Sugar Cookies

It isn't often that Lenalee has the chance to bake cookies. Between being off on missions and keeping the Science Department well hyped up on caffeine when she is home, there are seldom enough moments to cloister herself in a corner of Jerry's kitchen for an hour or so. But today she manages, going by one of the first recipes that Jerry had taught her and laying everything out just so. She begins to preheat the oven and makes sure that all of the ingredients are out before starting to measure the flour. Things are going well, all things considered.

Until Allen lets himself into the kitchen.

He is innocent enough at first, simply poking around for any leftovers and eying her work curiously. But the closer her project gets to becoming edible, the more interested in it he becomes.

"Don't stick your hand in there!" she orders for the umpteenth time, having caught him sneaking a pinch of cookie dough from the mixing bowl. His next thievery attempt earns him an exasperated sigh accompanied by a slap on the wrist from her wooden mixing spoon.

He cradles the injured appendage, looking hurt, or at least surprised. Her glare is remorseless.

"Behave or I'm kicking you out!"

Perhaps literally.

He hangs back by the counter, sullenly, as she shapes the dough into lumpy spheres. She ignores him. When one metal sheet is filled with evenly spaced chunks of dough, she opens the oven door and cautiously loads it in, letting the heat wash over her as she glances at Allen to remind him that she is still watching, don't you dare try it. She is not moved by his miserable attempt to look innocent. With one last glare, she sets about filling a second pan.

All too soon the task is complete, cookies safely in the oven and slowly baking. Now the waiting begins. Lenalee turns to find that Allen is still standing there behind her and eyes him curiously. He avoids looking at her with the air of someone trying very hard to show that they are not at all guilty.

"Couldn't you find anything to eat?" she questions. He shakes his head, clearly angst ridden by this fact. Lenalee glances at the timer. Ten minutes left on the first batch. "Well, Jerry will be back soon, and if the cookies are done before then you can have some."

Allen looks like she has just informed him that it is Christmas, and Lenalee is quick to amend: "Some. And you have to help me pass the rest out."

They agree that it is a fair deal.

Several minutes, one burn and a slap for Allen eating more cookies than their agreement stipulated later, the two make their way through the corridors bearing baskets of sugar cookies and offering one to everyone they come across. There are many takers, though Allen thinks that this has more to do with Lenalee's smile than the actual baked goods, though they are certainly delicious. She seems thrilled by everyone's enthusiasm either way, making sure to tuck a couple of the sweets away for Komui in case they run out before making it to his office. They do, and so return to the kitchen to prepare cups of coffee for those who didn't get a chance at either batch. Technically speaking, Allen is not obligated to help her carry the coffee. But he does. And he chuckles quietly when Komui nearly sweeps Lenalee off her feet with the force of his clinging at being brought such gifts. Lenalee flushes, attempting to pry him off, and Allen only feels a little bad when that makes him laugh harder.

Lenalee ignores Komui's blustering protests when she grabs Allen by the hand to march him back to the kitchen. Clearly they have another batch or two to make.