Duo was sprawled lazily on the couch, engrossed in the magazine article he was reading. He heard the door open and glanced up to see Hilde staggered in, arms occupied by full brown paper grocery bags.
"Need a hand?"
Hilde maneuvered her way to the kitchen table and set down her load before replying. "Nah, I got it."
Duo went back to reading. He heard Hilde moving around in the kitchen, the bags rusting as she put her purchases away. It sounded like she was starting to fix lunch. His stomach growled in anticipation; Hilde was a very good cook. He would have offered to help, but knew that his culinary skills as "Master of the Microwave" were not quite up to par. One could only stomach so many meals of rubbery Easy Mac.
Duo idly turned the page and began the next article. He was distracted from his reading by a strange sound coming from the kitchen. He perked up his ears. There it was again, a distinctive sniffle! Was Hilde crying?
Concerned, Duo got up and walked quickly to the kitchen. Hilde was not one of those girls who cried at the drop of a hat. Something must be really wrong… She was standing next to the sink, her back towards him. She reached up and ran the back of her hand across her eyes. She was definitely crying.
Duo cleared his throat and approached her cautiously. "Hilde, are you, um, okay?"
She turned, still wiping away tears. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Duo was really worried. Her denial must mean that something really bad had happened. He strode towards her. His hands grasped her shoulders, blue eyes probing as he searched her face.
"What's wrong, Hilde? Did something happen while you were out?!" Duo felt his face heating up. He was beginning to get angry. If someone had messed with her… He began to pace the floor, muttering dire threats towards whatever was bothering her.
She turned away, pressing her hand over her mouth to suppress her emotions.
He put his arm around her. His voice was now tender. "Hilde, what's wrong? You can tell me." She did not reply, and kept her face still turned away.
"Come, on. Let it out. Tell me what's bothering you!" A burst of laughter followed this heartfelt statement. Wait a second…. Laughter? She was happy? Duo stepped back, thoroughly confused.
"Oh, I'm sorry Duo." More laughter. "It's just… your face… you looked so funny just then."
"But… you were crying. And now you're laughing hysterically? What the heck is wrong with you, Hilde!?!" Duo was quite nonplussed.
"Oh you buffoon! I'm just making lunch. Enchiladas. " She gestured to the cutting board, which had been previously hidden from view. Amidst bright green peppers and vivid tomatoes was a small, pale pile of partially chopped onions.
Duo felt his face turning red again, this time from embarrassment. He fiddled with his braid, awkwardly looking at the floor.
"Erm, well I'm… uh… glad you're all right." I can't believe I made such a fool out of myself. Stiffly, he turned to walk away. A light hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned, expectantly waiting for her to speak. Instead, she hugged him.
"Wait, Duo. Don't be mad. I…I'm sorry I laughed. " And then, she murmured softly, almost shyly, "I'm glad you care."
Duo quirked an eyebrow at the dark head currently resting on his shoulder. Maybe I'm not such an idiot after all, he decided as he gently hugged her back.
