xp_logs | Nathan and Crystal, Friday evening

Nathan and Crystal share some conversation at dinner in the Adirondacks. Nate's a bit of a loon, but we all knew that already.

The Noon Mark Diner was a cute little place, Nathan thought indulgently, and the kids seemed to be enjoying their post-ice climbing lesson meal. He'd expected that; there was nothing quite like cold air and lots of exercise to work up an appetite. The food was more than decent, too, he thought as he turned his attention to his steak.

The diner specialized in homemade foods. It wasn't "homemade" like Crystal was used to, but it wasn't bad. The place was no Le Bernardin, but it wasn't a simple fried food and burger joint, either. Although Crystal hadn't been to more than a few restaurants since she had arrived at the mansion, she had survived on delivery and Power Bars for two months. Really, this place wasn't bad at all. Sure, there were more than enough fried foods on the menu, but there were broiled and grilled options as well, and ones without barbeque sauce, too. When all else failed, steak could always work. It was sirloin, not filet mignon, but it would do.

Nathan glanced sideways at the blonde on his left side, a smile tugging at his lips. "Dinner meets with your approval?" he inquired politely. "Did you try the bread? That's what they're famous for, apparently, the fresh bread..."

Crystal certainly hoped that the place only served fresh bread, and yes, the bread appeared to be fresh. Apparently, so was the steak, according to the menu. Was the steak supposed to be extra-fresh or did this inadvertently imply that the other items on the menu were not fresh? "Yes, it is a very good dinner," Crystal told Nathan. "The bread is very fresh, and I believe that the diner is also famous for its pies."

"Which I think some of your fellow students are already planning to order for dessert. I might have a slice myself," Nathan said, amused.

"I will also try a slice," Crystal said. Was he laughing at her again? What did she do this time? At least she didn't have to worry about having a bottle of medicine thrown at her or winding up with goo-covered hair.

"I may stop on the way back on Saturday and buy a couple to take home, even," Nathan said with a perfectly straight face. "If they're as good as the reputation claims."

"Hopefully, Rachel will not like the idea of flinging pies as much as she enjoys squirrel tossing and throwing bottles of medicine at unsuspecting visitors," Crystal said in a serious tone and added, smiling slightly, "Or maybe she will want to throw the pie at the squirrels."

"Oh no. Oh, please don't give her any ideas," Nathan deadpanned, then took a sip of his water, looking at the glass reflectively as he did. "This place apparently purifies its own water, too. Perhaps to give a closer approximation of a 'pure mountain stream'," he said playfully.

"Do not worry, I am sure that Rachel can come up with plenty of ideas on her own," Crystal said, hiding a smirk. The young girl definitely needed to learn some manners; throwing items at people and flinging defenseless animals was not a very nice way for anybody to act. "I do prefer to drink water without unnecessary chemicals, although I am not sure how much supposedly 'pure mountain streams' can always be trusted."

"You need expensive purification equipment to make 'pure mountain stream' water these days. It's a sad commentary on our world today." Nathan poked at his baked potato, his lips twitching.

Crystal's gaze shifted briefly to the baked potato, then back to Nathan. "That is a most unfortunate situation," she said. "Is there something wrong with your potato?"

"It has eyes," Nathan said with a perfectly straight face, and then looked down at his plate again so that he didn't have to see whatever look Crystal was giving him.