Dan's Delicious Dango

Mallow was new to Burrowgatory. It was pleasant there, though he was still finding his feet, so to speak. Making friends was easy. He had a temporary place to stay. The issue was going to be figuring out how to support himself in the long term. 

Some succubuns downplayed their own shortcomings or were ignorant of them, but Mallow was well aware that he had almost no ambition whatsoever, and no particular passions. He preferred a life on the sidelines, where he could observe things. He liked his life at an even keel and never really got excited about much. He was easy going, friendly, and an excellent listener, but he was a sloth bun through and through and his favorite passtime was bun-watching at the park until he fell asleep. 

Mallow had heard that Dan, the notoriously stern dango master, was looking to train an apprentice. Could dango making be a good job for him? It sounded like it might be repetitive and not involve too much interaction with others, which he knew would only distract him and get him talking, and most employers frowned on shirking one's duties to chatter. The idea suited him. Something with those qualities seemed like the best option: simple, soothing, nothing unexpected or exciting happening, and able to do it enough times to feel very confident with it, and hopefully thus not slip up even if he forgot himself and daydreamed just a little. Anyway, it couldn't hurt to go and see what it was about, and if he didn't want to, then he'd check it off his list of ideas. 

Mallow entered Dan's Dango, at first hanging back a bit to get a feel for the place and figure out how to approach Dan himself. From his vantage point, he could see the customers milling about, happily chatting, ordering, leaving with their treats or enjoying them right there. Some were retreating to a back room to say hi to Shibani and maybe cuddle on the pillow pile for a bit. And from behind the counter he could see Dan, using a mallet to pound the mochi. 

He was in his doll form. Mallow was impressed. Dan was well muscled. Quickly he realized why, as he brought the mallet down with decisive, rapid-fire strokes, pounding the dough to the right consistency like a strong man at a circus soundly ringing the bell at the test of strength. With each strike the dough gave out a sound somewhere between a smack and a thud. It was a bit hypnotic to watch.

Mallow admired his skill but realized pretty quickly he could never hope to become an apprentice here- such a physical job! He had no idea it involved so much exertion. He wasn't even sure if he'd be able to do it, let alone be any good at it, and he had no desire for such an athletic occupation. 

With a shrug, he decided to make the best of being there and at least try the dango he'd heard so much about. No sense wasting the trip.

He approached the counter just as Dan himself was wiping his hands and coming up to check on the bun running the register. "You're a new face," Dan said blandly- not hostile or unfriendly, just not friendly either. 

Mallow was unoffended. It takes all kinds, y'know? Dan was polite, and from what he'd heard this was just his way. Cheerfully he waved and introduced himself, adding "I've heard so much about your skill that I knew I had to have a taste. But I would love if you chose a flavor for me- what do you recommend?"

Dan raised an eyebrow at the somewhat odd request, but obliged, taking a stick from the display case that held three plump, red dango. "I'd try this one. It seems to go over well with most." 

He didn't even ask what flavor it was, just beamed and nodded. Handing his coin to the cashier (he'd been given a bit of money for helping a friend move their couch) he eagerly accepted the confection and almost reverently slid one from its place on the skewer. He gave it a sniff- sugar and pure joy. Popping the whole ball into his mouth, he took his time chewing, enjoying the flavor and texture. Swallowing and licking all the dusted sugar from his lips, he smiled at Dan who was watching with an expectant, curious air. 

"Definitely worth the hype," winked Mallow. "Delicious! Thanks." Though he didn't respond, the corner of Dan's mouth raised just a bit, and he nodded. Clearly, he was pleased. 

Happily Mallow took a slow walk back to the townhouse where he was staying, slowly enjoying the rest of his snack. He hadn't gained a job opportunity but he'd gained an experience, and that was always worth it!