Characters: Laurence the first Vicar, Vicar Amelia, Ludwig the holy Blade, Laurence' secretary Florence
Word Count: 5.136
Summary: In an attempt to cheer Laurence up, Florence and Amelia invite him to a cooking session. Through sheer coincidence, Ludwig is there. The cats are interfering.
(Author's note: This is a good opportunity to remind you, that his fic actually takes place during the canon Bloodborne timeline, so yeah, bad things are happening in Laurence' life and his mental state reflects that.
There still will be cat shenanigans like usual, but just a head's up, that there will be a bit of angst also.)
Lately Laurence wasn't feeling too well.
Not that he was admitting it to himself, in his eyes, he was perfectly fine and he made sure to let everyone know that he was fine, regardless how often they asked how he felt.
But when he laid in his bed late at night, when it even happened, his thoughts wandered and he asked himself "Why?"
Why had she done it? She had been so young, she did had a bright future in front of her, she had been one of the best Hunters, but she had quit in order to take care of the patients of the Research Hall and now... she was gone. No blood in the world could get her back anymore. Worse even, Gehrman blamed him. Gehrman told him that it was his fault and... Laurence could never forget the way Gehrman had looked at him, how furious and sad he had been.
The both of them hadn't talked to each other since Laurence had been confronted by Gehrman about Maria's suicide.
That was why Laurence didn't want to think about it, why he made sure to bury himself in his work and his research and his duties. He didn't want to think about it anymore.
He tried to work on a thousand different things at once to get the thoughts he didn't want to have out and so he was very surprised when Florence invited him to a cooking session. Amelia would be there too, she had promised the girl to teach her one of her recipes but she would feel better if the official guardian of Amelia would be present.
Laurence had the feeling that she wouldn't accept a no. Even though he was under no obligation, he felt guilty because of Amelia. Lately he barely had made time for her. A cooking session and some time with Amelia could be the right thing to get his mind off stuff.
So he agreed to Florence' proposal and the three of them met up in one of the smaller cathedral kitchens around 6 PM after Laurence' duties were done and Amelia was done with school and homework.
"Ah, Vicar, I am delighted to see that you have come.", Florence smiled at him, a warm smile, but he could see the worry in her face. He knew that she was worried about him. He also knew that he would just dismiss her worries if she asked.
"Where's Amelia?", Laurence asked, not seeing the girl around anywhere.
"She's with Ludwig, the Hunter taking over Gehrman's duties.", Florence said, stepping into the kitchen. "She wanted to hear some tales about the Hunt and I felt that I can trust him taking care of Amelia, he claimed that he had several little cousins he often took care off."
Laurence followed Florence into the kitchen, glad that her back was turned to him, because his face turned red. He knew about Ludwig, he was the Hunter who reported to him instead of Gehrman and... whenever they met, Laurence had a very weird feeling inside of him. A feeling that he couldn't put anywhere, he only knew that he was hoping to see Ludwig again every time and at the same time, feared to see him again.
"Ludwig promised to take Amelia to the kitchen around 6 PM, so they should be here soon. You are a bit early.", Florence said, putting two bags on the kitchen counter, rummaging in around them.
"I... got bored in my room.", Laurence said. The real reason was that he couldn't stand being in his room alone any longer, being haunted by these intrusive thoughts. Damn, he was about to start to think that he really was responsible for Maria's demise, even though she followed him on her own free will.
"I know that you are lying, but I also know that you won't tell me the truth.", Florence said and then gasped, removing a big, bulky cat from one of the bags. "Gary, that fish isn't for you! Go away!"
"I take him.", Laurence said and came over to pick up the cat, struggling a bit with holding him. Of course, when Florence had fish in that bag, he would be very interested in getting a piece.
"Should we keep the cat here? He will only come in the...", Florence trailed off once she saw Laurence' defensive stance and look. The cats made him feel calm. Holding Gary and making sure that he wasn't stealing a piece from the fish made his mind occupied. He wanted for him to stay.
Luckily Florence caught up on his clues and simply shrugged. "I trust that you will have an eye on him.", she said, pulling out a net with potatoes from the second bag. "Even though Amelia isn't here yet, we need to peel potatoes anyway. We can start this while we wait."
