"Tris, come on. You have to at least try it."
Tris Prior is hesitant. The last time her girlfriend attempted to get her to try food, it was all a prank. She found out that there's a reason oreos aren't toothpaste flavored.
"I really don't trust you, Matthews. You're a bit of a liar when it comes to things like this." she says, leaning on the counter.
Jeanine can't help but smile. The smile that makes Tris melt.
"It isn't toothpaste this time. I actually cooked a meal, and since I'd like to eat it too, I'm not about to make it taste bad." The older woman says. "Please? I actually tried with this one." She gives Tris a million dollar smile, sure to make her give in.
Tris sighs. She really couldn't resist that smile.
"Fine. But if it's bad, I'm never, ever going to eat anything you cook again." she holds out her hands and takes the bowl.
She grabs a spoon and stares Jeanine down as she takes a bite.
Jeanine doesn't look like she's about to burst from holding in laughter this time, so maybe it is genuine.
Much to Tris's delight and relief, the dish she's just tasted is amazing.
"You cook now?" she says with a mouth full. Her eyes are wide.
Jeanine grins again. "I've been learning from a friend of mine. You remember Ben, he's always been great at cooking." she leans forward and steals a spoonful of the casserole she made.
"You're genius. I mean, I knew this, but I've never been so pleasantly surprised." Tris says, taking another bite.
"Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's been my stress reliever to cook that today." Jeanine walks over and sits down on a barstool next to Tris.
Tris pauses mid-chew and frowns. Once she's swallowed, she sets her bowl down and gets to her feet.
She pulls Jeanine close and holds her as tight as she possibly can.
"Don't stress. I love you, and I don't want you upset." she whispers.
Jeanine considers pulling back and insisting she's fine, but she doesn't. She lets herself loosen up and closes her eyes.
"I'm working on it. Thank you. I love you too." she rests her cheek against Tris's shoulder.
All remaining tension slips away, and Jeanine finds herself calmer than she thinks she's ever been in the arms of someone who truly cares for her.
She didn't think she'd ever allow herself to love, at least not in this way.
But Tris broke Jeanine's walls down, and brought her humanity back.
Jeanine finally feels safe.
Truly and deeply safe.