Claire was sitting up at her laptop typing away when Ricardo Torress walked into her apartment. He'd gotten off a bit later than usual what with the business of maintaining the lions and being called to assist ACU with a stuck Parasaurolophos. She didn't seem to notice him walk in what with her attention fully on whatever assignment she was busy at. Most likely it was additional work that didn't actually need her attention this urgently. He sighed as he dropped their take out down on the counter. Claire jumped at the sound and then saw him.

"Ricardo! When did you come in?"

"Just now. What're you working on?" Ricardo gestured to the laptop. Claire adjusted herself as she made to stand up.

"Just finishing up the progress report on sales numbers. We're steady, have been steady for the last six months. Y'know it's fine but according to corporate and according to our best numbers we could be doing a lot better."

"Ah... I see." He began setting the food out on Claire's counter. He spotted Claire pout then shut the laptop closed.

"I know what you're gonna say."

"I didn't say anything?"

"Really? You look like you're about to tell me it's not urgent, it can wait till tomorrow morning, I should stop bringing my work home with me."

Torres leaned back where he sat, chopsticks in hand, noodles ready to be devoured. "Weeeeell... I still haven't said anything. Plus you technically live where you work. Y'know all this." He gestured with the chopsticks.

Claire shook her head but smiled. She really couldn't with this man but she loved him. And he loved her. She reached for her own chopsticks and started chowing down on the fine orange noodles. The sweet and lemony aroma wafted to her senses. The flavors rich and delectable on her tongue. Claire mewed as she chewed down all while Ricardo watched with amusement.

Noodle sauce trailed down her round chin back down onto her soft gray sweater. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail. And her green eyes which normally looked icy and intimidating when out in the park seemed softer now. This was the Claire that Ricardo was privileged in seeing.

"You're real cute y'know that?" said Ricardo.

Claire looked up at the young man staring back at her, a warm smile on his face, softness in his eyes. She knew she was blushing as she covered her mouth and swallowed her last biteful of food.

"Well look at that, your skin matches your hair."