"Alright.", Laurence said and let go of Gary. "Maybe put the bag with the fish somewhere else or Gary will try again."
"I would like to put it somewhere high up, but both you and me lack the height...", Florence said, gesturing at herself and at Laurence. Laurence felt a quick stab, he knew he was small, but for some reason, getting made aware of it still made him sensitive.
"I just climb on a chair.", he said and walked to one of the tables in the kitchen, the ones where the servants usually would take in their meals. He got a chair and stopped when he saw something fluffy on it.
"Amy? What are you doing here?", he said to the curled up fluff ball. Amy blinked at him and meowed, then proceeded to curl up again.
"Maybe they are waiting for the usual staff to come and get fed by them?", Florence said. "Though she will wait long today, I made sure that this kitchen won't be used by any staff today, they are all elsewhere."
"It is also one of the smaller ones.", Laurence said and put the chair back, taking another one. He searched for a high shelf where he could put the bag and put the chair in front of it. Just as he had climbed the chair and was about to tell Florence to give him the bag, a knock sounded on the door and the newcomer let themselves in not even a second later.
"Good evening, I am here to deliver Amelia... Vicar, that is dangerous!"
That voice! Ludwig, the hunter with the Moonlight Great Sword! As Laurence heard him speak, his face flushed and he swirled around, forgetting that he was standing on the chair. Naturally, he lost his balance and gasped as he already saw himself connecting hard and painful with the floor, but two big strong arms caught him.
"Be more careful, that was dangerous.", Ludwig said and gently lowered Laurence' on the ground, who didn't had any words, but just swallowed heavy. Amelia peeked out behind Ludwig's legs and screeched: "Ah, Laurence, you always forbid me to climb on chairs!"
"Now now.", Florence said and came over, taking Amelia by the hand. "His grace simply wanted to get the fish out of the cat's reach, that is why he was on the chair. I am afraid that both him and me are a bit too small to reach the high shelf without the help of a chair."
"Hmmm...", Amelia said. "It's still not FAIR!"
"Amelia, if you fall down, you can get hurt a lot more than an adult.", Laurence finally found his words again. "And even with the holy blood, it is easier to treat adults with it. I am just concerned about your safety, that is all."
"Where is the fish you want to keep safe?", Ludwig asked. "I am tall enough to reach the shelf."
"It's right... GARY!", Florence rushed over to pull the cat out of the bag, which let out an annoyed meow and clawed at her. "Ah, we are in luck, he hasn't stolen a piece."
Florence firmly held the cat in a still gentle embrace while looking at Laurence, who still was busy arguing with Amelia about safety.
"Ludwig, would you be so kind?", she asked and handed him the bag.
"Of course.", Ludwig said and stepped to the high shelf, easily reaching it without even needing to get on his toes.
"Thank you, Ludwig.", Florence said, letting Gary go. He made a few steps and then looked at her kind of offended, sitting down and washing his face.
"And once you are around my age and the Vicar, you can climb on as much chairs as you want.", Laurence said.
"But that takes AGES. You are so old!", Amelia complained, making Laurence gasp in fake annoyance.
"I am only 29!", he said and ruffled Amelia's hair.
"Yes. You are old. Like I said!", Amelia chirped and then both of them chuckled.
"What are you three planning on doing here?", Ludwig asked, still standing around, looking a bit awkward now that his part appeared to be done.
"We wanted to cook together.", Florence said. "Amelia wants to learn to cook and I wanted to show her an old family recipe. But she is only seven, so I asked his grace to come and watch over her."
Laurence knew that this wasn't the reason why Florence had invited him. He knew that she wanted his mind to get off stuff, that was why he had accepted in the first place. With Amelia in tow, he stepped nearer to Florence and just said: "That is correct."
"Oh, you are planning to cook? Do you mind if I stay and help? I am not a bad cook myself, at least I think so. Most people trying my cooking certainly said they liked it."
"Um... I don't know...", Florence looked at Laurence, her eyes showing uncertainty behind her round glasses. "What do you say, Vicar?"
"Alright.", Laurence said, surprising himself.
"Oh, yay!", Amelia cheered, both hands in the air. "I like Ludwig!"
"What a compliment to be liked by such a beautiful young lady.", Ludwig smiled, stepping to Florence. "So, can you share the recipe with me?"
