Ok people I am back with another chapter. I'm sorry for the wait.

Disclaimer: I do not own Toradora or any of the characters in this fic. Well except the OC's course.

Ryuuji was peacefully sitting down with his mom having breakfast. "MORE!" a feminine voice shrieked in delight prompting Ryuuji to stop mid-bite. As he began to open the rice machine realization struck him.

"Aisaka, what the hell are you doing here!?" the bluenette exclaimed in shock. He turned towards his mother who looked impassive. "Why are you so calm!?" he shouted wondering why only he was surprised.

"Oh it's no biggie Taiga is so small she doesn't take up any space" Yasuko stated after taking a sip from her bowl.

"Is there a problem with that dog?" Taiga asked causing him to scowl.

"Tch well I guess there is no harm in it," he said as he gave her a bowl of rice.

As she accepted the food Taiga saw something. On his arm was what looked to be a fading bruise. Staring at his arm intently she noticed how fast he retracted his arm. "How did that bruise get on your arm," she asked curiously.

Ryuuji froze as he began to sweat nervously under the brunette's gaze. " Ryuuji said he fell while running to catch the sale at the store" Yasuko chirped in. Taiga eyed him closely as if she was looking through him " Is that so huh?".

"We need to come up with a plan for today" Taiga declared breaking the silence between the two. Ryuuji looked at her confusion etched on his face. " Oh don't tell me you forgot about helping me with Kitamura today," she said scowling at him.

"What I never said I do that!" He shouted in protest.

" Oh, I seem to remember you saying that you would follow me like a dog. You are going to help me mutt" Aisaka ordered with an authoritative tone. Ryuuji couldn't help but run his hand through his hair.

"What have I gotten myself into," he thought to himself. The teen couldn't help but wonder why he made such a promise to her in the first place. If there was one thing he was sure about it was going to be a rough road ahead.

He was snapped out of his deep thought by the mini brunette who punched his arm. " Are you listening to me dog?! I swear if it doesn't work for any reason...!" she trailed off before realizing something.

"...MINORIN"

Taiga shouted as she leaped towards the redhead. Minori caught Taiga in her arms and patted her head with a smile. "Morning Minorin," the brunette's muffled voice said.

"Morning Miss Late kid" Kushieda greeted her best friend with her usual cheerful smile. Looking up from the brunette she caught sight of the person with Taiga. "Morning Ryuuji," Minori greeted with a wave prompting his body to freeze. Taiga looked up from her chest with a look of confusion.

Ryuuji felt the warmth that rushed to his cheeks." M-M-Morning Ku-Minori" he stuttered out. "It's good to see you calling me by my first name. You didn't forget after all hehe" she noted with her smile becoming brighter. His breath hitched as her beauty hit him like a freight train. He couldn't help but admire how she could make him feel just by smiling. They both locked gazes until realization struck the redhead.

"I had no idea you two were walking to school two-shot style" she exclaimed in surprise. " You do know that no one says that term anymore right?" asked taiga. " That's not the point!" Ryuuji cried out in exasperation. He began to explain the reason why until he realized the two were walking away. Ryuuji heard Taiga finish explaining why they were walking together. Kushieda halted mid-step then turned around on her heels. "See you around Ryuuji, Have a great day" she bid farewell to the brunette before heading to school with Taiga in tow. Before she disappeared around the corner Taiga shot him a smirk.

It then dawned on him. His best bet was to help Taiga with Kitamura. Only then he would have a chance with Kushieda. With eyes that burned with determination, he clenched his fist.

"Ok then bring it on" Ryuuji declared to himself.

With Taiga and Minori

Minori didn't know why but she felt at ease now knowing that the two were just neighbors. She was also happy that she got to talk to Ryuuji today. The redhead continued to chat with her friend on the way to school. "Hey, Minorin" Taiga's voice broke the redhead out of her trance.

"Oh sorry I was spaced out there. What's up Taiga?" Kushieda apologized.

"I didn't know you Ryuuji were so familiar with each other," She said skeptically.

"Hehehe what can I say small world" the redhead suggested while scratching her head and laughing nervously.

" If you say so" Taiga murmured watching her best friend intently. She noticed something when Minori removed her hand from her head.

