Lunch Date:

Pairing/Main Focus: RuiTsukushi

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Hanazawa Rui enjoyed eating out. It didn't matter where- whether at the Ritz in America or at the nearest local McDonalds. As long as they were eating somewhere outside the house, he was more than happy. Although sleep may have been Rui's first passion, food came in a very close second. And though the food at the Hanazawa Manor may be just as good (or even better), than most fine dining institutions, there was nothing like the atmosphere of a real public dining area.

And Rui, despite all outward appearances, was a very social boy. He enjoyed company on these outings- but only with another person or two. He felt that any more than that would destroy the adventure an intimate meal could offer. Tsukasa, as Rui's best friend, was usually pretty good company. Aside from a potential outburst or jealousy-driven comment, meals together ran pretty smoothly. However, there was always that chance of a tantrum, and sometimes Rui just didn't feel like putting up with it. Mimasaka Akira was good for a bit of mature company, but he wasn't always available. As for Nishikado Sojiro... conversations with him tended to err on the hormone-driven side of life. Rui couldn't deny that he enjoyed Shizuka's company; however, as with Akira, she wasn't around enough to count.

Therefore, Makino was appointed as Rui's favorite lunch (and sometimes dinner) date.

Makino had a good head on her shoulders- she was practical and witty, though sometimes stubborn as hell. She always had something interesting to say, and genuinely appreciated every mealtime situation.

Rui loved to take Tsukushi out to lunch. They always had fun together, and she was the only girl he ever felt he could really, really connect with. Tsukushi provided Rui with so much- she was a great listener and advice giver, and seemed to know when he needed her to speak up or stay silent. He poured much of his deepest secrets to her; insecurities about his future, irritation at Tsukasa, even several musings of the beautiful Shizuka's happiness. No matter what, Tsukushi was there. And after a while, how could he help but fall at least slightly in love with her?

Makino Tsukushi was a genuinely strong person; he couldn't resist that. He knew that they could be happy together; he knew that they would work out. But he also knew that Tsukushi was utterly and completely in love with Tsukasa, and vice versa. He knew that they were meant to be together. He knew that he could take that, and was happy for her.

Even if he couldn't be the number one man in her life, she would forever be one of the leading ladies of his.

"Hanazawa Rui!" He stood up, iron chair scraping the concrete behind him. Tsukushi was sprinting toward him, breathless, still in a tacky grease-stained apron left over from her least job. Reaching him, she keeled over. "I'm s-sorry," she panted, bent over, hands on her knees. "Were you waiting long? I'm so, so sorry..."

Rui shook his head and smiled, and pulled out a chair for her. "Long day at work?" he asked. Tsukushi sat down, a scowl marring her pretty face.

"Dumb jerk of a boss..." she agreed, and the two eased into another long afternoon of food, comfort, and companionship.