Learning experience

Kael and Ria walk into his house to the sound of laughter. Gabby and Evie are in the kitchen seemingly having a great time together. As Kael closes the door, Evie emerges from the kitchen, a big smile on her face.

“Master, you’re home! Just in time. I was showing Gabby how to cook, and we wanted you to try her attempt!”

There’s a gasp from the kitchen, and Gabby comes rushing out, a look of panic on her face. “Sir, no! They’re not good! Miss Ria, help me out here, please!”

Evie giggles. “It’s fine, Gabby! It’s your first time.”

Ria nods. “I agree with Evie, you know we won’t judge you too harshly.”

Kael chuckles. “It’s fine, Gabby, you don’t need to share if you don’t want.”

Evie shakes her head. “No way, master! Here, I’ll go get it.”

She hustles back into the kitchen, ignoring Gabby’s protests. The holstaur seems to be unsure of what to do, wringing her hands and blushing, while looking down at the floor. After a moment, Evie returns with a plate of cookies. They’re misshapen and slightly burnt, but they’re not as bad as Kael expected. Evie hurries over and holds out the plate. Both Kael and Ria take a cookie, and take a bite. While hardly a masterpiece, it’s not terrible, especially for someone who has never cooked before.

Kael smiles at he nervously waiting Gabby. “These aren’t too bad, Gabby. I don’t know what you’re so worried about.”

Gabby’s face immediately brightens in a smile. “Really, sir? You’re not just saying that?”

Ria answers for him. “Nope! These are good! You should make more sometime.”

Gabby blushes even more, but she’s smiling widely now. She doesn’t speak, but her eyes shine with happiness. Evie grins, looking at the much larger woman.

“I told you so! Just because something isn’t perfect, doesn’t mean that people won’t like it.”

The two nonhuman women share a look. Kael senses that there’s some deeper meaning behind this, but for the moment it’s beyond him. Before he can question it further, however, Evie turns back to him with a smile..

“Anyways, will Ria be joining us for dinner, master? I haven’t started cooking yet.”

Once again, Ria answers first. “Actually, you’re coming with me tonight, Evie. I promised that you were next, didn’t I? We’re going out together.”

Evie claps her hands excitedly. “Really?! I’ll go change, miss Ria!”

The elf rushes off to the bedroom, and Ria laughs at her excitement. “Well, that’s a good sign! Guess you’ll have to do the cooking, Gabby.”

A look of panic flashes across the holstaur’s face, but Kael quickly speaks. “No, no, I’ll cook tonight. I’m not as good as Evie, but I like to think I’m decent.”

Ria smiles, kissing his cheek. “More than decent. Better than me, in fact. And it’ll be good for you two to spend a bit of time together.”

Kael shoots her a look, and Ria just grins at him. Before anyone can say any more, though, Evie comes bouncing out of the bedroom, already changed. She’s wearing a fairly simple black dress that hangs just above her knees, and flatters her slim figure. As always, she looks beautiful, only enhanced by her radiant smile.

Without hesitation, she walks over to Ria, clasping her hands behind her. “I’m ready to go, miss Ria!”

Ria laughs. “So you are! Okay big guy, we’re heading out. I promise I’ll bring her back in one piece.”

Kael rolls his eyes. “You’d better. Have fun, you two.”

Evie giggles again. “We will, master!”

He watches the two women walk out the door, arm in arm. When the door closes, he turns to look at Gabby, who seems once again nervous. Kael smiles at her reassuringly, and walks towards the kitchen.

“I’ll start dinner. You can relax if you want, Gabby.”

She shakes her head, following him. “No, sir, I’d like to help, if that’s okay?”

Kael nods. “Sure. It’ll be tight in here with both of us, but I think we can manage.”

The two of them head into the kitchen. Kael can sense the tension between them, and he’s sure that Gabby can as well.