Kyo's enthusiasm remained infectious that evening when he cooked for Sei, the girls, and Leo.

"…it was a total rush," Kyo said as he worked at the stove, "kind of a Zen thing. I can't really describe it; either you know what it's like or you don't. And after I got home, I just collapsed. I was pooped but I felt great."

Jo grinned. "Welcome to my world."

Meg chuckled. "Yeah, we'll have to watch him, see if a tattoo of a spatula appears on his arm and starts glowing whenever he gets near a stove."

Kyo smiled back. "All chefs have that, Meg. Why do you think I wear long-sleeve shirts?"

Meg laughed. "Good one! But seriously, Kyo, it sounds like a great gig; I'm glad it's working out for you."

"Thanks, Meg."

"And if they could use a couple of crazy waitresses, and don't mind having the building destroyed, you'll put in a good word for us, right?"

"I will, Meg - after I make sure they're insured."

Meg laughed again and said, "Y-y-yeeah, we're an insurance risk all by ourselves!"

Jo smiled.

"It's good Eriko was able to arrange this for you," Sei said. "But you're sure you will be able to fulfill your obligations here as well?"

(Meg, Amy, and Jo exchanged glances at the question.)

Kyo nodded. "No problem, Sei; Eriko already thought of that." He pulled a slip of paper out of his pocket and handed it to Sei. "She found this place online with 24 hours delivery service and yes, they emphasize nutritious meals - whole grains, complex carbs, the works. You can use that to cover for me when I'm not here."

"Yes, well…" Sei said, "as long as you can still make it-"

"I said I would!" Kyo snapped.

Sei got her back up. "Watch your tone with me, young man."

"Or what?" Kyo sneered. "You'll fire me? Is that a promise?"

Sei got nose-to-nose with him. "You watch your mouth, Mister. I am the last person in the world you want to mess with."

"So it's work for you or die, is it? Gotta tell you, Sei, that's one hell of a severance package you've got there. Which reminds me, what did happen to your last cook, anyway?"

"What are you implying?"

"You're the mastermind around here - you figure it out."

Meg's eyes went back and forth between Sei and Kyo. "Hey, guys - what's going on here?"

Leo stepped forward. "I'm sure we're all happy for Kyo, but Sei just wants to smooth out some details. No need to make a federal case out of it. Right, Sei?"

Sei kept her eyes locked on Kyo. Then she smiled. "Of course. It's just a simple misunderstanding. And I get cranky when I'm hungry. I apologize, Kyo. I was out of line. Congratulations." She gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I hope it works out for you."

"Uh…yeah, thanks, Sei."