Disclaimer: I don't own Otogi Story Tenshi no Shippo or Angel Tales as it's known here in the US.
This drabble is set after the Saint Beasts' confrontation with Goro but before they leave again.
"You're going to get your hair all in the batter if you don't tie it back."
"Oh?" Rei blinked and looked over (and down) to spy Tsubasa with her hands fisted against her hips, standing in the doorway to the kitchen. She sighed and walked over to him.
"You're lucky it hasn't gotten into the flour already," she said as she looked over his long hair. "And now you have cabbage all over your fingers. Hold still and I'll braid it so you don't ruin the food."
"Ah, thanks, Tsubasa-san," he grinned and went back to slicing the cabbage, humming happily to himself. I get Tsubasa all to myself for once.
"So," she began as she parted his hair, "what kind of okonomiyaki are making?"
He paused and looked over his ingredients beside him. "I was thinking monjayaki—unless you'd like another kind?" he asked quickly trying to catch her eye over his shoulder.
She stopped half way through a twisting motion and gave him a reserved look. "Monjayaki's fine," she answered simply. "Akane and Midori might argue with you over ramen or udon for toppings though."
"Oh." He turned back to finishing the cabbage and tried to think of something else to say when she exclaimed behind him "done". "Ah, thank you, Tsubasa-san."
She walked over to his side and spotted the other ingredients left to be mixed. "Here, let me get an apron and I'll help you with batter while you finish up the cabbage."
"Ah, there's no reason for you to do-"
"Eh? Why not?" she asked as she tapped her foot against the tiles. She slid the apron strings over her head and tied the string around her waist twice before turning back towards him. "You're making this for everyone aren't you? I can help then too." Her eyes narrowed as she reached for the sauce and bowl. "You are doing this for everyone, aren't you?"
"Ahh-"
"Rei. You aren't just making this just to get on Master Goro's good side, are you?" she asked, glaring at him.
"No," he snapped defensively.
"Really?"
"Yeah, really! Can't I just do something nice for you people for a change?" he huffed. She bit her lip and turned away as she mixed the sauce into the flour. After a moment, he realized her shoulders were shaking and she was making odd little noises. "Ah, Tsubasa-san, I didn't mean to upset-"
Then he realized she was giggling.
"Tsubasa-san, are you teasing me?" he asked, jaw going slack.
"Oh, Rei, your face was so…" she trailed off into giggles once more, and ducked her head nearly into the bowl.
"That was mean, Tsubasa-san."
"Hee, I'm sorry," she laughed and grinned up at him. Her enthusiasm was contagious and he found himself grinning too. Then he spotted a chance for his own revenge.
"Ahh, Tsubasa-san, look. You've gotten your hair in the batter."
"Huh? Oh, no-!"
"Hey, do you want me to help you with your hair now?"
"You hush."
"Yes, ma'am," he snickered while she gave him a mock glare.
. : "He could be a real Prince Charming if he bothered to try." : .