The Brewing Love Years Ago And It's Bitter Tea.

Author: I kept most of the original for this chapter, but stick around it gets good around the end!

Sōma fidgeted with the knob trying to get it open but it was to no avail. Sure enough… he was locked in.

'That Alice!' he thought. She said she had something to speak to him in private about, and after luring him to some random room in the mansion, leaves and locks the door behind her; essentially leaving him trapped.

How a door is able to lock from the outside was beyond him. Why would they even have a room like this in their mansion? Jeez, he didn't even want to think about what purpose it even served.

A little bit annoyed but realizing there he was nothing he could do but wait for someone to come and free him, Sōma hopped on the king-size bed and decided to take a nap. He was sure after Alice got bored of her little games, she would return and free him.

Falling into a deep sleep, Sōma awoke a few hours later due to a bit of rustling at the door. Thinking that Alice had finally had enough of her games, the redhead got up and approached the door, only to be knocked back by a body of a blonde girl being pushed inside. Sōma caught her stumbling form and placed both hands on either side of her shoulders to hold her steady. As soon as the blonde was secured inside the room, the door was swiftly closed and locked once again.

"Play nice you two!" Could be heard from the other side of the door. Sōma could only groan in frustration, knowing it could only belong to Alice. Some small giggles could be heard only to fade away shortly, signaling Alice had indeed left for a second time.

Now looking at the other person shoved inside, Sōma released his hold on her and shoved his hands in his pockets.

Making his way back to the bed, he jumped on it and laid back down making himself comfortable.

"So… you were tricked by Alice too?"

No response.

The blonde stood there in front of him with her head down. Now taking a better look at her, he could tell she was swaying a bit, obviously having some trouble standing. Sōma raised a brow at this.

"Nakiri?" completely fixated on his figure. It was as if she was analyzing his entire being, trying to make sure that it was really him in front of her.

"Yeah?" Sōma replied. Judging by the fact that she asked if it was him even though she was looking dead at said boy, it was obvious she wasn't herself at the moment.

"Are you ok?"

"Hmph! She huffed, which made Sōma even more confused. He had no idea what was going on. Add to the fact that she then gave him a wicked smirk, Sōma was at a complete loss. He didn't say anything though, unsure of how to proceed. This only caused the grin on the blonde to grow, and she made her way towards him in a complete un-lady like manner; stumbling and slightly tripping every now and then. To Erina, it felt like she was on an adventure just to make it to the bed. To Sōma, it was completely comical and he even found himself smirking at her. Erina shot her best attempt at a glare at him when she heard a light chHearing her name, as if that was the key to snapping her out of her trance, Erina looked up to face the Yukihira genius. Flushed red cheeks, hazy violet eyes, and pouty pink lips stared down the boy across from her.

Sōma was a bit caught off guard at her sudden demeanor. The look she was giving him… it was almost primal; instinctive maybe?

"Yukihiraaa… kun?" Erina mumbled, her voice betraying her eyes. While she spoke in a soft and slightly slurred tone, her eyes were hard and focused. They were now locked on him, Then finding the strength, she climbed onto the bed and drunkenly positioned herself on top of him; pressing down her entire core on the boy, effectively keeping him trapped under her. Sōma was surprised at her boldness. For her to even just be in bodily contact with him was rare enough, let alone her advancing on him like this.

"I've got you now…" she purred. Sōma shook his head. This is what happens when you drink a little bit too much.

"Nakiri, let's talk about this…" Sōma tried to reach out to grab hold of her but the blonde caught his hands in mid-air, and after intertwining her fingers with his, pushed down and held them above his head. She then leaned down so her entire upper body was flushed against his and their faces was merely a few spaces apart.

"S-Somaaa-kun… y-youuu stay put…" she breathed onto him. The strong scent of alcohol now making itself present to the boy, who was at this point one-hundred percent sure Erina was in some form or fashion, a bit intoxicated.

"Erina…" Sōma began slowly, trying to find the right words. As much as he enjoyed the feeling of her being on top of him like this, he needed for her sense of rationality to return. He didn't want her doing anything she would regret in the future. He tried to focus on the task at hand, rather than the warm and pleasant feeling of her curvy body gave off while being pushed up against him.

"Listen to me, I'm not going anywhere… but I-"

"B-But nothing!" Erina shouted cutting off the boy. "You're always teasing me and making me into a joke. But tonight, it's you who will be at myyyyyy mercy," she stressed. Sōma sighed and could tell she was being serious. She was a bit intoxicated yes, but at this point she definitely seemed to still be in control of herself. He figured the alcohol must have made her a bit more bold. Giving her the confidence to do things she otherwise would have thought not.

Proving just that, she closed her eyes and kissed him softly; the contact was ever so light. It almost felt like a feather was being brushed against his lips. Keeping herself there for a few moments she then pulled back and looked at him more than pleased.

