Aria
She chuckled at the 'that,' much amused by his desire for make outs all the time. "Of course, though we definitely need to get some sleep at some point too..." She looked at how he was moving, and decided that, unless he asked, he probably didn't need to lean on her anymore, which would be nice for both of them. Instead, she simply walked to the kitchen while holding his hand.

She began to scrounge around, figuring out ingredients when they got there, having, sadly, to let go because she needed her hands to grab things.

She finally managed to pull together the ingredients for a grilled pork in an herb sauce, and salad ingredients. She moved over to the stove and got to work.

Pao
"I mostly meant the snuggling," was his defense, though the brow waggle was the biggest hint that he was lying. He was glad to not be added weight for her to carry so he gladly held her hand on the way to the kitchen instead. As soon as she got started on the cooking end of things he slowly worked to get the stuff to set the table. It took longer than usual but he did eventually finish, then he hobbled off to get his mug from the room.

When he got back he just sipped away at it (it was already pretty cold but still tasty) from a chair. Normally he would kind of hover near her, but with his injuries sitting was the best option.

"By the way," he eventually broke a brief silence, "since earlier you mentioned that time I asked about the word 'goof'. It was those cookies that made me feel all..." and he squinted, "freakishly giddy, huh?"

Aria
"Yeeees, the snuggling, of course you did." She said, with an amused eye roll. The brow waggle, however, made her burst out laughing. He was so very silly, and it made her life much happier. She hadn't had a lot of time for silliness and humor when she was younger, so having it now felt amazing.

She watched him get things set up while she cooked, making sure he didn't seem to be risking injury. When he seemed fine, though, she focused more on the pork she was grilling. She sighed, enjoying the scent wafting up into her nose.

She frowned a little when he left, but thought he might be going to the restroom... But seeing him return with his cup earned a small smile, and her remembering to fill the kettle and put it back on the stove. She was focusing on what she was doing when he spoke.

His words made her wince a little, uncomfortable at what he brought up, a bit. She felt kind of guilty for accidentally drugging him. "Um... Yeah. Apparently some one got some Life altered cinnamon and used it in the cookies. I wasn't aware of this or... Well, technically I was informed, apparently, but I'd already had a cookie, and it was too late for me to really get it. I'm sorry I... basically drugged you too, though it was entirely an accident."

Pao
He sensed the guilt and discomfort and was very tempted to needle her about it in a loving and teasing manner, but considering the minor hell he'd just put her through he stowed it and just shrugged. "No harm done," he replied with a slight shrug-and-wince. "Just, thinkin' back it was the weirdest feeling. Kinda surprised I didn't wind up saying I liked you already. I kept thinkin' it though, I remember that."

Aria
She blinked some, and smiled a little at the thought. "Well, it worked out in the end, didn't it? A little bit of the magic of chocolate cake got us where we needed to be, hmmm?" She sighed a little, and then shrugged. "But yeah. I was so weird those two days. All... energetic and happy, and... when I wasn't thinking about you, because honestly I'd already figured out how I felt about you, even... if I didn't want to bring it up... I was looking at people and going 'OH they might fall in love! oh how cute!' and it was the weirdest ******** feeling ever." She emphasized that word by flipping the pork, causing a hissing, sizzling sound under her voice.

Pao
"Yeah! Two days of ********' time!" He sat up and winced again, though he did his best not to pay the pain any attention. It kind of worked. "I was actually happy to be on cleaning duty, what the ******** huffed, amused that she was as animated about the accidental consuption of a contaminated thing as he was. And that she could still focus enough to keep on cooking was amazing to him and just noticing that got him to smile again. The cookie fiasco still simmering in the back of his mind, though.

"But like you said, magic chocolate cake and bam, here we are. The cookies got us pretty close, maybe...but the cake did the trick."

Aria
She sighed and nodded. "It was ******** weird. I mean I was happy all the time, which kind of was nice, but at the same time nuts because that's not me. And I've never felt the urge to start imagining people as couples at random before." She paused, then snorted. "I was imagining Melvin with Lysander for ******** sake!"

She paused, then said in a dark tone, "Mind purely romantic imagining. I was not thinking of them doing more, because sex was so not on my mind during that period. Everything was..." She paused, grasping for a word, then said in a tone that spoke VOLUMES about how weird it felt to be saying this "Fluffy and lovey."

She shook her head more, determined to not think too hard into that as she poured herb-sauce laden fats back onto the pork to keep the flavor in.

His comment about the cake, though, and being here, made her lips quirk into a loving smile. "I think I'll have to make that cake on important anniversaries and s**t from now on."

