Plans and Pancakes - Ryo

When Ryo woke up, on the couch, it took him a moment to remember yesterday’s events. And yet another to believe the conversation last night had actually happened.

He looked down at Aki. She was curled up in his arms, still sleeping. Did she really mean it? Did she really want him? If she did, then he would be there for her. No matter the hardships.

But if it had just been her fever talking, getting his hopes up would be foolish. He would have to wait until she woke up and until she felt better.

He put his hand on her forehead to check if she still felt warm. When she didn’t he let out a small breath. As much as he liked this new side of her, he wanted her to feel better. Especially before he dared trust that she actually wanted him.

“Good morning.” She looked up at him. “How long have you been awake?”

“Just a little while.” He smiled at her. “How do you feel?”

“Like I really need to go to the bathroom.” She chuckled and crawled out of his grip but before she left she kissed him on the cheek.

His face heated up a little. She seemed to feel better, and she hadn’t complained at him being there.

Maybe thinking about it too much wouldn’t help. Things would sort themselves out eventually. They always did.

For now, it was better to sort the apartment out. He looked at his bedding. That’s a good place to start.

“By the way.” Aki had already moved over to the kitchen when he was done putting his things away. “Feel free to use the computer as much as you want.” Was she blushing? “Mukai said you used to really get into making music on his so I just want you to know that I wouldn’t mind if you installed things on it.”

Ryo stopped in his tracks. Had Hiro told her that? “Are you sure about that? I hope he mentioned that I get pretty unresponsive when I do that.” All his past partners had hated that part of him.

“He did. Sounds like you love music more than you let on.” Her smile was filled with a slyness. “I just want you to be happy.” She turned and opened the fridge. “Also.” She pulled something out of it. “We’ll have to remember to ask Kumi to give you access to my room. I never really understood those biolocks and how to change them.”

She wanted him to have access to her room? Where her bed was? “So it wasn’t just feverish mumbles? You’re sure about this?”

The boxes she had taken out of the fridge was smacked down on the counter before she walked over to him. “Are you telling me you only gave me positive answers because you though I didn’t mean what I said?” She stared up at him. “I may have had a fever, but I still meant everything I said.” She did? Her face didn’t show any sign of her lying.

“I also meant every word I said.” He lifted her up and sat her on a counter in the kitchen and leaned closer to her ear. “So now you won’t get rid of me.”

He felt her whole body tense against his hands, like she tried to hold back a giggle. “Good thing I don’t—”

There was a knock on the door.

They both stared at each other for a moment before they burst out laughing. What kind of movie scenario was this?

“That’s probably for you.” She said between laughs.

He looked to Aki. How did she know?

“Kumi doesn’t knock.” She shrugged and pushed her lips together.

“Am I interrupting anything?” Hiro held up a bag in front of him. “I brought beer.”

“We haven’t even had breakfast yet.” Ryo chuckled. “It’s a bit early?”

“Me neither but seeing as you said Kum—Shiraki would also need to be here I assumed we might need it.” He handed the bag to Ryo and took his shoes off. “At least I will.” He grabbed one of the cans from the bag and walked into the kitchen. “What do you plan on having for breakfast?”

“I was thinking French toast but I don’t think we have enough bread for more than two people.” Aki seemed to think for a moment. “What do we say about pancakes? They go better with beer anyway.”

Ryo couldn’t hold back his laughter. “I don’t think any of those goes well with beer.”

“I actually think Hiraoka is right.” Hiro looked at him, dead serious. “How can I help?”

“By not drinking until Kumi gets here.” She grabbed the can from Hiro’s hand and put it into the fridge. “Ryo, you bring him up to date and then you two can set the table for four.”

He handed her the bag of beer and grabbed Hiro’s arm. “Let’s go.”

She looked so focused mixing the ingredients together. Ryo never knew cracking eggs could look cute.

“So, how’s things going? You two dating yet?” Hiro sat down on the couch beside him. “You’re in deep, man.”

“What gives?” Ryo turned to him.

“It’s been a few days and you’re already staring.” Hiro laughed and leaned back. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this enamored with another human being.”

“With another human?” Ryo repeated. Had Hiro seen him staring at something else this way?

“Yeah, you stare at her the same way you stare at new guitars.”

“I do not!” Did he? He let out a small laugh. Maybe he did.

***

“Did she ever see any of those pictures you keep around?” Hiro had always been interested in taking photos and he still kept some in his room from when they were younger.

“I don’t know. Maybe once.” Hiro hadn’t taken the news about Ryo’s meeting with his girlfriend well. Instead he had chugged a glass of water as if it had been beer and fear was spreading across his face. “I’ll take them down as soon as I get back home.”

“But she never asked about them?” Ryo put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. The fact that he didn’t know could be both good and bad news, but Ryo hoped for the former.

“Nah, all we did in my room was wear down the bed.” Hiro let out a nervous chuckle. It was obvious that he was trying to lighten up the mood, and mostly for himself.

“That’s good.”

The outside door opened and both of them turned towards it. Ryo could swear that Hiro’s face lit up the moment he saw her. And he claimed he was down bad.

“Perfect timing, Kumi.” Aki was the only one who hadn’t reacted when Shiaki had entered. “Pancakes are ready and the boys are just about to set the table, I hope.” Aki sent Ryo a look that implied she had heard their conversation and wanted nothing of it to come up again.

"Oh, Aki’s pancakes? If it weren’t for the situation I would think it’s my lucky day.” Kumi smiled and sat down at the kitchen table. “But food before plan. Aki almost never make pancakes and Rika is off today anyway.”

Ryo found the plates in the kitchen, with Aki’s help, and brought them to the table for Hiro to set. “So, is there any plan? Apart from the switch up in technicians?” He turned to Hiro. “Earth to Hiro. Put the plates out.” This was going to be a long day if Hiro kept staring at Kumi like this.