"How'd you like that! S-Stupid Sōma! You and you're cooking. Both will succumb to me…"

The boy below her couldn't help but let out a small laugh. Did she really think she was the one in charge here? That barely even counted as a kiss. Oh Nakiri… how innocent and pure. Her allure grew even bigger in his eyes. This woman… he was planning on confessing to her tonight. Asking her to be his, and his alone. Little did he know, she was going to do something like this, much because of Alice's scheming, but these were still her actions. And even if she was a bit intoxicated she was clearly rational enough.

He shook his head and using his upper body strength, sat up so now the blonde was effectively sitting on his lap.

He easily got out of her little hold, and wrapped one of his arms around her waist. Then taking his free hand, he placed it on her chin and lifted her face a bit so now she was looking directly into his eyes.

"If you're going to kiss someone, do it correctly," he teased. This caused a heated blush rise on Erina's face before her lips were taken by his. That was the last thing she would remember of that night. Everything else was a complete blur. From the clashing of their lips to the fevering heat of their bodies, it was like heaven. Erina was swept away to another land, to a paradise she had not known to even exist until the abrupt ringing of an alarm clock shot the blonde up from her bed, face red and filled with heat from her dream.

"A dream … huh." Erina said grasping the sheets, but it wasn't a dream it was what happened ten years ago.

What followed the next morning, was of course shock at what acts had been committed, slightly naughty acts to be specific. Along with the realization that Erina was pregnant with the child or should one say children of Soma , something the blonde was very ill prepared for but as always Soma was there, but now that she needed him the most. He wasn't. But whow as to blame for that? Him or her? But Erina remembers, of the man she once loved...

"Hey what do you think we should name them?" Soma asked, who was off cooking in the middle east with Akiria.

"I thought Jin would be nice for a boy and maybe even Ashura if it's a girl..I'm not quite set on a name for the girl to be honest." Erina replied fiddling with the wire of the phone for two reasons. One she missed him and two to hide the embarrassment of not having a name picked out.

"I like Jin, and Ashura sounds a bit weird for me." she didn't have to see him, she could practically see his disapproving face. Well maybe she over exaggerated that detail, but still. How embarrassing! Erina thought.

"I just said I didn't have a name picked out!?" she retorted, mood swings Soma though as he smiled on the other side of the phone.

"Well then….how about Izumi?" Soma stated

"I-izumi?"

"Yeah it sounds cute, after all you're her mother."

Smooth. Erina thought. This feeling is what they call love. Right? The idea of putting all you effort into one person, someone you can grow with, who betters you in every way possible, who appreciates every flaw you have, who makes you smile, who you can trust with even your own life. Well could trust. As the love faded away.

The years have come and gone, just as he did and that feeling called love. But there was no time to waste on something that was too good to be true. Erina knew she must focus on the here and now, which was her daughter. Who was currently yelling for Erina to get up because she would be late for school.

Even though Soma was no longer here, the memory of the man he was and the spirit he carried lived on. Izumi was everything he was. Even though the events that unfolded were quite disastrous, Erina held onto the memory of the man Soma once was. The Soma she first met.

"Mom! Cmon we gotta go now, ya know." Izumi stated as she stood at the door of the room.

"Mom?" Is something bothering you?" Erina was lost in thought. That she failed to notice the little girl standing in front of here.

After all, no matter how much she pain she endured her life, it led to her little girl. And even if she could go back and change what happened, and it meant losing her daughter. She could never bring herself to do such an act. Reality came back as she found two pair of light brown eyes looking back, an innocent face with a warm smile that was Erina's blessing, Izumi. Erina just smiled as she knelt down to where she was at eye level with Izumi.

"Oh nothing, I was just wondering how lucky I was to be the mother of such a beautiful and sweet little girl."

"Mom.."

"Hmm?"

"That's sweet and all, but I'm seriously going to be late, ya know?" Way to ruin the moment, Erina thought, just like Soma..

"I suppose that is true, well then I'll meet you by the car in fifteen minutes okay?" Erina sighed, but smiled as she rose back to her feet to get dressed for the day.

"Okay!" As Izumi raced off out of the room and down the stairs. Though Soma would never be the man Erina remembered, that memory of who he was and the spirit he carried, lived on within Izumi. But what exactly was Erina thinking of in that moment, was of any mother's worry for her children. Of her son.

"I hope you're okay, Jin."

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Flowers check. Balloons check. Card? Card?

"Crap, how could I forget the get well soon card!" Soma exclaimed as he rose from his seat. Though a get well soon card, is not the most appropriate gift to bring after giving birth. Or was it?

Late February, a bright sun greeted the remnants of whatever snow was left, On the ride over to the hospital in which Erina was. Soma noticed the happy families that played in the snow, building snowmen, throwing snowballs, making snow angels and though it was quite coincidental that soon he, himself would be a father and seeing children with their father. It was still able to bring a smile to the redhead's face, something he is quite accustomed too. But it would not remain that way, As for some reason, Soma left the hospital with no smile. But a note with an address and instructions to arrive at said place a year from now.

