Hi everyone! I'm Akiwari! I've re-edited this chappie~

Warning: MiharuXReily. YoiteXReily RameiXKouchi.

A little of Yaoi (Reily's imagination) Blood, Gore and a little bad language, here and there.

Enjoy

This was originally called 'Through the book store' but I changed it to Inked words!

Chapter 2

Welcome In!

I'm not sure how long I had been sitting there... just staring at the poor woman.

I felt deflated and defeated, but on the bright side she's very kind and took me in. After I had...broken down in front of her...

Her home, however looked familiar...so familiar that I felt a giddy flip in the pit of my stomach. I had to brush it off...

I'm not one to dwell on things.

The kind old woman settled me down and placed a blanket over my shoulders before she disappeared to make tea. She wanted to talk; she is a very kind and gentle lady.

When she reappears, she sat down in front of me and gave me a small cup. It's very pretty, decorated with small purple flowers, the kind you'd only find within the richest families, only, this place doesn't look so rich. I sighed at the warmth and eventually looked back up at the woman.

"Thank you." I said.

I smiled at her and then looked to the side in embarrassment. What can I tell her? That one moment I'm in a book store and the next the book store looks like it hasn't been used for years? That I'm here? And my home is gone...and replaced by a Jasmine tree...

Nope! I would be seen as some crazy person and then possibly thrown into an asylum!

Scratch that. Being thrown into an asylum is a very high possibility.

"It's no problem at all, honey." She laughed.

She smiles at me sweetly. Her eyes filled with kindness. It would have spooked me out if I didn't feel so comfortable.

"Now. Will you tell me what's wrong?" she asked.

"T-To be honest. I c-can't remember.." I mumble softly, lying.

I've seen this in shows before, this person would go into another world; they would lie until they can go home, well, if they want to go home anyway. Sometimes, their plan does full apart. Well, I'd just have to think quickly and clever...if that's even possible.

It could blow up in their face.

I hope it doesn't blow up in my face...

"You can't remember? Did you hit your head?" The woman asks worriedly.

The woman leant forward and placing her hand gently on top of my red locks.

"Your hair is beautiful."

I blushed and laughed awkwardly. I looked at my lap and let the woman gently stroke my head. This is the first time somebody had admired me and not the other way around.

I smiled weakly. "I-I don't know. I can't remember." I repeated.

"Of course. Of course." She said.

She looked down at me for a few seconds. "Such strange clothes.." She mumbled.

The woman tilted her head in thought.

"Well."

She said and places her hands onto her hips. "I can't leave a defenceless child out on the streets. How old are you?"

"I-I'm 16 years old." I said.

I am 16 years old, but sometimes, people think I'm older...apparently I look older for my age.

The woman nodded her head. She hummed to herself and crossed her arms over her chest.

"The same age as my grandson." She said.

"Thank you very much. I am so grateful." I said.

I just felt like I had to say thank you...my cheeks turned a soft pink colour and I bowed again. It was so odd. Nowadays nobody helped people...you would be ignored...strangely this woman was helping me...

Oh! I hope she isn't planning to sell me! Or anything like! You hear those things happening on the news but you never expect it to happen to you! OH GOD!

But...she said I was the same age of her grandson...

The woman chuckled. "Call me Granny okay?" She said.

"Granny." I said.

She nodded her head. It was a funny word. Granny.

"And your name honey?" she asked.

I didn't give her my name?

"M-My name is Riley. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said. "Riley Danforth!"

Granny laughed. "Riley? What an unusual name. It's a sweet and gentle name though."

She quickly disappeared out the room with the empty cups.

I decide to look around the room. So this is where I'll be living for a while. Hmm, I wonder where I am.

Hey.

I'm taking this unusually well, so unlike myself. I'd normally be running around like a headless chicken. I scanned the room. I note many pillows, a desk in the corner, and a table in the middle of the room. It looked so cosy! So warm and homely! Completely different to my own home!

It seems familiar, like I've seen it before...

I suddenly heard a door being pulled open and followed by soft, padded footsteps. It was followed by Granny's voice and then followed by a soft, emotionless voice.

It must be Granny's grandson!

I've heard that voice before, but I couldn't place my finger on it.

I slowly creeped towards the door. I hide behind the door and peek around the wood.

I could see Granny, but I couldn't see her grandson.

I tried to see more of the room they were in, but couldn't. Damn, I feel like I'm spying. Not a good idea, spying always ends up bad. I quickly walk back to my spot and sat down. I wait before Granny poked her head in.

