Linn’ar leveled a look at me. “Garaetteok?” he countered.
“Oh, right.” I glanced back at the stove one last time before shutting the door. “Fine, but I’m not letting that discovery go.”
Linn’ar playfully tapped me with his tail, then summoned me to a Maeleon version of a pantry. Thick shelves made of roots lined the wall in such a perfect formation that it was like a tree had been asked nicely to take that shape. I scanned the containers full of ingredients.
“You’re very organized,” I pointed out.
His magenta eyes sparkled at the compliment. “That is why I offered to help you tidy your desk.”
I blushed. In hindsight, I felt bad for not accepting. But I was coming around to this wacky idea of letting others, including my life partner, assist me.
“Well, I officially give you permission to help me tidy anytime,” I said.
Linn’ar looked deeply pleased as he reached for a clear container filled with light purple dust. He placed it on the counter where I could see.
“What is this?” I asked.
“Rice flour.”
I blinked as the ITM translated the words perfectly. How could that be? This definitely wasn’t the same kind of rice flour we had on Earth. But maybe it was close enough.
I examined the jar, picking it up and shaking it to see how the contents behaved. Itactedlike flour, at least.
“Huh,” I said. “It’s notnotrice flour.”
Linn’ar flicked his tail as he scanned the pantry. “What else do we need?”
“Salt, sesame oil, and water,” I replied, still scrutinizing the strange lilac-colored flour. “Oh, and a hard, flat surface.”
Within seconds, Linn’ar manifested the required ingredients and placed them on the counter. I inspected each of them, and to my amazement, they were nearly perfect replacements for Earth ingredients. I tentatively sniffed the sesame oil. The sweet, nutty flavor rushed my nose. It wasn’t exactly the same as on Earth, but it was an excellent substitute.
“This is incredible,” I murmured. “Why didn’t you ever tell me you had all this stuff?”
Linn’ar’s ears twitched playfully. “You never asked.”
I chuffed. “You’re right. I was always too caught up in my own head.”
He nuzzled my temple affectionately. “I like your head. It is very cute. Now, what do we do with these ingredients?”
“Grab a bowl and some hot water. We’re going to mix this rice flour with salt and water, then steam it.”
Linn’ar’s feelers glowed with elation as he scampered off to get the items. Watching him move with all that enthusiasm put a smile on my face. He loved helping. I wished I realized that sooner. I was starting to come around to his point of view when it came to aiding others—and accepting others’ help. What was that saying? “No man is an island”? Maybe some Earth idioms had nuggets of truth in them after all.
Linn’ar placed the items on the counter and looked at me expectantly. “Now what?”
“Now we mix. Remember how we weaved the onesie together? It’s kind of like that.”
Judging by Linn’ar’s array of kitchen tools, he wasn’t a clueless cook, but I wanted to teach him up close and personal. I wanted us to make foodtogether.
“Here. Put your hands on mine and feel what I’m doing,” I instructed.
Linn’ar sidled up behind me. His powerful chest and scaly stomach pressed against my back like a comfortable wall. He brought his arms around my front, placing his strong hands on top of mine. It was nice to have him so close. I felt myself relax into his body, knowing he’d support my full weight if I let go.
I mixed the rice flour, water, and salt into a big lump of pale purple dough. Linn’ar’s hands mirrored my motions perfectly. As I watched our hands move as one, I felt a little thrill of happiness deep inside my heart. It was such a small, simple pleasure, but I loved it.
“Now we steam the dough,” I said.
Linn’ar grumbled.
