What A Dream Wants

Trying to break the silence, Steven asked, "How was school life like?"

Lukas looked up, a bit surprised.

He mulled over something for a few seconds, then said, "I miss it. Back then, I had friends-"

Olivia giggled.

Lukas dryly looked at Olivia.

She coughed. "Continue, continue."

"It was fun." He replied. "Boring at times, sure, but fun. I had leisure time with my friends and many, many experiences. It really is..."

He let out a long sigh.

"Nostalgic. The academy was like my childhood. We cultivated, tempered out bodies; we went on exhilarating adventures, learned many things and went on a long path to better themselves. It was an unforgettable experience.

He sighed again.

"That examiner yesterday was ignorant and condescending. When you truly love something, you take pride and honor it. You don't get lazy, and you don't use it as an excuse for superficial arrogance. I can't take it when people drag down something I take pride in with their stupidity. These years in this school is a precious memory to me. Can you guys relate?"

"I can't relate." Steven honestly told him.

"I can't relate, either," Olivia replied. "Plus, you graduated early. Isn't there like a high school program too? I mean, you technically could have chosen to stay in the school, but you were super talented so you didn't have too."

Lukas looked at the both of them, a deadpan expression on his face. "Okay, Mr. and Ms. Homeschooled, please stop ruining my childhood memories."

"I wonder if you were, like, 'super mature' as a child too. All pish and posh and uptight all the time." Olivia, put her hand over her mouth, trying to cover her laughter.

"No, I wasn't!" Lukas protested.

"Really…?"

"Alright, alright," He conceded. "Maybe just a bit proper."

He shrugged. "I can't help it though. You know how my family is. People with high status immediately think they're entitled to pretentiousness. "

"Ugh, so true," Olivia groaned, rolling her eyes.

"I can't relate," Steven raised his hand.

"You have like zero life experiences," Olivia told him.

"I do, too!" Steven objected. "I was a very valuable member of this team!"

"Definitely," Lukas told him, but Olivia continued on.

"And what was your job?"

"To cook delicious food!" Steven told her solemnly.

"Mmhmm..." Olivia raised her eyebrow.

Steven hates when Olivia mmhmm's sarcastically.

"Uh…"

"By that, I mean, I'm not cooking for you anymore" He continued, raising his head.

"Wait, no!" Olivia cried out. "Please don't do this! What will I do? I'll do anything."

She fell to the floor and sobbed. Her crocodile tears were so beautifully construed, those who did not know her might have mistaken it for real tears.

"So does that mean I'm a valuable member to this team and I have various exhilarating life experiences?" Steven asked.

"Yes, totally."

"Alright, I'll cook for you."

"Thank you so much!" Olivia secretly rejoiced and got up. She wiped her tears and hugged Steven.

"So, how do you like bugs?"

"Huh?"

"You know, grasshoppers, cockroaches, spiders, crickets? I've heard they're very delicious!"

"Uh… I'm allergic to bugs."

"That's a pity. What about frogs? They taste like chicken. You love chicken."

"I'm allergic to frogs too."

"How about snakes? Snake skin soup is delicious!"

"Oof, sorry man." She winced. "I'm allergic to snakes, too."

"I'm getting the feeling you don't like my food." Steven looked quite disappointed.

"What?" Olivia exclaimed, "Of course not!"

"Ooh, then how does steamed and seasoned pig liver sound? You love pork!"

"Uh…"

Lukas put his hand on his chin, and mulled for a few seconds, before saying, "Sure, pig liver is pretty tasty."

"Um, sure. I love~ pig liver. It's my favorite type of meat!" Olivia weakly proclaimed.

"Then it is settled. Lukas, go catch a wild boar. We'll eat the meat, and leave the liver for Olivia since it's her favorite type of meat. She can have the entire liver. After that, we'll go to the Academy and ask the children about their day?"

"Wait… WHAT?"