Pao
It was almost entertaining, watching her go on about her troubles with those particular feelings. Though when she mentioned those two together he couldn't not wrinkle his nose, mostly because it just never crossed his mind that they'd ever become a thing. The way she said "fluffy and lovey" caused him to raise a curious brow, though.

"We've been fluffy and lovey all week and you've clearly been enjoying it...right?"

He was teasing, of course, and his expression softened when she mentioned baking the cake again for future celebrations. "Speaking of anniversaries, do we have an official date for us?"

Aria
"I... guess? Doesn't feel the same. I don't feel gooey and sappy, but when I look back on the emotions I experienced during CookieGeddon, those are the words I would describe them with." She looked up at him, a brow raised of her own. "That... I can't compare what I've felt with you all week to how I felt then. It's... different. Very. It was closest, when I was around you."

She let the pork sear as she began to prep the salad. "When around you, or thinking of you, I just felt what I already did towards you, but... it was like being in a haze. All I could see was the good things... If things that made me feel sad in connection to you, like... when I thought about how you said you'd never felt you mattered to anyone before? Normally that would have left me feeling sad, and angry at the world. Instead, I just focused on how nice it was to be the first person who made you feel that way."

She paused again, and then said "And I don't like that. While not feeling sad is nice, I guess, I prefer to know I'm dealing with all sides of reality." She blinked at his question, then said slowly "Well there's always Cake Day... or... The night we got here. It might have been hell, at first, but... At that point we were definitely together, by the time we got to bed. Or the next morning, when we officially said it, I guess."

Pao
Rhys sat and listened, happy to come to understand a bit more what was going through her head during CookieGeddon--he snorted at that name. "I definitely get the whole being stupid happy all the time," he interjected somewhere in the middle, then nodded along to the rest. He was surprised to learn that things had been mutual at that point already, so when potential official anniversary dates came into question (because he asked...) he was a bit lost in thought.

"Wait...before the date--I vote the morning when we both said it, by the way--so how long did you like me before Cake Day?"

Aria
She smiled at the way he snorted, glad that her term for it amused him. She turned back to the pork, though, as he got lost in thought, letting him make up his mind how he wanted to handle it. In fact, by the time he was done, she was plating their meal.

She almost dropped her piece of pork, but kept herself from doing so, when he asked that. "Oh lords and ladies, what a question." She looked a little unnerved, but also lost in thought, as she brought the plates with the pork and salads on them over. She set his in front of him, went to her place and set hers down, and got further lost in thought.

"Good question. I know I realized I found you attractive... somewhere around when I first saw your tattoo, and the next morning at the gym. I don't... Entirely know when I realized it was more then a 'he's definitely some one I'd consider having sex with' reaction." She began to eat, absentmindedly trying to figure this out.

Pao
The plate set before him got a lot of his attention, but not enough that he completely forgot what they were talking about. He starting cutting up the pork, glancing up at her on occasion until she wasn't so lost in her thoughts anymore. He finished by then, too, and when she answered he nearly choked on the piece that he'd popped into his mouth.

"Wow..." he managed after a moment. "That was way back when you first cooked me pajeon." And as for the sex comment he only huffed and continued eating, already knowing how different things would have been turned out for them if she acted on that initial thought. "Well," said the brunette after a few more bites, "if it helps I'm not really sure when I noticed you as someone more than just another hunter, so. We're on even ground, here."

Aria
She gave a shrug, and said "It might have... been somewhere along between when I first visited you in the hospital and when I came back with the donuts that things started connecting in my head." She sighed, and said "I think I realized I was in love with you... about the time I got drunk with Joy... Somewhere around then. Certainly I... might have mentioned something to her about it." She groaned, suddenly, at that. "Oh gods, I think she was fishing for it, too. Not like... prying but like 'Older sisterly wanting to know' type of thing."

She shook her head, and then looked at him, a little amused, a little sad. "That you did is more then enough for me." She said with a shrug. The sadness wasn't directed at him, just at the things he'd told her that would explain why he wouldn't see it initially.

Pao
He raised a brow at the drunk bit but didn't comment, just kept right on eating as he listened. It was more surprising to him that she hadn't said anything about her feelings for so long if that was really when things started for her, though thinking back he probably wouldn't have been all too receptive either so her silence worked out for the best. And his, too...timing really was everything in certain cases.

"I may have told her a little something about us after we worked out one time," he admitted, looking thoughtfully up at the ceiling as he recalled. "This was after Cake Day...I used it as a motivator 'cause she seemed really curious..."

