Disclaimer: Not owning anything people. No profits either.
A/N: *sobs* Gomenasai! ;_; I couldn't hold back and I needed to write!! This is so taxing on the nerves and I know I put myself into more trouble but like I said, I COULDN"T HELP IT!!! _
It's another TezuRyo fic. WAIT! Don't hit the back button yet!! I'm sorry for those diehard fans of TezukaXFuji or MomoshiroXRyoma but I have to say, I really really see a very fine connection with Tezuka and Ryoma's relationship in the series. They are so much alike and I can't help but make a fic! They look cute… ;_;
I also notice not many writers are fond of this pairing but what can I say? Unfortunately, I am. So I guess I'll have Ryoma pairing up with Momo on my other two fics and to Tezuka on my other two. *shrugs*
Other pairings: Lesseee… aside from TezuRyo, the other pairings remain the same.
Food Fights and Loves
By Hirame
"Irrasshaimase."
The greeting wasn't the typical overly genki sounding one for welcoming customers but for anybody who was aware, this came as a norm and it wasn't as if the genuine sincerity in it could be missed. After all, the simple greeting came with a cheery smile along with the handsome face making up a very desirable and warm package.
The customer, who was recognized as a Seigaku student, smiled as well after meeting up with the familiar face and atmosphere.
"Konnichiwa. I was hoping if I could have my usual, Fuji-san."
"Mochiron. ^^ Please take a seat for a while, Sakaguchi-san4, while I get your order."
"Arigatou."
It was early in the afternoon and as usual, the shop was bustling with people. Still neat and a bit quiet, but crowded would be an understatement. The dining shop, which can be nearly described as a cafe, was very popular especially among the youngsters who loved to hang out during their free time, weekends or after a busy day at school.
The 'Amai Minamoto'1.
A dessert cafe, which serves all kinds and well-known sweets, Amai Minamoto delicatessen shop stood successfully in an almost secluded neighborhood along the streets of Tokyo. Once you've entered it's parameter, most people, if not all, obviously notices the change in the atmosphere. It is as if you are transported somewhere in France due to the fact that once you've entered the gates and followed the brick path leading to the shop's main door, lush greens completely surrounds the area while exotic blooms are strangely always in season. Tall trees along with a few Sakuras line the lawn and had the shop in an almost tight snug. Carved wooden benches can sometimes be seen littered along the scenery if one wanted to enjoy a few sunshine while having their fill or simply be alone and do something of peace like reading.
After passing the short walkway to enjoy the landscape solely meant for entertainment and tranquility, a small marble water fountain could be found just beside the small steps finally greeting any person with the famous shop itself. But despite the descriptions, everything could be summed up to simplicity. The shop was adequately big with 2 floors that is why despite busy days, the shop can sustain many people and walls lined in glass as so the nature outside can be appreciated while seated. The floor was carpeted crimson but that was as far as it went. No flashy designs, no more interior accessories were needed. The tables were plainly round, black marble like the fountain outside, enough to accommodate four people each and the seats were plain black alike, cushioned for the comfort. It wasn't stuffy because the ceiling was built high and the source of light was only the chandelier hanging in the middle of the whole place. It was wise and cheap due to the fact that it was only turned on during the evening when sunlight cannot provide the light and warmth. As for ventilation, mild air conditioning was provided to cool but not freezing and when it rained outside, the heaters were turned up. Oak wood shelves filled with books of entertainment are finely but randomly scattered along the seats for the customers to relax and preoccupy themselves with. All in all, it was very homey.
Now, why is it so popular when it's almost practically hidden even without the trees surrounding it? Of course, looks aren't everything and in the streets of Tokyo Japan, once you've lived up to your deserving reputation, news travel fast and people are loyal. The reason why students are most common here is because they are also situated in the middle of many private schools too.
Still pretty posh for a cafe? Probably. But that isn't the most surprising part.
The most surprising is that only four people manage it.
And they are the main reason why Amai Minamoto gets filled with youngsters everyday.
After 5 minutes, Fuji came out of the swinging double door found beneath the stairway leading to the second floor with a tray perfectly balancing in his right hand. Striding gracefully with a smile still plastered on his mild features, he stopped beside the table where he told the newcomer to sit.
