[Comm] Mastery Over Mochi

She arrived bright and early, just before any customers were to snatch up his wares. Millie didn’t even bother to check if the doors were locked or if the sign was flipped; she just walked right on in, only stopping to greet a sleepy Shibani on his pillow pile. He managed to get out a small yawn before nestling deeper into the cushions, letting her know that Dan was in the back preparing some mochi. Her anticipation rose to full excitement as she wandered back into the kitchen, ready to call his name before she yelped in surprise the same time he whacked his mallet down into a gooey wooden bin.

“Warn a gal before you wave that thing around, would you!? I almost dropped the goodies I made for you…!” She pouted, placing them safely onto the counter beside her. Despite her warnings, she didn’t dare motion any closer, afraid she might get in his way.

“Millie Shortbreadette. I didn’t take you for an early riser.” He mumbled, sweat running down his doll form’s brow as he took the honeyed Gluttony bun in. “And you’re the one that came rushing in here. Could’ve just waited with Shibani, I would’ve gone to get you.” Dan explained before readjusting his grip on his mallet. “You wanted to know how to make mochi right? This is just the beginning stage of it. Without this part, it won’t be perfect.”

He continued to detail his work, though not giving anything away that might take upon his specific recipes, even Millie could recognize that. Since he wasn’t bringing the hammer down onto the mochi mixture just yet, she decided to take a few cautionary steps towards him, observing his setup and the sticky mixture at the center of his barrel.

“Which one are you making right now?” She inquired, doubtful she could tell this early on.

Dan shook his head as though confirming her doubts. “Festival and Lunar ones for Mochi Moon. I try to make what’s in season since those are the most popular and on occasion, I make ones that are out of season, in case folks have specific cravings. I upcharge those ones though.”

Millie whistled lowly and then giggled. “Oh, you’re terrible…! Honestly, a bun’s gotta make a living somehow huh.”

Dan exhaled an amused snort and offered Millie a stool so she could see the process better in her little bun form. “It’s not that…it's just that the ingredients are harder to come across out of season, so whenever I manage to get ‘em, I have to make up for that difference, that’s all. Anyway, it takes a lil bit of pounding but just stay and watch and I’ll make you some. I usually put the extra ingredients after the mixture has been softened from my mallet.”

The blue Pride bun continued pounding away, exerting as much force as he could in his strong, steady doll form. Millie continued to watch in awe at Dan’s tenacity and form. By the time he was done, he took the mixture from the barrel and onto a large bowl, where he made similar balls like he would dango but filled them with the Lunar and Festival filling for the season. Finally, a sprinkle of glitter for each was dusted on top. When he was done, as promised, he handed one of each to her. He reached for one of her dangos and took a bite, chewing intently for a long, long moment.

“…Well?” Millie piped, her stomach almost twisting in unusual nervousness. “How is it…?”

When he swallowed, he nodded and gave her a cool thumbs up. “Not bad–I just wouldn’t sell these in my shop.” Others might’ve thought his backhanded compliment was rude but it was all the approval she needed to jump and squeal, happy she didn’t mess that up.

“Oh thank you Dan! I may not have the mallet or the barrel to make these but I’ll learn how to make these and make you some too– so you gotta promise to try ‘em when they’re all done!”

Dan nodded, knowing it was the only way to get her to ease off but also supportive of her endeavors to try. He wasn’t one to take on apprentices, but he was glad to just be there as a friend. “Sure- and as long as you make more shortbreads too.”