Chef Root
Root was the first to wake up the next morning. Not even Harold had woken up yet. She looked at Sameen laying next to her, her back facing Root. Root scooted closer to Shaw and cuddled up next to her, wrapping her arm around her waist. Sameen stirred and mumbled something, then fell back into a light sleep. They stayed that way for two more hours.
They awoke suddenly to a loud metal banging, not far from their bed. John stood in the doorway of their bedroom, banging a large wooden spoon against a frying pan. Root and Shaw groaned loudly and pulled the covers over their heads. The banging continued and Shaw finally stuck her head out from under the covers.
“WHAT DO YOU WANT?!?!” She shouted at him. John stopped the banging.
“Breakfast is ready.” He told her calmly.
“You could have just knocked.” She said angrily, pulling the covers off of herself.
“I thought this would be more entertaining”
“We’ll be right out.” Shaw replied, ignoring John’s remark. John walked back to the kitchen with a grin on his face. Shaw could see Harold in the kitchen, pinching the bridge of his nose out of frustration with John. Shaw believed that the only reason John was living with everyone was for the opportunities he got to mess with her and Root.
Sameen gently pulled the covers off of Root and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Root,” She whispered. “It’s time to wake up.” Root stirred and grumbled.
“What was that banging?” She asked.
“It was John.”
“What did he want?” Root whined. Shaw chuckled. It amazed her what Root could sleep through.
“It’s time for breakfast.” She laughed. “Come on”. Root didn’t budge. She had already fallen back asleep. “Root” Shaw said shaking her. Still nothing.
Shaw scooped Root up out of bed, and carried her out of the bedroom while Root laughed, having no choice but to be awake for this. Shaw strolled into the kitchen with Root in her arms as they both laughed. Harold and John were sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast. They both looked up and smiled at the two lovebirds entering the kitchen.
“Good morning, ladies.” Harold said, chuckling. Shaw set Root on her feet and they walked over to the kitchen table to join the boys for breakfast.
“Morning, Harry.” Root said, yawning
“Who made breakfast?” Shaw asked.
“Harold did.” John replied.
“I told John not to wake you, but he insisted.” said Harold
“It’s fine.” Shaw said, giving John a look. John just smirked and continued eating.
“Speaking of cooking,” Root began. “I just remembered that I’m making dinner tonight.” Harold looked down, disappointed that she remembered what she’d said the night before. John almost choked on his eggs and Shaw just grinned. “Any requests?” Root asked. Everyone was silent.
“Well that’s good, because I already have it planned. I’m making a nice chicken dinner with sauteed vegetables and homemade bread.” Said Root. Harold looked up, eyebrows raised.
“That sounds wonderful, Ms. Groves.” He said. “How about I help you make it?”
“No.” Replied Root, smiling. Harold should have known she wasn’t going to fall for that. “Oh- and you should invite Lionel for dinner tonight,” She added. “He can drop off Bear too.”
Lionel had been pet-sitting Bear since they moved in so that they could settle in without having to worry about him.
“That would be nice.” Said Harold. It seemed that Harold was trying to be optimistic and believe that Root might be able to actually cook a decent dinner. “I’ll call him after breakfast.” he added.
After breakfast, Root and Shaw went to their bedroom to get dressed.
“Are you really going to make all of that tonight?” Shaw asked Root as she pulled a shirt over her head.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Root asked. Shaw just shrugged and continued getting dressed.
After they were done getting dressed, Root figured that she should probably go buy all of the things she needed to make dinner. Harold asked if he could tag along and Root said of course. Shaw stayed back with John to get the extra bedroom set up for Bear.
On the car ride to the grocery store, Root drove and her and Harold made conversation. Root thought it was nice to get to spend some time with Harold.
“So…” Root began “We’re all officially living together now. I bet you never thought that would happen.” Harold chuckled.
“The thought never even came to mind. I never imagined we’d get this far.” He said. Root nodded.
“Especially considering how we met.” Added Root, smirking. Harold raised an eyebrow at her.
“You kidnapped me and killed two people.” He said, a slight smile on his face. “I was terrified of you.” That made Root laugh out loud. It was amazing how far they had come. Harold didn’t think about it as much as Root did.
“And now you’re my best friend.” Root added. Harold smiled.
“You and Ms. Shaw seem very… content.” He said. Root blushed and nodded.
“I didn’t think she’d agree to move in with everyone, though.” She said. “But she seems to be happy at the moment. Though I’m not sure how long her and John will last until they rip each other’s heads off.” They both laughed. “They fight like siblings.” Root said.
Once they arrived at the store, Root grabbed a cart and headed straight for the meat department. Harold tried to keep up with Root’s impossible pace. At the meat counter, Root asked for an unseasoned and uncooked whole chicken. Harold suggested the pre-cooked and seasoned rotisserie chicken. Root tilted her head at him and he looked away guiltily. Root also bought raw vegetables, seasonings for the vegetables, and bread dough. Harold bought some expensive wine. They checked out and went back home.
