Yeah, it's been a while. This chapter did not want to get written, but I hope you enjoy it.

"And then we just add the Revival Herb and leave it to simmer."

Sidney took an experimental sniff and immediately had to bite back a sneeze. "Kinda bitter, isn't it?"

"It is," Mallow admitted cheerfully. "But Lurantis likes it that way."

Sidney nodded, then spotted Litten creeping along the counter and scooped his new partner into his arms. "You like bitter stuff too, huh?"

Litten twisted into him with a soft yowl. Sidney shifted him into the crook of his elbow and used his free hand to snag a leftover Rawst berry from the bench. The speed with which it vanished left no doubt as to Litten's preferences, and Mallow giggled.

"I'll set some of the stew aside for him when it's done."

Litten started to purr, and Sidney smiled. "'Precciate it."

Mallow beamed back, but whatever she was about to say was cut off by a sharp bark from Absol. She didn't move from where she was basking in the afternoon sunshine, but Sidney immediately ran for the oven. Litten jumped down onto the floor and peered through the glass until Sidney gently nudged him to the side.

"You can taste it in a second, but I swear it'll be nicer if it's not burned."

"I don't know," said Mallow, who had followed him over and now handed him the oven gloves. "Kiawe's Salazzle refuses to touch anything that isn't charcoaled."

Sidney pulled a face. "Fire-types are weird. Not that that's a bad thing," he added hastily, with a glance at Litten. Said Fire-type scowled and stalked off to curl up next to Absol, who cracked open one eye long enough to nudge him into the sunlight and then went back to sleep again. Sidney chuckled to himself, and returned his attention to his cake. The top had turned a perfect golden brown.

"Huh," said Mallow. "I wonder if Nanu's Absol ever helps him like that. Though he doesn't exactly cook, so maybe not." She paused. "Come to think of it, I don't think he even owns an oven."

Sidney grinned at her. "Maybe not then. She doesn't mind though. She started it actually. Honestly, you burn one pie one time and no one ever lets you forget it."

Mallow laughed. "Tell me about it! At least Salazzle made sure mine didn't go to waste." Her smile widened as Sidney set the baking tray on a clear surface. "But she would hate this one. It looks fantastic."

"Thanks," said Sidney. The familiar mix of spiced berries brought back memories of cooking with his grandmother, and he had to smile. "Old family recipe."

"Those are the best," Mallow agreed. "When my parents opened the restaurant, my mom's old recipes were the first things on the menu." She looked down, her smile fading slightly. "We don't do those ones any more though."

Sidney's stomach clenched. "I know the feeling," he muttered. There were some things his grandmother didn't cook anymore either. He hesitated, then patted the younger trainer awkwardly on the shoulder. "Sucks, right?"

Mallow let out an odd half sob-half laugh. "It really sucks."

Her Tsareena looked up from where she was mixing the icing, and the sweet smell of an Aromatherapy drifted through the room. Sidney took a deep breath, and felt the tension drain from his muscles. Maybe he should see if Shiftry could learn that. Mallow crossed the room to give her partner a hug.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

Tsareena let out a soft croon. A lump rose in Sidney's throat, then a rough tongue licked at his hand and he glanced down to find Mightyena watching him in open concern. Sidney shook himself, and stroked his partner's fur while he tried to work out what to say. He had never been good at this feelings business. Not for the first time he wished Steven was here. The Champion always seemed to know exactly what to do.

But Mallow was upset, and growing increasingly embarrassed about being upset judging by the flush spreading up her neck, and Sidney had to do something. Mightyena gave a soft huff and nudged him in Mallow's direction, and Sidney took a deep breath.

"Grandma didn't cook any of Ma's favourites for a year after she died," he said softly. "I didn't understand, kept asking for 'em. She finally gave in, and we baked that cake together." The memory made him smile, even as his heart ached. "She cried, and I cried, but it helped."

Mallow sniffed, and looked up from Tsareena. "Really?"

Sidney nodded. It hadn't been easy, but it was the first time he had acknowledged his grief, and the fact that she was gone. "It hurt," he admitted, "but in the good way, y'know?"

"Not really," Mallow said. Tsareena patted her on the back, then made her way over to the sink to pour a glass of water. Sidney sighed, wished once more for Steven, and pushed a stool over to her.

"Do you ever cook with your dad?"

"All the time," she said, and this time she managed a watery smile. Unfortunately it faded just as quickly. "Just not anything that Mom used to make."

Sidney bit his lip. He could understand where her father was coming from, but it seemed like Mallow still had a lot bottled up. Mightyena padded over, a second stool dragging between his teeth, and scowled at Sidney until he finally sat next to Mallow.

"Do you ever want to?"

The question came out a bit more bluntly than he had intended. Mallow's eyes widened, but after a moment her expression turned contemplative. "I don't know. I guess I never really thought about it." She looked at her water for a moment. "I do miss her saimin. The version Dad put on the menu is different."

Sidney hesitated, but both Mightyena and Tsareena were watching him and he couldn't help himself. "Wanna make it now?"

Mallow's jaw dropped. Sidney fought down the urge to fidget, and did his best to keep his voice casual, "No pressure, obviously, but hey. It might help. I dunno."

He bit his lip before he could start rambling. Tsareena was still watching him, and Sidney had seen how tough the elegant Grass-type was. The last thing he wanted was to get on her bad side. He probably shouldn't have said anything, he had known Mallow for less than a day and he was being way out of line…

"Why?"

Sidney blinked. "Huh?"

Mallow swallowed, but didn't look away. "You're one of the Hoenn Elite Four. You're one of the best trainers in the world. Don't you have more important things do do than make soup?"

Sidney didn't need any help on that one. "Nope. So, what goes in your mom's version?"

Maybe he was making this up as he went along, but if the shy smile spreading across Mallow's face was anything to go by then maybe he wasn't doing such a bad job after all.