Ryuuji was cooking dinner.
He noticed that Taiga was very quiet, but wasn't turning around to check. She would be fine. For now, he should pay attention to the sizzling food on the stove. Taiga would be happy that he's thinking about the food.
A few minutes later, Ryuuji called out to Taiga, "Food's done!"
No reply. He turned around with the food, and Taiga was there but…she was asleep. Ryuuji sighed. He should've expected this; Taiga was up all night studying for her job.
See, she had just came back from her time of running off, and got a job. But the job was very tiring and hard, and was stressing Taiga, so Ryuuji would always end up helping her with most things in her job.
Ryuuji walked over to her, put down the food on the table, and brushed the hair out of her face. He smiled fondly; she looked peaceful and gentle, which was quite different than what she usually is like.
He picked Taiga up carefully, being sure not to disturb her, and moving her into a spare futon. He sat next to her, and cupped her cheek gently with his hand.
"I love you, Taiga."
I'll always be here when you need me.
Taiga didn't stir. Ryuuji turned off the light and walked out of the room, shutting the door softly behind him.
That's when he saw the now cold food on the table. He smiled a little and sighed, whispering under his breath, "Now what do I do with your food?"
-End-