Rowan had spent so much time sharpening his mind, mastering logic, and exploring the universe that he had completely overlooked a fundamental skill - cooking. He could recite mathematical proofs and explain celestial mechanics, but when it came to making a simple meal, he was embarrassingly clueless.
That was about to change.
The kitchen smelled of fresh herbs and butter as Aria bustled around, setting up ingredients on the counter. Oliver leaned lazily against the fridge, watching with an amused smirk as Rowan inspected a carton of eggs like it was an alien artifact.
"So, do you, like, crack it telepathically, or…?" Oliver teased.
Rowan shot him a glare. "I'm analyzing my approach."
Aria chuckled, sliding a mixing bowl toward him. "Start with the basics, genius. Crack the egg into the bowl."
With exaggerated precision, Rowan tapped the egg against the rim. Nothing happened. He tried again, a little harder this time - still nothing. Oliver snorted.
"Yeah, real masterful," Oliver said, nudging him. "Want me to do it for you?"
Rowan narrowed his eyes. "I got this."
On the third attempt, the egg finally split open - half of it landing in the bowl, the other half splattering onto the counter.
Aria sighed, wiping up the mess while Oliver outright laughed. "Impressive. Truly groundbreaking."
Rowan groaned. "I hate you."
"Lies," Oliver shot back, grinning. "You adore me."
Aria shook her head with a fond smile. "Alright, boys, focus. Rowan, you stir while Oliver helps chop the vegetables. And no getting distracted."
Easier said than done. As they worked side by side, Oliver's arm would brush against Rowan's, sending little sparks of tension between them. Every time Rowan glanced up, Oliver was already smirking, clearly enjoying the effect he had.
"Careful," Oliver murmured, leaning closer as Rowan nearly over-stirred the batter. "Don't want to overdo it."
Rowan huffed. "You're insufferable."
"And yet, here I am, helping you not burn the kitchen down."
By the time they finished, the kitchen was a mess, but the meal was surprisingly edible. As they sat at the table, plates full of their work, Rowan realized something - learning to cook might not be so bad. Especially with company like this.
"Not bad for a first try," Aria praised.
Rowan took a bite and nodded. "I guess feeding my brain isn't the worst experience."
Oliver leaned in, a teasing glint in his eyes. "See? Stick with me, star boy. I'll make a chef out of you yet."
Rowan rolled his eyes, but he couldn't hide the smile tugging at his lips.