It's been a couple years since Taiga and Ryuuji reunited, and things were as hectic as ever.
After finally marrying each other the year before, Taiga and Ryuuji finally decided to get an apartment. No longer would either one of them be living in their parents house. They were both gonna support each other, in sickness and in health. To combat the cost of living and the pricey housing arrangements, Ryuuji took a job as a factory worker while Taiga took a job at a fast food restaurant. Not the most ideal of settings, though what you could do? With Ryuuji, he is trying to manage college while also working for a living. And Taiga, well, let's just say she didn't go to college.
Taiga felt that juggling school work as well as work work would be too much for her to handle. Besides, her husband was going to school, so at least one of them was getting a full education. As it stood, Taiga worked a part-time job of about 30 hours 6 days a week while Ryuuji worked over 40 hours 5 days a week. Taiga worked 5 to 10, and Ryuuji worked normally 5 to 10:30, with him working Fridays and Saturdays 5 PM to 5 AM. They rarely got to see each other most of the week, which honestly only served to make their time together that much more special.
It is one of Ryuuji's off days, so he's at home. He's in the living room reading a book. As Ryuuji is in the living room minding his own business, Taiga opens the door, carrying a bag with an assortment of stuff. She is just coming off from work, but to her husband's curiosity, she's home two hours early from when her shift ends.
"Taiga, what are you doing home so early? It's only 8:00. I thought you were supposed to work until ten."
"I was, but my boss did something that really made me angry and so I started yelling at him. He sent me home for insubordination and told me to take the rest of the week off." "Geez. Multiple days without working? That's really gonna hurt us when it comes to paying the bills."
"Well, I already apologized, so I don't know what's left. Honestly, if I weren't for the fact my father is stingy with his money, I wouldn't even need that crummy job."
"Well, I guess I could pick up more shifts down at the factory. That way, we can reach our quota for the month."
Taiga had this worried, dissatisfied look on her face. Like someone just told her bad news on an already awful day. Ryuuji, sensing that something is bothering his wife, decides to see what the problem is.
"Hmm? What's wrong, Taiga?"
"N-nothing. Nothing's the matter. I was just thinking about dinner, that's all."
"Come on. I know that look. Something is obviously bothering you."
"I'd rather not say. I don't think you would understand."
"I could try."
Even though Taiga didn't say it, she was thankful in that moment to have Ryuuji. It was nice to have someone who didn't talk down to her or act like they can relate. Ryuuji just wanted a chance to see if he can help, which is all Taiga really wanted.
"Well, okay. I guess I can tell. It's just that, well, this is like the three time they've sent me home in 2 weeks. I only started this job six months ago, and I've already had 4 write-ups. I just wonder how much longer they'll be willing to put up with me before they throw me out like my parents."
"Oh, come now, Taiga. You just had a little disagreement."
"But it's more than that, Ryuuji! I said some stuff that you should never say to your boss! I want to contribute to the best my ability, but my anger is getting in the way of that. And I honestly don't know what to do. I would try counseling, but that's too expensive. Anxiety medication's an option, but that's even more costly. And begging my family for money? Forget it. I was able to make peace with my mom, but my dad is the one who makes the big bucks."
"Well, you could try pot. I heard that mellows people out. Then again, I don't know how wise it is to give a tiger some cannabis."
"Ryuuji! You're not taking this seriously! I'm trying to be honest for a change, and you're making jokes!"
"Right, right. Sorry. Please continue."
"I just feel like I'm bound to lose my job any day now. And if I do, I'm gonna have to depend on you to support us. I just don't know what I'm supposed to do, Ryuuji. It's like no matter how hard I try, my anger always gets the better of me."
"Well, you can always get another job if this one doesn't work out."
"Yes, but what if that one doesn't work out? And the one after that? And the one after that? Every couple weeks it's like I tell myself I'm gonna be this new person, one that doesn't succumb to frustration and yells at people. And it's like I never learn my lesson. It was like that when I first met you, and it's like that all these years later."
Ryuuji could tell how much Taiga was frustrated by this whole ordeal. He wanted to help, but he didn't know exactly how. It wasn't like he was prone to anger like his wife was. So instead, he decided to do what he knew best: encourage her and be for lack of a better term her emotional support anchor.
"Taiga, I know how you can be when it comes to your emotions. It can be difficult at times. But I know that deep down, even if it may not show it, you mean well. That's all anyone can ask for. Is it good to yell at your boss when your frustrated? No, of course not. In fact, it could result in you being fired. But as long as you continue to put in the effort, you will find work. Because people need people like you."
"…Gee. That actually makes me feel a bit better, Ryuuji. Thank you."
"No problem. Glad to see I could be of some help. Now, why don't you sit down and watch some TV. I gotta get dinner ready."
"Wait! Before you go, I want to give you something."
Taiga hands Ryuuji some chocolates.
"I know we had this big fight last night, and I felt really bad about it. Mostly because… well… it was my fault. I hope these chocolates more than make up for it."
"Taiga… you spent all morning making chocolates just for me?"
"D-don't get the wrong idea! I-it's only because you're my husband and you deserve the best. Even if I don't always show it like I should. I just hope that, well, making these for you shows that deep down, I actually am a pretty good girl. Like the ones at the orphanage think I am."
Ryuuji starts laughing.
"W-what's so funny?! Do I have something on my face?!"
"No, it's not that. It's just that making chocolates after a big argument? That's such a you thing to do. And then of course you mention what you do with orphans to really drive home the point. Like I need some convincing and I'm not already on your side. I really appreciate how above and beyond you go in trying to rectify things, Taiga. It's one of those endearing qualities about you that make me so lucky to have you as a wife."
"Y-yes, well… glad you feel that way. I guess."
"And you know something? I know that when you go back to work, you are going to do wonderfully. I wouldn't expect anything less from Taiga the make good doer."
"Just be quiet and go make dinner, you mangy mutt."
Taiga has always had trouble controlling her temper. It was something that prove difficult for her to maintain. But when she was with Ryuuji, he brought out the best in her. A side that is remorseful and sympathetic and easy to like. Is Taiga the ideal role model? Even she herself would say probably not. But as long as she was with Ryuuji, she knew she was capable of a lot of good.
