You'll have to forgive Takano for being so grumpy. Also Onodera for not being as understanding as he should be. AND forgive me for there is sooo much dialogue here! I'm sorry, I tried avoiding it as much as possible. This is also foreshadowing my next SIH story, Dawn Breaks with An and my original character. So while it is a new chapter it diverts away from Takano and Onodera for a little bit, that's why I made it short so you didn't have to deal with it too much. Keep Smiling -Lonescript
Green eyes peered into the glass he was holding in his hands, Onodera squeezed it tightly wishing it would shatter and give him an excuse to leave. An placed a bowl of assorted treats in front of him and sat directly across from him. Onodera made no move however and continued to stare down into his glass angrily.
"An. Any reason why you dragged me out of work?"
"Do I need a reason to hang out with a friend?"
He stayed silent and chugged the glass down. Onodera reached forward vehemently to pick out the best tasting treat in the bowl. An frowned and slapped his hands. Onodera frowned back at her.
"Only those who speak can indulge in my snacks sir. And why do you always pick those out, such a waste!" she pulled the bowl so that it was out of reach for him, causing his hands to flop back onto the table. Onodera pouted at her child-like action.
"I'm a picky guy." Onodera smiled but he realized that his choice of words were wrong when An's expression became solemn. Onodera reached over and tugged the bowl out of her hands and slid it to the side. He clasped the petite hands in his own but he never met her eyes.
"I think everyone knows that Rittie."
"An...I'm sor-" she cut him off with a broad smile. An had gotten over it for the most part but she couldn't lie and say that she didn't still ache slightly.
"No. I only care if you're happy. You're happy right? With Takano? She puts up with you so well and that's difficult considering what kind of person you are." she giggled at that last part. Onodera was shocked for a moment but laughed along with her. He released the manicured hands and quickly made work of the candies that An had forgotten. An realized what he had grabbed and sneered uncharacteristically.
Onodera had missed this part in their relationship. Their friendship before his mother pushed all of this on them, it was light and fun. They were close and they got along so well. He truly missed the norm.
A sharp panging noise filled the air of the dining room, Onodera groaned at the caller ID. Takano. He declined the call, An pouted and took the phone to glance at who was it that called.
"A bit harsh. Don't you think so?"
"No. Not at all but I think I have to be going back. I was lucky that Isaka allowed me to have a break. Takano would have chained me to the desk." he blushed at the last part and prayed that An didn't notice. She did but said nothing on it. Onodera stood and went to shake her hand but she pulled him in for a hug instead. The hug was brief but it was enough for her. The phone rang again and An whisked him out the door. Onodera tripped at her haste, before another word could be spoken her front door slammed behind him.
'And here I thought I was welcomed' he smiled sardonically and made his way back to work. All while finally answering his phone.
Takano tapped impatiently on the desk, the Emerald team never met his eyes. Kisa desperately called Onodera's cell, praying that he would return soon.
"Rittieeee help!" he whispered into the phone's receiver.
'I'm on my way geez.'
"Hurry! How close are you?"
'In front of the building Kisa. Me being there is only going to make him worst you know.'
"Yeah but if you're here he takes it out on you! Not us."
When Takano walked a little closer Kisa hung up and picked up the work phone and pretended to speak to the printers. Hatori watched in amusement for a few seconds before fiercely scratching out a panel that upset him. Onodera made his way into the office with a frown decorating his pale features. Takano looked at him above the rim of his glasses.
"Just where the hell have you been?! You have work to do!" Takano griped from his desk and was about to go on when Onodera simply sat down without a word. Takano clenched his fists and forced himself to focus on his work. He hadn't apologized yet and didn't feel like digging himself in an even deeper hole. The rest of the men did not enjoy the tense atmosphere that the two were setting up at the moment. Thus it being another day at Marukawa's Emerald.