The rest of the morning and afternoon was lazy and relaxing. Harold and Root read books in the living room and Shaw fell asleep against Root while reading over her shoulder. John wasn’t in a lazy mood, so he tried to find things to clean around the house, even though the house was spotless. At about 5:00, Harold looked at his watch
“Ms. Groves, it’s about that time.” Root looked up from her second book of the evening. She was excited to show off her cooking skills.
“Sameen, wake up.” She whispered to Shaw, whose head was on Root’s lap. Shaw woke up and moved her head so Root could get up. Root went into the kitchen, where she had already perfectly set up all of the ingredients for herself. She took a dramatic deep breath and began seasoning the chicken.
Back in the living room, Harold and Shaw discussed their expectations of Root’s dinner.
“Do you think it’s gonna be good?” Shaw asked Harold.
“I have slightly high expectations since she was so confident at the grocery store, but I do believe it would be a good idea if we checked on her once in awhile. Don’t make it obvious, just… make it seem like you’re trying to keep her company.” He told her. Shaw raised her eyebrows and smiled.
“What, Finch? You don’t have faith in Root’s amazing cooking skills?” Harold tilted his head, not amused. “Yeah, you’re right.” She added. John stuck his head in the living room.
“Did Root start cooking yet?” He asked them. Harold nodded. “Better get the fire extinguisher ready.” He joked. Shaw rolled her eyes. The doorbell rang.
“That’s probably Lionel.” said Shaw. All three of them went to the dining room and John opened the door for Lionel.
“This better be a good dinner,” Lionel said as he entered the house with Bear. “I had to leave my kid with my mother-in-law. That woman’s a nightmare.”
“Nice to see you too, Lionel.” said John. Root stuck her head out of the kitchen, holding a large bowl in one arm and stirring whatever was in it with the other.
“Hi Lionel!” She shouted. She ducked back into the kitchen to continue cooking.
“Cocoa Puffs is cooking tonight?” Lionel asked. “What, did you guys run out of money for Indian?”
“Actually,” Began Harold. “Ms. Groves requested that she make dinner tonight. She wants to prove to us that she can cook.”
Lionel shook his head. Changing topics, he handed Bear’s leash to Harold. “Here’s your dog.” He said. “He was a real pain in the ass.”
John got Lionel a beer and poured a drink for Harold. They sat in the living room and talked as Shaw snuck into the kitchen. She opened the door quietly and snuck up behind Root, who was sauteing vegetables on the stove. Shaw wrapped her arms around Root from behind. “Hey, Chef” she said, resting her chin on Root’s right shoulder. Root smiled.
“Did Harold tell you to come check on me?” Root asked, turning to face Shaw.
“No” Shaw replied. Root tilted her head.
“Okay, he did ask me to-” Root interrupted with a scoff and an eye roll, turning her back to Shaw. “But I told him that we didn’t need to check on you because you’re an adult and this dinner will be perfect.” Shaw saved herself. “Lionel on the other hand,” Shaw continued, smiling, “might have a different opinion on how this dinner is going to turn out.” She kissed Root on the cheek and Root blushed. “Prove them wrong.” She said, and left. Now, Root was even more determined to make this dinner great. She turned off the stove and went over to the counter to season the chicken. After she finished, she put the chicken on a tray and placed it in the oven, forgetting to set the timer for 18 minutes. She closed the oven door and returned to her vegetables, humming happily.
Shaw went to the living room, where the guys were. She sat down next to John, who was pretending to listen to Lionel complain about his long and exhausting day at the precinct. John leaned over to Shaw. “How’s Root coming along with dinner?” he whispered.
“She hasn’t burnt anything yet.” She replied. Lionel finished his rant and Harold began to stand.
“Maybe I should go check to make sure everything is going okay with Ms. Groves” he said.
“Harold,” Shaw raised an eyebrow at him. “Sit.” She said. Harold sighed and sat back down. Shaw soon became sick of the guys so she took Bear to see his new room. After Shaw left, Harold got up and snuck over to the kitchen to check on Root. He knocked on the swinging kitchen door and his eyebrows raised nervously when Root opened the door with a knife in her hand.
“Hi, Harry.” She said joyfully.
“How's dinner coming along, Ms. Groves?” He asked.
“Everything is going perfectly,” She said. “This is going to be the best dinner you’ve ever tasted.” Harold nodded.
“I just came to get a glass for John.” he said, stepping around Root as he tried to enter the kitchen. Root stepped in front of him.
“No.” Root said. Harold pretended to look confused. “You are not taking over this dinner. I can cook it all by myself without being checked on.”
Harold nodded in defeat. He should know better than to try to trick Root. “Of course, Ms. Groves. I apologize.” He said. Root tilted her head and smiled teasingly.
“Don’t worry, Harry. The bread is done, the vegetables are on the stove, and the chicken is in the oven. Everything will be fine.” She reassured. While Root was annoyed that Harold thought she needed to be checked on, she knew him and his constant nervousness. Harold nodded and hesitated, but then walked back to the living room. Root continued cooking the vegetables while the chicken baked in the oven.
