As the pasta simmered, filling the kitchen with its rich aroma, she focused on getting the rest of the ingredients ready. Just as Starfania reached for the seasoning, she felt a light touch graze her waist. A sudden shiver ran down her spine as she turned to see Aeron standing close behind her, his fingers barely brushing against her side. He wore a playful smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
" Just checking if the pasta is done, " he teased, his voice laced with amusement. Starfania raised a skeptical eyebrow, stifling a laugh. She said, narrowing her eyes at him. " They're not ready yet. "
Aeron leaned in a bit closer, the warmth of his body almost tangible.
"Oh, come on," he replied, pretending to pout. "I swear I could cook pasta in my sleep by now."
Starfania couldn't help but roll her eyes, yet there was a hint of a smile threatening to escape her lips. She picked up a wooden spoon, playfully swatting at him. "Well, this isn't a sleepover, Chef. You need to help, not distract me."
He chuckled and stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright! I'll be useful."
With that, he shifted his focus to the fresh basil sitting on the counter. He began tearing the leaves, their fragrant scent mingling with the smell of the simmering sauce. Starfania watched him for a moment, her heart warming at the sight. The way he moved was effortless, almost graceful, and for a fleeting second, the kitchen felt more like a cozy dance floor.
"Just be careful not to overdo it," she cautioned, reaching for a potholder.
"Overdo it? Me?" He feigned innocence, his eyes sparkling as he added another handful of basil. "Never!"
She sighed, shaking her head, but could not suppress the grin spreading across her face. "Okay, Mr. Chef, let's see what you can do."
As they exchanged teasing remarks, the warmth of their laughter filled the room, creating a feeling of comfort that wrapped around them like a cozy blanket. The pasta bubbled gently, joining in the joyful atmosphere. Atlas—stood nearby, watching the entire exchange with keen interest. His perceptive gaze flickered between them, an amused smirk playing on his dragon mouth. Then, in an unexpected moment of sincerity, Aeron reached for Starfania's hand, giving it a small but firm squeeze. She tilted her head, watching him with curiosity. As his cheeks turned red under her midnight eyes. Their eyes doing their own dance as they stare into one another. As she squeezed his hand right back making him flush even harder.
Lost in their own little world, a loud thud echoed from the balcony, snapping them out of their trance. They both jumped, their hearts racing as they exchanged startled glances. Just to see Violet and Drogo standing there with the balcony door open wide. Vi had a wide grin plastered across her face as she dusted herself off. Drogo ruffled his wings and let out a soft huff, clearly satisfied with his recent flight. Atlas walked closer to Drogo, his tail wagging slightly as he gave him a playful nudge. Who also returned the bump to his buddy while playfully nipping at him. Aeron let out a breath, shaking his head with a chuckle. " You scared us half to death. "
Starfania crossed her arms, laughing at herself for being so jumpy. " You two sure know how to command a room. "
Vi just shrugged innocently, but Aeron squinted at her, as if noticing something.
" You were gone for quite a while, " he said. " I thought I told you just to bring him up here. "
Violet hesitated before grinning sheepishly. " Well… technically, I did bring him up here. I just… may have taken a little detour. "
Aeron sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. " You took him for a ride, didn't you? "
Vi winked. " Maybe. "
Shaking his head, Aeron muttered something under his breath about reckless decisions, but there was no real frustration in his voice–only fond exasperation. Starfania simply smiled, glad that everyone was safe and that the night still carried a lighthearted air.
" Dinner will be ready soon, " she said, gesturing for them to come inside. As Violet and Drogo settled in, the balcony door shut behind them, sealing them in the warmth of their new home. Despite the looming uncertainty of the future, she felt with her friends by her side. She could accomplish anything she set her mind to. As they finished serving the pasta, Atlas and Starfania joined the others, drawn in by the enticing aroma of pasta. The perfectly cooked pasta sat temptingly in the bowl, and she had to shoot Atlas a warning glance to keep him from snatching some.