Finding a Fit

Time Three: Pancakes

The third time it happened wasn't something Taiga saw coming. It was a nice morning, and since he had a day off Taiga was planning on a nice lie-in, ready to sleep until midday at least.

That is, until Yoichi blasted down his door at 8:30 in the morning and roughly shook him awake.

"Dude! Get up!"

"Yoichi, what in the ever-loving fuck are you doing awake before 11am?"

"Doesn't matter, get outta bed, you lazy cat! We gotta get going!"

"Go where? The only place I'm planning to go today is the kitchen and my bed. Don't even think I'm going to shower, I'm too tired."

"To Torch-Head's place, duh! He just called and he needs our help!"

That caught Taiga's attention. He quickly stumbled out of his bed and looked to Yoichi worriedly.

"Hiro's in trouble? What happened?! Are we gonna make it in time? Do we need to bring anything? How bad is it?!"

Yoichi looked the boy up and down.

"Dude, I'd love to tell you, but I ain't saying shit 'til you put some pants on."

After a change of clothes and a swift goodbye to the scoutmasters, Yoichi and Taiga grabbed a bus and rode over to Hiro's house. Yoichi had explained that Hiro hadn't said much on the call except to get over as soon as possible. It wasn't said aloud, but Taiga knew what, or more specifically who, they were concerned for.

After racing away from the bus stop, Yoichi strode to the front door and gave it a heavy knock. Taiga could hear footsteps for a moment before a middle aged woman with deep chestnut brown hair opened the door and smiled down at the pair of them. Taiga could feel Yoichi's shoulders sag in relief. This must've been Hiro's mother then.

"Oh hello, boys! Hiro's been expecting you. Please, come on in!"

The woman moved inside, gesturing for the two to come in. They complied, and Hiro's mother turned to face the redhead.

"You must be Taiga. I've heard so much about you!"

Taiga blushed pink and looked away. He wouldn't have been surprised if Hiro had told his mom about the asshole who had tried to ruin everyone's summer. He was ready to met by an accusing glare and a small frown, but when he returned the state he only saw a happy smile and warm eyes.

"So very happy to meet you! It's so nice to finally meet all of Hiro's friends."

Taiga blush got pinker as he shakily smiled back. Her kindness reminded him of his own mother. He didn't know if she knew everything, but if she did... he appreciated her seeing past that.

"You boys head on to the kitchen. Hiro's been waiting for you for quite a while!"

Yoichi gave a short nod and Taiga bowed in thanks, and began to walk down the hallway.

"She's nice."

"That woman raised the dude who's the most protective piece of shit over his friends on earth. Being nice is just some weird Akiba gene thing."

Getting closer Taiga could faintly hear some type of commotion with pots and pans clattering and people's voices getting louder with each step toward the closed door. Yoichi glanced at each other in concern as Yoichi braced himself and opened the door.

Taiga gaped in horror at the sight that he had just walked into. Keitaro was at the stove, trying to hold 3 frying pans and two large pots at the same time. On the other side of the room Hunter and Natsumi were struggling to stack flour into a large box container. With their white coated clothes, it was clear to see that one bag had exploded on them. In the middle of the kitchen Hiro was furiously scribbling into a notepad, occasionally chewing on the pen and letting out an outburst when he seemed to get an idea. He looked up from his writing and sighed in relief?