Shaw finished playing with Bear in his new bedroom, and went back to the living room to talk with the guys. After she had sat back down on the couch next to John, Root stuck her head out of the kitchen. “Sweetie…” she said with a smile, but Shaw could tell something was wrong. “Can I borrow you for a second?” Root widened her eyes to tell Shaw that this was urgent.
“Is everything okay, Ms. Groves?” Harold asked, turning around in his chair.
“Everything's fine. I just need an extra hand.” She told Harold smiling. Shaw made her way to the kitchen. After Shaw was inside and Root was sure that the door was closed, Root freaked.
“I BURNED THE CHICKEN.” She whisper-yelled at Sameen. Her face was filled with panic.
“You what?” said Shaw, beginning to panic.
“The chicken was in the oven and I forgot to set the timer and it’s burned.” Root was pacing, talking so fast that Shaw could hardly understand.
“Well where is it?” Shaw asked.
“It’s still in the oven.” Shaw’s eyes widened.
“TAKE IT OUT” Sameen whisper-yelled. She couldn’t believe Root sometimes. Root quickly pulled the blackened chicken out from the oven and put it on top of the stove.
“What am I gonna do, Sam?” Root asked, worryingly.
“You’re gonna have to serve it to them.” Shaw replied. Root’s eyes widened and she shook her head quickly.
“No no no no. No way.” She said. “This is exactly what they’re expecting from me and I need to prove them wrong.”
“Well, what do you want me to do?” Shaw asked. Root’s eyes lit up and she was already pushing Sameen through the back door of the house, which was in the kitchen.
“You can drive to the supermarket down the street and get one of those rotisserie chickens.” Root said quickly. Shaw rolled her eyes, but she had to admit, it was a good idea. “Hurry hurry hurry.” Root rushed her. Before Shaw could argue, Root closed the door on her.
Shaw returned seven minutes later with the rotisserie chicken. Root quickly grabbed it from her before Shaw could even fully step into the house. Root took the chicken out of the container and put it on a nice, fancy serving plate. She put the vegetables into a bowl and the bread in a basket and gave them both to Shaw to carry out to the table. Root kissed Shaw on the cheek. “Thanks sweetie,” She said. “You’re a lifesaver.”. Shaw smiled and rolled her eyes.
“And you’re dramatic.” She said. They opened the kitchen door, carrying the meal in their arms.
“Dinner’s ready!” Root shouted to the boys. All three of them got up. Harold grabbed the fancy wine he had bought earlier that day, and John got five wine glasses from the cupboard. Root and Shaw set the appetizing meal down on the table.
“This looks delicious, Ms. Groves.” Said Harold. He smiled at Root and she smiled back.
“Thanks, Harry.” They all sat down at the table and passed the food around, serving themselves.
“Though,” Harold continued. “the chicken does look slightly smaller than when we bought it.” Root’s eyes widened.
“It shrunk a little in the oven.” said Root quickly. Shaw chuckled under her breath.
“You made this all by yourself, Cocoa Puffs?” Lionel asked, shocked. Root nodded proudly, but not as proudly as she would have if there wasn’t a premade chicken sitting in front of her.
Everyone tasted the food, and thought it was absolutely delicious. “I must say, I am very proud you Ms. Groves.” Said Harold. Root blushed, as she always did when Harold said he was proud of her. That was the greatest compliment to her, even if it was a chicken from the store.
“Yeah Root, I’m impressed.” said John. He had already eaten more than half of his plate. Lionel just nodded and continued stuffing his face with food as Lionel does. He couldn’t believe that the dinner was cooked by Root. Shaw hid her grin as she ate the store bought chicken and Root smacked her under the table which made Shaw want to laugh, but she kept it in.
“Good dinner, babe.” Shaw said, smiling. She was being honest. Even though the chicken may have been store bought, the rest of the dinner was actually pretty good. The team continued to complement Root on her dinner in disbelief.
“We should cook dinner more often.” Said Root. “Harold, maybe you could cook dinner soon.” Harold smiled and nodded.
“I bet Glasses would make a damn good dinner.” Said Lionel, eating his third serving of chicken.
“Who said we were inviting you over for dinner again, Lionel?” asked Shaw, smirking. Fusco shot Shaw a look.
“If the next dinner’s gonna be this good, I might have to break in.” He replied. Root smiled, glad that everyone enjoyed her partly-homemade meal.
After dinner, Lionel said his goodbyes and left. It was getting late, so everyone decided to head to bed. Harold hugged Root goodnight. “I apologize for doubting your cooking skills.” He said, smiling.
“Yeah, Root. Remind me never to hesitate next time you want to make dinner.” Added John.
“It’s fine, guys. It’s understandable.” Root laughed. They said their goodnights and headed for bed. Root and Shaw changed into their pajamas and collapsed on the bed.
“Are you ever gonna tell them about the chicken?” Shaw asked Root, lying on her back.
“And prove Harold right? Why would I?” Replied Root. They both laughed and slowly fell asleep.
Harold never mentioned the burnt chicken he found in the garbage that night.