Chapter 171 - New Years

“What time will your parents be here?” Luna asked.

“Just a little after noon, I think?” I guessed.

“After noon? Got it.” Luna nodded, “Are they the types that like to decorate for holidays and whatnot? I know my parents are, so, I’m trying to get everything done before they get here.”

“Mm…” I thought about it for a moment, “I know mama likes seeing the decorations, but, I don’t think she likes decorating it herself. She’d rather see the finished result. As for papa? Yeah, he actually likes decorating”

“I see,” She moved the ladder over then pinned some ribbons to the wall, “What about you? Do you like decorating?”

“I do,” I nodded, “I love decorating thing! Couldn’t you tell from all the stickers on the desk?” I chuckled.

“Ah, right. But, that was all minor things, no? I’m talking about the huge decorations, like the inflatables people put on their front lawns.”

“Oh that stuff. Eh, it seems like a huge hassle, honestly. I like it, but, cleaning it up would be a mess.”

“I agree, I agree.” She said, “Fun to see, terrible to clean.”

“I think it’d be fun to decorate something like the guild building though! Whenever we eventually get that built. But, for the house, I think the small stuff is all we need.”

“Mhm.” She nodded.

“Ah, but, we’re for sure paying people to do it, right?” I asked, “Like, imagine a full Christmas themed guild building just for the month! We could have raccoons or mice with Santa hats on the walls. Maybe a grand Christmas tree or even fake reindeer on the roof with a sleigh? I don’t know, but, it’d be fun to see all the guild members wearing Santa hats or something.”

“Pfft, sounds ambitious,” Luna chuckled, “You think we’ll have the guild building before next Christmas?”

“Easily!” I nodded confidently. Then, after a moment, I continued, “Say, how fast is construction when you’ve got awakeners doing it?”

“I’m not exactly sure,” Luna tilted her head, “But, I do know that a few years ago, the guild: ‘Indigo Petals’ had their guild building built in like two months. And that thing is pretty big—At least three stories tall. So, that’s probably a good reference point.”

“Oh! Then, we can get the house built in like a month then, right? Our house is gonna be way smaller than their guild building.” I paused, thought about it for a moment and then continued, “Well, only the house probably. I’m not even sure we have enough to buy everything else.”

“Hopefully.” She nodded, “But, it’s fine even if we don’t. We can just take it one step at a time. No need to rush.”

“True, true.”

By the time we finished talking, Luna had strung up all the ribbons and decorations. We had balloons floating around and there was a delicious cake baking in the oven—Courtesy of Chef Stella, of course!

The apartment looked nice. Though, decorating for new years and not Christmas was certainly a choice. It’s kind of funny, especially considering we’re taking down everything tomorrow.

Anyways! I’m happy since I have cake!

Who knows, maybe I’ll even make two!

Hehe…Or three.

…

“Um…” Luna stared as I flipped the chocolate cake onto the plate.

I frosted it with more chocolate and flipped another chocolate cake onto it, stacking it. Honestly, there was probably enough chocolate to make me go into a chocolate coma! And, that’s exactly what I wanted! Hehe!

After the cake pans were empty, I started preparing to make another cake.

“Bin…” Luna hesitantly said.

“What’s up?” I asked, cracking eggs into the bowl.

“Do we…Really need this much cake?” She asked, “This is your fourth one…The other three are still untouched.”

“Oh! For sure! Do you know how many people are coming to this party?”

“…Four? Your parents, my parents, and you and me. So, I guess six, including us.”

Unfortunately, Bryson, Cassian, Colby, and their parents weren’t invited. I am so saddened by that news! I’m absolutely devastated and not smiling about that. Hehe.

This chapter was taken from the site the author publishes on without permission, and its official version supports their work.

But, really, Luna’s apartment wasn’t big enough to fit that many people. When we get the house built, then, we can have holidays and whatnot with everyone invited.

“Six people? And we only have four cakes!?” I said, sounding concerned, “We’re gonna need more! I need to bump the cake production into overdrive!”

“…” Luna stared at me in silence, “Can you even fit this much cake in that tiny stomach of yours?”

“Hehe, don’t you know already?”

