Kagami scrubbed at a stubborn food splatter on one of the tables. There hadn't been many patrons today but the few that had shown up had been extra messy! And Kagami was all alone today, too. Hiyori had asked for the day off because she needed to get her pet bird to the vet for its annual visit. Yumi-san said she could manage; it was usually the slow day of the week for the restaurant. So, the day had pretty much gone as usual. Even the eventual visit of a certain someone around lunchtime.

"Yo." Kagami nodded in greeting at Tendou, showing him to his usual seat. When he came back from the kitchen with the customary glass of water, Kagami noticed that Tendou had a paper sack with him. Setting down the water down on the tabletop, Kagami cocked his head to the side, curious.

"Ah? What's in the bag, Tendou?" Tendou moved the glass onto the napkin fussily. Kagami ignored him. (Even though it looked like he'd also rearranged the table setting)

Tendou opened the bag and Kagami could tell without looking that it was apples. Really fresh ones. What a delicious scent! His eyes almost fluttered closed, enjoying it a lot.

"An acquaintance of my grandmother gave these to me. There are too many for me and Jyuka alone."

By then, Yumi-san had come out of the kitchen to visit her favorite customer.

"Hello Tendou-san! I'm sorry, but Hiyori-chan isn't here today!"

"…Oh? Is everything all right?" Kagami wondered if anyone else would have noticed how tense Tendou had gotten, if they didn't know the man like he did. Yumi was quick to assure him, regardless.

"Everything is fine! She had some errands to do at her house."

"I see." Tendou shifted slightly. Which, translated Kagami mentally, meant 'Oh, thank goodness'. And the guy said Kagami worried too much. Walking back to the kitchen, he set about finishing washing the dishes.

"OH! You've got some apples from Kento Farms?! They have some of the best orchards in Japan!" Kagami peered over the counter to see Yumi san looking at the apples appreciatively.

"Please, take as many as you like." Tendou offered her the bag, blinking in surprise when she clapped her hands in delight.

"I have an idea! Kagami!" Kagami flinched, dropping a mug into the soapy water and splashing the front of his shirt.

"Ah! It's cold! What is it, Yumi-san??" Kagami wiped at his clothes with a towel.

"Why don't you make 'it'?"

Oh, that. Well…it's true he had the most confidence in cooking that but…Tendou…Walking up to the table a bit apprehensively, avoiding Tendou's curious gaze, he tried to dissuade her request.

"I don't know, Yumi-san…I mean if the apples are 'the best' you or Hiyori probably…"

"Nonsense! I insist! How many do you need?" She was holding up one of the apples for him.

Kagami took it without thinking. It was a beautiful thing. Golden and crisp looking. Probably picked today, too. Turning it around in his hand, he admired the little brown spots. The slight imperfections just meant that the farm hadn't resorted to pesticides or other chemicals. That was a bit of a rarity these days.

Feeling it was a bit futile arguing with her now; Kagami nodded and took a few of the apples, still managing to avoid looking at Tendou.

He had to admit, this was probably the best thing he could cook. It didn't even look half bad, with its cut out crust and bubbling filling. Unable to resist holding it up to take deep whiff, he sighed happily. It was probably never as good as she used to make, but he was pretty sure he'd gotten close. It had always been a favorite of Ryou's, anyway.

"That looks delicious, Kagami!"

He almost dropped it, having been a bit absorbed in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed her walking up behind him. Cradling the tray carefully, he set it down on the counter. Yumi opened one of the drawers to take a knife out. Slicing carefully, she placed a piece on a plate.

"Your apple pie is the best" she claimed, "I'm sure even Tendou-san would agree!" She started to walk out.

"Ah! W-wait…" He hadn't thought she'd offer some to him!

"What is it?" She was frowning at him in concern at the kitchen door. Sheepish at her concerned look, he tried to relay his feelings to her.

"I mean…well…Tendou's got some…discriminating tastes. My pie is pretty simple..."

It's not that he felt the pie was anything but good…but Tendou was very critical of cooking and this recipe was…very close to his heart.

"I'm not as good a cook as you and Hiyori…he'll probably really dislike it…"

But she was already walking out the door. Not up to feeling making a big show of stopping her, he peeked over the counter as she plopped the plate in front of Tendou with a flourish. His expression was one of amusement and curiosity.

Nervous, but feeling silly about hiding, Kagami stepped out of the kitchen. Wiping down already clean tables, he glanced over as Tendou scooped up a bite-sized bit into his mouth. Momentarily forgetting that he was "cleaning" Kagami paused, still stooped over a table, watching for Tendou's reaction.

He certainly was taking his time chewing that small bite, Kagami thought.

Tendou's eyes widened. Kagami tensed.

Picking up his napkin, Tendou wiped his mouth. Then, without another word or look, left.

"Tendou-san?? Is something wrong?" Yumi followed him out the door.

"Haaaa, it's like I thought!" Kagami sagged into a nearby chair, pouting. He knew it!

"I wonder what's wrong? He looked kind of pale…maybe he…actually dislikes apple pie??" Yumi had picked up the forlorn plate and walked up beside him. Kagami stared at the abandoned slice of pie for a moment before grabbing it and the fork.

"Kagami??"

"I don't care, but I'm not letting it go to waste!" Kagami gobbled it down.

It was…as delicious as he remembered.

He already felt better about Tendou's snubbing. Yumi watched him a bit nervously. He finished it and grinned up at her. She returned the smile, seeming a bit relieved that Kagami wasn't taking it too badly.