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Liechtenstein sat perched on Ukraine's counter, watching the lady as she got out the materials they were going to need for baking—a pot, some bowls, some measuring tools, among other miscellaneous things. At the same time, Hungary went to search through the fridge and cabinets for all the ingredients they needed. Liechtenstein herself hadn't been instructed to do anything, so she just sat tight, thinking that Ukraine just wanted her to help her bake.
They were going to be making a Ukrainian apple cake, or yabluchnyk as Ukraine herself had called it. It wasn't too often that the three of them got to chill and do something fun together, as they were typically always busy with their own things, but Liechtenstein really enjoyed it when they did—and she believed Ukraine and Hungary did too.
"Okay, I think I got everything," Hungary said slowly as he walked back to the counter, a plethora of ingredients in his hands. He set them all down with a small huff, with Liechtenstein looking curiously down at them.
"Great!" Ukraine exclaimed. She set her bowl and pan down and smiled sweetly at Liechtenstein. "Do you want to put some ingredients in while I cut the apples?" she asked the teen.
Liechtenstein nodded happily. She moved the bowl closer to her, scooted to her side a little, and proceeded to pour in some flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and butter. Ukraine, even though she was busy, watched over her carefully. "Okay," the woman said after she saw the girl was done, setting the now chopped apples to the side, "now let me crack the egg for you."
Liechtenstein scooted back a little for Ukraine to do so—though she secretly deemed it a bit unnecessary. She was perfectly capable of cracking a simple egg by herself—she cooked at least one meal every single day at her big brother's house, for crying out loud. But, in the end, she just brushed it off as Ukraine's typical motherly nature and didn't think much else of it, or complain. Besides, that way she could just sit back and watch Ukraine do her thing, as well as watch Hungary butter up the pan.
After Ukraine got everything mixed and put into the pan, she finally allowed Liechtenstein to help out again, letting her place the sliced apples on the dough in neat little rows. The blonde girl did so, finding it rather satisfying.
Next, Liechtenstein put the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon mixture that Hungary had prepared onto the entire cake. However, she must've poured it on a bit too quickly because she and Ukraine, who'd been hovering over her again, got a little bit of the mixture on their faces. Liechtenstein instinctively shut her eyes as this happened. She heard Ukraine giggling lightly near her, patting her on the back a bit. "Sorry," Liechtenstein apologized, chuckling a little herself.
"It's okay, dear," Ukraine replied.
Finally, the cake was ready to be put into the oven, which allowed the three friends to take a little break. They sat at Ukraine's small round table with mugs of coffee (Ukraine had at first insisted Liechtenstein just had milk, though Hungary butted in and said that was ridiculous and that she should be allowed at least a small cup—which the girl was secretly a little grateful for). Most of the questions were aimed at Liechtenstein herself—asking her how she was feeling, how she and her brother were doing, and if she was having a good time (to which she happily said yes).
"This has been really fun," Hungary commented for about the millionth time that day, setting her mug down and leaning back in her seat a little. "We should do stuff like this more often."
"We should," Ukraine agreed, drumming her fingers on the table. Then she paused, as if she'd thought of something. "You know, there's a new restaurant that opened up a few blocks away! We should try to go someday."
The two adults laid their eyes on the girl, who gave a small blush and smile, as she usually did when suddenly addressed. "I think it sounds nice," she agreed. "Especially if they have borscht," she added, a bit quieter.
Ukraine laughed at that. She'd made Liechtenstein borscht once and the girl had fallen in love with it. "I'm sure they do."
It was quiet for a moment before Ukraine spoke again. "Oh, or there's that park! They have some swings and slides you can play with." This was clearly directed at Liechtenstein due to the smile she flashed at the girl afterward.
Liechtenstein opened her mouth to say something before Hungary interrupted. "Nah—she probably doesn't want to go to some kids' park," he said to Ukraine in an offhand manner. He then turned to Liechtenstein, grinning giddily with his hand on his chin. "You'd rather go shopping or to the movies, huh?"
Liechtenstein smiled a bit awkwardly at this, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. She shrugged. "Um...I don't know. Both sound good." And it was true—honestly, she wouldn't have minded either option. Both seemed like fun ways to just get out of the house for a little while, and live the childhood she'd pretty much lacked.
Ukraine crossed her arms and gave Hungary an I told you so kind of look before the timer went off, signaling that the cake was done. "Oh! I'll get that," she said, jumping up to do so.
After cooling off for a few more minutes, the cake was ready to eat. The three sat down at the table with their plates and their refills of coffee. Liechtenstein licked her lips a little as she looked down at her yabluchnyk—it looked and smelled so delicious. She took a small bite—and sure enough, it tasted heavenly. She looked up and saw Ukraine and Hungary both staring at her a little intently. "So," Ukraine began, chuckling, "how does it taste?"
Liechtenstein still had her mouth full, so she flashed a thumbs up, making Hungary grin and Ukraine laugh.
She ended up eating three pieces of the cake and was nearly stuffed, especially after drinking two (fairly large) cups of sugary and cream-laced coffee (a beverage she rarely drank to begin with). She grinned as she relaxed in her small seat, with Ukraine and Hungary gathering up the dishes, chatting among themselves. A belly and heart both warmed by good food and great friends. One of the best feelings ever. Yes, she'd be very happy to hang out with two of her closest friends again, no matter what they were doing.