"I will share it with all of you.", Florence said. "You should take notes."
Amelia pressed a notebook and a pen in Laurence' hands, indicating that she wanted him to take notes. Well, Amelia was still young, she couldn't write that quickly now.
Laurence sat himself on one of the tables and listened intently when Florence told the recipe, making sure to elaborate on each and every step and being even more detailed as Master Willem talking about Byrgenwerth history.
"Have you gotten everything?", Florence smiled. Ludwig nodded and Laurence looked at his scribbled notes and murmured: "I hope so..."
"Alright, then let us start! First we need to peel the potatoes! Amelia, dear, come here, I show you how to peel them most effective."
Florence divided the potatoes fairly and soon him and Ludwig were staring down at a bowl of them, with two knives near.
"So, uh, do you know how to peel potatoes?", Ludwig asked.
"Tsk.", Laurence said. "I used to cook myself, of course I can peel potatoes." What kind of person did Ludwig think he was? One that wasn't doing any housework at all and never had cooked a meal in his life?
"I apologize, it's just...", Ludwig said, but didn't finish the sentence.
It's just that you don't expect the Vicar to stand in a kitchen and cook. Laurence finished the sentence in his thoughts. Nobody would expect it from him. In a sense, how could he blame them? Since he had started the church and since they managed to hire servants for cooking, he really hadn't cooked a meal anymore.
For some reason, that everyone around him expected him to have no clue how to cook made his mood sour and he started to peel the potatoes a lot more aggressive than he had planned to do.
"Vicar, forgive me to interrupt, but..."
"What?! Don't interrupt me.", Laurence snapped, gaze on Ludwig and then hissed when the knife didn't hit the potato but his finger instead.
"Ah, fuck.", he said and sucked on the finger, the coppery taste of his blood filling his mouth. Lately that taste was awfully sweet and almost sickening.
"I wanted to advise you to slow down so that you don't cut yourself.", Ludwig said, picking up a new potato and carefully, but masterfully peeling it. "Do you want me to get you a bandage?"
"For what? I have a blood vial ready.", Laurence said after taking the finger out of his mouth. He produced the blood vial out of his pocket and jammed the needle into the back of his hand, the cut on his hand vanishing in an instant.
"All good.", he said and wiped the blood away with a handkerchief while Ludwig stared at him silently. It almost felt... like he judged him.
"What?!", Laurence snapped, but the rest of his rant got stuck in his throat when he saw a familiar black cat on the table, sniffing on the peeled potatoes.
"Oh, who are you?", Ludwig said. "I am afraid I can't give you a treat, that potatoes are still uncooked and won't taste good."
"Mick, no.", Laurence said and raised his hand to put the palm against Mick's forehead, the cat setting back his ears as Laurence tried to gently push him off, but still standing firm on the table.
"That is your pet, your grace?", Ludwig asked.
"One of them, yes.", Laurence said. "We better get rid of him, he eats anything. He won't refrain from steeling a raw potato."
"What a strange little creature.", Ludwig chuckled.
"Mick? He's just a little bastard.", Laurence picked the cat up and ruffled his fur, all while ignoring how Ludwig gasped. "You just want to steel some food, right, little bastard boy?", Laurence joked with Mick, completely forgetting about his earlier sour mood.
"Vicar... maybe you shouldn't, uh, talk like that when a child is present...", Ludwig subtlety gestured to Amelia, who wasn't paying attention to Laurence at all, too caught up in trying to peel a potato the perfect way (and failing).
"What, Amelia? Doesn't appear like she listens in right now.", Laurence smiled at Mick and ruffled his fur one last time before letting him go. "You don't steal any potatoes, right, bastard boy?"
Mick replied with a meow and then immediately put his attention to the potatoes again. With a sigh, Laurence was about to shove him from the table when his gaze went up and he saw...
"Gary, you fucking savage!", he screamed, now definitely loud enough to be heard, so that Florence covered Amelia's ears and Ludwig let out another gasp, all while Laurence hurried to the high shelf where they had deposited the fish and tried to reach Gary, who was about to climb up the shelf, only managing to grab his tail.
