Who: Izzy and Al When: Recently Where: Baxter’s Bakery Too What: Catching up Rating/Warnings: Low/None Status: Completed gdoc
Al had become somewhat of a regular in the early mornings at Baxter’s Too when he was working at the hospital. He was a sweet young man and Izzy liked chatting with him while she worked. She’d told him about the TV show she and Audrey were taking part in and that he should be prepared to try lots of different things while she practiced techniques to win the competition.
She was just waiting for some baklava to come out of the oven when the bell over the door tinkled to signal an arrival.
***
“Goooood morning, oh magical bakery of so-very divine treats! I once more come to you early to expand my waistline and get morning sustenance!” Al grinned as he came in, waving to those he knew. He had a habit of tipping well, and of being nice to everyone, so he had made friends.
When he spotted Izzy, he smiled wider. ”Morning, oh, angel of baking!”
***
Laughing Izzy looked up with a grin, “Good morning, doctor sunshine” she replied, “I have some tasty new treats for you to try today” she informed him. Coming out from behind the counter to give him a quick hug, “Take a seat and I’ll bring some things over”
***
Seeing and hearing her, he chuckled, and smiled wider. This was his favorite place to be. “Ooooh! New treats? You are the most awesome!” Al hugged her, then he settled to a seat bouncily as he watched her and the place.
“How are things here?”
***
“Don’t say that just yet, you might not like them” Izzy teased him with a grin and a wink before she moved to prepare his drink and grab some of the new pastries she had been working on.
“Things are good, we’ve been taking a lot of Halloween party food orders. I’m already sick of themed cookies” she chuckled, “How about you?”
***
Alphonse chuckled. “Not like them? Your work? Come on.” He looked her askance. He frankly did not believe it. She made damned good stuff. He waggled a finger at her. “You make amazing food.”
He grinned as he watched her, and listened.
“Yeah? I have been working and going to school. Pretty much the same. Occasional nights in with a friend, but nothing exciting.” he shook his head.
***
Izzy laughed, “Thanks Al, I hope that never changes” she told him, her passion for baking was still as strong as ever thankfully so she was dedicated to making things as excellent as possible.
“That sounds good to me. Nights in can be some of the best nights” she said, “And you know closer to Christmas you’ll be able to watch me and Audrey take on the Baking Challenge on the television” she winked.
***
“I am sure it won’t.” He nodded to her. He had faith in her. She was a very good, very smart, baker, and he liked what she did.
“They are. Nights in with the twin and Minako are the best nights ever.” He grinned at her. “I will have to do that. And lay some bets on you. One thing you’ll learn about med students is that we bet on everything.”
***
Izzy laughed as she came over with a tray full of new samples and of course his drink, “Oh well now that’s pressure to win. Can’t have you out of pocket for betting on us” she grinned.
“I guess it helps keep things interesting on a long shift”
***
Al nodded. “Bah. It would be worth it, and I doubt it will be likely you would lose, anyway.” he smiled softly. “I am proud of you both for just entering this and playing it.” He smiled softly.
“I’ll be cheering for you.”
***
“Well thank you. I truly appreciate your support and your feedback” she added, because Al really had become someone that she relied on to tell her the truth when it came to the new flavors she was trying out.
***
“You’re welcome. I always try to give you accurate and honest answers.”
With a nod, Al dug into her new treats, trying each one slowly, and noting down his thoughts in clear handwriting on a notepad he had for just such occasions. His handwriting was precise and evenly spaced, very easy to read, a habit he had developed while studying the subjects his brother was facing in the military.
Not everything was perfect, but as he had come to expect, most of the food made by her was excellent, and tasted delicious, even if one delicious item was not to his taste. He was not a fan of cinnamon, but he gave it an honest rating despite that.
When he was done, he pulled the notes and looked across to her, raising his hand to let her know he was done and that he had notes.
***
“You definitely do and it’s something I really do appreciate” Izzy was glad he did, she wouldn’t want to put up a new item for sale which wasn’t the absolute best they could make.
Izzy was so glad she’d struck up a conversation with him the first time he’d been in and almost fallen asleep at one of the tables. He had become someone she truly valued as a friend and taste tester.
“Oh wonderful, you really are a star” she said, glancing quickly over his notes, “I have to admit I had reservations about the cinnamon too, I know it’s a divider with a lot of people” she commented.
***
“Thank you.” He smiled and blushed brightly at her words. He had never known someone so openly complementary as her and it was hard to maintain his composure the way she said things. Argh! Steady on, Alphonse!
He liked Izzy and her words and statements were things he knew he could trust.
“I am not a fan of cinnamon, but it seemed stronger in that one.”
*** Izzy appreciated the help he was giving them so naturally she would show her gratitude and she was a pretty friendly person so she tended to be open and nice to others, especially her friends.
“Mmm” she nodded, “I think it’s the way we’re mixing it in with the dough, it makes it stronger” she nodded, “I’ll play around with it and see what I can do” Maybe reducing the amount and adding vanilla too would help.
***
“I’m glad I know you.” He nodded to her. “You’re pretty cool.” He listened as she spoke. “I am terrible at cooking. I could never do this.” He nodded again. He could burn water without even trying.
“I bet anything you do will be marvelous.”
***
“Thanks, you’re pretty cool too you know. In my dreams I am the worst cook ever, I kept worrying that it might transfer to here but so far I’ve been lucky” she admitted.
“That is very sweet of you, I hope I’ll find some way to make them better”
***
He smiled to her, and rose to give her a hug. “I think you are a good cook. And I am lucky to know you, both as a cook and as a friend. How are things going in the rest of your life?”
He sat back down, knowing he would have to go soon, but wanting to at least check on her before he did.
***
“Aww thank you Al, I’m lucky to know you too” Izzy said returning the hug, “Things are good. I’m still thinking about asking my boyfriend to move in with me, but not quite worked up to actually asking him yet” she grinned.
***
Al smiled. “I hope that goes well, when it happens, and let me know, if you do. I’ll throw you two a moving in party.”
he grinned at her, happy for her. He was glad to see her happy. He was not really a romantic or sexual person, most of the time, but he could appreciate other’s desires in the area.
***
Laughing Izzy nodded, “I will definitely let you know. Maybe I’ll make some cakes with little icing houses on in celebration”