Dinner for Two

Chapter One: Dinner for Two

"Your shoulders are too tense!" Shu scolds, voice raised as he critiques Lain's launching form.

"Okay," Lain replies as he repeats the process, intentionally easing the muscles in his shoulders.

"Nice," Shu comments before reminding; "make sure it's natural, you mustn't divide your focus in battle."

"Yeah yeah, I know."

Shu narrows his eyes in warning, eliciting an irritated groan out of Lain. Shu heaves an exasperated sigh.

Lain had become much more compliant and kinder in his approach, both to himself and others since the conclusion of the Tag Team Series. That was a development Shu revelled in, however the rush and adrenaline of the final battle ignited a deep craving and greed for more intensity in battles. Therefore, their training sessions grew exponentially in frequency despite the fact Shu was no longer Lain's formal coach.

It had been three long hours of relentless training for Lain and the exhaustion was evident in his performance. Shu had to reprimand much more in the past ten minutes than the first hour and half. It was past due time for a break, Shu decided resolutely.

"Lain, let's take a break."

"Fine," Lain agreed begrudgingly after a scoff.

"Well, what do you feel like eating?" Shu queried idly as they walked in the corridor, retreating from their enclosed training area.

"Surprise me," Lain answered, predominantly because he wasn't picky and didn't feel like choosing.

"Sure, how about you go and change whilst I'll deal with our dinner?" Shu proposed as Lain simply nodded.

Shu himself hadn't actually been exercising, just supervising and instructing Lain so he wasn't sweaty or in need of a change.

'It's been a while since I cooked,' Shu thought, reminiscing the times where he would return to his single-person apartment to cook himself meals daily.

Whereas, in the Bulls, they had nutritional facilities, cafeterias and takeouts- Shu not only used them out of convenience but with his responsibilities (mainly saving Lain), he couldn't spare a moment to unwind in the kitchen. Smiling gently with an ounce of anticipation, Shu leisurely walked to his personal kitchen to prepare a healthy meal. It should be good, after all it was Lain's first encounter with his culinary skills.

Shu strided into the kitchen, opening the cabinet adjacent to the entry. He selected a black apron, tightening it around the back of his waist. He had also removed his vest, the high collar issuing a problem with the fitting.

He then thoroughly washed his hands with a scented soap after removing his singular glove. He then gathered the ingredients required on the marble countertop.

'Time to get to work.'

...

Lain had changed his clothes after a quick rinse. He was ferociously drying his hair with the towel. Shu had told him many times to not be so harsh with it as it caused hair breakage or whatever but Lain never cared much for that anyways.   

'I wonder where we'll go to eat...'

Typically, Shu opted to avoid any fast food joints, which Lain  found stupid and told Shu about that as it was cheap and accessible but Shu was stubborn in his denial. They would settl;e on some restaurants, some more fancy than others, but Lain wasn't in the mood for such lavishing meals, maybe he'll insist on burgers... After all, if he wanted it, surely Shu would give in sooner or later.

Then Lain exited his room with the intention of finding Shu.

When Lain arrived where, presumably, Shu had been last spotted, the tantalising aroma of spaghetti infiltrated his nostrils. Lain did a double-take to ensure he was in the right room before furrowing his eyebrows in thought.