" How did you get that" Taiga ask prompting Minori to give her a questioning look. Reaching out her arm and grabbing the other girl's arm she pulled down Minori's uniform sleeve. Kushieda sighed in defeat and knew it was pointless to lie to her best friend.

" Well you remember Kai the leader of the soccer team?" she asked earning a nod from the brunette. " Well, he sort of confessed his feelings for me. I tried to let him down easily, but that ended badly. He got violent and kind of slammed me into a wall" she said with a nervous smile.

Taiga's eyes narrowed as the blood in her body instantly began to boil. Seeing her friend's rapidly growing anger she tried to diffuse it. "He didn't get a chance to hurt me though because Ryuuji stopped him" the redhead quickly blurted out. Despite being angry Taiga calmed down enough to listen to her. " Things escalated from there and Ryuuji took them both down without breaking a sweat. After that, he walked me home and we talked on the way" she finished

Aisaka seeing this as her chance deciding to comment. "Oh are you sure that's all you did?" she teased.

Minori felt the heat that rushed to her cheeks "W-What are you talking about. N-nothing happened". Taiga couldn't help but laugh at her friend's flustered face and stuttering.

" By the way, I hope that he gave them a good ass-kicking because if not I'll finish the job" Taiga declared. With her anger subsiding, she shot her friend a devious grin. "Did you give him a kiss for protecting you from the big bad bandits?" Taiga teased playfully before sprinting off.

"Taiga get back here!" A beet-red Kushieda yelled in embarrassment while running after her.

Later on that day

"Ok class today we are doing dodgeball passes. Pick a person you will partner up with" their coach Kuroma announced.

It was time to put their plan into action. "I pick Aisaka" Ryuuji volunteered. "Well, that was fast" Coach commented appreciating the cooperation. "Everyone else partners up" he instructed the class before moving to the side.

As everyone began to pair up with their respective partners Ryuuji noticed something. Kitamura was paired with a girl. Turning around he came to face an irritated Taiga. She was glaring daggers into one Kihara Maya. "I can't hit her she's a girl" Ryuuji whispered.

"What are you a sexist?" she rhetorically asked with a glare.

"Ok time to throw the ball to your partners" Kuroma instructed. " Come on Throw the " Taiga told him waving her arms. Ryuuji looked at Maya and couldn't throw it. His pride as a man and teachings not to hurt women wouldn't allow him.

"Sorry Aisaka I hope you can forgive me," he thought as he threw the ball. The ball hit the person with a loud *Smack* followed by a thud. Gasps were heard as Ryuuji held his head down in shame.

"Takasu just took out the Palmtop Tiger"

Ryuuji was currently strolling through the hall with Taiga. He steadily leveled the textbooks in his hands. "My head is woozy" Taiga groaned and shot him a dark look.

" I said I was sorry already," the bluenette told her.

"Hey Ryuuji" a voice called out breaking their conversation. Looking forward he saw None other than the topic of said conversation. Kitamura was walking towards them waving his hand. An idea came to his brain which caused him to smirk.

" Hey, Aisaka can you hold this for me, please," Ryuuji asked as he dumped the pile of textbooks into her arms. The brunette stumbled due to the weight of said books

"What the hell you mutt!" she exclaimed in both shock and confusion. Taking a deep breath he waited for Kitamura to walk closer to them. When he was was close enough Ryuyji stuffed his hands in his pockets. Taiga's foot moved forward to take a step forward only to be cut off by Ryuuji's leg. " Whhaaaaaa" Taiga shrieked at the sudden loss of balance. She fell forward but was caught by a pair of arms.

"Aisaka are you ok!" Kitamura shouted in concern. Looking up from his chest she realized her face was buried in his chest. A red blush furiously burned her cheeks as she began to feel lightheaded.

"You should be more careful carrying such heavy things" Ryuuji scolded her. She turned her head snapping back to reality, and was about to tear him a new one. Then she saw his smirk and a thought came to mind "He planned this". " You should let me carry those for you. Where were you heading anyway?" Kitamura told her as he scooped the textbooks out of her hands. Feeling his hands brush her own the brunette felt a jolt of electricity in her chest.

