Fleeting Moments

By Dan'yu

Drabble #35: Cooking

It was rare for the two of them to find time for these quiet moments of peace.

Or at least they would be peaceful, if not for the streams of curses and other crude commentary coming from the other side of the room. Haru sat in the kitchen of his family's home, lazily lounging in a chair at the dining table, watching Rin as she moved through the kitchen. He found himself torn between amusement and concern, especially as he listened to her cursing under her breath, shaking his head as he heard an exaggerated sound of the knife scrapping against the cutting board.

"Rin, love, are you having trouble?"

She regarded him over her shoulder, fixing him with a glare that would have caused lesser men to squirm. Fortunately in Haru's case, he had spent over eight years growing used to everything different aspects of her personality, from all her wants and likes to her stormy temperaments. "So nice of you to point out the obvious, Haru!"

Haru leaned back in his chair, crossed his arms across his chest, and grinned unabashedly. "It's why I'm here, love."

"So nice to know your dry wit is still intact."

"Isn't it just?"

She narrowed her eyes, and turned her face away from him. "Sarcasm doesn't suit you."

"And dark looks don't suit you either. I much prefer to see you smiling."

"I might smile more if the stupid vegetables would just cooperate."

Haru smiled and stood, making his way into the kitchen to stand behind her, slipping his arms around her waist, resting his chin against her shoulder. "Would you like some help?"

She leaned back against him, sighing softly. "I never knew this would be so hard…"

"Hmm." He nuzzled her neck. "It's not like you to admit defeat."

"Aaa." She leaned into his ministrations, pulling his mouth down to hers in a gentle kiss, releasing him after a moment of stolen contact. "Why can't I just make something simple like sukiyaki? It's your favorite, isn't it?"

"Hai, but the doctor told you to eat better. Sukiyaki doesn't fit in that category."

"Mother hen."

"Only cause I love you, sweetheart." He stole another kiss. "Will you let me help you then?"

"Hmm-mm. Please."

He stepped closer until he was flush against her back, placing his hands over hers. Though the contact should have been casual, there was something stirring, utterly sensual about the way his skin slid over hers, their fingers entwining. As if the heat of his body so achingly tangible at her back was not distracting enough, his cheek pressed against her hair, each exhaled breath a teasing sensation against sensitive skin. His hand guided hers to slowly chopping the vegetables in neat, clear cuts, stirring the broth simmering on the burner, checking the frying fish. "See?" he said softly, "Not so bad. We make a good team, don't we?"

She nodded, letting her head rest back against his shoulder, raising their joined hands to her lips. "Yeah. We do. Haru?"

"Hmm?"

"Love you too. Even if you are a mother hen."