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Jim sat in Claire’s living room watching his girlfriend waltz about the kitchen.
“You sure you don’t want any help?” He called. Claire smiled at him fondly. Jim’s breath caught, as it did every time despite seeing it almost every day.
“I’ve got this.” She said. “Besides I want you to try this and tell me what you think.”
“Oh so I’m the guinea pig?” Jim teased. She laughed and point a spoon at him.
“Watch it mister, or I’ll make you do the dishes.” She shot back in the same teasing tone. “Shouldn’t you be picking the movie?”
“I’m stuck between two.” Jim said, staring at the cases. He picked up another. “Maybe three.”
“Which ones?” Claire asked, grabbing something from the fridge.
“Mulan.”
“Interesting choice, we’d have fun singing.”
“Shazam.”
“Comedy gold.”
“Into the spider-verse.”
“Some of the best animation and plot I’ve ever seen.”
“That sounds like a vote for Spider-Man.” Jim said. “Crispy.” He winced at that while Claire laughed.
“Keep trying to make crispy a thing.” She said between giggles. “Alright my new seven dip nacho dish is ready. Hmm what should I call it? The Claire-tastic, the nachobow?”
“Yeah, you keep working on that.” Jim said, putting Spider-Man: into the spider verse in the DVD player. He settled onto the couch, where Claire joined him. She set down the large dish filled to the brim with layers and a bowl of nachos. “Oh wow this looks amazing.”
“So we’ve got sour cream, guacamole, melted cheese, salsa, bean, jalapeño and olives with lettuce.” Claire said. “Ready to be my guinea pig?” Jim smiled, taking a nacho and dipping it. He popped it into his mouth.
“Mmmm delicious.” Jim declared. Claire smiled and tried one herself.
“You’re right, not bad.” She said, mentally patting herself on the back. “Now let’s watch the movie.” Jim pressed play and leant back into the couch. Claire curled up next to him and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.
“That was so good.” Jim said as he carried the remains of Claire’s dip to the kitchen.
“The movie or the dip?” Claire asked.
“Oh I don’t know.” Jim teased before kissing her cheek. “Both?”
“Both is good.” Claire said warmly. They started to wash up, Claire washing and Jim drying. He flicked a soap bubble at her. She brushed it off with a grin. He flicked a few more at her, landing them in her hair. “Oh it’s on!” She chucked a load of foam at him, getting him right in the chest. Jim clutched at it dramatically.
“Oh no I’ve been wounded.” He said. “Must... avenge... myself.” He grabbed some foam and threw it at Claire. She ducked as it sailed over her head. They laughed as they messed about in the kitchen, throwing foam everywhere. Clean dishes became shields and spatulas become weaponry. It became an epic duel of the dishes. Claire caught Jim with her spatula on the elbow, while he caught her on the head with a light pat.
“Curses.” Claire said dramatically. “I’ve been defeated.” They were still laughing. Claire put down her makeshift shield and clapped her hands to her mouth. “Oops the mess.” They looked around at the foam splattered cupboards before looking at each other and bending over laughing.
“As the victor.” Jim declared. “I get to split the duties.” Claire crossed her arms.
“Oh really. And what are you going do decide oh amazing knight?” She asked.
“I am going to put things away. And you’re going to get the foam.” Jim said, nudging her. Claire smiled and nodded. “Now where is my victory kiss.”
“After the dishes.” Claire said, grabbing a cloth to wipe away the foam. Jim quickly put everything away neatly before wrapping his arms around Claire, who was still getting the last bits of foam.
“That kiss?” Claire smiled but obliged. Their lips connected and Jim felt so happy. Kissing Claire was like feeling the first beams of sunrise. Natural, warm. Perfect. She pulled away.
“Now let me clean.” She said with a smile.
“Yes ma’am.” Jim said, saluting. Claire took a few more minutes to finish. “All done? Well that’s another reward.” He kissed her again, feeling her smile into it. They parted, happy as they could ever be.