"Come down here, you fucking idiot.", Laurence said, standing on his toes, trying to get Gary down, but the cat only complained loudly about having his tail being held. Laurence was just too small and Gary almost was on the shelf.
Laurence got saved, but almost fell, when Ludwig appeared next to him and took the cat, putting him on the floor.
"Th-thank you.", Laurence said, suddenly blushing, not knowing why.
Ludwig turned around, put both hands in his hips and his brown eyes stared down at Laurence with a certain kind of anger. Laurence suddenly felt very very small under that look. It didn't get better when he searched for Florence and was met with a very similar look.
"You, sir, will have to pay in the swear jar.", Ludwig announced and then counted on his fingers. "Eight times. You swore eight times in about ten minutes! I wanted to cut you some slack because the first time was out of surprise, but the other ones weren't. And the last few ones were loud enough for Amelia to hear them!"
Laurence now not only felt small, he also deflated physically. That was... that was one of the first times someone actually dared to scold him, outside of Gehrman and Maria. Even though as the Vicar he could pretty much do what he wants, the feeling of getting put in his place was... actually a welcome one.
While Florence often was scolding him in a motherly way, she never dared to go as far as Ludwig had right now.
Ludwig suddenly seemed to notice too, just who he had just given an earful, because his mouth was slightly agape and he seemed to be at a loss for words, when Laurence said: "How much do I owe you?"
"Oh, uh, one cent for every swear...", Ludwig said. Laurence got his wallet from his pocket and counted out eight cents, letting them fall into Ludwig's palms.
"There, let's continue with the work.", Laurence said and went back to the table, only to gasp and chase after Mick who had a potato in his mouth. "Mick, I fucking swear to the Great Ones!"
"Nine cents.", Ludwig murmured and then went to Florence, who still had Amelia's ears covered, the little girl looking less than thrilled about it.
"Is that normal?", he asked, pointing at Laurence who just had managed to capture Mick and gave both him and Gary a scolding before carrying both of them under his arms and finally put them out of the kitchen.
"Yes, his grace sadly is a potty mouth.", Florence sighed. "I tell him again and again not to swear in front of Amelia, but it seems to be so ingrained in the way he talks, that he simply forgets. Though, I am impressed and surprised that you got him to pay into your swear jar."
"I am surprised by it too.", Ludwig commented. Florence finally uncovered Amelia's ears, lifting a finger when the little girl opened her mouth and she shut it immediately again. She knew she would get in trouble if she repeated Laurence' words.
Laurence had sat himself back at the table and continued to peel potatoes, in a much more calm and collected manner than before, also he seemed to be in a better mood. Ludwig went back to join him. "You owe me a cent still, Vicar.", he said.
"I'll pay once we are done with the cooking.", Laurence said, low-key hoping that Ludwig would forget about it.
Soon the potatoes were all peeled and Florence put them in a pot filled with water, that now waited to cook on the stove.
"While we wait for them, we can prepare the fish. Ludwig, would you be so kind?", Florence said.
"Of course.", Ludwig went to get the bag from the high shelf and put it on the counter in front of Florence.
"What can I do?!", Amelia excitedly asked.
"Not much, I am afraid, dear. I need to show you how it is done, so please observe closely. And once I have shown it, each of you get your own fish to prepare."
Florence cast a glance to her audience and received a nod from both Laurence and Ludwig and a pout from Amelia.
"But I can barely see.", she announced.
"Do you want to sit on my shoulders?", Ludwig asked, kneeling in front of her, at which Amelia's eyes glowed in glee and once she sat safely on Ludwig's shoulder, Laurence drew a sharp breath about how cute it looked.
"Alright, we need to start by removing all the innards.", Florence said and proceeded to cut a hole into the fish's stomach, swiftly and masterfully removing all the innards while explaining each step.
"Alright, now that this is done, each of you gets a fish and please remove the innards just like I showed right now.", Florence said and put a similar fish in front at each of them, staying with Amelia to help her out.
"Removing the innards? Easy.", Laurence said. He had made so many autopsies that he could remove innards in his sleep, even when it was a fish. Still had a heart, stomach, colon and almost everything a human had. It didn't took him long to remove the innards. Next to him, Ludwig also didn't struggle with that step, finishing shortly after him. Laurence put his gaze to Amelia and Florence, who struggled a bit.