"One Strawberry Bande De Fruits2, one Apple Jelly Compote3 and Royale Milk Tea. Enjoy." Fuji served, smiling warmly.
Sakaguchi drooled at the sight before giving the brown-haired boy a big grin, "Damn, I love your service here, Fuji-san. Never fails to get me hungry all over again! " Fuji gave a chuckle.
"Haha, you always say that, Sakaguchi-san. Oh yes, would you want an extra glass of water like the last time?" Sakaguchi scratched the back of his head and smiled sheepishly.
"Er... yeah. I'd like that. Hehe... don't want to choke like my last visit here ~_~;; ..."
"Hai.^^ I'll go fetch it right now. And as usual, please help yourself to a book if you wish."
"Yeah, wasn't able to finish that book I kept on reading but I think I'll be able to finish it today."
"Haha, gambatte ne. ^_^ Dewa..." With that Fuji left and made his way to the back of the shop once more where the kitchen was located.
TBC
[1] 'Origin of Sweets' ^_~ I have to say, that works two way. If you know what I mean.
[2] Recipe for Strawberry Bande De Fruits ^_^
Strawberry Glaze
225g fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled ¼ lb
60ml granulated sugar 4 tbsp
30ml orange liqueur 2 tbsp
Assembly
450g fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled 1 lb
30ml liqueur of your choice 2 tbsp
30ml granulated sugar 2 tbsp
450g Flaky Dough 1 lb
300ml pastry cream ½ pt
Beaten egg
Serves 6 to 8 people. Enjoy! ^0^
* Place glaze ingredients in a saucepan. Cook 8 min. over medium heat. Pass through sieve in a bowl and set aside.
* Preheat over to 200 degrees Celsius
* Place whole strawberries in a bowl with liqueur and sugar. Marinate for 45 min.
*Meanwhile, roll out flaky dough ¼ in. thick on lightly floured surface. Use ruler to measure 5X15 in. Using pastry wheel cut out rectangle and transfer to baking sheet. Prick with fork and brush with beaten egg.
* Cut four strips of dough about ¾ inches wide, 2 long enough for the sides and 2 long enough for the ends. Position strips of dough on the rectangle using a little beaten egg to affix overlapping corners. Brush tops of strips with beaten eggs.
*Bake 18 min. in the oven. Remove from oven and let stand in room temperature until cold.
*Spread layer of pastry cream over bottom of dough. Drain strawberries and arrange on cream. Brush fruit with strawberry glaze.
[3] Recipe for Apple Jelly Compote ^_^
75ml granulated sugar 5 tbsp
75ml apple jelly 5 tbsp
15ml grated lemon zest 1 tbsp
15ml grated orange zest 1 tbsp
45ml light rum 3 tbsp
5 McIntosh apples, cored,
peeled and sliced 5
15ml cinnamon 1 tbsp
90g golden raisins 3 oz.
*Place sugar, apple jelly, grated fruit zests and rum in small saucepan. Cook four minutes over medium heat.
*Place sliced apples in large saucepan. Add fruit syrup and mix well. Add cinnamon and raisins; cook partly covered. 18 min. over medium heat.
* Transfer mixture to blender and puree.
* Cool and serve plain, with yogurt or with ice cream.
Serves 4 to 6 people. Enjoy! ^0^
[4] Nah. Don't mind. I just needed a common person to fill up.
A/N: Well now, was that short? ^_^ I guess it's pretty fine considering it's the first chap and all. To tell you the truth, I kinda like it so I could only hope that you will too and share my sentiments. Oh yes, anybody wants to guess who the four boys are? Hahaha, it's kinda weird actually but if anyone can guess it, I'd say I'd have to give you credit because I'm pretty sure didn't leave any hint.
Tell me if you still need translations for every Japanese term I use. I get carried away and forget that there are still some readers who need translations as I have encountered it from one of the reviews in my Yu-Gi-Oh fic. I don't want anyone getting confused anymore. Oishieru kudasai ne?
Read and review. I want to continue this along with my other ones so tell me what you think. Of course, don't read on the surface too much. I believe there is more to this in the succeeding chappies.
Arigatou for those who reviewed my other PoT fics especially those who reviewed recently and I wasn't able to express my gratitude.
*yawn* Oh well, good night.... ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz............................
-Hirame-
