Date with Chip

Quilty shifted back and forth on his feet to try to ease their discomfort. He was standing on a very solid stony floor to work with Chip for the day. Sure, he’d volunteered with very specific intentions in mind, but he hadn’t accounted for the foot pain. Never had he thought he’d be missing the soft mossy forest floors of his own home. But this was going to be worth it! After all, Chip was a Boovern. Arguably, one of the most famous Booverns. Boos came from miles around for a taste of his roasted skewers, which is why Quilty was here today. Not that the food wasn’t a draw, but to learn more about Booverns. 

Expertly, Chip was chopping up ingredients while Quilty was tasked with watching the grill, turning the skewers over every few minutes to ensure nothing burned and getting it all cooked perfectly. “So, I know you aren’t here just to stand over a hot grill all day,” Chip teased, looking up from their work. Quilty blushed a little at the implication but nodded. “Alright. Spill.”

“Well… See, I  have this Boovern staying with me. Wendivern, or Div as he prefers to be called,” Quilty began, shifting his weight yet again. 

“Hmm… the name doesn’t ring a bell.” 

“That’s ok! I don’t expect every boovern to know each other.” Quilty laughed, turning over the skewers once more to a fresh side. “He’s pretty quiet and has had a lot of trouble with friends and everything. I just… I was hoping to learn a bit more about Booverns and their culture so I could help him?” 

“Oh? Why don’t you ask Div about his culture?” Chip asked cheerily. 

“He doesn’t like to talk about his past much,” Quilty admitted, chewing at his lip. That was a little bit of an understatement. From the little that the bunnaboo had learned, Div had a very troubled past due to their appearance and had been quite ostracized. But… Quilty wanted to do something for him. Make him feel more welcome somehow. Prove that he could be trusted. That he was a true friend to the cautions boovern and maybe… No. There was no way he was close to ready to confess his crush on the other man. Maybe someday… 

“Well, not every tribe or even family among booverns have the same traditions. But I can tell you a few things if you like! It's the least I can do for you helping me out with all of this!” Chip gestured to the multitude of chopped ingredients and empty skewers waiting to be constructed. “I’m making a whole new menu, and I just know everyone is going to love it! I might have overestimated the amount of work though…” 

“I could call in some reinforcements if we really need it.” Quilty beamed at the Boovern, noting that the current skewers were done and moved them to a nearby plate to cool. “Ready for the next batch!”

“Perfect. Now, tell me more about this boovern friend of yours.” 

With a shy smile and a faint blush, Quilty began his tale in earnest. No need to rush it either because from the pile before them? It was going to be a long day.