#how dare you djkwqf

[freedthedark]

@kurogane-redfox approached: "Freed, I've been wonderin' 'bout somethin' ya don't gotta answer if ya'd rather not, but... I heard that yer cookin' ain't as great as it used to be?"

He wasn't going to say who said it but that was mostly because he'd forgotten where he heard it from, though it was likely Bickslow was the culprit. The Dragon knew that Freed enjoyed cooking so perhaps the two could have a small bonding activity with the Dragon himself offering the other male some cooking lessons? Or even, just teaching him a few small recipes? "I know a few recipes that ya might like and I'm fairly sure Laxus will too. If ya want I can teach 'em to ya. We can even use my kitchen, produce, and pantry." He was surprisingly P A T I E N T with anyone he was teaching something. Which would be something Freed was already aware of due to the guitar lessons from the past. The Iron Dragon easily considered Freed one of his closest friends and he respected the rune wizard immensely. "Hell, if ya have some recipes yer wantin' to try I'm willin' to give ya any pointers if ya want 'em too." He wouldn't mind if a mess arose in his kitchen, the counters and floors were incredibly easy to clean. His home was fully stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs he grew himself. There was also a lot of fresh fish, beef, chicken, and some pork cuts available too. Given the Dragon's ability with his magic it wouldn't come as a shock to anyone that he also sliced, chopped, and fileted his own meat.

     "And what is that supposed to mean?" His posture had been rather relaxed until Gajeel directed his statement disguised as question at him. Freed straightened himself though arms remained conjoined before his chest. His visible cerluean eye gained a spark of displeasure as he gazed directly at the other male, though tone remained calm with the slightest sharp edge to it. Of course; he'd perfected holding up a specific demeanor and playing around with different features of face and voice to have certain effects on whoever was facing him. The streak of irritation was by no means directed at the dragon slayer himself but rather at whoever had spewed such false allegation about his cooking skill.

     Not as great as it used to be? Oh of course he knew what that meant in a literal sense but he couldn't help but feel a touch of offence at the words. Was it the damned winged fish again? Nobody was perfect; his cooking skill was amazing. He had yet to figure out a well-working recept for this particular sort of fish, however. Whoever dared to say such thing about his cooking, which he knew was great and he wouldn't know why he should have been slacking (except for being absent for a very long time and not having much time for cooking, perchance), surely must have had a specific reason to do so. Or, it had been Bickslow for real.

     The Raijinshuu's captain found himself shifting, arms detangling as he rested one hand on the table-top and let fingers tap against the wooden surface. Thin brows were furrowed and he had no intention of interrupting the other; he was still caught on the fact that somebody would dare to try and insult his dishes but he had no problems keeping up with the words that were being spoken. So once Gajeel had finished his proposition, the rune magician leaned back in his chair again. Facial expression remained as it was, not even scrunching up his nose or anything of the like. Freed was well aware that his friend meant well; that didn't alter the fact that he felt as though he was being patronized at this very moment and was not at all fond of such way to interact with him.

     "First and foremost, you're very well aware that I welcome opportunities to polish my abilities and broaden my knowledge or, in this case, selection of recipes. I would also be interested in seeing your kitchen," he began to explain and give his agreement. He'd begun learning how to play the guitar; having general music knowledge and skills with the piano and violin helped immensely. On top of that, Gajeel really was a patient teacher. Freed appreciated any moment of bonding but there was something he certainly didn't appreciate. "Howsoever," and the slightest sharp edge to his deep voice made a return. "I would like to know which loose tongue dared to target my cooking ability in such a manner. I cannot say myself that I have noticed any decrease in quality."