How Green Becomes Wood

"That would make sense," Alec agreed.

Xander plated up four tarts, two for Dark and two for Daizi. One had a chocolate crust instead of the typical plain short bread with a creamy center and raspberries on top. The other had a typical shortbread crust, but it was filled with a rich dark chocolate and had passion fruit on top. Both were a litttle over cooked, and the presentation wasn't the best with some sloppy cuts to the passion fruit and raspberries that wouldn't stay on, but good looks would come with practice.
 
Dark and Daizi both thanked Xander and sat down to try the tarts. Looking down at the dark chocolate one, Dark said, "I really enjoy passion fruit... but I always have to remind myself I like passion fruit. My mind recoils against its appearance."
 
"It looks so gross. Like a horrible sneeze," Alec agreed gravely.

Xander stared at the two leftover tarts with passion fruit on them. "Okay... never going to use passion fruit on these again."
 
"I am sure there is a way to improve the appearance," Dark said, picking it up, "the flavour of passion fruit is lovely."

After taking a bite of the one she determined to be passion fruit by absolutely manhandling the two, "I think it tastes lovely, so it's worth working on."
 
"I think so," Daizi said, but turned her head when she heard the jingle of bells. Until now, Ivy had been so occupied in her own activities she had missed the taste testing.

Now, though, she toddled up, and looking at the tarts and said, "Vee?'
 
"I dunno, Mini. Are you sure you want some?" Xander asked.

Alec nudged him. "Don't be mean."

Xander snorted and fetched a tiny tart he'd set aside for her. This one was pretty standard as far as tarts went and topped with strawberries and blueberries on is small surface. "Alright, here you go."
 
When Ivy was handed the tart, her eyes went wide and she squeaked in delight.

"What do you say Ivy?" Daizi gently prodded her and repeated the question when Ivy didn't say anything.

After the needed prodding and cues, Ivy finally said, "Shukran," but the r sound wasn't quite as crisp as an adult would say it.
 
Ivy's eyes lit up as she held the tart and then giggled when she bit into it, immediately and inexplicably making a mess on her face with it.

"I think she likes it," Dark said, looking at his daughter with an expression of deep love and mild distress on his face.

"What flavour did you give her?"
 
"Cream with strawberries and blueberries," Xander replied. "I didn't want to freak her out with anything too strong."

"Don't worry, Ba. I'll help you clean up," Alec promised his father, patting him on the shoulder.
 
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