Ethan stirred the meat and vegetable mixture a little more, eyeing it to see if it looked to be about the color and texture. After another moment, he figured it to be about done and he pulled it off the heat just like she had taught him and he looked over at Minerva as she spoke. "Well, I'm learning, I think," he said with a smile. "I'm actually making something that you taught me.. so hopefully I get it right on my own." He walked back over to the counter, leaned over to give her cheek a kiss, and looked over his instructions again. "No.. you relax for a change.. I want to see if I can get this without help." Next year he'd either have to rely on elves or himself, so he wanted to learn to be at least a little self-reliant.

Next was the bread dough and he had made sure earlier that there was some pre-made dough here just like she had used when she taught him. He wouldn't have a clue how to make it himself. He went over to the refrigerator to retrieve it, then looked back at Minerva as he set it down on the counter. "Nervous?" He looked at her for a moment trying to figure out what she meant when the slow grin appeared on his lips as it finally hit him. They were in the same spot when he asked her out for the first time. His mind going back to that day, he stepped very close to her. "I think you know all my secrets anyway.." He lingered next to her for a moment before chuckling and turning back to his bread dough. "And I don't think I make you so nervous anymore.."