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Mona always knows when it’s dinner time. The smell of whatever Aether had decided to prepare for dinner attacking her nostrils through the closed door of her office.
A soft knock at her door is all that it takes for her to confirm it and,
“Mona? Are you busy? May I come in?” Aether’s soft voice calls out from beyond the door,
“You’re fine, come in.” She responds, pushing what she was working on to the side.
The door creaks as it’s opened and the sounds of footsteps make their way towards Mona and then, they stop. Next, she feels the soft touch of her husband hugging her from behind,
“Dinner’s ready,” Aether says quietly.
“Knew it already. Northern smoked chicken and cream stew,” she turns to him, “But thanks for the notice.” A soft kiss to his cheek.
Aether smiles, “Of course, the stars must’ve told you.”
Mona’s eyebrows quirk in confusion, “The stars told me dinner was ready and what you were making?”
“Mhm?”
“Hmm? Not really?” She says, straightening her back.
It’s Aether’s turn to be confused, “Then how did you know? Was I loud again?”
Mona giggles, “Nope, not at all. I just know the smell of your cooking. You’ve cooked for me every day since we’ve been married, even before then actually- It’d be kinda hard to not recognize the smells by now.”
“Ah…” Aether says, eyes softening, “I’m glad that you know my cooking so well to the point where you can recognize the smells.” He reaches down to place a hand on her stomach, “It makes me really happy to know you’re eating well compared to how you used to eat.”
Mona feels her face light up a bit, “Well, it’s thanks to you. Can’t be bothered to learn to cook when the stars need to be studied, columns need to be written and equipment needs to be tinkered with. So much to do, hunger pains be damned.”
Her husband sighs, “That same mentality, huh? Well, that’s fine, you’ve got me around to cook for you now. I won’t let you go hungry.”
“Don’t say that as if I only keep you around for your cooking, that just sounds bad-“
Aether laughs in response, “I know you aren’t. I know you genuinely love me, as I do you. Waking up to you beside me every morning is one of my greatest blessings.”
If Mona’s face could get even brighter it does, “You’re so sappy- Saying all that cutesy gushy stuff-“
“But it’s true!”
“Yes, I know it is,” She smiles, “It’s the same for me as well, marrying you was one of the best things I’ve ever done. You take such good care of me, making sure I eat properly, offering to help pay for my equipment. I’m pretty sure you’ve even carried me to bed a few times after I’ve fallen asleep in here? I have the best husband there is.”
Aether feels his stomach fluttering, “Ah… Mona, dear?”
“Mhm?”
“May we go eat now? I’m not exactly used to your gushiness and I don’t know how much more I can take before I collapse.”
Mona laughs. “See, now you know I feel. But yes, dinner does sound nice right about now.”
Under a breath she mumbles, “The stars may not tell me when dinner is ready but they can confirm that I’ve married someone I’ll always hold dear.”