Swords of the Soul

Hug the Cook

Humming, I grasped the frying pan above the stove. I didn't have to do so in Aincrad, but it was still fun to pretend. I mean, I am a child, so I can still pretend to be a good cook even if I'm trapped in this hellhole. I can pretend to cook food even if the game does it for me.
I continued humming to myself, letting go of the pan to check the recipe. "Okay... a few more minutes, and it will be done!" Grilled cheese was a lot easier to make IRL. But cookies, however, might not be. I looked into the oven's window and sighed. I couldn't see a thing.

Go figure...

Five minutes later, I received a knock on my door. It shouldn't be weird to receive visitors, but for me, it was. After moving to Selmburg, I had a more quiet life. I'd lived in the Town of Beginnings for nearly the two years of being stuck here, and thought it time for a house change. Slowly, I walked over to the door, questioning what might be on the other side. Opening it slowly, I was a little shocked to see the Commander at my doorstep. Wearing his more casual red cloak, no amour present, brought more questions into my mind.
"What," he asked, "can't a Commander visit his Guard?" Heathcliff questioned.
I sighed and motioned for him to come inside. "What brings you here?" I asked, walking over to the stove.
With the sound of the door shutting, I felt his eyes look to me again. "Like I said, I'm visiting."
"Usually, when a Commander visits, it's to discuss something important." I said, checking the time of the oven. The sandwich was done, but I was unable to eat it since Heathcliff arrived. He had fallen silent when I turned around to look at him from across the kitchen island. He seemed fixated with the redwood floor. "Heathcliff," I said calmly. "What do you want? Why did you come here to see me?" I leaned against the counter behind me, hands supporting me.
Heathcliff closed his eyes. "... it's... about the 75th Boss." My body tensed. "We're having a meeting later today to discuss information about it. At 10:00 sharp."
"So just a few hours from now..." I mumbled. It was around 6:45. Yes. In the morning.
What? I'm a morning gamer.
Heathcliff nodded, opening his eyes. They met mine. "I'll need you a lot in this fight, Shira." I nodded, understanding. "But for now... how have you been feeling?"
This question surprised me and I looked back at his eyes, having looked away a moment before. I looked into his eyes and saw curiosity, fear, and honesty. Fear and honesty was the most notable. Fear of what, I'm still not sure. "Um..." I thought of an answer.

Always tell the truth from now on...

I could trust Heathcliff. He wasn't a bad man, so I felt comfortable near him. "I've been... fine. Really happy, actually." I smiled a little.
"Why have you been happy?" He walked over to the island, crossing his arms. His eyes stayed on me.
I looked at the floor, continuing to think. "... I don't know," I said honestly. "I just... I don't know. But I haven't been this happy in so long. It feels good... you know?"
Heathcliff took a moment before nodding, eyes closed. "I... believe I do."
There was a sound that grabbed both our attention, and my heart fluttered. "They're done!" I yelled happily. I turned and hurried to the oven.
Heathcliff just stared, clueless. "What's... done?" He blinked.
"The cookies!" I chirped. I hit a button and they appeared on top of the stove. I clapped my hands, almost squealing.
Either I was going to become a girly-girly snobby girl as a teenager, or I was going insane.
Actually, I think I was just happy I'd made cookies without burning them.
Heathcliff stared before starting to laugh. I looked at him and he almost lost his balance, still laughing. "You... you seriously thought that you would burn it?!" He almost yelled. "I thought you wouldn't be worried! What's your cooking skill's level?!" He wheezed.
I stared. "Um... it's maxed out..."
He stopped and stared at me. "... and when did you do that?"
"Last... um... year?" I said, but more sounded like I was asking him the question instead.
He righted himself and regained composure. "Well then," he cleared his throat, "well done."
I raised an eyebrow. "Thanks?"
He smiled at me. "Well, try them," he motioned to the cookies. "Have you ever cooked them here?"
"No..." I said, gingerly picking one up. I stared at it before biting off a piece. I screamed with my mouth closed and jumped up and down.
Heathcliff stared, almost moving away. "Are you alright?"
I picked up a cookie and tossed it at him. "Try it!" I said happily and loudly.
Catching it and looking at it cautiously, he took a bite. After a few moments, he smiled to me and nodded. "Well done."
I ran and gave him a hug. "Hell yeah!! I made cookies!!"
I could feel him shaking his head at me for being so rediculous.

Remember today for the happiness. Not the loss.
Well will defeat the Boss on the 75th Floor.