"Tch," she chided him, chasing a forkful of pancakes around the plate to mop up the whipped cream and berry sauce. "Even if I didn't have the time, I would make time for your sake. Do not doubt this." As if he would. She just wanted to make sure he knew that he mattered to her.

When she finished eating, she sat back in her chair and smiled at him, nodding once to confirm their plans. "After lunch, then?"

Were she not so dedicated to her responsibilities, she would have tossed out all of her plans to spend the day with him. But he had much to catch up on himself, she knew, and their worlds still needed saving. There had to be balance between her needs and her responsibilities.

When he was finished as well, she stole his plate to stack it on top of hers, carrying them to the sink for washing. If he cooked, she cleaned. That was just how it went.