When he looked back at her hs caught both emotions in her gaze but again didn't comment. Just assumed the sadness had nothing to do with how slow he'd been to notice her at all. "At least when I fell for you it was pretty ********' hard," he said as he got up, quickly leaning down to give her a quick kiss. "And I still fall all over again every morning when I wake up and you're right there in my arms."

Rhys hobbled off to grab them their waters, eyeing the kettle on the stove and assuming the cocoa was for later, before bed.

Aria
She blinked a bit at his comment about it. "Oh? Motivator for what?" She still had no idea that Joy had recruited him for training. She didn't even know Joy had implied she was part of why. "And huh. Well, whatever you told her, I don't care... It's not like she was interfering or anything." She paused, and snorted, before adding "Though I think she's decided she's like an older sister to me, cause she totally did the 'if he hurts you' routine." She shook her head, bemused. "Which had me laughing but going 'no, I'd really rather that not be a thing.' to her."

She blinked at him, and smiled warmly at his comment about falling hard, and kissed him back, a soft mmm! following the kiss. "I'm glad to hear it. Being there in your arms has done quite a solid job of cementing the feelings I've had for a while into a pretty solid position." She watched him go, as she ate, a smile on her face.

Even hobbling, he was gorgeous as ********. "Thank you, babe... I'll prep the cocoa before we leave the kitchen."

Pao
"Oh, Joy? She asked me to work out with her 'cause she heard that I'm a good workout partner. We did a killer WOD, so to motivate her to finish I kinda told her I'd tell her who I started liking. She kinda just seemed like she wanted to know so I didn't think it'd be that big a deal--" and he paused and looked back at Seren, blinking. "So she's gonna hurt me for what happened between you and me before coming here or...?"

Rhys hobbled back with the pitcher and cups, smile back on his face as he took a seat and poured her a cup first, then one for him as well. "Same for me," he replied before taking a sip. "Every morning you being there just reminds me that this is all real, and that you're all mine and my world's better for it." He shot her a smile before taking another sip and getting back to his food. "And thanks for remembering the cocoa."

Aria
"Ohhhh she decided to seek you out? I think I might have vaguely mentioned it while doing a jog... She wanted to work out/hang and I'd already done my workout, but... Anyways. It was a rambling conversation, but she definitely asked me about you." She finished her food, then sipped the water, looking thoughtful. "She claimed she'd seen us together, looking couple-y, at the gym, and confused the hell out of me. This was definitely pre-Cake, so I can't think what she thought she saw..."

His question about Joy hurting him had her looking a little alarmed and a lot fierce. "She'd better not! I'd really object, in a very unpleasant way..." And then her expression lightened. "But I don't know why she would. I told no one about it. I basically abused the entire world those 11 days. She has no way I can think of to know?"

Her fingers ran along the edge of the cup, his words burning inside of her in the best way possible. She gave him a small smile, full of her love, and said "You're welcome.. I wouldn't forget something so important, love." It was both teasing and a little serious. With his injuries today, she wanted to do everything she could to make it better for him.

Pao
"Yeah..." he had his brows scrunched together as well, wondering what the other hunter might have seen. Seren all fierce snapped him out of it though, and he chuckled and reached over to gently pat her arm. "If she doesn't know, then that's fine, babe. She's kicked my a** in a spar before, wouldn't wanna find out how it feels when she's actually mad and more serious about hurting me."

Rhys smiled, mild concern showing through as he thought back to how she looked when they first got here. And to how he must have looked, too. Eleven days of misery for the both of them, and they both shut out the world as best they could in that time. "Better she doesn't, maybe? Joy's great but the stuff we've talked about..." He let it trail there and took a bite, knowing full well that she knew what he was getting at.

At her teasing he chuckled. "I'm glad it's as important to you as it is to me, babe."

Aria
She stood up and moved behind him, leaning to kiss his cheek, before she began to massage his shoulders. "Well whatever it was, she's probably not yet aware things had even progressed to the point they had before that day... I mean, we weren't hiding it but... I don't think either of us told her anything and I don't recall seeing her during the lead up?"

Her fingers were gentle on his shoulders, but still seeking out the knots. She wasn't going to risk going any lower, not after the last time, but at least she could do this for her beautiful boyfriend. "And yeah, I tend to agree... I just don't want to deal with that discussion at all. Better she just assume I was having a bout of depression or something."

She rolled her eyes, amused, but kept working on his shoulders as she let him finish his own meal.

