Chapter 183: Salmon, Starlight, And Sass

Kane pulled open the refrigerator door, scanning its contents with newfound purpose.

He’d missed this—the simple act of cooking for Cyrus, creating something with his own hands rather than ordering from expensive restaurants.

His first instinct was egg fried rice, quick and comforting, but his gaze drifted to the dragon egg case on the counter.

Using eggs while harboring their future son felt... inappropriate. Possibly offensive.

"Probably not the best time for that particular dish," he murmured to himself.

Instead, Kane’s attention settled on a beautiful piece of salmon, its flesh still firm and glistening. Cyrus always kept quality ingredients, even if he rarely used them himself.

"Miso glazed salmon," Kane decided aloud, pulling the fish from the fridge along with an assortment of vegetables. "Nothing fancy."

He gathered asparagus, baby potatoes, and carrots, already envisioning the simple preparation.

The kind of meal that warmed from the inside out—comfort food without the pretension of Cyrus’s usual five-star deliveries.

"What are you plotting over there?" Cyrus called from the living room, his voice carrying amusement.

"Just something simple," Kane replied, setting the ingredients on the marble countertop.

"Thought you might want actual home cooking for once."

The domesticity of it all made Kane’s chest tight with unexpected emotion.

After everything they’d been through—the kidnapping, the transformation, the near-death experiences—this felt like coming home.

Real. Normal. Theirs.

Kane seasoned the salmon fillets with salt, then turned his attention to the bones and scraps left behind.

Waste wasn’t in his nature—growing up on the streets had taught him to use every part of whatever he could find.

"Might as well make this worth it," he muttered, placing the fish bones in a pot with water.

He added a piece of kombu seaweed from Cyrus’s surprisingly well-stocked pantry, along with dried shiitake mushrooms and a splash of sake.

The broth would need time to develop its depth.

While the stock simmered, Kane whisked together white miso paste, mirin, and a touch of honey for the glaze.

His movements fell into an effortless rhythm—slice the vegetables, toss them with oil, and arrange everything on the baking sheet.

The salmon went into the oven, its surface already beginning to caramelize under the broiler’s heat.

Kane strained the finished broth, adding silky tofu cubes and sliced green onions.

The aroma filled the kitchen—earthy, umami-rich, nothing like the sterile perfection of Cyrus’s usual takeout.

"Smells incredible." Cyrus appeared by the kitchen counters, drawn by the scents.

Kane grinned, ladling soup into bowls.

"Told you I’d make it worth your while."

Kane plated the glazed salmon alongside the roasted vegetables, the miso caramelized to a perfect golden-brown.

Steam rose from the soup bowls, carrying the rich aroma of the homemade dashi.

"Let me help," Cyrus said, already reaching for the silverware drawer.

They moved around each other, Cyrus setting out plates and napkins while Kane added final garnishes of sesame seeds and microgreens.

The dining table looked warm and inviting under the soft pendant lights.

They settled across from each other, the quiet intimacy of the moment settled around them.

"Your cooking never disappoints." Cyrus said, his red-gold eyes taking in the artful presentation.

Kane picked up his chopsticks, a small smile playing at his lips.

"Don’t say that too soon. You’re going to be eating my cooking for a long time now. 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

Cyrus’s expression softened, something tender flickering across his usually stoic features.

Kane lifted a piece of perfectly flaked salmon with his chopsticks, blowing gently to cool it.

"Here," he said, leaning across the table. "First bite."

Cyrus parted his lips obediently, his eyes never leaving Kane’s face as Kane fed him the morsel.

The dragon’s pupils dilated slightly as he chewed, a low rumble of appreciation vibrating in his chest.

"It’s perfect," Cyrus murmured, his voice rougher than usual.

Kane’s cheeks warmed under the intensity of that gaze.

They finished the meal in comfortable silence, the only sounds the gentle clink of chopsticks against porcelain and the occasional soft hum of appreciation from Cyrus.

Kane found himself genuinely surprised by how exceptional the simple dish had turned out.

The quality of Cyrus’s ingredients made all the difference—the salmon practically melted on his tongue, its flesh buttery and rich beneath the caramelized miso glaze.

Even the vegetables had a sweetness and depth he’d never achieved with grocery store produce.

"I forgot how much better fresh ingredients make everything," Kane said, setting down his chopsticks and reaching for his soup bowl.

The dashi was silky and complex, each sip warming him from the inside out.

Cyrus nodded, his expression thoughtful as he finished the last of his vegetables.

"Quality matters."

Kane caught the subtle emphasis in those words, the way Cyrus’s gaze lingered on him rather than the empty plate.

"Are we still talking about food?" Kane asked, one eyebrow raised.

A rare smile tugged at the corner of Cyrus’s mouth.

Kane stood to clear the table, but Cyrus’s hand caught his wrist gently.

"I’ll handle the table," Cyrus said, already reaching for the empty plates. "You cooked."

Kane smiled, gathering the bowls and chopsticks instead. At the sink, he ran warm water over the dishes while Cyrus wiped down the marble surface behind him.

The domestic rhythm felt natural, comfortable in a way that surprised Kane.

"I’m going to hit the training room after this," Cyrus announced, folding the dishcloth. "I’ve been... indulgent lately."

Kane glanced over his shoulder, catching the slight tension in Cyrus’s jaw.

"Indulgent?"

"Eating actual meals. Multiple times a day." Cyrus’s tone carried a note of self-reproach. "It’s becoming a habit."

Kane’s grin was immediate and wicked. He dried his hands on a kitchen towel, turning to face his increasingly irritated boyfriend.

"Maybe we should start shopping for stretchy pants. Get you ready for that whole dad bod era."

Cyrus’s red-gold eyes flashed dangerously.

"Dad bod?"

"Well, we do have an egg now," Kane continued, thoroughly enjoying the way crimson energy began to flicker around Cyrus’s form.

"Gotta embrace domestic life. Pretty soon you’ll be asking me to cut the crusts off your sandwiches."

"Enough," Cyrus growled, stepping closer until Kane had to tilt his head back to maintain eye contact.

"Training room. Now."

Kane’s fox ears twitched with interest.

"Is that an invitation or a challenge?"

"Both." Cyrus’s smile was predatory. "Let’s see if those nine tails of yours can finally give me a proper fight."

Kane’s own grin turned feral, silver energy beginning to dance around his fingertips.

"Oh, you’re on, dragon."