease between them as they chatted had been so counter to the tension when they had first arrived. Deception or not (and that deception was something he’d have to deal with later), this was the enjoyable evening they had hoped he’d have, and she wasn’t wrong that he needed a break. They both did. Something to ease the immense stress they were both under. Her sudden shift in demeanour though wasn’t lost on Cort, but like the gentleman he’d been raised to be, he drew no more attention to it. Moving back to his normal posture, he feigned deep pondering, though he was actually trying to figure it out what to say about the dish. He looked towards the kitchen as he laid out his verdict. “At first it seems like very simple dish, but it’s deceptive. What is really just a myriad of ingredients cooked quickly is all perfectly timed so that each ingredient is at its best. Then you couple that with the sauce, which, wow, that was a surprise, and it all comes together in a beautiful way. Not going to lie, tofu is not my favourite thing to eat, but I’ve never had it this way, and it was so intriguing I’m tempted to revisit my previous uncertainty about it. All in all, a wonderful surprise that was very enjoyable to eat.” Finally he looked at her and smiled, deeply and sincerely.

~Cort Belanger

She smiled back slightly and then said “Thank you. I am… glad that you enjoyed it.” Shebsat quietly for a moment and then said “Well, that is all I had planned for the outing. I hope you found it enjoyable. I’d hate to think you didn’t get your money’s worth.”

Dorma Fen

Cort grinned and shook his head. “I can’t say I’ve ever been a part of a class final before, but it was very interesting and I learned a lot. And I’m still honoured you made your family’s dish, so thank you,” he said sincerely. “I hope you enjoyed yourself as well?”

~Cort Belanger

She smiled and said “I did. I was hoping the evening would be at least unique, if not enjoyable. At least memorable, if nothing else.” She stood up and held out a hand to Cort. “Thank you, Cort. I had a wonderful evening.”

Dorma Fen

Cort stood as well and took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he rested his other hand over hers for a brief moment. “I’m glad,” he said intently before he smiled. “Now, can I help clean up?”

~Cort Belanger

The color to her cheeks was noticeable, as was the hesitation before she slowly slid her hand from his. “N-no. The students will come in in a bit and finish cleaning and do prep work for tomorrow.” and she gave a slightly nervous chuckle. “A true kitchen rarely sleeps, after all. But I do have to sign off on the exams and then file the results. Do you need me to show you the way out? There is a slider waiting.”

Dorma Fen