Deciding not to waste the chance she was given she took a deep breath. Attempting to push away some of her shyness the brunette answered " T-Thank y-you I-I w-was heading t-to t-the l-library". " Ok I'll walk you there" he offered. Kitamura then turned to Ryuuji and bid him farewell.

The brunette couldn't help but smile as he watched the two walk off.

The orange sunbeams washed over the school and pink clouds drifted above. It was the end of the school day. Ryuuji could be found leaning against his locker waiting for Aisaka. He closed his eyes and began to think about today's events. If he wanted to get Taiga and Kitamura together he needed to try harder. His chance with his crush depended on Taiga.

"Hey, you dog I see you were waiting patiently" A familiar feminine voice reached Ryuuji's ears. Opening his eyes slowly he focused his sight on the person. It was Taiga who stood in front of him with her hands on her hips. "Are you just going to stand there all day?" she asked him with a glare.

"Hey don't pretend you were waiting for me all this time it's the other way around" Ryuuji protested poking her forehead. Taiga's eyebrow began to twitch in annoyance. Seeing her irate expression Ryuuji smirked.

*Chomp*

"OOoooowwww!!"

Ryuyji yelled in pain as he flailed his arm around. "Serves you right you pest" she huffed while crossing her arms.

"Look at what we have here"

Both Ryuuji and Taiga stopped their banter. Ryuyji followed the direction of the voice only to see...him. The blunette's face morphed into a cold expression. "What are you doing here Kai," Takasu asked with a voice that sent shivers down the other male's spine.

"I'm just making my way home. I must say I didn't expect you two to be so chummy. Then again scum will choose to be around scum I guess" Kai sneered and failed to see Taiga's clenching fist.

"If you're looking for a fight then you are barking up the wrong tree. I'm not getting into it with you again" Ryuuji smoothly said. He knew better than to let Kai rile him up into doing something stupid at school.

" You're the asshat who tried to hurt Minorin. If you go near her again I swear-" Taiga began but she was cut off.

" You'll do what to me? Everyone else might be scared of you but I'm not. You will do nothing because you can-GAAAAH" The black-haired teen cried in pain. He held his shin in pain courtesy of a hard kick from Taiga. Ryuuji couldn't help but wince knowing how she would react.

"Let's go," Taiga told him walking towards the school exit at a brisk pace.

ON THE WAY

Taiga's P.O.V

The two slowly strolled the streets with a deafening silence between them. Taiga's eyes were glued to her feet as she walked. Her mind was running through so many questions to ask but didn't did know which to ask first. Deciding to ask whichever comes first she was the first to break the silence.

" How did you manage to beat those two jackasses by yourself," Taiga finally asked. She wondered how did he manage to put down two athletes single-handedly. He didn't strike her as an athletic or strong guy. Taiga was eyeing him closely ready to detect of he was lying.

"Well when you watch a lot of action movies you tend to pick up some of the fight choreography" He answered earning a punch on his arm. "Ow, I guess I deserved that," the brunette said with a chuckle. That seemed to lighten the mood a little.

The corner of Taiga's mouth twitched upwards into a slight smile at his antics. Watching as he closed his eyes, and placed his hands in his pockets he spoke again. "I know martial arts and have done it from a young age" he answered truthfully.

"Wow, color me impressed. That's awesome I never thought you were the fighting type" she remarked. She always respected people who could defend themselves. Not that she would let him know that.

"That sounded like a compliment" he replied in a surprised tone. All he received was a poke to his ribs.

"Yeah, take what you were given and stop fishing you greedy dog," Taiga said cooly. The brunette held his ribs with a look of annoyance which then morphed into something else. "What?" she asked seeing the look etched on his face. He looked conflicted as to if he was deciding on something. His gaze shifted onto her which cause her to raise an eyebrow.

"How did it go with Kitamura? Did you get a chance to give him the cookies you made?" he asked her with a look of mild curiosity. Taiga halted and fished inside of her school bag. She then produced a pink bag that held said cookies.

Taiga's lips curved into a frown of disappointment. It was because of her shyness that she failed to say how she felt. She was tired of feeling this way towards him and keeping it bottled up inside. " I didn't get a chance to give them to him. I chickened out at the last second." She told him dryly.

