When Xander married Hinoka, he knew it wuld require him to become more familiar with Hoshidan culture than he had been in the past. To be honest he was actually looking forward to it. She taught him their holidays and history. He took particular interest in their politics and battle strategies. Hinoka always enjoyed it when he showed any interest in her homeland and he always enjoyed seeing her happy. He promised to learn everything she wanted to teach him. However, there was one thing he wasn't entirely certain he was ready to try.

The food.

Xander looked at the plate of the food Hinoka called 'sushi' in front of him. It was apparently raw fish, rice, and vegetables. The idea of eating raw fish raw made his stomach turn. He picked up one of the pieces and looked up at Hinoka who was trying to keep from giggling. "You expect me to eat this?" he asked.

Hinoka nodded. "Uh-huh. It's good trust me."

Xander raised a brow. "Is this a trick?"

"No, I promise!" She pushed his hand a little close so the sushi was almost touching his lips. Xander leaned back a bit with a slightly disgusted look on his face. "What? Is the mighty Prince Xander to be taken down by a mere fish?"

"He might be taken down by the diseases that comes with consuming raw foods."

Hinoka rolled her eyes. "I told you it's prepared safely so it won't do that. Come on just one little bite."

With a sigh, Xander slowly took a bite of the sushi. Hinoka watched anxiously for his reaction. He chewed the food as he let himself get familiar with the taste. It was a peculiar taste but he couldn't say that he hated it. "It's . . . different."

"Good different or bad different?" Hinoka asked.

"Um . . . good I suppose."

Hinoka smiled. "Great! I've some other food for you to try."

"Is it raw too?"

"No, silly man, it's cooked." She stood up from her seat. "Be back in a bit." She left the mess hall and went back into the kitchens. Meanwhile, Xander took another bite of the sushi and found he was growing a little fond of the flavors. Soon Hinoka returned with a small platter of food.

"Here, try this," she said taking a plate off of the platter. "It's call teriyaki."

Xander looked at the food. There was chicken, rice, and cooked vegetables on it. "It smells good."

"Doesn't it? Tastes even better." She handed him a pair of chopsticks.

Xander took them and picked up one of the chicken pieces. He put it in his mouth and nodded approvingly. "Delicious." Hinoka looked excited.

"Glad to hear it. Okay, one more thing for you to try." She handed him a small bowl of soup. "Something to wash it down."

"What is it?" Xander asked. He picked up a spoon and took a sip from the soup. "Hm, tasty."

"It's miso soup," Hinoka said. She watched quietly as Xander finished the food she offered him. "So, you like it?"

Xander nodded. "It was all very good. Thank you."

"I should be thanking you. I know I've been forcing to learn a lot about my culture lately." Hinoka frowned and looked away a bit. "It must get annoying."

Xander smiled softly and grabbed her hands. "Not a bit. I find your love of your culture to be refreshing and I've enjoyed everything you've shown me. I think it brings us one step closer to strengthening the bond between our peoples." He leaned closer to her. "And as husband and wife."

Hinoka smiled as she leaned closer and kissed him. "I love you."

"And I you." He leaned back in his chair. "Of course now I have to introduce you to foods from my country. I can't wait for you to try cheese."

Hinoka raised a brow. "What's cheese?"

I remembered when I first tried sushi. Loved it ever since. I also love cheese. Mmm . . . cheese.

Anywho! Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed!