Aw, only two reviews? But that's all right since this is a new story but I'll be expecting more for this chapter! And by the way, I've edited the first chapter, there is a slim chance you might be confused if you don't read the edited chapter though so I'd urge you to read it.
Some notes: Being a Kurosaki, Yuzu's memories will slowly return. This would explain the dreams but not all of Yuzu's memory would return.
blackteaplease: I'm glad that you got addicted to it xD Rukia is in Hueco Mundo now and I got this idea after watching Ouran again~!
AnimeLover717216: Thanks for pointing it out, I've already edited it. Yup, her short hair and flat chest to be exact.
I do not own Bleach
"I'm home." Ichigo announced as he open the door.
"YOU'RE LATE!" Isshin appeared beside him suddenly and delivered a kick up Ichigo's chin sending him upside down on the floor. "You punk of a son. You know our dinner time is seven o'clock every night!"
Ichigo flipped back up and glared at Isshin. "Damn you, is that how you greet your son who went out of his way to help a ghost on the way home?"
"I don't want to hear it!" Isshin pressed his face closer to Ichigo. "Only punishment awaits those who disrupt our family time, no matter what the reason is! Or what, are you bragging that you're the only one who can talk to and touch ghosts?"
"Shut up! I didn't as for this power!" Ichigo declared as he fought hand-to-hand with Isshin, both somehow able to float in midair.
"Stop it, the both of you. The food is getting cold." Yuzu cried out.
"Let them be, Yuzu. More please." The black haired girl said as she held out her bowl.
"But Karin-chan…"
Isshin who delivered another kick towards Ichigo's face instead got send back to the wall by Ichigo's feet.
"First of all, making a healthy male high school student come home at seven every night is unimagi-"
"Ichi-nii, you've already got a new friend." Karin interrupted.
Ichigo looked in question before looking over his shoulder. "What, when did you-?" Ichigo swung a fist at the ghost. "I exorcise and exorcise and they keep coming, dammit!"
"Thanks for the food." Karin said as she set down the bowl and turned around. "Ichi-nii has it rough being hi-spec."
"But you know, I'm kind of jealous." Yuzu said. "I can sense presences but almost never see them."
Karin looked at Yuzu from the corner of her eyes. "I don't believe in ghosts and stuff, so…"
"Eh? But you can see them too, can't you? Dad's the only one who can't see them."
"Regardless if you see them or not, if you don't believe, then it's like they never existed."
A gust of snowstorm washed over Yuzu and the ghost. "How cold…"
Karin…
It's finally morning and also the start of Yuzu's new duties. The first thing on her list is to wake Byakuya up. Airi had already told that all she has as to do is to knock at his door. However, she have been trying that for the tenth time and all she got was silence. Not even an answer or shuffling. She opened the door and peeked inside to see him sleeping soundly. Why could Airi wake him up so easily?
Yuzu huffed and walked to his bed. She thought that he looked kind of peaceful sleeping like that, totally the opposite of him when he was awake. And the way he sleeps is not messy at all. It must be hard for nobles having to watch their manners even when they're asleep.
"Kuchiki-sama." Yuzu shook him.
Nothing.
"Yo, Kuchiki-sama. The sun is shinning right on your butt." Yuzu called out.
Still nothing!
Yuzu sighed and looked around for anything that could aid her in her quest. She walked over to the music player, which Rukia had brought for Byakuya obviously, and pressed on the button, which has the green arrow.
I CAN SEE IT IN YOUR EYES!
Yuzu jumped when the strange thing suddenly sang. Downstairs, Airi had drops all the pots and pans she had been holding and let out a startled scream. Suddenly, Byakuya shot up from the bed, noticed Yuzu and glared at her.
"What did you do?"
"I-it's not me, it's this strange thingy." She pointed at the music player which is still singing its lungs out…if it has a lungs that is.
Byakuya walked over to the music player and pressed the stop button; Rukia had also taught him how to use it although he is not the least bit interested. The music box stopped singing and Byakuya immediately gave Yuzu a murderous glare.
"What are you doing in MY room?" Byakuya asked, emphasizing heavily on the 'MY'.
"I tried to wake you up by knocking on the door but you didn't wake up. Then I decided to come in here to wake you up but you still didn't wake up. Then I saw that metal thingy and pressed on the green arrow button." Yuzu explained.
Byakuya closed his eyes, as if trying to restrain himself from killing her.
"Could you not just have continued knocking instead?"
"…I never thought of that." Yuzu admitted.
"You should start from now on." He said icily, "Where are my clothes?"
Yuzu blinked, "In the drawer?"
"…"
Eep! I can practically feel his aura radiating like a wild-spread fire! I guess I gave him the wrong answer. If it isn't in the drawer then where? Under his bed? Or under my bed? Yuzu thought frantically.
"Did Airi not explain to you?" Byakuya asked.
"Not really, she just said that I'll be waking you up today but did not specify how I should do it or what should I do after that." Yuzu admitted.
"I will consult her about that later. In the meantime, just get out." Byakuya ordered.
Yuzu saluted, "Never been glad to do it." She said without thinking.
"…"
"I-I mean, see ya!" Yuzu said and dashed out of the room.
Byakuya sighed and rubbed his forehead. Why oh seven hells did he agree to Airi's request without a thought? Sure, Yuzu does resemble Hisana a little with her being short and flat chested but Airi has definitely got her gentle personality.
-x-
Yuzu gave a sigh of relief when she finally arrived at the kitchen, where Airi is. After arranging the pots, Airi started to cook while Yuzu watched in fascination. She had tried Airi's cooking and it's way better than the chef.
"So you turned on the music player?" Airi laughed as she listened to Yuzu's story.
"Music player? Is that what you call it? It scared me and how do you know about it?" Yuzu asked.
"Kuchiki-sama explained it to me after I've also accidentally turned it on." Airi explained.
Yuzu nodded in understanding before standing behind Airi and attempted to peek over her shoulder. "What are you making this time? It smells really good. I really envy you, all the female and male servants seem to like you and you're good at everything."
Airi gave a blush, "Oh it's nothing. And I'm going to cook curry rice."
"I can't wait to eat it." Yuzu smiled.
"You're such a glutton." Airi remarked as she shook her head in amusement. "If you want to eat, you'd better do some work yourself. How about I let you handle the dessert hmm? You can make cake or cookies. It's really easy and all you have to do it to put them in an oven."
"Okay…if you say so." Yuzu hesitated before heading to the baking room.
Yuzu held the banana pudding carefully as she walked to the dining area. For some strange, uncanny reason, Yuzu seems to know how to make it instinctively. She would've made a fruit tart if not for the only fruit there is banana. But being a daughter from a taichou class shinigami, Yuzu is able to retain her cooking and housekeeping ability from the time she was alive, not that she knew about it.
"I wonder if he will like it." Yuzu pondered aloud as she continued to walk until she has arrived at her destination.
She knocked on the door and waited until an approval from Byakuya before opening it. Airi's curry rice looks as good as ever. I wonder if I'll be able to have some later. Yuzu thought, glancing at the curry rice and at the same time setting down the pudding.
"What is this?" Byakuya inquired.
"Oh, banana pudding." Yuzu said after snapping out of her daze.
"…"
Yuzu placed a finger on her chin. "Well to explain it better, it's more of a banana jelly. I wanted to make a fruit tart but all I can find is bananas."
Banana pudding? Fruit tart? Were the thoughts going through Airi and Byakuya's head. Byakuya finally decided to give it a try, no matter how weird it looks to him, it's still made up of banana right?
"How was it?" Yuzu asked.
"Exquisite." Byakuya remarked.
Airi blinked before having some herself. "Wow, Yuzu. I've never eaten something this good before." Airi remarked, "I never knew you're such a good cook. How did you come up with something like this anyway?" Airi asked.
"Hmm, I'm not really sure."
Airi raised an eyebrow, "Weird. So, what other dishes can you make?"
"Like I said, fruit tarts. And also, cupcakes, pies, cakes and cookies for dessert. For a normal meal I guess, steamed fish, soba noodles, fried rice, laksa, chicken rice, spaghetti and curry rice though not as good as yours." Yuzu smiled. How come I know all these dishes? Maybe I knew them but have forgotten when I've made them. But that doesn't make any sense… Yuzu thought.
"I'm lost after the cupcakes." Airi admitted.
Yuzu laughed, "I guess you've never heard of them before?"
"Nope. I've only heard of ramen, curry rice, fried fish, kebabs and porridge." Airi admitted, "Byakuya here likes spicy good though."
"Spicy food, eh? Then I'd guess laksa would be the best choice. That noodle is reeeeaaaaally spicy that you could burn your tongue." Yuzu spread out her arms as emphasize. When did I know about that thing? Yuzu thought, wondering if she had gone mad.
"Would you be making it?" Byakuya asked.
Yuzu blinked, "Me? I don't know if I could do it, Kuchiki-sama." Yuzu said.
"It would be dangerous for you to be near fire anyway." Airi added, "Why don't you teach me and I shall make it?"
"No. I would prefer the ones who has the knowledge about it to prepare it." Byakuya said.
"H-Huh?" Yuzu stammered, how the hell did she get herself into this?
"This is an order."
Yuzu bowed, "Y-Yes, Kuchiki-sama." She said while glancing at Airi, trying to plead for help but only received a sympathetic glance in return.
Yuzu frowned as she started to cook. It's weird, it seems like whatever she is doing is on instinct and frankly, and she hasn't even made a mess yet. Airi, on the other hand, wanted to help her in fear of her making a mess but Byakuya had strictly ordered her to stay away from the kitchen. Airi was kind of shocked that Byakuya didn't want her to cook for once.