" It's ok I understand," He whispered out just loud enough for her to hear him. She felt the bag leave her hands and watched as he began to open it. Taiga gave him a confused look before he began to eat a cookie.

"W-W-What do you think you are doing" Aisaka stammered waving her hands hysterically.

He simply looked at her and answered "It would be a waste if these were to go uneaten after all your hard work". Watching as Ryuuji ate a cookie she couldn't help but suppress a grimace. The reason she didn't give him the cookies was because they tasted salty. Expecting him to gag she waited for his predicted reaction. However, instead of spitting out the cookies he instead ate all in rapid succession. Taiga was flabbergasted at the display.

" Wow they were awesome, It's a shame he didn't get to taste them" The bluenette chirped heartily.

The corner of Taiga's mouth twitched upwards into a slight smile at his antics. Watching as he closed his eyes, and placed his hands in his pockets he spoke again. "I know martial arts and have done it from a young age" he answered truthfully.

"Wow, color me impressed. That's awesome I never thought you were the fighting type" she remarked. She always respected people who could defend themselves. Not that she would let him know that.

"That sounded like a compliment" he replied in a surprised tone. All he received was a poke to his ribs.

"Yeah, take what you were given and stop fishing you greedy dog," Taiga said cooly. The brunette held his ribs with a look of annoyance which then morphed into something else. "What?" she asked seeing the look etched on his face. He looked conflicted as to if he was deciding on something. His gaze shifted onto her which cause her to raise an eyebrow.

"How did it go with Kitamura? Did you get a chance to give him the cookies you made?" he asked her with a look of mild curiosity. Taiga halted and fished inside of her school bag. She then produced a pink bag that held said cookies.

Taiga's lips curved into a frown of disappointment. It was because of her shyness that she failed to say how she felt. She was tired of feeling this way towards him and keeping it bottled up inside. " I didn't get a chance to give them to him. I chickened out at the last second." She told him dryly.

" It's ok I understand," He whispered out just loud enough for her to hear him. She felt the bag leave her hands and watched as he began to open it. Taiga gave him a confused look before he began to eat a cookie.

"W-W-What do you think you are doing" Aisaka stammered waving her hands hysterically.

He simply looked at her and answered "It would be a waste if these were to go uneaten after all your hard work". Watching as Ryuuji ate a cookie she couldn't help but suppress a grimace. The reason she didn't give him the cookies was because they tasted salty. Expecting him to gag she waited for his predicted reaction. However, instead of spitting out the cookies he instead ate all in rapid succession. Taiga was flabbergasted at the display.

" Wow they were awesome, It's a shame he didn't get to taste them" The bluenette chirped heartily. His expression soon died when he saw a downcast Taiga. "She probably still hung up on giving up," he thought to himself.

"It's ok to feel the way that you feel. You know that?" he said looking down at her. "You should be proud of yourself because you at least had the courage to talk to him. Every time I try to talk to Minori I freeze up and get all flustered too. I think it's ok to get like that around the person you like" the bluenette finished.

Taiga understood exactly what he was saying. It was her nervousness that held her back from telling Kitamura how she felt. The feeling of having romantic feelings for him and him not knowing. That was the feeling that plagued her. She was afraid this would forever go on and he would never know how she felt. Taiga was afraid she would never tell him the words between them. The words that were in her heart for him.

Inhaling slowly the brunette balled her fist. With sheer coursing through her veins, she made a decision. " I've decided what I'm going to do," She said catching the bluenette's attention. "Tomorrow, I'm going to tell him how I feel and this will all be over. Starting tomorrow the two of us will just be neighbors" Taiga told him with a smile.

Ryuuji's eyes widened at that. For some reason, he didn't know why that line disturbed him. Unbeknownst to him, he would find out why the following morning.

The Next Morning

Nobody's P.O.V

Turning around the bend his hand rested on the doorknob to his classroom. Twisting it he opened the room only to find everything in a complete disaster. Desks and chairs were flipped over and littered the classroom. Students were huddled in a corner as if it was the only way to stay safe. "What the hell happened here?" Ryuuji asked still trying to process the carnage.

"Aisaka was here" one of his classmates informed him while walking towards him Ryuuji was confused and wondered what she had to do with the destruction before him.

