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[ Robin doesn't use his device too terribly often; not because he doesn't understand how to use it - he's caught on well by now - but he'd still much prefer to speak with someone in person, unless of course they really only need to ask something briefly of each other. It serves a purpose, he won't deny that.

And today, he's decided to step outside of his comfort zone and deviate from how he normally conducts himself, posing a few questions and observations to anyone who might be listening.

He's in the dining room at the moment, giving some thought as to what he wants to eat, and his face is rather perfectly centered as he speaks. ]

Before my arrival here in Wonderland, I had a brief stay in a small village by the name of Storybrooke. Everyone frequented Granny's diner, so I presume the food was extraordinary there, but I regretfully didn't have much time to sample it all.

[ He thinks for a moment, trying to remember some of the menu items: ]

I enjoyed the burger I was able to try, and the grilled cheese.

I was curious about something called buffalo wings. Does anyone know much about the buffalo? It must be rather small, based on its wing structure.

[ He's familiar with chickens, and the meat that comprises burgers, but buffalo is something new to him. ]

I've come to understand there's a particular type of food unique to diners, and while this place isn't a diner in the strictest sense, we can certainly acquire any of the food normally found there. I'm not sure what I should try. Any suggestions?

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I will, certainly. Does your friend happen to be Kíli?

[ There can't be that many others getting married, and he's sure he would have seen that on the network, unless it was someone else and they preferred to keep things quiet. ]

Told you so.

[She grins, helping herself to one in turn, taking a generously-sized bite out of it before continuing to watch him with interest -- there's something about watching folks from the Enchanted Forest adapt to modern times that's endlessly entertaining. Most people in Storybrooke never experienced it, they had twenty-eight years of rewritten memories to keep them on the up and up, but then there were folks like Belle and Robin and Tink who all had some learning to do.]

So, does this make me your official guide to the year 2014?

[Or whatever year it happens to be in Wonderland. She's not even sure she knows.]

Helping to get you acquainted with all the finer things in modern life?

He does.

[She moves one of the bowls, hopping up on the counter to sit.]

I introduced him to the wonders of lasagna - next thing is corn dogs.

[She holds up a hand, hoping to prevent a similar misunderstanding.]

No- they're not made of dog in case you were thinking that.

[ On some level he knows that his reaction to these things - things which are so commonplace for people like Emma - is amusing, he's gathered as much from his interactions with Henry so far. And it amuses him as well, really. At least it's an enjoyable experience for all of them. ]

I would want no other guide, to be perfectly honest.

I simply ask that you not lead me astray.

[ His eyes twinkle as he smirks, then polishes off two more wings rather quickly, at ease in her company and not concerned with her perceiving him to be some sort of ill-mannered glutton. ]

We had an interesting conversation only a few days ago, when he was broadcasting the good news.

I explained to him how very different the dwarves in Sherwood Forest are. Quite a lovely fellow, I must say.

[ It's a good thing she clarified, because he had been thinking that... ]

And what is a corn dog, exactly? What's it made from?

Oh, you're very welcome. [She's glad to hear it. Perhaps the variety may end up being too much, but she's tried to think of a little of everything--or at least, most things. It's impossible to be all-inclusive, but if this goes well, maybe they can repeat the process. For her it's also fun, a certain amount of nostalgia associated with a large number of the dishes.]

Yes, actually. If we were being extremely fancy, there would be amuse bouche; those are single bites meant to whet the appetite. But for this, we'll start with the hors d'oeuvre. [She motions towards the plates on what is his left, all small and easily eaten and shared.] They're called appetizers in English, and it's basically a small plate eaten while you wait for your main course.

There are also a number of soups and salads, so feel free to start with whatever you'd like, up to here. [She motions towards the space between salads and mains, wanting to keep things relatively organized. She won't tell Robin what they're eating until after he's tried it, since some food is less appetizing once you actually know what it is.]

[Hmm... Differences between dwarves... That sounds interesting.]

He's great.

[She gives him a knowing smile, taking a drink of her soda.]

Corn dogs are hot dogs dipped in a corn meal mixture and cooked to perfection. It's kinda like a modern sausage wrapped in cornbread. It's good stuff... Although I'd recommend getting it the old fashioned way rather than going to the closets... You might not like the results.

[ On the contrary, he actually enjoys the variety presented to him. Some of it looks a bit familiar, though he's certain the flavors will be different from what he's used to, probably far more sophisticated and adventurous, and he's quite thrilled by it all. ]

Interesting. I can imagine needing a nap after such a full meal.

[ He takes his time with each appetizer, savoring every bite, trying to pick out flavors, trying to decide which herbs have been utilized. Then, he points his fork at the mussels ] I enjoy these the most, I think.

[ Mindful of not getting too far ahead of her, his bites are slow and indulgent, then he eats a bit of soup and salad before finally moving to some of the main courses. It's when he takes a bite of the lamb that his eyes briefly close and a faint, almost guttural moan falls from his lips before he sets his fork down, wiping at his mouth, looking a bit sheepish. ]

Forgive me, I...wasn't at all expecting that to be so delicious.

That's good to know.

I enjoy...sausage and cornbread, so it stands to reason I'd like them together.

[ Or so he imagines. ]

Add in a little honey and it's like a--

[She stops herself from what she was going to say, because most people that don't know her or the current times tend to get weird when someone compares food to have a 'big o in their mouth'...

Self-censorship is a thing she should use more often.]

They're really good. You should try pop-tarts sometime too. My friend Thor is a huge fan of them.

[She starts putting away the leftover sauces and loading the bowls into the sink.]

