Work Text:
At the end of that work day Elma handed Kobayashi a box containing a strawberry pie, she did it as if giving the pie was a great sacrifice for herself, and for what Kobayashi knew about the strange relationship that Elma had with food, it probably was. But still she gave it and once again thanked Kobayashi for her help, there were rumors about layoffs at the company and due to the amount of work delayed Elma feared she was going to be one of the people fires and that would probably have been the case if Kobayashi had not stayed overtime to help her finish and also explain some very basic things about computers.
And that was what Kobayashi said to Tohru when the dragon asked her where she she had bought that delicious pie.
"... so answering your question I don't know where the pie came from, but I can ask Elma tomorrow if you want" Kobayashi said.
"That won't be necessary," Tohru said in a strangely cold tone.
And only then did Kobayashi realize that she had stopped eating the pie since the moment Elma's name came out of Kobayashi's lips.
After dinner Kobayashi went to read a story for Kanna until she fell asleep, when she returned Tohru was in the kitchen, washing the dishes with focus and Kobayashi also suspected anger.
"So Tohru are you going to tell me why you are so angry?"
"I just can't believe you brought something home from my rival and gave it to me to eat without first informing me of its origin"
"Look Tohru I know that in the other world you two were of opposing factions, but in this one-"
“This is not about order versus chaos! It's about something much more important ”
"And what would that be ?"
"You. She is trying to steal you from me ”
"Tohru I'm sure the only person in the world who has ever had a crush on me is you, you're being a little silly"
“No, you are being silly! You are the most beautiful, kind, intelligent and perfect human being that ever existed and I was in love with you with just one night, I don't see how it would be possible for someone to spend time with you without falling in love with you, and then ... there"
Tohru didn't finish the sentence because she started to cry, and in a second Kobayashi hugged her. It was a little strange for her, all the other times she had hugged Tohru in the past had been a deliberate decision, but that time she just wrapped the dragon in her arms without even making the conscious decision to do so.
“Look, Tohru, I still think you're overreacting, the only thing I've ever seen Elma showing special interest in is food, but let's say you're right and she's trying to get together with me, even so she wouldn't. And let's say that everyone fell in love with me and tried to date me, they couldn't do it either. Coming home every day and seeing you and Kanna is what I want in my life, no one would be able to steal me from you. No one would even be able to tempt me ”
"Promise?"
"I promise"
"And you won't be accepting her cakes anymore?"
"Okay"
"Maybe I should find a romantic partner for her to stop being a threat like I did with Takiya and Fafnir..maybe she and Lucoa would make a nice couple"
"Or a coupon that gives her unlimited food in a restaurant for a year"
"Yes, one of those two ... I love you Kobayashi-san"
"I know, I love you too"
"Forever ?"
"And beyond"