"Yeah, she came in here and freaked about how you aren't a delinquent, and we should stop judging you" he stated. Ryuuji was completely shocked that she would defend him like that. With that being a lot to take in he whirled around and left the room. Wandering, and lost within his thought he failed to realize someone was calling out to him.

Feeling a hand touch his the brunette turned his head to meet the person. His eyes met a pair of red ones. A pair of red eyes that he was familiar with.

"Minori?" Ryuuji asked in confusion wondering what was up. It wasn't that he didn't want to see her. That was the last thing on this planet he would want.

"I wanted to ask what has Taiga so worked up. I know she can easily get like that sometimes, but I don't think it's only because of you not being a delinquent. She looked so worried about something. Say Ryu-" Kushieda was cut off when he walked past her.

" I'm sorry but It's not my place to tell you. Aisaka should be the one" He whispered to her ear while passing. The action was so simple yet it sent odd tingles up her spine.

Continuing his walk he began to search for Taiga. He kept on walking until he found himself walking through the door to the stairway.

"Kitamura there's something I have to tell you" an all too familiar voice announced. Ryuuji stumbles and hid behind the stair wall upon seeing Taiga.

"Damn is she about to confess this early in the morning. If he declines her it will be awkward for the rest of the day" he thought as he listened in on the two. That was until the door opened which caused Ryuuji to react. Without caring who the mystery person was he lunged up and grabbed them

The person made a small *Eep* sound. Upon being captured in the bluenette's arms they tried to escape. Only to find his arm wrapped around their torso and hand covering their mouth. Ryuuji let out a sigh of relief, but then almost fainted on the spot.

Pressed against his chest and in his lap was Minori Kushieda. The two could feel the electricity that coursed from one another body. Ryuuji pushed down his feeling the best he could. Removing his hand from her mouth he placed a finger against his lips. Taking the hint a very flushed Minori kept silent.

"Kitamura there is something I need to tell you" Taiga announced nervously. She was trying her best not to back out. "K-Kitamura I-I L-" Taiga began but was cut off by Kitamura.

"Ok Hold on I think I know where this is going, but aren't you and Ryuuji together?" he asked the brunette. Taiga's face morphed into one of confusion at the question. She had no idea why he would think that.

"What no Ryuuji and I aren't together. I don't like him at all" she clarified to him. He positioned a hand under his chin in a thinking posture. There were still somethings he didn't understand and he would find out.

"So do you hate him?" He asked her with a calculating stare.

Ryuuji eyes widened as he heard his best friend question. He never considered the fact that his friendship with her was built on helping her with Kitamura. The bluenette considered her a genuine friend and not the possibility he was a means to an end. Was that all he was to her? Then again, it was probably because he only had Kitamura as a friend that he was quick to consider her.

Minori watched his reaction to Kitamura's question. She wondered if the reason he froze was that he liked Taiga. It would explain why the two of them spent a lot of time together lately. Her chest tightened at the possibility. Choosing not to assume the redhead continued to listen to the conversation.

Taiga froze at the question which was asked. She lowered her head as everything came to her. Everything Ryuuji did for her so far. How he tried so hard and helped her with Kitamura. How he was there for her when a lot of people avoided her. " I don't hate him" she answered.

"So you do like him?" he asked which prompted her to shake her head rapidly.

"Not like that. He and I were just.." Taiga trailed off searching for the right words. Her eyes widened as she snapped her fingers finally finding them. "Oh yeah, fried rice. He went out of his way to make the most amazing fried rice for me. He always looks out for me. Also, he lied to make me feel better. Not that I'd ever tell him this but he's like a brother to me because he always has my back. It's because he's like a brother to me and always there I'm finally able to say this. Kitamura, I like you" Taiga confessed.

To say Minori Kushieda was stunned would be an understatement. On one side she never thought she'd see her best friend confessing to anyone. On the other she was ecstatic to see Taiga confessing to her crush. Looking to her left she could see Ryuuji who was also smiling. The redhead couldn't thank him enough.

"Aisaka you are really something else" Ryuuji thought to himself.

Kitamura smiled upon hearing Taiga's confession. "That's good to hear I'm glad to know there is someone besides me that likes him. He's a good guy and people judge him before they get to know him. And I am glad to see you two getting together just fine" He told her.

