“Huh?”
While flipping the stir-fry with her other hand, the Cook comments, “You’re crying.”
https://youtu.be/WYDJ872TtSAPeppa blinks, her vision now blurry. She wipes at her face, and admits, “No! No, I’m fine. It’s just, this reminds me of my mom’s cooking.”
Her face falling in sympathy, the Cook nods. “...I see. And when was the last time your mom made you something?”
“A long time,” Peppa says mournfully. “Near two weeks ago.”
Even the cyborg boy gawks at this, having lost his own family, and he awkwardly pats Peppa on the back.
“Oof, I’m sorry for your loss,” the Cook remarks, having an easier time eyeing the meat than how to tiptoe through this. “What was the cause?”
“I burnt down our kitchen."
https://youtu.be/-Rmyq0ET2Mg Her company is taken aback, to say the least!
"Though, maybe burnt doesn't cover the full scope of it? It was an ugly sight." Peppa continues, mournfully, “And she’s still working on renovating it, and even though she made me some packed lunches the capsules they’re in have gone missing from my bag.”
“Huh? Oh! Uh, I see?” The relieved Cook puts together another bowl, which Peppa accepts. “Well, if you want I can give you some lessons on how to cook some time. Won’t be free though, I’ll need some help getting ingredients!”
“Heh, equivalent exchange,” Peppa remarks.
The Cook quirks her brow, then nods. “Yup, definitely Maple’s kid.”
Peppa sputters. “You know my mom?” she asks, then considers. Her mom was World Champ a few times, kicked Demon King Piccolo in the face on live TV, and had the most panned blockbuster of all time made in her honor. “Er, sorry, I guess everyone knows my mom?”
The Cook nods, “Maple Son-Mahogany, my teacher and disciple in one.”
“Okay, not many know her like that!” Peppa sets her bowl down. “I’m Son Peppa, Maple’s daughter. May I know who you are?”
The Cook holds her hat to her chest, and curtseys her apron. “Cookie, pleased to meet you!”
“Cookie?” the boy repeats, then leans back, thinking about something or other.
Peppa smiles at her host. “Sure thing! Though, could’ve been in better circumstances. Good thing the wolves didn’t get to you.”
Cookie sighs. “Oh, that’s just my luck. Always did seem to attract predators…”
Peppa points out, “Well, you seem like you could have taken them?"
…
Cookie crosses her arms. “Oh?”
Peppa crosses her own. “From what I can tell, you’re plenty strong. Strong enough to take care of yourself out here at the very least."
“Say what?” the boy asks, a bit jealous of his accomplishment being diminished. “She doesn’t look that strong, and she was running away from those wolves earlier!”
Peppa helpfully points out, “Running away from a pack of wolves, while carrying a heavy sack with her." Less helpfully was all the poking him in the head while explaining.
"Quit it!" He waves Peppa off, squints at Cookie with his human eye. "That's stupid. Who would stick their neck out for something like that?"
"Anyone with sense!"
Cookie nods enthusiastically.
