fifth glance from the crow's nest -- sound/action to crew (backdated to the 23rd)

[forthevillage]

As much as this competition has pit us against each other, I would ask that we not all lose sight of the fact that we're still being used by others for another purpose. We are still all better off as allies than as enemies.

[This has been your daily soapbox moment.]


[action on the sea princess]

[Itachi hasn't forgotten what day it is. His brother had honored his birthday, so it's only right that he do the same. A cake is out of the question, as he knows Sasuke doesn't like sweet things. That doesn't mean he can't cook him something else, however. With all the supplies (and still edible vegetables) they have on the ship right now, it shouldn't be a problem.

Shouldn't.

None of the training he'd gone through in becoming the best ninja he could had involved cooking. Putting together a simple meal for the road is one thing. Making something nice for a family member is something else entirely. He believes he should be able to do it - he's gotten a hold of a decent cookbook - so he's going to give it a shot. It can't be too difficult.

Anyone who nears the kitchen this evening might be privy to the smell of burnt vegetables or the disgruntled noises of one young ninja.]

Comments

[forthevillage]

[Sneaking up on Itachi isn't an easy thing, but if anyone could do it Sasuke could. It helps that the younger ninja is completely distracted by the task at hand, moreso than usual as it's frustrating him.

Hearing his brother's voice causes him to freeze up and jerk his head around with a very deer-in-headlights look.]

No. ...No, I have this under control. Thank you.

[thethundersaid]

[Well, that's an unusual reaction -- unusual enough that Sasuke frowns, stepping fully into the kitchen instead of just leaning in the doorway. A look around doesn't reveal any immediate danger beyond that burning vegetable smell from earlier, which ... shouldn't be enough to have thrown his brother this much.

Probably?]

Are you sure? I don't have anything else to do right now.

[forthevillage]

I'm positive.

[He's standing just in the way of Sasuke's view of the food, but doesn't move further. That will make it too obvious that he's trying to keep his brother from seeing it.]

I will be able to finish up myself. There were simply a few setbacks.

[thethundersaid]

[Setbacks make it sound like Itachi was on a mission in the kitchen, which, granted, there have been some boring times on this ship, but there's actually quite a bit going on these days that Sasuke knows of. He pauses, then offers with a certain amount of hesitation:]

I was going to eat soon anyway, so we might as well just make enough for both of us.

[forthevillage]

Ah... That's not...

[He sighs.]

If you take a seat, I'll do my best to finish up. I've almost got it right, I think.

[thethundersaid]

[He wants to protest again, but Itachi seems oddly set on doing this himself, so Sasuke sits at the closest counter with a dubious expression.]

What are you making?

[forthevillage]

[There may be no surprise anymore, but at least he can continue to make this for his brother.]

It's almost like a casserole, though I've had to improvise due to the equipment we have... Tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplants with a little seasoning and some breadcrumbs.

... I thought you might like it.

[thethundersaid]

[The concept sounds tasty enough, and it's starting to smell good, which makes Sasuke rather glad that Itachi is willing to share. That last makes him blink, though, sitting up a bit more to peer over Itachi's shoulder.]

Were you planning to share from the beginning?

[It's not like they don't usually eat together, but not often is it quite so elaborate or planned.]

[forthevillage]

I had planned on making it for you from the beginning.

[No point in hiding it now. He can't lie to his brother here like he did before.He'll just be revealing this to him earlier than anticipated.]

It's your birthday, after all.