Bonding

Rico groaned loudly, flopping onto the couch like he was on the verge of death. "I'm dying. Starving. Wasting away."

Jade raised a brow. "You're being dramatic."

Rico sat up, glaring. "Dramatic? Jade, we haven't eaten all day. They had us running through that exam, almost getting shot at, and then dumped us here with no food. This is abuse."

Ari clutched her stomach lightly, nodding. "…He's not wrong."

Skye crossed her arms. "We should've eaten first before stepping into the base."

"Didn't really get the option," Jade muttered.

Just then, Gage—silent as usual—pushed off the wall and headed toward the kitchen.

The others exchanged looks before following him.

The kitchen was sleek and futuristic, just like the rest of their base. Every appliance was state-of-the-art, voice-activated, and ready to go. As soon as they entered, the AI assistant, Lexi, lit up on a nearby holographic screen.

"Welcome to the kitchen," Lexi greeted in her smooth, robotic voice. "It appears you have not consumed any meals today. Would you like me to suggest a menu?"

Rico threw his hands up. "Thank you! Finally, someone who gets it."

Gage didn't even respond. He was already scanning the supplies, pulling out ingredients with a focused expression. He moved like he had done this a hundred times before—precise, efficient, and fast.

Lexi projected a few meal suggestions, but Gage ignored them, already chopping vegetables and heating the stove.

Ari quietly grabbed plates and utensils, setting up the table without being asked. Skye, more interested in the kitchen's technology than the actual food, started scanning through the automated settings, pressing a few buttons just to test them out.

Jade leaned against the counter, watching. She wasn't much of a cook, but she wasn't about to leave Rico as the only useless one here.

Speaking of which—

Rico was doing absolutely nothing.

He had his arms crossed, watching the process like a judge on a cooking show.

Jade narrowed her eyes. "You could help, you know."

Rico looked at her, completely unbothered. "Oh, I could. But I won't."

"You really want me to shoot you, don't you?"

He smirked. "You wouldn't."

Jade exhaled slowly, fighting the urge.

Gage didn't say a word, focused on finishing the meal. After some time and Rico nearly passing out on the counter, the smell of food filled the kitchen. Real food.

They all grabbed plates, sitting at the dining table for the first time.

Rico took a bite, his eyes widening. "…Okay, Gage, I take back every insult I've ever thrown your way."

Gage didn't even look at him. "you insult me."

I did in my head though Rico said with his mouth stuffed with food.

Ari giggled softly. Skye smirked. Jade took a bite and had to admit—Gage really could cook.

Everyone felt relaxed and at ease