"That's so gross.", she complained. "Do I have to touch it?"
"Amelia, you are the daughter of the Healing Church.", Laurence gasped, standing up and walking over to her. "I had blood on my fingers for over ten years daily now. If you can't handle a dead fish, how do you want to be able to handle being the head of blood healing?"
Even though Florence was looking at him with a warning stare and Amelia kind of looked like she was about to cry, Laurence didn't slow down. "Let's do it together.", he said and sat down next to her. Amelia nodded and with his help, she managed to get rid of the innards, even though her face still showed her disgust with it.
"Alright, the next step.", Florence said and then gasped as she saw a new culprit on the counter. Amy, who still had been in the kitchen and who Laurence had completely forgotten about it.
"Amy, no!", Florence rushed to her fish and picked the cat up, who already had stolen a piece. "Vicar, next time you should make sure to put the cats out of the kitchen beforehand."
"Or next time we shouldn't cook fish.", Laurence said, coming nearer and presenting his hands to Amy, who greedily licked them. "They can't resist that smell. I got most of the cats tamed by feeding them fish treats."
"How many cats do you even have, your grace?", Ludwig asked.
"Six.", Amelia answered for Laurence. "Mick, Mary, Gary, Will, Julie and Amy. He named Amy after me!"
"That is... adorable.", Ludwig said and his gaze became admirable as he put it on Laurence, with the Vicar blushing as he noticed.
"You don't have one named after me...", Florence said, looking a bit sad.
"Just because none of the cats have reminded me of you, that's all.", Amy was done with licking Laurence' fingers and he dried them in the cat's fur before picking her up. "I better put Amy out before we continue."
"It would be the best, yes.", Florence said.
"Bye, Amy.", Amelia waved as Laurence went to the door.
The moment he opened it, Gary, Mick and Mary were slipping into the kitchen, before Laurence had the chance to do or say anything.
"Have they waited in front of the door all the time?!", he just said, leaving his mouth a bit open. He knew that cats could be patient, but that was ridiculous. They even had risen in numbers!
Amy used his momentarily confusion to wiggle out of his arms also, which brought Laurence back from his stupor.
"Everyone, catch the cats!", he yelled and dove after Amy. Florence went for Mick, who was the closest to her, but hid under a table and behind a few chairs. Amelia tried her best, but the cats were too fast for her.
It was Ludwig who managed to catch Mary and Gary, while Laurence gave Amy to Florence and lured out Mick himself.
As they carried the cats to the door, Laurence said: "Florence, can we use the innards to make a meal for the cats?"
"We sure can.", Florence said, smiling.
"Aren't you using the innards for the sauce?", Ludwig said, on which Amelia commented: "What? Gross!"
"A lot of sauces are based on innards, dear, but to answer your question, Ludwig, I am making a sauce based on butter. I think it is called a Béchamel sauce."
"Ah, brought from the french population of Yharnam.", Laurence commented. He even knew how to speak a little French, but not much.
"Yes, exactly.", Florence beamed. "My ancestors must have had French roots, it even is seen in my name still, even though we pronounce it different today."
"How interesting.", Ludwig said. "I wonder which ethnicity my ancestors had?"
"Probably German.", Laurence said, opening the door, waiting for all of them to step out and close the door behind them. "Ludwig is a german name. When I remember correctly, it means 'famous warrior'."
"Well, I am a hunter, though I don't think I am famous, with the hunt being held in secret and all... What about you, Vicar?"
Ludwig put both of the cats he carried down and Laurence and Florence joined him. "English/German.", Laurence said. "Though today I see myself as a Yharnamite. We have become something new when our ancestors build this town."
"And what does your name mean?", Amelia asked. "And do you know what mine means?"
"Shining One.", Laurence said as he turned around and took the door handle in hand. "I must say, the most fitting name my parents chose for me. And for you, your name can be correlated to being industrious or striving."
"Indus...", Amelia scrunched her face, of course, that world was too difficult for her.
"It means that you are a hard worker.", Florence said. "Can we go back into the kitchen, Vicar?"
"Hm, wait a moment...", Laurence said and then produced a toy out of his coat. A rustling mouse plushy. He squeezed it a bit and once all four cats had their attention on it, he threw it and hurried in the kitchen. "Go go go!", he yelled and shut the door behind them, once everyone had safely made it back in and no cats had followed them.