“Right, silly question.” She shook her head with a smile.

“Anyways, genuinely, I think we need one more cake after this. So, five total. Mama loves cake a lot, she eats even more desserts than me. Papa will also eat a few slices. How much does your family eat?” I asked.

“Um…My mom will probably eat a few slices. My dad, well, he’s a coinflip whether he can eat a whole cake or one slice. I won’t eat much. Maybe just half a cake?”

“Hm…” I did some calculations and logistics in my head before nodding, satisfied, “Alright! Perfect! Two more cakes it is then!”

“…In what galaxy did the math line up to that?”

“This one of course!” I giggled, “Anything that doesn’t get finished today, I’ll just keep in the fridge for another day! See, this is called meal prep.”

“That’s not meal prep! You just want to eat cake everyday!” She said.

“I think that’s exactly what meal prep is?” I tilted my head before starting to laugh.

Yeah, she caught me. Sometimes, when I want to eat cake, I don’t feel like baking. So! While I’m in a baking mood, I’m just stockpiling them!

“You know what I mean!” She laughed.

“Hehe.”

“But…Why all chocolate? Like…An excessive amount of chocolate? I know it’s good, but…You don’t think this is a little much?”

“Nope!” I proudly shook my head, “Would you say the same thing if I loaded these things up with strawberries?” I asked.

“…Touché.”

While we were chatting, we heard the doorbell ring. Luna and I looked at each other before she spoke,

“I’ll go get it.”

“Mm.” I nodded, continuing to whisk the cake batter.

I heard familiar voices coming from the door.

“Oh!” Mama said, “If it isn’t my adorable, future daughter-in-law! Come here, sweetie.” She sounded happy.

“Hello, Mrs. Nyxotol, Mr. Nyxotol.” Luna politely greeted them. I assumed mama and Luna hugged.

“Oh, please, Elara and Marcel work fine.” Mama said, “More casual that way, you know?”

“Then…Okay, Elara, Marcel. Please, come on in.” Luna said.

“Thank you, sweetie.” She said, she paused for a moment before continuing, “So…My daughter is too busy to come greet her pitiful mama after she had such a terrible time in a gate? We even missed spending Christmas together…” She fake sniffled.

What’s with this guilt-trip!?

“Mama!” I shouted from the kitchen, “I’m baking cake!”

“Ah! Never mind then! Continue what you’re doing, my beautiful baby! Ignore mama and papa all you want!” Her voice went from pitiful to excited in a matter of seconds, “Oh! I smell it now, is it chocolate?”

“Yes!” I replied.

“I like the decorations,” Papa said, “Simple but nice.”

“Thank you.” Luna said.

A few moments later, they all walked into the kitchen. I was taste testing some of the cake mix, making sure it didn’t need any more sugar or cocoa.

As I popped the spoon in my mouth, I felt arms wrapping around me from behind.

It wasn’t Luna. Even without looking, I could tell.

“How’re you doing, my precious little baby?” Mama asked, planting her chin on my head, “How about you let mama taste test a little?”

“No way!” I said with the spoon still in my mouth, “It’ll just be a snack if I let you have it! Go eat some of the cake that’s already made!”

“Aw, but, the batter is the best part. Here, just feed me, ahhh.”

“Papa! The rule! The rule!” I repeated.

“Come on,” Papa said, grabbing mama, “She’s right, bothering the cook is off-limits.”

“No! This is unfair! I just want a little bite!” Mama shouted as papa pulled her away.

“…Rule?” Luna whispered to me.

“My family has a rule that you can’t bother the person who’s cooking. It’s pretty much made for mama since she always likes to ‘snack’ on whatever’s being made.” I said.

“Oh, then…Should I not bother you anymore when your cooking?” Luna asked.

“Pfft, no, you’re never a bother.” I chuckled, “I like it when you’re by my side while I’m cooking.”

“Oh, oh, oh my,” I heard mama’s voice from the side, “Where did she learn that from? My daughter seems to be quite the flirt, eh?”

I froze, nearly dropping the bowl of cake batter to the floor. My face flushed red.

D-Did she really just hear me flirting with Luna!? I thought I was whispering!!! WAH!