She smiled at me and then wiggled her finger for me to follow her. I flushed, and nodded. I quickly push myself up after her. I shuffled my feet against the ground, suddenly feeling nervous about meeting a boy.

Like I said, I'm not very good with boys. Last time I tried to speak to a boy I like, I may or may not have thrown food all over him.

I'm a...a...complete virgin in every way. Never been kissed...never been anything...

I smiled nervously at Granny. Anxious for I was, sadly, afraid of what was to come.

"Riley. This is my grandson." She spoke.

Granny waved her hand out. I followed her hand, and I froze. Literally! I bloody froze on the spot. My heart stopped and I just stared at the boy.

Now I know why everything seems so familiar!

Around us was a very well kept restaurant!

Why am I so stupid!

I just couldn't stop staring at the boy. He had messy, almost bed like black hair with large big, round green eyes. He had beautiful, and flawless snow like skin. He had an blank expression on his face. But this person wasn't supposed to walking around.

It was really him!

This is really Miharu Rokujo!

Wait Granny said he was the same age as me.

Miharu Rokujo...

It's bloody Miharu Rokujo!

An 16 year old Miharu Rokujo!

He isn't that much older then what was told in the manga...only a year I think? Miharu was 14 or 15 in the manga, and 15 in the anime...I think...

Once my brain got into gear once again, my inner fan girl squealing at the fact one of my favorite characters was standing in front of me. I suddenly launch myself forward.

Now, most people would think that I hug the boy, snuggled his face off, or even glomp him to death.

Heck, even I think I'd do that.

Nope.

My inner fan girl was shaking her head in disappointment.

I gripped his arms and held them above his head.

"Whoa.." I cheerfully said.

The boy stared up at me in confusion.

I just want to…well my mouth wouldn't listen.

"You're so short!"

Miharu frowned. His eyebrows pulled together in confusion and annoyance.

His expression is funny! His forest green eyes stared wide eyed at me.

I suppose most people would have done something else. But of course I went ahead and did something completely stupid and embarrassing.

I flushed deeply when I heard Granny laugh. She clapped her hands.

"Oh you two will get along great." She said.

I quickly step away from him.

Miharu slowly brings his arms down and stared at them. He then looked at me me and then to his Grandmother.

"I'm so happy. So cute~" Granny chuckled.

"Huh?"

He looks so confused, so lost.

My inner fan girl squealed at the expression.

Miharu head tilted to the side cutely, and his green eyes zoned onto his Grandmother. His pale lips pressed together in a tight line.

Granny suddenly patted my head.

"Ah. Right. Riley. This Miharu, Miharu this Riley, your new roommate." She smiled and ruffled my red hair.

She muttered to herself about the girl...Again...

"Roommate?" Miharu said.

He lifted his gaze from Granny to me.

I felt the gaze, and quickly stepped behind Granny. I did not like the feeling.

I felt so embarrassed.

Granny blinked and looked back at me; she winked.

"Well. I don't have another bed yet. I'll buy one. But until then, I need you to act like gentlemen and let her borrow your bed." she said.

I stared blankly. My inner fan girl screamed loudly and jump up and down excitedly.

I play with my fingers. This can't be happening, it just can't. I sigh and listened. I was waiting for Miharu to disagree.

In the anime and manga he always made sure everyone stayed away from his room/things.

In fact, I'm pretty sure he dislikes everyone at the beginning.

Wait.

This is the beginning right? I haven't somehow ended up at the end. Please don't tell me Yoite is already...gone. I can't bare it!

Just the mere thought made my stomach twist. I suddenly felt faint.

"Alright..."

Did I hear right?

I peeked out from behind Granny. I stare at the boy and watch as he pulls off his green blazer. He hanged it up. Miharu then pulls on a green, frog like apron.

Granny laughed and patted me on the head. "I'll let Miharu show you what to do. I need to go get the kitchen ready for opening." She said happily.

Ah yes. I almost forgot our agreement. Since I'll be staying here...I'll be working free for her.

I suddenly heard a soft grunt. I turned my head back around. I blink and bite back a soft squeal at the boy; he was having trouble tying the ribbon around his waist to his back. I watched him for a few seconds, I can't help but think how cute he is, adorable even.

"I'll help you." I stuttered.

Miharu doesn't say anything, and simply turned around. I gulped and gently took the ribbons. I tie it tightly around his back, I tried to make a bow...tried to make it as perfect as I could...I really did! At least it looked a little...perfect...