Today was suppose to be the day he fixed everything. Ever since that night, the future showed such promise of a happy life with the woman he loved, and the children he would love and care for. But that future slipped away, she gave up. On him, on the future and no matter how many times Soma tried to fix whatever it was. He simply could not, or was not allowed to.

When those words came, rambling throughout his mind. His emotions went wack, but he knew that those words could not have been her own.

"They couldn't have.." he said, those words often became a chant, a prayer with the hopes that it would change the outcome.

But it didn't and those words they were her own. A full page, a formal letter explaining that what happened that night was all a lie. That the feelings were never there, that the influence of alcohol made her unaware of her actions. That to be blunt, she did not love him the way he loved her.

And that is how it begun and how it ended so abruptly. How love broke his heart, how she broke his heart after everything, how she lied to him this whole time.

"Soma? " Reality came back as Soma turned to face his father, Saiba. It was late September, the crackling of leaves could be heard under one's footsteps. Yukihira's, now grown in size and recognition, as well as a place known for it's bright and vibrant environment is now eerily silent. As a sign draped over the door, letting customers know that Yukihira's was closed for the day. For today marked the anniversary in which the world lost one of it's brightest, Tadokoro Megumi. Which was often the source of the bright and vibrant environment of the restaurant and home.

"Yeah, what's wrong dad?"

"Nothing really, it's just that..well you know what today is right?"

"Yeah, and I'm assuming Jin's not in his room huh?"

"Yeah, which means he's at the cemetery. But I was checking to see how you're holding up. After all she cared deeply for you and Jin, and you two cared deeply for her." Soma simply looked back at the picture he held in his hands, of Yukihira's and in front was his father, himself and Tadokoro with Jin in her arms. While that day was the grand reopening of Yukihira's, today marked the day he lost his dearest friend.

"To be honest, not so well. But I know that Tadokoro would not want me to pout, I know she would want me to focus on Jin. And with that said I have to go find him." Soma stood placing the photo back on the table, reaching for his shoes to look for Jin.

While the world lost another, Jin lost the woman he called his mother. It had been a year since her passing and ever since Jin would stop by before and after school, every day he would stop by. Jin knew she was gone but he knew as long as he held onto her memory she would always be with him. And he knew of the truth.

That she wasn't his real mother, but she was the one who raised him, cared for him, held him when he was scared, nervous, she was there in every moment of joy, happiness and sadness. She loved him and he loved her, how could she not be his mother he thought. But she wasn't. The crackling of leaves were heard as Jin took each step closer and closer to her grave. Till he was mere inches away, a few moments of silence passed before a word was even thought of.

"I know you're not here, mom... But I came by to drop off some more flowers and talk some more, ya know." Jin knelt down as he replaced the flowers, with fresh, vibrant ones. The boy took a seat and began to talk, letting her know all the details of how his day went, the crazy stories of his father's latest "dishes." Often reminding her of how much he loved and missed her.

"I know dad is probably concerned where I am, but I'll tell him I was with you like always. After all you always told me how as a baby, I always cried when I wasn't with you." Even when, how on my first day of school..."

"You wouldn't let go of her hand and how the only way you'd go there was if she went with you too." Soma finished.

"And she did…. You knew I was here huh?" Jin did not turn to face his father.

"You think I wouldn't know you'd be here? I know what day it is too. But I am surprised you managed to make it here all by yourself."

"I never could be separated from her. It's just not the same without her, ya know dad?" Tears began to well up in the boy's eyes, no child could ever get over the death of their parent, no matter how much time passes.

"I know Jin, I know… I miss her too." Soma said as he knelt down, hand on Jin's red hair and within an instant was greeted with the embrace of his son's arms around him, silently crying. Soma only smiled as he held his son, comforting the child. He smiled on the fact that though Jin was not Tadokoro's child, she raised him, she loved him as if he was her own and they raised him together. A silent prayer was said, giving thanks for her efforts with the hope those words would reach her wherever she was.

"Now, cmon let's go home, I'll make your favorite food for you okay?"

"Can it be one of mom's recipes?" Jin asked, what a kind soul. Just like Tadokoro, she did an amazing job helping raise Jin.

"You got buddy." In all of Soma's life, he suffered tragedy here and there but none compare to the recent years. And in any time where all seems lost, everyone could use a glimmer of hope. That hope was Jin.

Now that I have told you the entire story. I tell you this that when one suffers a wound, the wound must be opened up , cleaned before it can begin the healing process. For this family, the wounds were uncovered and must be opened in order to be a family.

Author: Hello hello! Welcome back, I hope that this made the wait worth it. I'll do my best to keep the updates coming, as chapter two is soon to make an appearance. But other that that let me know what you think of it so far?