Pao
The massage was a pleasant surprise, and one he wasn't about to turn down. As long as she stayed on his shoulders things probably wouldn't turn out like last time. And he nodded as they stayed on the topic of Joy and how much about them their mutual friend knew. "It all kinda works out, in the end," he said, glancing up at her with a little smile. "I think she'd understand if we had things we couldn't talk about, anyway, so should be alright."

When he finally finished his food he washed it down wiith some water before reaching for her hands, gently tugging them forward so her arms were wrapped around his neck. "Mm...babe, dishes tomorrow? I should be all healed up by then."

Aria
"Yeah, I hope so. She seemed... very interested in you and I." She said, and shrugged, not really understanding Joy's interest in the subject. Other then the time under the cookies, she'd never felt the desire to matchmake, or even start daydreaming about potential couples. If some one was interested in some one else, she'd support them and cheer them on, but she wasn't prone to going 'so and so belongs with such and such!' and plotting and... any of it.

She blinked, startled when he pulled her forwards, but followed his hands willingly, even if she ended up blushing because the position ended up with his head against her breasts. She stayed still, very, for a moment, then gently rested her chin on the top of his head.

"Yeah... I can definitely agree to that... Did you see if this place has laundry facilities? I'd like to wash our stuff tomorrow."

Pao
"People like what they like," he replied, "I like that I can trust her on the field, and with you, so I can't knock her for any of that."

When he pulled her forward he assumed she would lean down so her head was on his shoulder, but when she didn't he blushed a bit as well when he felt where his head ended up resting. He froze for a second but relaxed soon enough. "You're the best," he said, then pressed a soft kiss to her arm as he thought about her question. "I didn't see any, but we could look? ...Tomorrow?"

Aria
She mmm'd softly at his words, and nodded. "She is a good friend, on and off the field, I will not deny that." She found his comment about trusting Joy with her amusing, if a little odd. "With me...? Do you think others are a danger to me, then?" She said, in a curious tone.

She smiled at the kiss, and took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of his shampoo in his hair. She loved that he was such a clean man. She'd known some who didn't keep as clean as he did, and it made her happy to know that her love wasn't one. "I do my best for you. You're worth it." She pressed a kiss to his hair, and added "Yes, tomorrow is fine... You need to heal first."

Pao
He ran his hands along her arms, occasinally kissing but mostly just enjoying her company and the way they were currently positioned. Normally he had his chin in her hair, after all, so the switch was nice. "I meant more in the field, but with others, too, I guess?" And if something were to happen to him...but he left that part out.

"I know you do, babe," he said after a few more kisses before eventually leaning his head back so he could look up at her. "And I do my best 'cause you're worth it, too." Playfully he puckered his lips, eyes closed and happy to look a little silly for her benefit.

Aria
She smiled, and shivered a little, at the kisses, her eyes soft as she listened to him. "Mmmm I see. Well yeah, I definitely would trust her at my back, though not as much as you." She'd rather have him at her back then the best Hunter in the world... She knew and trusted him.

She smiles softly at his words, and murmured "You do wonderfully, love..." And leaned, awkward though it kind of was, to press her lips to his in an odd upside down kiss, before going back to the position that was more comfortable. "You're the best boyfriend a girl could ask for."

Pao
After the awkward but still very pleasant kiss he went back to just resting his head against her, not entirely sure he was the best anything but happy that she thought so, and happy to keep doing what he could so that someday he could fully believe that. "And you're the best for me, love," he echoed the sentiment, believing that with every fiber of his being.

While he was comfortable, he did glance over at the kettle on the stove before looking up at her again. "Cocoa and bed time?" he asked, blinking. "Well...bath first, but I've got cuts so no sharing that tonight."

Aria
She sighed, soft and comfortable, her eyes closed as she leaned behind him. She was relaxed, and safe and happy, and he was healing, which was what mattered. His words felt so good, though, and she pressed a soft kiss to his forehead. "Good...." Was all she could think to say.

Her eyes opened at his question, and she blinked a little, looking at the kettle. "Mmm yeah, I suppose so. Why don't you go on ahead, and get into the bath? I did notice they have a seperate stall for a shower, probably under the assumption that most partners here wont want to share... I'll just do a quick wash, since today isn't a hair-day, and then get changed and get the cocoa?"

Pao
"Sounds like a plan," was his response, though once he untangled her from him and got up he felt a bit apologetic about the incident again. He didn't want her to worry about him again, though, so he didn't say anything. Instead, before he left he pulled her into a quiet and probably a bit tighter than usual hug, then kissed her once more before heading to the door.