I placed my arms behind my back and smiled. "D-Done."

Miharu turned back around and held out an apron to me. "Well?" he asked quietly.

I stared at it before taking it. I held it out. I've never seen this apron before, it wasn't in either adaptions. It was a soft purple colour, and had a designed like an frog on it. It was exactly like Miharu's apron. I shrugged, and put it over my head.

I noticed Miharu was watching me; I gave him a look to ask 'what?' before the boy made a small twirl with his fingers. A motion for me to turn around.

I chuckled awkwardly and blushed in embarrassment. I quickly turn around. I felt the apron ribbons suddenly get tugged on. My body heated up from my nerves as I felt Miharu tied them together in bow. A perfect bow. More beautiful then mine...

"Finished, Riley." Miharu's voice echoed out.

Miharu's voice was soft, but sadly emotionless like the boy is bored already.

"You're so cute. Just like a girl." I grinned.

I couldn't help myself. I've always thought Miharu was like girl. My inner fan girl giggled in agreement.

I bravely tugged on his cheeks.

"Definitely like a girl."

Oh dear...he is glaring at me.

Nice first impressions, Riley.

Real smooth.

~#~#~

Stupid vegetables.

I huffed loudly and glared down at them. I hissed through clenching teeth, and scooped it up with my twin spatulas.

I flipped it and watched as the vegetables sizzle on top of the grill. After two more tries, I finally got the food to stick together...then the food fell apart again...I add bacon, shrimp and sausages, all sliced up, before I once again flipped it.

I growled when it fell apart on the hot metal again.

"No Riley. You're doing it wrong." Said the bored male next to me.

I glare at the boy, and almost hissed at him.

"I'm doing everything you told me to, the food just won't listen to me." I grumbled.

I looked back at the food and hissed at it. It was like it was laughing at me.

Miharu rolled his eyes and shook his head. He looked bored and tired but I knew better, he always had that expression.

He is none of them.

"Of course. The food is defying you. It's not the fact you just can't cook." He sighed deeply.

Miharu then looked back down at his perfectly round pancake like food.

I frowned and let out a small 'nanana' at him in a high-pitch, shriek like voice. I turned back to look at the messy food. Of course the first thing I, the English girl, had to do was to make a popular Japanese dish.

I had to learn to make Okonomiyaki and I'm failing at it, miserably.

Miharu grunted, and suddenly puts his own spatula's down. He wiped his hands on his apron before he suddenly appeared behind me. He reached out and placed his hands on top of mine.

"You need to bend your wrists and scoop them in together, like this." He said.

I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing. His breath tickled my ear. It tickled, but I tried hard to keep my attention on the food. I watch as his surprisingly warm hands guide my own hands. His hands are so warm; it's surprising since his skin is the colour of snow.

I grin widely, and watched as the Okonomiyaki came together. It turned a soft golden colour, before he flipped it over to reveal a slightly darker brown colour. I guess it's burnt a little. But hey, it's not bad for my first try.

I cheered as Miharu helped me move to new cooked Okonomiyaki onto a plate.

"I did it!" I laughed.

"See. It's not that hard." Miharu said and smiled a little.

Miharu stepped back into his place next to me. He resumes his own Okonomiyaki.

"It's good. Really well done." He said. "I mean, it's not terrible. I've seen better. But I guess it's alright for somebody who can't cook."

I turn back to look at the half burnt Okonomiyaki.

"Geez. Thanks for brightening up my mood, only to rip it back down." I grumbled, and poked the newly cooked food.

Miharu looked at me from the corner of his eye and chuckles. He doesn't say anything. He simply moves his perfect Okonomiyaki onto a plate. Granny then took it to a costumer.

This time, I'll do it the exact way he does!

I nodded my head with determination. I watched as Miharu began to start a new one.

I try to copy everything he did, from scooping to chopping and flipping. Miharu then noticed I was watching and copying. Miharu smirks and slides his spatulas underneath the Okonomiyaki and suddenly flipped it, almost like a pancake flip.

I watched in amazement as it flew into the air and back down perfectly. I was expecting it to fall apart, but it doesn't.

"You did that on purpose." I cried.

I suddenly noticing the small black, chibi like wings flapping behind his back along with the matching black horns. He had a sly smirk that made him look just so evil!

"You're so evil!" I gasped.

Miharu lets out a small 'hehe~' and tilted his head to the side.