"Then put the noodles into the soup." Yuzu dumped the noodles into it before covering the pot. "Weird, it seems like I really enjoy it." Yuzu pondered aloud while leaning against the counter, her arms folded. Have I really gone mad?
Yuzu blinked, suddenly thought back on the strange dream she had. It hadn't appeared until now.
An orange haired boy, strange guy and black haired girl.
What's weird is that they seem to know her but she doesn't even have any recollection of them. Karin…is that the name of the black haired girl? Well it should be since it's impossible for that strange guy or that 'punk of a son' to have a girly name though it kind of hurt that Karin said that she didn't believe in ghosts.
This is way too much for me to handle. Yuzu thought as she finished preparing the food.
Yuzu finally arrived at the dining area to deliver the food, following this morning's routine. Weird, Airi doesn't seem to be here.
"…" Byakuya looked at the food.
"Uh, don't worry, it's edible." Yuzu tried to reassure.
"I never thought otherwise." Byakuya pointed out and started to eat.
The way he eats is completely different from us. He never spills a single drop. The way he sleeps is also different, just like a noble would. Well duh, he is a noble but I can't believe they have manners for these as well. Yuzu thought.
"It is impolite to stare when a person is having their meal." Byakuya said.
"O-Oh my apologies, Kuchiki-sama." Yuzu said and turned away to look outside.
It must be nice, being a noble and all. You don't have to do chores and is able to order your servants around. Yuzu thought wistfully.
"Done." Byakuya said, getting up after finishing his meal indirectly telling Yuzu to snap out of whatever she is in and do her job. "I will be expecting you to prepare meals for tomorrow as well." Byakuya announced and attempted to step out of the room.
"T-Tomorrow? Me cook? Wait!" Yuzu exclaimed and attempted to run towards him but in the end, tripping because she is STILL not used to walking in a full-body kimono.
Byakuya, as sharp as ever, noticed Yuzu's fall and went forward to catch her because his pride would never allow him to just watch while a woman falls in front of him. His arms are wrapped around her waist while Yuzu used her arms on his for support.
When their eyes met, there is static electricity.
"U-Uwah! M-My apologies, Kuchiki-sama!" Yuzu exclaimed and frantically backed up against the wall opposite.
"It is of no consequences but I would like to inform you that you should be careful." Byakuya warned, "What is it that you wished to tell me?"
"Ah! I want to request that Airi would do the cooking tomorrow. Please! I can't cook as if my life depended on it! I don't even know why my dishes is good to you but I swear that I've never cooked ever since I've arrived here!" Yuzu exclaimed.
"Do not berate yourself. You have the ability but what is stopping you is your lack of confidence."
"B-But…"
"No buts." Byakuya interjected.
Yuzu slumped her shoulders in disappointment. Why do Kuchiki-sama and Airi like to cut her opinions off so much? "But Kuchiki-sama, I am very sure that I have never cooked ever since I've arrived here. My lack of confidence or 'ability' has nothing to do with it."
"You have already demonstrated what you are able to do. Do not let comments such as 'It would be dangerous for you to be near a fire' bother you."
"I wasn't thinking about that though…"
"You are unaware of it but it has affected you as well. If you continue to think yourself as incompetent, you will never be able to take a step. Would your pride sincerely accept it?" Byakuya asked.
"…"
Byakuya turned to look at her with his usual cold expression. "Once again, this is an order."
"Y-Yes, Kuchiki-sama."
Yuzu looked at the ceiling thoughtfully while Airi is sleeping soundly on the bed opposite hers. No one has ever said something like that to her. She had always thought of herself as incompetent and never could surpass anyone at anything. Just thinking that her surpassing Airi at cooking makes her feel kind of unreal. But when Byakuya said those words, it is as if she is starting to believe.
This is really strange… Yuzu thought.
Yuzu really wanted to try and do something she wouldn't normally do. Take cooking for an example, she had always wanted to but she was afraid of messing it up. And now Byakuya is giving her a chance to do it so she shouldn't turn it down right?
I wonder what's that weird feeling just now too. Yuzu thought, referring to the static electricity.
In the meantime, a certain noble is unable to sleep as well due to the amount of paperwork he has. However, today's events had bothered him as well. He never get why someone who is able to cook think herself as incompetent. For a moment there, it reflected a similar scene with Hisana. Hisana was also berating herself for her flaws and never able to catch the good side of her.
This is really strange… Byakuya thought.
Honestly, he really felt like wanting to boost her confidence so that she could do more things. Not for the sake of being useful to the manor but for the sake of herself. Hisana…now he truly saw something resembles her within Yuzu.
But why is there a feeling similar to when I was with Hisana? Byakuya thought.
Done! Please review!
