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"We're here!"
Soma turned from where he was pulling out ingredients, smiling over at the front door where Yoko and Hammer had just arrived.
"Come in," he said, gesturing to the kitchen counters and his cleared table. "Find a spot. Mina and I have started getting everything together."
"Yes, I have the meat and peppers," Mina chimed in, leading the other two further in. "Yoko, if you don't mind helping me clean those out?"
"No problem! Hi Soma. You said come in clothes I could get dirty, so I did." Yoko twirled, showing off her casual button-up tucked into a loose skirt.
"You look lovely," Mina assured. "I also brought an extra apron, if you like."
"Aw, Mina you sweetheart!"
While they exchanged hugs, Soma gestured to Hammer. "Did you manage to find-?"
"Lard? Sure did!" Hammer opened his side bag and brought out a little box.
"Thanks Hammer. This was harder to find than I thought it would be."
"Well, good thing you have a friend who can find anything, huh?" He laughed and patted Soma on the back. "If we've still got any of that left after today, I'll show you how to make my grandma's biscuits."
"Sounds good." Soma rolled up the sleeves to his outer shirt, already feeling warmth spreading from his chest. "Then let's get started on these tamales. I've already got water warming for the hojas."
He fell into a comfortable pattern then, moving around with each of his friends, soaking the corn husks, prepping and cooking the pork, and cleaning and boiling the peppers. Hammer insisted the mixture be, "Hot enough to burn my sinuses real good," to which Mina laughed and added a fresh pepper with the seeds still in.
They all spent time gossiping and teasing too. Mina fussed over Soma's bangs, insisting he pin them back as he did while studying, even grabbing the clip and brushing his hair back to do it herself.
"Even though I'm tired of studying," Soma pretend grumbled. "You know Mina heard someone complaining about the lack of essays? Whomst?"
"Ugh, I know the type," Yoko chipped in. "Complete overworkers, don't do anything outside of work. Not me! I went to the movies last weekend."
Yoko discussed the newest sci-fi movie which had come out, enthusiastically engaging in a back and forth with Soma over the themes of self-inflicted loneliness.
"I didn't really understand that one," Mina said as she flipped the meat around. "The designs were nice though."
"Yeah, the main character had taste. Inspired me even." Hammer showed off the different style he was grooming his beard and mustache into. "See, I've already got these great cheekbones, so I'm sticking with a rounder shape here. Not too long, you know, but I figure I can let it go up my jaw."
"You ought to talk with Julius," said Yoko. "He's been making noises about changing his beard for a year now."
A gentle ding came right as they were pulling out the masa flour.
"I'll get it," Soma said. "Hammer, drinks are in the fridge."
The older man, who had already taken off his jacket, wiped the thin sheen of sweat from his head with a short "thanks" and bent over to look at the options, Yoko at his shoulder.
Soma opened the door to his apartment, beaming at seeing the last two members of his family there.
"Hey Soma," Julius said, voice gruff but smile easily pushing up his mustache. "Sorry for being late. Brought some dessert to make up for it."
"Dessert before dinner!" Yoko exclaimed delightedly.
Soma huffed and gestured into his apartment. "Guess you're forgiven then," he teased. "Come on in, get comfortable. You're just in time for one of the messier parts."
Julius did so, greeting everyone as he rolled up his sleeves. Soma barely noticed, stunned as he was when he finally got a good look at his--technically--oldest friend/family member.
Arikado had, in fact, come in more casual clothes than normal.
In place of his professional, put-together suit, he wore a sweatshirt with cartoon bats on it--probably a joke gift from Yoko--and high-waisted jeans not dissimilar to Soma's. He'd even tied his hair back in a simple bun.
"Hello Soma."
"Uh- h-hey Arikado. Glad you could make it."
Arikado nodded solemnly, though Soma noticed the nervous way he shifted his weight to his other foot. "Golden Week is the time it's easiest for me to get a break."
"Right, well uh, thanks for coming." Breathing out a little laugh, at his own nerves and the giddiness of Arikado actually showing up, Soma said, "Nice shirt."
Arikado sighed, but the tilt to his head was relaxed. More relaxed than Soma had even seen him. Even as he greeted everyone else in and around the kitchen, his hands were loose and his face unguarded.
Much like his suit, Soma realized, Arikado had left all his armor behind.
A profound sense of contentment filled him, the feeling a soothing balm. Soma closed his eyes and breathed. Whether it was from old memories or new, Arikado relaxing enough to truly let down his guard, trusting Soma with his safety, willing to more than just an overseer, but family... Soma knew it was something special.
A deep breath, in and out, and Soma joined the others.
"Alright, time to start final touches so we can put everything together," he announced. Once he had their attention, he clapped his hands together and said, "Hammer and Mina on the masa, since I know you've got a little experience." Hammer gave a lazy salute, to which Mina giggled. "Julius on the sauce. Start with getting all our peppers in the blender and mix it up well. Yoko and Arikado on the meat. We're getting that pulled apart and chopped fine." All three of them gave forms of acknowledgement.
"I'll check on the husks and get them set up before helping where I'm needed. We're only a few steps away from tamales!"
Yoko, Hammer, and Mina cheered, while Julius and Arikado chuckled. The air was filled with spices, and his whole family stood before him. With a huge grin, Soma said, "Let's get this party started!"