#culinary science

Once they finished making all of the candied and caramel carved apples (and Lullaby had weighed the finished products and recorded their material used) they tossed the edible scraps of apples and left over colored sugar and caramel into a bowl to not waste anything.

But then…Lullaby got an Idea. “Hey Olly…we're gonna have to wash this bowl anyway riiiiiiight?”

Olly blinks, he may not be the best with social cues but he knows there is something off about their tone. “Yes? Otherwise we would be reprimanded and given duty shifts.”

Lullaby gets an Evil smile and rubs their hands together. “Well then! What do you say to one more experiment?” They gesture for him to come closer, and whisper in his ear. 

Olly doesn't quite see the point as you two are the only ones here at present after the veteran apothecaries had left but he listens nonetheless. And as he does his face shifts from you, to the candy concoction bowl, and his mouth widens. 

“Hmm…such an undertaking would be difficult…” He hums going over the possible methods in his head. 

“But it's very worth it! Besides, it really ensures there's no wasted food and there has got to be someone on this base that would be up for the challenge!” Lullaby choruses pumping their fists. 

Olly thinks a moment later, before an…excited smile cracks over his face despite himself. “Oh very Well! Let us not be wasteful! Prepare another bowl by greasing the sides thoroughly!”

“Aye AYE Captain!” Lullaby declares and grabs the materials. They coat the new bowl well in oil so the sugar mixture does not stick, and they set the scrap bowl aside so they can mix that in after. 

Olly heats the pot of candy concoction on the stove, and again Lullaby measures with the thermometer. “145 degrees! Coming in hot!”

Soon they step back and Olly moves the entire bowl from the heat, pouring it into their makeshift mold (aka the bowl full of apple and decorating scraps) like a smith pouring molten metal. Lullaby uses a spatula to stir the cooling sugar, allowing any last bits of water to bubble out. This also helps it cool to a moldable temperature. 

“Now Sculpt! Sculpt like your life depends on it!” They declare, moving their gloved hands into the mix and begin rounding the layers. Like rolling a ball of cookie dough, but obviously needing larger movements and surface area. 

Olly aids in this, eventually he's able to pick up the large mass of sugar and roll it even more efficiently. He even shows off for a moment and tosses the Thing into the air before catching and stabbing it with a collection of skewer sticks bundled together.

“SUCCESS!” “FUCK YES!” He and you roar with triumph. Holding aloft the Thing you've just created. Before he gingerly puts it down so it can harden properly. 

All in all the vaguely apple shaped thing they've made is about the size of a small watermelon. It has lumps and an odd texture, and many many pieces of stray candy or apple inside but it is Their creation, and they couldn't be prouder of their success. 

While Olly and Lullaby wait for the treats to cool down they clean up the kitchen they cooked in until it was fully sparkling clean. Soon the door opens again as the pair of kitchen chemists are preparing to transport their sugary delights for delivery. Instead of Ash'val a different Salamander peeks in.  

“Pyrus!” Lullaby greets him. “What a nice surprise running into you!”

Pyrus replies in kind. “Ah hello my friends. I just happened to be passing by and heard your voices. So I thought I'd peek in to say hello.”

“Is that the only reason?” Olly responds slyly, noting the way the Salamander's eyes trail over their sugary horde. 

“Ah well…it was most of the reason.” He assures, sheepishly. “What have you made here?” He asks, leaning over like a curious cat. 

“Art.”“Science.” Lullaby and Olly answer in sync. Before both amending ““Both.””

Pyrus looks at the two of you with mild strangeness. “Sometimes I wonder how you two manage to match each other so well without being bonded.”

Lullaby and Olly glance at each other again. “Oh that's simple. Olly and I are like…birds of a feather.”

“Or the other Terran phrase, Peas in a pod?” 

“Lovers of experimentation and research.”

“And the scientific method.” 

“Which is to say...”

“We just match each other's vibe!” Lullaby declares  

Pyrus…vaguely understands what you two mean. “Ah…you two share interests. That makes sense as to why you would seek each other out.” He hums. And now Lullaby also takes note of how his eyes seem to keep drawing to the candy apples. 

“Pyrus. Would you like an apple?” Lullaby asks slyly. “We do have one for him and Satyr corrects Olly?”

Olly nods jubilantly. “Indeed, my calculations accounted for our main group of friends plus others and we still had one apple extra from that. We have enough to give you two Pyrus.”

The blond Salamander can't help but pat his hands together in delight. “Thank you my friends! I am exceptionally grateful you have considered me in this way.”

“Of course! After all, I can't be handing out sweets to everyone and forgetting my coach!” Lullaby declares, and moves so Pyrus can pick his apples. “All are yours to choose from Except for this bat one. I'm saving that for a special reason.”

Pyrus huffs. “Ah or do you mean a Special Person?”

Lullaby blushes, but doesn't retract their statement. “Yeah yeah it's for who you think. If he wants that one I mean. I want to give him the option since I was thinking of Khopesh when I made it.” Lullaby explains. “He really appreciates stuff like that…” 

Both Astartes notice how Lullaby trails off when thinking of their special someone. Pyrus can't even argue as he feels the same with his bond and when he thinks of Satyr. Olly doesn't understand it as much, but he understands the love the two have for one another. And how it is a source of strength and peace. That alone gives it great value in his eyes. 

Lullaby realizes they'd shared off into space and brings their attention back to ground level. “Ah-ahem! Sorry about that. Ah…which apples do you want?” They ask sheepishly. 

Pyrus peruses the parade of palate pleasing perishables. After just about a minute he plucks up one of Olly's Tyranid candy apples and a caramel pretzel spider. “These shapes amuse me. And I am certain my bonded will enjoy their shape and taste as well.” He bids the two confectioners a sweet farewell as he departs with a spring in his step. 

Olly and Lullaby gather their remaining confections, wrap them carefully, and pile them into appropriate vessels for transport. There's a new rush of bouncing, hand flapping excitement in the air as the two prepare to depart and show their friends and acquaintances their hard work. 

In the middle of one of their baskets, like a proud sentinel, is The Thing. It stands head, and shoulders above its fellow candy apples. 

Olly's mind has a light bulb moment. “It is their Primarch.”

Lullaby looks confused, until they realize what he means. “Ooooooh, like, the smaller apples are the Legion. I get it!” They turn back, and have a similar lightbulb. “I dub these soldiers the Fruits of the Emperor!” They declare cheerfully.

Olly can't help but giggle. “And their Primarch Lord Apple Thing. Long may he Rein!” He declares holding the basket aloft.