Cynonari Fluffy Oneshots

You're Not the Only One Who Can Cook

Warning: The other themselves has absolutely no idea how to cook in reality, so apologies for any misdirections or steps in the cooking process followed in this story.

Enjoy the insanity.

Everyone is well aware of Tighnari's culinary brilliance, easily considering him the best cook in Ghandarva Ville. Although his medicine may be bitter, nothing feels better than washing it down with his homemade mushroom soup. Cyno was another beside the ones whom believed Tighnari to be very talented with his delectables, but he didn't deny that he himself was any lesser than him.

Cyno had to learn important things like preparing food for oneself for survival, but it would be no use to survive off of something unenjoyable. That's when he decided to take culinary lessons to better improve his flavor in his dishes.

Today, Cyno attended a stay over at Tighnari's hut. Not for any apparent reason, he just had the need to be around a friend. Of course, he checked on Collei, but next to that, the hangout was his main reason for his appearance.

"You're lucky that you came when my patrol was over," Tighnari sighed. "I also came back with a few ingredients to construct a meal. Would you like to help since you're here?" Cyno nodded in agreement. As his friend passed him the items, he delivered them to the pot outside. He prepared the fire before proceeding to tend to the mushrooms. He went with Tighnari to the nearest stream, a basket with holes filled with rocks in their hands along with cups of warm water.

Upon reaching the stream, they picked natural seasoning that only grows in salty natural water and thoroughly washed it in the warm water as it rested atop the rocks. During this, the hand of the other would consistently bump into the other. Cyno quietly wished to himself for Tighnari's hands to be bare instead of being concealed behind gloves. It has been quite some time when he witnessed his pale, soft palms.

The seasoning had been properly washed, now it was time for the main ingredients.

"This feels nice," Cyno's sudden words overcame the dark silence surrounding them. "What specifically?" Tighnari spoke without taking his gaze off his working hands. "The cold breeze with the warm water on our hands."

"Hmm." Cyno could tell that his words weren't being fully absorbed. Tighnari tended to take focus on various things such as simple tasks, an effect from constantly working whether it be researching or patrolling. What Cyno wished he could say was the cold breeze, warm water, and the presence of someone he deeply cares for. However he knew that Tighnari would have selective hearing no matter how sharp his ears were.
****
Upon returning, the washed items needed to be chopped. The main ingredient, of course, was mushrooms. As Cyno prepared the brightly colored mushroom on the chopping board, he decided to start small talk while he did so.
"Nari," he called, earning a hum from the latter. Tighnari currently stood beside him, tending to other ingredients. "How well is Collei doing with her studies?"

"Well, I do see room for improvement. Her reading levels have increased, yes, but the tests I provide for her are taking a surprisingly big toll on her. Should I dial it down?"

"I do believe that she still has more room to grow, but it's always best to start somewhere only a little over your comfort level." Tighnari nodded in acknowledgement. "Ah, hey!" Tighnari snapped his fingers towards his shorter friend. Except he wasn't pointing his attention towards him, he was aiming for the rescue dog attempting to sneak unfinished prepared food from him. "Go!" The dog retreated without a successful steal. Seeing the reluctance the dog had from ending up with nothing to satisfy its hunger, Tighnari sighed and tossed it a mushroom from the sizzling pan. The canine happily rushed over to it, engulfing it in its mouth. It struggles as the steam arises it from its mouth. Tighnari chuckled. "Careful, it's hot."

His attention returned to the former human working beside him. "Pay close attention so you don't overcook them. Unless you want to eat something that tastes similar to charcoal with flavor." Cyno secretly attempted to find a good joke in response, but was interrupted by the oil pops gnashing at his skin. He winced ever so slightly in response. If he knew it was coming, he wouldn't have bothered to.

"Oh, are you alright?" Tighnari asked. He knew that an oil stain isn't something to panic over but it's still painful. Cyno laughed at Tighnari's words of reassurance. "I'm okay, you're oil I need anyway," he replied with a smirk. Tighnari stood there glaring at his friend in deadly silence. He couldn't find a snarky response to his tedious jokes anymore. But before Cyno could go into his lengthy explanations for why his so called funny joke is entertaining, the Fennec shoved a fresh ingredient in the latter's mouth upon him opening it to speak. "Focus," he said sternly, not in the mood for corny or lame puns. Cyno chewed on the fresh food placed in his mouth before returning to the task, a smile barely visible on his face.
••••
It didn't take as long as the two expected to prepare a meal, which was a relief due to the incoming late nightfall. They poured the soup gently inside wooden bowls as they delivered them in hand to Tighnari's hut. Before sitting themselves down and proceeding to feast, however, they placed a sheet capable of preventing any unwanted substance onto the wooden paneling. With that, they continued to place the delicate pieces of chopped vegetables dipped in warm broth onto their tongues. As always, Tighnari's cooking techniques were amazing. Cyno was never disappointed with the food conjured by his friend, and it was an honor to be a help. However, Cyno had something else up his sleeve.

"Hey, Tigh, I have something to show you," he informed. "Oh?" Cyno reached for the pouch attached to his belt resting on his thigh. Unbuttoning it, he pulled out a box. It looks like it could carry something small, but about the right size. "What's this?" the curious Fennec asked as Cyno handed it to him. "I want opinions from a professional, or should I say, culinary genius?"

"Please, don't refer me to that. I'm simply talented with consumables. That's all." Tighnari proceeded to reveal the continents inside the box. His ears perked up when witnessing it. He pulled out a fresh Cyno specialty, its baked, orange tanned pyramid glowing briskly in the lamp light. "Is this for me?" he asked. His friend gave him "why do you think I gave it to you?" look. Acknowledging the answer, he gripped the spoon resting alongside it in the box and took a careful bite.

Upon tasting, the rice boiled with delight on his taste buds. It might as well been one of the best dishes he's ever tasted. Cyno watched in satisfaction as his friends eyes delated in surprise and wonder. "I've added your favorite mushrooms as a special," he grinned. "Wow.. this is truly amazing. You have my upmost gratitude." He took another bite.

"You should show me the recipe some time."

"Well, it wouldn't be only my specialty, right? You would undoubtedly find a way to make it taste incomparable to mine." A small grin formed on Tighnari's mouth. The smallest of bites disintegrating in his stomach projected a warm feeling. An enjoyable feeling. Then suddenly, a thought conjured in his mind. "Wait a moment, where's Collei?" He turned his attention to the door, being met by a green haired young girl watching the two with pleasure. Upon being noticed she made a dash for it, coming out of view in merely a second. The men silently stood for a moment before projecting chuckles in sync.