Luna’s face also flushed red and she froze, not moving a muscle.

“Where’s your tact?” Papa said with a sigh.

“What? There’s nothing wrong with flirting, especially with your love.” Mama said.

“Ahem!” I coughed, “Mouse, why don’t you show my parents around the place?”

“S-Sure.” Luna quickly nodded, “Elara, Marcel, if you wouldn’t mind following me.”

“Gladly.” Mama smiled.

When they left the kitchen, I breathed a sigh of relief and finished up with this cake. After it was in the oven, I washed the utensils and anything else I used.

With that done, it was time to start working on the actual dinner…I wasn’t going to make a fifth cake.

Now, is there an argument to be made that I probably should’ve made the dinner first and the dessert last? Nah!

I was planning on making things that were simple but delicious.

Grabbing the ingredients from the fridge, I rubbed my hands together before getting to work.

…

While I was in the process of making the mac and cheese, the doorbell rang. If I’m not mistaken, that should be Luna’s parents.

I immediately stopped what I was doing, making sure the stove wouldn’t catch on fire or anything and peeked towards the front door from the kitchen. I’m not gonna lie, I really wanted to see my parents and her parents meet.

Half because I’m interested in their initial impressions of each other—I mean, you have Luna’s mom, a nun, meeting my mama! And the other half is I’m worried that they might not get along. I wouldn’t even know what to do if that was the case.

So, I could only hold my breath as I watched Luna open the door.

Two familiar figures appeared outside.

“Mom, dad, you’re here?” Luna said.

“Luna,” The familiar gentle voice said, “We’re here. It’s good to see you again.” They hugged.

“Looks like you spiced up the place, huh?” Nathan said, “Where’s Stella?” He asked.

“She’s cooking dinner,” Luna replied, “Come on in. Her parents are here too.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful.” Julia said, “I’ve been looking forward to meeting them.”

“Me too,” Nathan nodded.

When they came inside, Luna didn’t even have to show them around. They could see my parents from the entrance.

A moment of silence passed as my mom was to first to speak,

“Wow! You’re gorgeous, your skin is super beautiful, what’s your routine?” Mama asked as they approached each other.

“Thank you,” Julia smiled, “It’s nothing special, just the basic routine. Cleanser, toner, etcetera. I feel like I should be asking you instead, you look exquisite.”

“Haha, thank you.” Mama smiled, “My name is Elara Nyxotol, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Julia, Julia Britemill.” They shook hands and headed to the couch together to chat some more.

Papa and Nathan also met up. It was a little harder to hear them speak, as, they were quieter than the mothers, but, with a little concentration, I heard them.

“Marcel Nyxotol, nice to meet you.” Papa said, extending his hand.

“Nathan Britemill,” They firmly shook hands, “Are you into sports?” Nathan asked.

“I like watching the awakener’s league from time to time.”

When Papa said that, the two of them seemed to get serious as they eyed each other.

“Who’s your team?” Nathan asked.

“Gators.” Papa answered.

That seemed to be the right answer as Nathan started to smile brightly,

“Great! Did you see how crazy Gary Steed’s movement was last match? It was absolutely insane!”

Papa also smiled as he replied,

“Steed’s movement was great, but, Parker’s 1v2 was even more outrageous.”

They headed to the couch, a bit away from the wives as they continued to talk sports.

Seeing that everyone was getting along well, I breathed a sigh of relief as I headed back to the stove.

But, before I could continue cooking, I felt arms wrap around me as a familiar, beautiful voice spoke in my ear,

“Looks like they get along, huh?” Luna asked.

“Thankfully.” I replied with a smile, leaning into her, “I’m glad I didn’t have to execute plan b.”

“…What’s plan b?” Luna asked hesitantly.

“I was gonna throw a bouncy ball with the bouncy potion applied to it in the room. They could’ve bonded over a shared experience or something.”

“…I’m glad it didn’t come to that.” Luna said after a moment.

I giggled.

“Can I help you cook?” She asked.

“Sure.” I smiled, “Right now, we just need to slowly add in the cheese as we stir.”

“Got it.” Luna nodded.

I placed my hand over hers as she held the spoon, and we stirred together.