"This is perfect. Thank you." Bruce accepted the wok and set it on the stove, becoming familiar with the kitchen by opening and closing drawers and cupboards, pulling out items that he needed to prepare the meal. Since Greer had started hanging out with him on the Helicarrier, Bruce had read her SHIELD file, out of curiosity, so he knew about her situation with her deceased husband - a topic he didn't necessarily want to bring up, but it was good to know. He didn't like when people asked him awkward questions, so he wouldn't think of doing the same to her.
"I think I have everything here," Bruce said, looking at the kitchen counter, which was now crowded with bowls and pots and cooking ingredients. He thanked her again for the wine and told her, "Not only are you going to watch, you're going to help." He paused to clink his glass with hers then took a sip. "I hope you have an extra apron. You can start by slicing the lamb in small chunks."
He directed her to the cutting board and knife, where she then became his sous chef. First the lamb needed to be cut, then the tomatoes, onions and fresh coriander. Ginger needed to be grated as well, but Bruce did that himself, as well as cut the chili peppers. He picked recipes that were not very complicated and he adjusted the heat level of the spices according to taste (Bruce preferred not to have it too spicy hot). Some things he prepared in advance, since he didn't know beforehand how Greer would feel about waiting too long for dinner - he was glad that she was willing to assist. It actually took a little longer to finish than usual, not just because Bruce went slow as he showed Greer what to do, but because they chatted along the way and paused for small sips of wine.
In less than two hours, they had made saffron rice, which went with the chole, a curry dish made with lamb. From the store, Bruce had brought already prepared potato and pea samosas with green corriander chutney to dip them in, and for dessert, gulab jamuns. By the end, Bruce had Greer rolling out and cooking fresh rotis. He was a patient and thorough teacher, guiding her in every step and giving her tips, such as how to hold your fingers when a knife is used so you don't slice yourself and how to tell if the rice was finished. To drink, Bruce had made a preparation with milk and rose water syrup along with water.
Being busy in the kitchen did wonders for Bruce. It wasn't that he completely forgot about his condition, for it was always in the back of his mind, but it helped him to be at ease. "Have you worked up an appetite?" Bruce joked as he filled Greer's plate with the food they'd prepared together. "Say when."