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Winter Apples (10) : Whereas most trees have already lost their leaves and stand barren in the winter months, these trees are still a lively green and don't seem affected at all. The most interesting thing about these trees isn't their color--it's the sudden fruit that has appeared on them. A few days after the first snowfall, little apples began to grow--small, bright red. They range in size from berries to plums--but taste like the sweetest apple you've ever sampled. They're all over the city, and the harvest is bountiful; more appear after every snowfall. There's just one catch--eat too many, or eat the wrong one--and you're out cold. Every apple risks drowsiness, fatigue, and even unconsciousness that can last for a few hours up to a day. If you're looking for a sweet treat and a good nap, you've come to the right place. Just make sure you're somewhere comfortable first.

It had been interesting, not that he'd expected what seemed like such a 180 from the Frenchman. So to continue with things, much as he had around Halloween, Rafayel looked into making something to bring them. One such night, while coming back from his client's home after prepping a dessert table, he noticed some apples growing on a nearby tree. Other than being small, they looked like any other apple he'd seen. It was odd that they were growing now in this season, but after taking a cautious nibble and tasting only sweet, he grabbed a few to bring home and use in desserts.

This time, he made a few different things. With Blaise's tastes in mind, the main thing was an apple cake, which he pulled up a recipe for online. It was simple enough, but he couldn't help but reduce some of the apples down into a jam to make a design over the top of it. Working slices of apple into a rose-like pattern had been a nice way to lose himself in the process; it was methodical and easy but needed the attention he gave to otherwise more complicated work.

With that, a few chocolate and caramel-coated apples, and some apple-flavored sugar figurines, he headed over to the man's house again. It might not have been something he'd done before, but given the fact that they'd helped him out, it was fine. Knocking at the door, he looked around for a moment as he waited to be let in.

The snow was coming down, not too much as of yet, but enough that it was starting to dust over his shoulders and stick in his hair. It wasn't too bad yet but he hoped they were home because it would really suck if he was stuck standing out here for a while in the cold.

"No, I'm fine. Thanks for the help..." Following them inside and out of the snow, he shivered slightly from the temperature change. It was nice and warm in here, which was great after standing out in the cold. Wiping off some of the snow that had accumulated on his shoulders and head, he made sure not to get it anywhere aside from the front mat.

"I brought some more things I baked, well-made and baked." Semantix was a thing, and he pulled out the box from behind his bag as well as the bag of other sweets. They'd survived the trip just fine, which was to be expected. He always worried about chocolate and its fussy temperament in most other seasons aside from winter.

"Mostly apple flavours since I found some good-looking apples while out on a supply run for work. Hope you like apples." Though he was hoping mainly they'd like the French-inspired apple cake he'd looked up specifically for them. Not that he'd admit it to them even if they asked.

"Everything should be fine at room temperature, but it wouldn't hurt to put the chocolates in the fridge if you want."