First day as a chef

It was January 31, 2022, AKA his first day as the newly hired chef at Wayne Manor. He was eager to impress the residents. Chloe had been dropped at Carrie's apartment, which was in the safe yet modest area close to Robinson Park. Without Poison Ivy as the park's resident and protector, it lacked the supernatural elements that he feared. Moreover, due to her presence, the place had been cleaned up of its filth.

Regarding his work at Wayne Tech, he agreed to switch to being a part-time employee. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays were his scheduled days and he wouldn't be **** to do overtime either. His supervisor didn't understand the changes besides the fact that it was an order from above. From his perspective, it was because of his semi-close relationship with Iman Avesta. It was funny, really. He probably assumed that he was fucking her or something–that he was going to the director's trophy husband.

That wasn't the case. Not at all.

He told Noah and Todd of his change and they were a little disappointed he wouldn't get to hang out like they usually did. Honestly? Aaron agreed. The normalcy of chilling with other guys was a nice change of pace. It helped him remain grounded. Ordinary.

Nevertheless, he was also in the world of superheroes. As he prepared lunch in the spacious kitchen, the enticing aroma of herbs and spices filled the air.

Dick, Tim, and Damian eagerly awaited their meal. The Batgirls, Stephanie and Cassandra, were out with Batman for vigilante-related work so they didn't join. Sad since Aaron really wanted to see the two of them.

'Guess I'll have to make do,' Aaron told himself.

Dick, known for his lightheartedness, couldn't resist teasing Aaron. "No pressure, Aaron. Just make sure it's good enough to satisfy the Wayne family's discerning palates."

Aaron smiled warmly, unfazed by the playful remark. "You won't be disappointed."

With a calm and patient demeanour, Aaron skillfully crafted a delectable lunch spread. He presented each dish with finesse and attention to detail. The centrepiece was a succulent herb-roasted chicken, perfectly seasoned and adorned with a medley of colourful vegetables.

As the trio sat down to enjoy their meal, the first bite elicited expressions of delight. Always one for dramatic flair, Dick exclaimed, "Aaron, sheesh! You've officially raised the bar for lunchtime cuisine. This is amazing!"

Tim nodded in agreement, savouring each bite. "The flavours are well-balanced, and the chicken is moist and tender. Not bad, dude."

"Not bad?" Dick asked.

Tim rolled his eyes. "Okay, okay, it's phenomenal."

Damian, known for his discerning taste, regarded the chef with a hint of approval. "It seems you are not entirely useless in the kitchen, Aaron. This chicken is acceptable."

Aaron chuckled. "I'm glad you find it acceptable, Damian. I aim to surpass expectations."

"Hey, uh, actually did you make an extra plate?" Dick asked. Aaron quirked a brow. "We're having a guest, you might know her. Zatanna Zatara, Mistress of Magic."

"Really?" Aaron couldn't hold back his excitement. "Chloe is a huge fan of hers. Plus, I just went to her concert recently. She's fantastic."

"Yep, she is. Easily the most powerful sorceress on the planet. Oh, but don't worry, she doesn't bite." Dick winked at him. Aaron nodded appreciatively.

"Huh…" Tim lowered his fork, suddenly contemplative. He stared at his plate, blinking. "Huh…Bruce…he wouldn't have…"

"Is something wrong?" Aaron asked, smiling. Tim Drake was like him, coffee-addicted and intelligent. In fact, from what he understood, each Robin was an archetype. Each had their own specialities and strengths. Dick was the acrobatic leader with a charisma no one could match. Jason Todd was the most physically dominant and a ruthless marksman. Stephanie had also been a Robin but she had never found her footing. Tim did. He ended up becoming the detective of the group. While Dick was no slouch, Tim was close to Batman's level of detective work.

Tim could figure it out. Maybe he would confront the Dark Knight. Remember, Tim had been investigating Aaron as well and came up with nothing, and according to Cassandra, detectives were a prideful and vindictive bunch. They did not like their investigations interconnecting with other detectives or their conclusions to be challenged. Aaron could understand the logic. In university, there was such a thing as having too many intelligent people in one room before chaos ensued.

'Superheroes, university students, gods…at the end of the day emotions will be emotions.'

Plus, Aaron was innocent in Tim's eyes and Tim was a great, stand-up guy. Much less morally ambiguous than Batman. He probably thought setting up a trap of a magical nature without Aaron's awareness was wrong. Regardless, it didn't matter to Aaron. As long as he got room to wiggle, it was fine.

'Hm? I hear something…'