"What are you talking about. I just told you I liked you. Uuugh I am so confused. Did o even tell you I liked you? Taiga rambled on frantically. However, she abruptly stopped when he raised a hand for her to pause.

" It's ok Aisaka I think the two of us will be good friends," He said causing her to freeze. Taiga looked at him with a look of shock. Disappointment flashed over her face at his answer.

*Rrrrriiiinnng*

The school bell rang signaling the beginning of the first period for today. The silence between the two was finally broken by Kitamura.

"Well, that's the first bell time to head to class. It's been nice talking to you Aisaka. I will be seeing you in class" He waved goodbye before walking away.

Ryuuji stood up and walked down the stairs to where Taiga was standing. "Well that went better than I expected," He announced which caused her to jump in surprise. The brunette watched as she whipped around. Her face was flushed with both embarrassment and anger.

Taiga was silently praying to whatever deity above that he didn't hear their conversation. "How long were you there," asked the brunette. Much to her dismay, she received the answer she didn't want. "Well, I ended up walking in on you two and ended up hearing everything" he responded

"Whatever I'm going home!" the brunette exclaimed before stomping off.

"Okay let's go. I bet you're hungry when we get back I ca-" Ryuuji began but was cut off.

"Stop it," Taiga told him as she halted in her tracks. Clenching her fist she began to continue." I told you that you don't have to follow me around anymore. You're not my dog" she told him. The confusion was consuming her being as she wondered why he didn't just leave.

"I can't leave because I consider you a friend. Look I know we only met because you want to be with my best friend, but as time passed things changed. I think of you as a very close friend a sister even. So I can't- no I refuse to just walk out on you. We're friends aren't we Taiga!?" he declared which caused her eyes to widen.

"Did he just call me Taiga?" she thought to herself. Finally turning towards him she saw the smile on his face. " Alright Ryuuji we're friends from now on," she thought before kicking him in the stomach. "Your guard was finally down that's unlike you. I hope you aren't getting too relaxed dog" she told him and began to make way towards the school gate. "Well, are you coming or not?" Taiga asked not stopping this time.

"Yeah I'm coming just give me a moment," he told her. He watched as Taiga disappeared in the distance before turning around. Ryuuji came face to face with Minori.

"Well, that smooth even though it didn't work out like I thought it would" She announced earning a nod from him. Even though Minori was proud of what Taiga did she was disappointed it didn't go as she thought it would.

"Look Mi-" he began but was cut off by the redhead. A look of seriousness dawned on her face. Her eyes closed slowly as if she was contemplating what to say. They opened once again and this time she gave him a small smile. Unlike her usual smile, this one felt more genuine.

"You don't have to worry I won't tell a soul I'm her best friend after all" assured Minori which caused him to let out a sigh of relief. " Ryuuji I just wanted to say thank you," she told him. Ryuuji felt heat rush to his face remembering who he was talking to.

"For what Minori?" he asked her with genuine curiosity.

" Thanks for looking out for Taiga. She doesn't have any friends except me and I thank you for that. You didn't have to go out of your way to help her but did it anyway. Despite what people think you are a very kind and caring person...I like that about you" she confessed to him. Both fiercely flushed at that last part.

"T-Thank you for trying to see the good in someone like me. I'll be seeing you around Minori" he told her. Ryuuji turned to make way for his home. That was until he felt a hand on his arm stopping him. The two reddened at the contact.

"Instead of that how about, we keep in touch," she told him while taking out a pen. Ryuuji watched in confusion as she pulled his uniform sleeve back and wrote something. When she was done Minori backed up from his arm signaling she was done. On his forearm was a phone number that belonged to his crush. Ryuuji had to look at his arm thoroughly to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. "Now I'll see you around. Make sure to use that ok" she told him with her usual joyous behavior.

Ryuuji watched as she took off in a haste to class. A smile graced his lips as he watched her retreating form. " Someday I will have courage as you had here Taiga. Then I'll confess how I feel for you Minori. On that day the words between us will be the ones that bring us together. Someday" he thought out loud before making way to his home.

And that's is it for this Chapter stay tuned. Leave any reviews in the comments section. Until next time.