A/N: Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Just Like Old Times

Nostalgia. That's what it felt like.

The red, spiky hair and the golden orbs looked exactly how she remebered. Although it had been a long time since she last saw him, it felt like he was trying to penetrate through the thick walls she built over the five years she's been away - like he wanted to know what she was thinking. "Yo, Nakiri. Been awhile, hasn't it?"

It took some time to process what he said. Why was her heart beating fast? To her, it sounded like nothing happened and he shrugged off the fact that she disappeared for five years - it frustrated her. But there was another feeling that was swirling through her body. Irritation? Disappointment? Whatever it was, she had no time to think on such trivial things such as nostalgia. It always made her think of the old times and some of those memories weren't very pleasant.

Old times. How she wished she could travel back in time before it all went down.

"Likewise, Yukihira" she said in a soft voice as soon as she snapped back into reality. Right now, she refused to acknowledge the beat of her heart. Right now, she was going to ignore her feelings, push them aside and bury them in a hole. Because she made herself believe that she was over him and no longer had feelings for him. It was the reality she built for herself and she made sure she would keep it that way. "Come on in,"

"Thanks," he replied, looking her straight in the eye with that trademark grin of his. They both walked towards the dining table that Alice was busy preparing.

"So, you're the guest Alice invited, I assume?"

She already knew the answer to that as it was Alice after all, "Yep, indeed I am, Nakiri!"

Nakiri. It had been awhile since she last heard him call her that. This was too nostalgic for her.

"Anyway, how have you been?" he asked, a bit of curiosity in his voice.

"Good. Been able to open many restaurants across the world and received many stars, not that its anything new. How about you?"

"Well, I've been traveling the world, goin' to new places, opening Yukihira here and there. Same ol', same ol', you know?"

"Well, I'm happy you've been well."

"Back atcha' ya."

Just as Soma had finished his statement, they arrived at their destination.

"Yo, Alice!" said Soma as he and Erina walked into the dining room.

"Hey, Yukihira." replied Alice, running up to him to hug him. "You're never going to change, are you?"

"No, Ma'am" cheekily replied Soma.

"I finished preparing the table so why don't we sit." Alice said, gesturing her hand to the dining table. They both nodded and they all sat down. The table had six seats in total as it was the smallest dining room in the mansion. A bigger one was not necessary since two other people were invited to this announcement - Erina and Soma.

Alice and Erina sat on one side and Soma sat on the other side. Alice was the first one to speak.

"So, what have you've been up to in London, Yukihira? I heard you've been helping out for the past month."

"Nothing much really. Just studying more on world-wide cuisines while working at Shino's." he answered, "But I'm curious, Nakiri, what have you been up to in America?

"Well," began Erina, "I just opened up restraunts here and there and expanded my culinary knowledge where I could."

"You're making yourself know, huh?" smirked Soma, "Talikng abot America reminds me of my American inspired gross masterpiece."

"You still make those?!"

To be honest, it shouldn't be a surprise to her becuase even if all these year have past, it's not like his level of maturity would go up.

"Well, would you like to find out?" teased Soma.

"No, of course not, idiot. Who would want to eat those...things that shouldn't and should never be considered food!" she barked back.

They continued to banter until Alice interrupted.

"Looks like you two haven't changed," said Alice out of the blue.

Erina blushed at Alice's comment and went quiet. Why she was blushing? She had no idea but she hoped that she would stop any minute before she got teased by Alice. Unfortunately, it was too late.

"My, my, my. Looks like Miss Nakiri Erina is blushing," teased Alice.

"She might be even redder than my hair," added Soma. Alice and Soma both chuckled together as Erina got redder and redder, confirming their teasing comments.

Erina cursed herself mentally as she felt embarrassment wash over her.

"Just shut up both of you," she whispered. She really wanted to shout but her embarrassment kept her from doing so.

"What was that, E-RI-NA?" asked Alice, singing her name at the end.

"C'mon, we won't hear you if you don't say it louder," joined in Soma.

"Just shut up,' she raised her voice a bit.

"What was that," they said in unison.

"JUST SHUT UP!" she shouted whilst standing on her chair. The other two were taken by surprised and both jumped in their seats.

Great. She hoped she grew up and woldn't act like this before coming back but looked it back fired on her. At least she what to do: apologise. For what? For raisning her voice obviously. She was 22 years old after all - she couldn't act like a small brat anymore.

"Sor-" she was cut off by laughter coming from Alice.

"Sorry, didn't...mean...to...interrupt." she tried to say between fits of laughter. "It's just that this feels a bit like old times, you know?

"Yeah, it does, doesn't it." agreed Soma. Erina nodded too. Everyone was in silence, but it was comforting. Unlike the awkward silences you see on tv shows. This was peaceful and calm.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang interrupting the silence they we in.

"Oh, must be Ryo. I'll get it." said Alice.

She got up and exited the dining room. A minute or two later, Alice came back with Ryo holding her hand next to her.

"Yo, Kurokiba."

"Hey, Yukihira."

Ryo sat down next to Soma and across Alice.

"Nice to see you again, Ryo." greeted Erina.

"You too, Erina."

"Now, Now. Enough of the meetings. Let's get this mini dinner party started!" remarked Alice.

Hi Readers!

Hope you enjoyed the chapter and are ready for some more.

Until next time,

Bye...