Tokusatsu musebox

I'm a little tipsy.

Sake is strong, and while I've mostly gotten used to the occasional nip here and there during my years on Earth, sometimes I indulge a little too much and get the giggles.

But I can still cook dinner for myself and Ad. And I have... things I need to discuss with him. Takuto is back, sort of. I don't think he's settled yet, and without Remy (bless her) that will be even more of a trial for him before he contacts us. I only know he's back in Japan because of how closely Ein and Zwein watch what's going on down here.

He has other friends now though, and I think they take precedence at the moment. And that's okay. He belongs to this world. We do not.

I make a dish that is inspired by the robust dishes of Ad's home. Biyodo. I never visited, but I learned enough about that world when I volunteered for the military that I can make a decent replication of a passable 'family' meal. It was expected that I would marry a strong Biyodo woman and have many strong military focused children.

This was of course before we got stuck back on Earth, nearly 500 years before we were even born.

I don't focus on that though, as I cook. I think about the lives we saved by coming here, by sacrificing our futures. I think about Ad, and how much I love him.

What I need to discuss with him.

I set the table, all formal and refined. Bowls for dipping sauce, bowls for noddles, bowls for fish and meat and vegetables. Chopsticks on their rests. Napkins. Warmed sake, fresh water. Fruits for palate cleansing.

Everything is perfect. And only moments before he gets home.

He's always on time.