Time Through Time We Remain Untamed.

Chapter 18: THE START

   Wuxian led Lan Zhan back into the kitchen that was well hidden in the back side of the 3rd living room. He racked his brain trying to figure out what he could possibly offer Lan Zhan to eat. Wuxian wasn't necessarily picky with his food but he wasn't too sure about Lan Zhan. He hadn't exactly asked him what his favourite food was or what he wanted to eat. Lan Zhan watched Wuxian lag on and off trying to seem nonchalant but it was clear he was struggling. Lan Zhan decided not to butt in though, he didn't want to make Wuxian feel even more nervous that he already was and just let him decide for  the both of them. In the end, Wuxian opted for some wheat based porridge and slices of pumpkin sweet potatoes. He took into account that Lan Zhan probably didn't like snacks or inorganic food and also the meal wasn't going to be too heavy for them but just enough to suffice for the next few hours of practise. Today, they would do simple sword fights and hand to hand combat.

      The kitchen was soon filled with the noises of crockery against each other and the numerous scents of food. Lan Zhan watched in comfortable silence as he took points of Wuxian's cooking. For a 17 year old, he knew his way around the kitchen surprisingly. He found it quite amusing actually, that a boy like Wuxian would know a thing or two about preparing a meal but was impressed. A small smirk crept onto his face.

     "Aiyaaaaa! Lan Zhan, stop looking at me like that. You are making me more nervous than usual." Wuxian grumbled as he shakingly cut up the sweet potatoes and put them into the boiling water.

    "There is no need to be nervous Wei Wuxian. It is just the two of us. I can assist you if you want," Lan Zhan offered standing to his feet.

     "NO! I mean..... there's no need for that Lan Zhan. You are a guest in my home. It wouldn't be right to have you work the first time that you are here. I'll handle it. I'm just anxious because this is the first time I have ever cooked for someone besides myself. I don't want to mess this up." Wuxian shyly admitted as he lowered the flame to slow boil the potatoes and swiftly moved on to the porridge mixture.

     Lan Zhan raised his eyebrow at the admission but chose not to comment. He was taking on this new side of Wuxian and it made him wonder what else he would witness from him. They fell into a comfortable silence soon after and Wuxian was able to finish unscathed. The steam rose steadily from the two hot bowls as Wuxian set them before Lan Zhan. A slight burning stench was detected as Wuxian had almost let the porridge burn in his idle rest but he had luckily caught it in time thanks to Lan Zhan. He took his place opposite Lan Zhan and settled down to eat.

    "I know it is not what you are used to Lan Zhan but I promise it is good....... enough," Wuxian stated laughing his usual nervous laugh. He carefully watched as Lan Zhan picked up his spoon and scooped a portion of the greyish liquid state meal and put it into his mouth. Wuxian stared intensely waiting for any reaction from Lan Zhan but the guy kept an unreadable face as he chewed. He gave nothing away and it was during these times Wuxian wished he could read Lan Zhan easily.
 
         "So, what do you think? Is it good? Do you like it? Is it ok? Is it too hot or cold? Come on Lan Zhan, tell me something! Did I overcook the porridge too much?!! Lan Zhaaaan....." Wuxian called out practically begging at this point. He didn't know why he needed to get feedback this bad but he did and it was killing him how Lan Zhan didn't give anything away. Lan Zhan kept silent as he took bite after bite of the food, not paying attention to Wuxian. The meal was better than he had expected and he was more than appreciative at the effort Wuxian had put but Wuxian didn't need to know that so he withheld himself.

      "Ahhhhhhhh Lan Zhan! Please tell me how the food is. I need to kno......" Wuxian started up again but was immediately shut down when he felt a huge piece of sweet potato pushed into his mouth.

"Stop talking and wasting time Wei Wuxian. The food is fine. Now eat or else." Lan Zhan said though it sounded more like an order. Wuxian was taken aback at Lan Zhan's upfront actions and wasn't sure how to react. He however, recovered quickly as he noticed Lan Zhan was still holding the potato piece to his mouth and he took a quick bite to avoid this new found awkwardness. He wanted to say something to save his face but held back as he noticed that Lan Zhan was unbothered and they sat quietly enjoying minutes.
 
     30 minutes later, the boys were done and ready to begin the agenda that had brought them in the first place. Wuxian cleared the table and took the empty dishes back into the kitchen. He then led Lan Zhan out to the yard to where they would train. It was indeed big and spacious enough for them as it was partioned into 3 sizeable fields, divided by hedge fences. The two would use the middle one as it was directly outside the sitting room making it easier for them to commute in and out the house and also it was the most shaded part so they wouldn't suffer as much from too much heat or cold. Wuxian set off to get their neccessities from the storage room while Lan Zhan began to clear up some of the snow cover outside. They didn't need any unnecessary accidents that would set them behind schedule. Every second was important and couldn't be wasted.