Well, to be fair, not even upscale meals usually have this much food. [While a tasting menu might sport the variety, each dish is still a reasonably sized portion. Likely more than enough for the two of them, but Pepper can likely take the leftovers down to the lab if need be. For now she just enjoys the meal, not only savoring the food but watching Robin react to it. She provides what information she can, although there are still some blanks. She remembers tastes, but without knowing components herself, it's hard to pick out what would be necessary to recreate the dish in an actual kitchen.

Still, it's fun. She nods when he points out his preference for the muscles.] I'll remember that if we do this again. You might also like dishes with oysters and clams; those are other types of shellfish that are similar.

[Salads and soups don't last long, and she can't entirely blame Robin. While both have their moments when they might be perfect, the heart of the meal can often be the best. Apparently he thinks the same, because unexpectedly he lets out what can only be described as a groan of pleasure after tasting the lamb.]

Oh, that's okay. Believe me, I've heard worse. [And Pepper, for her part is doing her very best not to laugh at poor Robin's reaction. It's a battle she could very well lose, her shoulders nearly shaking with the effort to keep it in.] I'm just glad you're enjoying yourself so much.

[ Curious. But he lets that go and simply takes her word for it, helping her to clean up so it goes a bit more quickly. ]

Pop...tarts?

What are those like?

[ He's been introduced to some wonderful food by others here, like Henry and Darcy, and Emma. They ate diner food together, though, which is certainly different from the foods he's enjoying with Pepper. But it has him wondering if they'd like this, and he thinks at some point he should introduce them to it. Especially Henry, since he seems the truly adventurous sort. ]

That's helpful to know.

[ He wouldn't blame her for laughing, because the moment that sound leaves his lips, he realizes how amusing it must have sounded to her. She takes it in stride, it seems. ]

I am, and I thank you for not laughing broadly, though you would have certainly earned the right to it.

[Oh. Oh...]

Pop-tarts are like little frosted pastries of glorious goodness. Usually they're filled with either some sort of fruit or chocolate. There's even s'more ones and I'm pretty sure if they could pull it off, they'd make snozberry ones.

[She laughs at it before realizing he probably doesn't get the reference.]

Don't worry about that one.

Well, if it helps, I'll probably tease you about it later. [Pepper is proper when the time calls for it, but she also enjoys friendly teasing. She gets the feeling Robin can take a bit of ribbing, especially when he points out that she could have laughed much harder, and understandably.] But for now, that should probably be a dish you only eat with Regina.

[Considering the near orgasmic reaction he'd had, anyway.]

Let me know when you're ready for desserts. [Here her eyes sparkle with something other than playfulness; while Robin found his bliss in a meaty entree, Pepper has always enjoyed the sweeter things most.]

[ There's a smile playing on his lips nonetheless. Some things are just bound to be far beyond him, but he enjoys learning what he can. ]

Duly noted. Though I do enjoy a good pastry.

Well maybe I'll drop some off to you sometime.

[She gives a small smile, looking at her watch.]

I have to go check on a certain scientist, but if I think of anything else foodwise other than poptarts and corn dogs... I'll hit you up. We'll trade my food for yours.

[ He smirks at the mention of Regina. ] Quite right about that.

[ He's actually not used to eating much dessert. It's only since he's arrived here in Wonderland that he's been exposed to such an assortment of sweeter delectables, and he finds himself enjoying them just as much. Nodding, he takes a few more bites of food, then washes it down with a drink. He doesn't feel uncomfortably full, so: ]

I believe I'm ready.

Good. [There are three plates already, but Pepper holds up a finger to indicate Robin should wait.] There's something I still have to think up; certain dishes can hold for a little bit and be okay, but this one needs to be eaten shortly after it's prepared.

[It's definitely Pepper's favorite, and she closes her eyes, smiling brightly as she imagines a perfectly risen, utterly decadent dark chocolate souffle, partnered with a bowl of creme anglais. This is the sort of treat she only allows herself rarely, and when she looks at Robin again, she's practically giddy.]

This is a souffle, and it is absolutely wonderful. [She takes her spoon, and demonstrates just how to break open the center, revealing the molten chocolate within. She will be good, however, and let him take the first bite.

No promises on how much he'll get to taste after, however.]

[ The pure joy in her eyes is infectious, and he knows he's in for quite the treat as he responds in kind with a bright smile. It certainly smells absolutely wonderful, and he has little doubt the taste will be exquisite. So, he takes a large bite, his mouth wrapping around the spoon in slow motion as he fully intends to belabor the act of actually swallowing. His eyes flicker closed for a moment, then open again. ]

Oh, that's magnificent. Truly magnificent.

Isn't it? [He's had his sample, and now Pepper gets her turn; she spoons a little of the anglais onto the bite she plans to take, then scoops it up and savors her part of the dessert. Truly anything with chocolate is likely to win points with her, but she's never found anything she really likes better than the souffle they're sharing now.

But notably, she doesn't actually moan, even if she's tempted to.] Like I said, that's one you need to have fresh, so if you plan on sharing it with Regina, think it up just before you serve it. Also be careful with it; the way souffles rise makes them delicate, and too much jostling will make them collapse.

Thank you for the helpful tips, Pepper.

[ He's careful not to overindulge, wanting her to have just a bit more than he has since she was kind enough to invite him out to eat like this in the first place. And once he's stuffed as full as he possibly could be, Robin wipes his mouth, sighing happily. ]

This was a wonderful meal, and you're a dear friend to facilitate this.

Oh, of course. Please, let me know if I can help further.

[She means it; Pepper had gotten as much enjoyment out of the time together as she thinks Robin had ~~minus the moaning~~, and it's already something she looks forward to doing again.

The fact he lets her have most of the souffle definitely earns him points too.]

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