"It's burning." he said.

"Huh?"

I stare at the boy when I suddenly smelt something terrible. I blinked. I gasped and look down to see my Okonomiyaki burning.

"No-No." I cried.

I flipped it over in hopes it wouldn't burn underneath.

Miharu smiled, obviously amused. It's wonderful that I amuse him, isn't it?

Stupid bratty, cute, girly boy.

"Delicious!" Suddenly an old man smiled.

The old man waved at Miharu, catching his attention.

"Miharu-chan. You get closer to your mother's cooking, everyday." he said happily.

I peered at the boy's face. I notice his expression has gone back to his normal, half tired, half bored look. I know his mother was a soft spot, but seriously, maybe he needs to get laid.

I grinned at him. I ignored when he glances at me.

"Miharu-chan? Can I call you that?" I ask.

The boy twitched.

"No."

I laughed even more. I tried to hide my goofy smile behind my hand.

"Miharu-chan."

"Ah. You must be young Riley-chan." The other person with the old man said.

I look up at the old man and smiled. I bowed in respect.

"Ah. You're very beautiful." the man said.

I blushed. I bow again and mutter a soft 'thank you'.

That's right, in manga and anime, most people don't have ginger hair. It's nice when people admire it, instead of throwing things at it. Or tugging on it, or putting gum in it...or anything else.

I blushed even brighter when the other's squealed at how I look. I turn my attention to the side.

"Thank you." I aid embarrassingly.

"I don't know what the fuss is about. She looks ordinary to me." Miharu said. He flipped a newly made Okonomiyaki. "Quite boring."

I suddenly push his shoulder. "You're a horrible person. Did you know that?" I mumbled.

As me and Miharu began to bicker, a few of the older and wiser people in the restaurant began to chuckle and talk with Granny.

"They're so cute together, aren't they?"

Granny laughed. She nodded in agreement before the small bell attached to the door rang. It's a single that the door opened and a tall, handsome man poked his head in.

"Welcome." Granny grinned.

She turned to look at the man. He smiled in return with one hand in his pocket, the other doing a small wave.

"Oh, helping out in the store? How wonderful!" The man said joyful.

He let out a yelp when suddenly four spatulas shot at him. The spatulas pinned themselves against the door frame.

I blinked and look down at my empty hands.

"My spatulas…" I mumbled softly.

I peered at Miharu, and noticed his spatulas were gone as well.

Damn, he threw them.

"Y-You already have such a great talent with using shuriken, I see.." The other man laughed.

He stepped into the light. I scanned him, that suit, which I presume is a light black with a high collared purple shirt. His hair is styled in a swipe to the right side of his head. His face was long and strong.

Hehe~ It's Thobari Kumohira. He's so handsome.

Miharu snorted and ignored the man.

I chuckled more and quickly slipped past the boy. I walked towards the frame and tugged on the spatulas.

"Damn. Miharu-chan!" I hissed. "I can't get them out."

Just as Miharu moved to help me. The spatulas were tugged from the frame. I looked up and smiled thankfully at the awesome and cool, ninja teacher.

"Thank you!" I said.

I'm such a fangirl…

The man smiles like a gentleman. H held them out to me.

"Hmm~ I've never seen you before." He muttered.

I opened my mouth to explain, when he turned to look at Miharu. "Is she your girlfriend?" He asks with a sly smirk.

My inner fangirl almost faints, her knees buckles and her hands shake. I blushed brightly, and opened my mouth to speak.

"No. She's just some girl my Grandmother took in." Miharu shrugged.

I almost fell to the ground in depression.

"Nice to know what you think of me..." I muttered.

I snatched the spatulas from Thobari's outstretched hand. I then walked back to the place next to Miharu.

Thobari blinked and stared blankly before shaking his head. He sat down at one of the tables. He sighed loudly and leant forward. Thobari rested his arms on the table. His eyes moved across me, and Miharu.

The cold hearted boy was once again teasing me about my poorly made Okonomiyaki.

Bastard.

Suddenly the man reached out and took a little part of my newly made Okonomiyaki on a plate. I watched him in awe as he takes a bite.

"It's really good." He smiles.

*Insert fangirl squeal* this is why I love him just as much as I love Yoite, not sure about Miharu anymore. He kept making fun of my cooking

Miharu placed his spatula down and reached over to pull a little off. He looked at me with a 'it's not supposed be able to fall part that easily' look and finally, he popped it into his mouth.

