>>5793596“I didn’t wanna assume,” Pepper begins warily, “But do you… do you actually <span class="mu-i">enjoy</span> cooking?”
You nearly launch the two of you off of the bike again with a sudden pump of the brake! Is… is that a joke?
“No…”
Cooking, you begin as you adopt a teacher’s voice, isn’t just a means of acquiring food for you… it’s a blend. A blend of culture, art, and a little <span class="mu-i">love</span> too! It’s… it’s almost like <span class="mu-i">dancing</span>... but you can eat it.
“Huh.” Mutters Pepper as she processes your explanation, “It sounds pretty cool when you put it that way… though I’m not much of a cook myself…”
That’s fine, you shrug, you don’t care what anyone says–it’s not something you’re born with! Well… not <span class="mu-i">always</span>. Your date cocks her head to the side again.
“Were <span class="mu-i">you</span> born with it, sandcrab?”
Hah! You <span class="mu-i">WISH!</span> No, you laugh, you just have some good teachers… and that’s really all it takes to make some good food!
Sensing what she’s about to ask you, you give her another pat. You’ll uh… you’ll show her some of the ropes some time. Preferably when Uncle Emilio’s not around–he has a habit of turning one ‘<span class="mu-i">here, lemme show ya</span>’ into a four hour seminar…
“Uuugh… I feel like I’d just start eating the ingredients at that point…” Groans the girl as she slumps against your back again. “I’d get <span class="mu-i">way</span> too hungry waiting that long…”
Well if it’s after hours you usually turn on a movie or something, you add. Helps fend off the hunger pains!
“Ohoho, and what kind of movie do <span class="mu-i">you</span> like to watch, hm?”
Guess, you reply with a wry grin!
“Hm… <span class="mu-s">ROMANCE!</span>”
Screw you… and quit <span class="mu-i">LAUGHING!</span>
>CONTD. 