"It certainly doesn't get boring here.", Ludwig chuckled as he walked back to their work spaces.
"No, it doesn't.", Florence agreed.
"I have so much fun each day!", Amelia added.
Three pairs of eyes locked at Laurence when he stayed silent.
"Oh, um, hm...", Laurence said. "It certainly doesn't get boring here, no..."
For a brief moment, he had forgotten about his worries from earlier. For a few minutes, he had felt at peace. For a few minutes, he had felt... happy.
"Shall we continue the meal?", he asked.
The work went much more smoothly without being interrupted by the cats. Florence taught all of them how to prepare the fish, how to put it into a herb crust and taught them how to cook the Béchamel sauce, all while the potatoes boiled quietly in the background.
Soon the kitchen was filled with a mouth watering smell while Florence and Ludwig worked on making a meal for the cats from the innards, while Laurence and Amelia watched over the fish that fried in the pan.
"And now we have to flip it, are you ready?", Laurence said, spatula in hand.
"Yes.", Amelia nodded. Laurence handed the spatula to her and said: "I'll help."
Amelia carefully put the spatula under the fish and Laurence gently put his hand around the handle, ready to help Amelia out. Soon, the both of them had flipped every fish and after a few more minutes of waiting, the meal was ready. Ludwig put the meal for the cats in four bowls while Florence prepared their dishes and Amelia and Laurence set the table.
I almost feel as if they are my family., Laurence thought to himself as he worked. Amelia is like my daughter, Florence feels like a mom and Ludwig... Ludwig is my...
Laurence didn't finish the thought, instead blushing at a furious rate. What had he just thought about? He shook his head and focused on Amelia instead who was busy putting the cutlery down.
"The table is set, the meal is ready and the cats are getting their own meal. Let us sit down after we let them in.", Florence clapped in her hands as she said that. Amelia climbed on a chair and waited as Laurence went to the door and let the cats in.
The four of them stormed in immediately and once they saw the bowls, they approached them, sniffing them first and then digging in.
"It seems like they like it.", Ludwig said, sitting himself down on the table. Florence sat down next to him and Laurence sat down next to Amelia, opposite of Ludwig, feeling like he blushed again. For some reason, he couldn't look Ludwig in the eyes.
"Let us say the prayers.", Ludwig said and folded his hands. "Or should I leave this honour to our Vicar?"
Laurence shook his head. He didn't feel like praying right now.
"Seek the old blood.
Let us pray... to partake in communion.
Let us partake in communion... and feast upon the old blood.
Our thirst for blood satiates us, soothes our fears.
Seek the old blood... but beware the frailty of men.
Their wills are week, minds young.
The foul beasts will dangle nectar and lure the meek into the depths.
Remain wary of the frailty of men.
Their wills are week, minds young.
Were it not for fear, death would go unlamented.
May the good blood guide our way."
How often had Laurence said this exact words and heard this words himself? A prayer that he himself had invented, well, with a bit of help by Florence.
"May the good blood guide our way.", he murmured alongside Florence and Amelia.
"Then let us enjoy our meal.", Ludwig smiled at all of them. None of them needed a second invitation to dig in.
The meal was good, amazing even. Florence truly knew how to cook and that he himself had been a part of it kind of made Laurence a bit proud and even that Amelia could help. It tasted so good, it was a taste that Laurence couldn't really put down until a word crossed his mind. Home. It tasted like home.
"Goodness, Vicar, is everything alright?!", Florence looked at him and when Laurence looked up, he noticed the wetness on his face. When had he started crying?
He wiped his eyes with his sleeve and smiled: "I am fine."
(Author's note:
I headcanon Yharnam to be a town that was founded by outsiders from different countries, so that they have quite some diversity, with the biggest ethnicity having english and german ancestors. Yharnam also is kind of a city state, so they are a city, but see themselves as their own country, that is why Laurence calls himself a Yharnamite.
I was searching up the origin of the name Ludwig for that fic and I was beaming when I saw what it meant and it got only better when I looked up Laurence and Amelia, these names are so FITTING, I love it.
I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Please leave me a comment with your favourite part down below.)