After a few seconds, he swallowed. He then looked at me with a blank expression.

"It's dry." he said.

I let out a small growl. I punched his shoulder. It didn't have much effect though, I'd have to work on that.

"You're oh so kind." I whimpered. "I'm going to go help Granny out."

I looked over at Granny. She looked overwhelmed and I know this is where Thobari would try to pull Miharu into this...adventure thing.

"So play nice." I smiled playfully and patted Miharu on the shoulder.

"Miharu-chan."

Miharu snorted.

I quickly exit the small table and walked towards the other side of the room. I glanced back and chuckled as Miharu began to slaughter the food. The way he did it, unnerved Thobari.

Thobari to stare blankly at him.

I chuckled more. I smiled up at Granny and turned towards new costumers.

"May I help you?" I asked.

I listen to the couple with a smile. My inner fangirl danced around at the fact this couple had just gotten together.

Aww young love…

Wait…I'm not old…How would I know about young love?

"DON'T LOOK AT ME WITH THOSE EYES!"

I jumped. I had forgotten about Thobari screaming at random.

I looked back at them and chuckled. I smiled. Miharu was up to his tricks. I laughed softly. I turned to look at the couple and nodded.

"Of course. This way." I spoke and lead them to a table by the window.

I allowed them to sit down. I bowed and left them to decided what they want. I heard them speak about the fact this place was famous for their Okonomiyaki.

I really hope they don't order it...I can't make it very well.

My inner fangirl fell into a depression corner.

"YOU MIGHT BE KILLED!"

I looked over at Thobari. He looked back at me and the others in shop blankly. Miharu just stood there emotionless.

Thobari laughs nervously. He waved his hand around.

"…That's what the detective said, wasn't it a great scene?" he said.

I shook my head and walked back to couple. "Have you decided?"

The woman looks up and smiled brightly. "Yes. May we have a Okonomiyaki?" She asks softly.

God hates me.

I sniffled. I nodded. "O-Of course." I said and turned around.

I look up at Granny. She stood with the pot of dried bonito flakes. They are needed to make Okonomiyaki.

The woman looked down and sighed deeply. "We're out already...we've had many customers today."

I die my grin. My inner fangirl danced around gleeful. Yes.

Granny suddenly looked at me. "Will you be a dear and go to the shops?" She asked softly.

I look to the side. I would love to, I really would. I just don't know where anything is around here...

"Listen to me, Rokujo..." Thobari voice called out from behind me.

I turned around. I almost jumped when Miharu stood right behind me.

"I told you, I won't!" He muttered.

Miharu spun around to face the teacher. It looked like white flowers had blossomed around him, and his eyes grow even bigger.

"Sensei, you're such a bully." He squealed.

I watch as the man holds his chest, eyes wide. Miharu had this...odd gift...he is able to easily strike anybody through the heart with is cuteness.

Miharu smirked. He turned back around.

Thobari holds his head. He tugged on his hair. Miharu looks at me before he suddenly grabbed my wrist and harshly tugged me towards the door.

"Grandma. I'll go with Riley. She might get lost." he said coolly.

I blinked. I looked to the side, thanking god…wait…was that an insult.

...That demon!

"You want the bonito from Sasaoka Dried Foods right?" Miharu asked.

Miharu dragged me out the door.

"Whoa.."

I stared at the small devil like tail. It was sticking out from under his shirt, and wiggling around. Even wings and horns appeared.

This happens whenever he teases people nee? It's pretty cool that I could see them when normally nobody else but the readers could...I let the boy basically drag me along before I tug back.

"Miharu? Are you okay?" I asked softly.

Miharu looked to the side and nodded. When suddenly huge gush of wind blow at us.

"That wind again.." he muttered before shaking his head. "Come on."

I followed the emotionless boy up a pathway. I noted when he stepped on a plant, instead of being crushed. It would spring back to life. We finally got to the top of a hill.

I rest against a tree. I sighed in relief and groaned loudly.

"This hill is so damn long.." I mumbled.

I looked up at the tree and then back at Miharu. He looked surprised. I didn't understand why... I turned around to look in the direction he was looking in...

This seemed familiar…

There in front of us was a young boy with frost like white hair, red eyes and glasses. He's standing in front of a couple of weirdly dressed men.

Yes, I've seen this before..

It's from the manga.

...And that would mean…

So. What do you think? Was it good? Did yah like it XD

I hope you'll read the next chapter. Review soon.