Chapter 366 - 366. Cake Talk

Asher had plenty in his mind while he jogged home. He had changed back in to his work out clothes so he could maintain the facade of solid work out time. However, when he returned home he found Art was being quizzed by Cara while he taught her how to make his famous chocolate cake.

Cara's glare was intense. It said that she expected to hear everything or for Asher to speak to Art that moment. It was not anything that could be negotiated. 

"Hey, I made it back. Are you at a good stopping point?" It looked like Art was showing how to sift and prepare the dry ingredients so the timing had been perfect.

"Yes, perfect. We are going to make some mint I fused ganache for the double chocolate cake batter after this. I figure we can use the muffin tin to make cupcakes and share them with everyone. Your mom already said she wanted some to take to her book club tonight." Art was happy to be showing off his cooking talent. He could do without the math quizzing but it was what it was.

"Dude, if you keep talking like that we're all going to get fat. We are supposed to be getting stronger."

There was enough desire to eat the food that would soon be made to distract Asher completely. Even Cara was slightly dazed before she returned to her sharp glare. "Anyways. Can you help me with something? Cara, will you give me a minute with Art?" 

There was a little hesitation since Cara wanted to hear what was going on too. However, she knew this was an important moment between them and that they would share the information with her later. "No problem. I can go over my science notes again. When we get back to school I'm sure there will be a test or quiz to make up." Cara reluctantly left the room while closing the kitchen door behind her.

"Why so serious? Did you discover that you actually could eat luck?" Asher nearly slapped Art. He had no idea why Art was so caught up on the theory that Asher somehow ate luck like it was a snack.

After taking a deep breath and shaking his head, Asher began to explain what he had done. How he had snuck to Edwins' room and spoken with him. "I know there is more to the story but he wouldn't go in to detail. But he said the theory was right. I believed him. I think his method was rough and mean. But he did it for your well being. He is your older brother and to be honest, look where you are now after all of this." 

For the first moment, Art had shown a slight frown and a flash of anger. It was clear that going behind his back was enough to hurt him. Yet, then his face showed understanding and even gratitude. Asher was his best friend. A best friend wouldn't just be there for you, they would do anything to hold you up and help you make your life better.

"I considered going to see him. He's my brother and he just got hurt because of a villain group attacking. I chickened out though. Last night I left the house and went all the way to the hospital just to look at the building and come back. I was afraid to see if he was actually a villain pretending to be a hero or that he hated me…" 

Asher had not realized that these feelings were plaguing Art. He thought that Art had been putting it fully behind him and touching it all out. He had been wrong. Art was carrying it all with him and letting it weigh in him. 

"Thank you. I think I can go see him after hearing this. Whether he likes it or not, I'm involved. We, the group is all involved in this. Knowing that there is a name for the group after the research helps. We can look for information slowly and figure out why and what they will do. I think getting a new home is more important now. I have the money and I will use it to protect everyone." 

Art had gone full circle. He had thought of these things and processed it to find the main desire he had. He wanted to protect his friends that were now his family. He knew that these feelings would never have blossomed if he had not been pushed away by Edwin. But he also wanted to tell him to his face that he was wrong. Edwin was his older brother and he had hurt him. 

"I know that it was risky going to speak to your brother and I'm still sorry. But I hope this helped you." Asher still felt bad for going behind Art's back. It was a dirty feeling he couldn't shake. 

"I already said I understood but if you have to make it up to me then you can convince Cara that we can skip math recap for now. I want to focus on this. Maybe I will make a white chocolate drizzle since we are getting fancy…" Art trailed off while he looked at the food. He was still thinking about his brother.

"You know, I think your brother might need some time away from the whole research and hero thing. From what you said about him from before he was researching and graduated, he was a decent older brother. I think he got stressed and it ate at him until he became, well, an ass." Asher couldn't really sum it up in any other way. 

"Oh, he definitely changed and it all makes sense. He was a lot nicer but after a few months, he got angry then suddenly emotionless and mean. I think that was when he started to learn about the scarier part of being a hero. I could just never see it. I was blind to what my own brother was going through and maybe it will be better that I learned this way. I'm stronger and I should be able to stand by his side soon." 

This was an important step for Art. Repairing his relationship with his brother would not only put his strained family together but potentially open new paths for further growth. It also could remove the serious mental block that Art had developed during all of this. 

Asher and Art fist bumped each other while smiling like idiots. They had reached their understanding and could move forward. They had a lot of growing to do but they were already brothers as far as they were concerned. 

"So, cupcakes with your famous chocolate cake batter? Think I could learn your secret formula too?" Asher scared the life out of Art when he said this. It had been some time since Asher had shaken the world with his abysmal cooking skills. 

"You can only try. But I need the formula to be exactly the same in every way. No changes or tricks. If you do then you can't call it Art's famous chocolate cake. It's the same as that fried chicken place with secret spices and stuff." This genius move was enough to convince Asher and hide him in to a quick nod.

"Alright, let me go get Cara too. But the way. I had her keep you distracted today. Sorry again." Asher had forgotten to say this part to Asher.

"Wait, she wasn't dying to train with me and learn my secret formula for chocolate cake?" there was pure sadness in every word that Art spoke.

"Naaa, she said she had been trying to figure it out and that it was the perfect chance to get it. She also said I had to speak with her about this too. She's part of the family, she wouldn't want to see you hurt either." Art pulled a one eighty and looked much better hearing this.

After Cara joined them, they all followed Art's instructions to make his famous chocolate cake. They also spoke and explained what had happened to Cara. She was very proud that Art had decided to go and speak with his brother face to face tomorrow. She and Asher also volunteered to walk him there so that he would be well prepared. 

Soon the house was overtaken by the smell of cake and pictures had been sent to the group chat. It was less than an hour for everyone to arrive to get some due to their knowledge of how good Art's cooking was. No one even dared to speak about Asher's cooking since he might try more without Art's guidance. 

The conversation was a long one but ended well with everyone understanding how Art felt and what risks there were. However, everyone knew the risks when they had decided to follow and become heroes. They would stick together in the group no matter what.. If they left now they would forever regret it. This was their future to grasp! They would be the best super heroes in the world and when that was done, they would look beyond the best