Title: Chef to the Ootsutsuki
Author: Fenikkusu Ai
Rating: T
Fandom: Boruto
Pairing: Jigen/OC
Words: 1,646
Genre: Drama/Romance
Disclaimer: I do not own Boruto
Summary: Keiko cooks well and is promoted as Jigen's personal chef as Jigen appreciates a good meal. However, the position is far from peaceful as there appears to be quite a bit of drama everywhere. Jigen/OC.
This couldn't be for her. This wasn't happening. Though, Keiko could hear that the words were directed at her.
"You cook so splendidly," Boro praised her. The master would be pleased to have you."
Her mind and her eyes were cloudy. She could scarcely believe her was paying her a compliment. It almost felt...sinful
"Thank you." Keiko simply bowed her head as she could feel all the blood in her body rush to her cheeks. "It is an honor to be complimented by you," she replied.
Also, it was indeed a rare honor to be able to serve the master personally.
Keiko waited to hear that it was a mistake, but she wasn't corrected
Yet, Keiko was hesitant. "But, can I handle such an important task?"
"I insist." Boro smiled deeply.
She just wanted to sink down on her knees and pray.
"If you follow his orders, there is nothing to fear." Boro sounded so soothing. "I believe in you."
Boto was actually touching her hand now she gasped inaudibly. She was scarcely ever touched let alone by him.
Today was just like her birthday.
Though Keiko would miss her sisters. Especially because none of them were even present so none of them would see her off to her new life.
"You should leave today. Right now." Boro walked around her. "Then, you will have a new purpose."
Keiko wondered if she would ever be allowed to return, but sometime it was better to not know the answers
Honestly, Keiko never wanted to leave at all, but the matter was out of control now.
The two walked together until they approached a door. But, it wasn't an ordinary door. It was special.
"This portal will take you to the master."
Keiko wordlessly looked back at him. So, this was a goodbye. At her distress, he continued to smile encouragingly at her.
"I have faith in you."
Keiko watched the portal open. It glowed with a blinding light. She knew that Boro was waiting.
With no objections, she walked through the glowing light and that was that. Her new life had started with just a few steps.
Waiting on the other side was a woman with thick blonde hair and yellow green lips. She was beautiful as she stood there in her black cape. It looked like she was waiting for her.
"Oh, good, you're here. But, you're late." The woman took her in with narrowed eyes.
Keiko was immediately apologetic.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience."
The unidentified woman remained silent as the two of then trekked across the grounds, through the courtyards of sand and stone, and through a building complex. Eventually, Keiko was brought to a wooden door. So many doors. So many new beginnings.
"Jigen is in there. Get acquainted. The kitchen is over there." The woman was stern as she pointed towards the left.
Keiko obediently opened the door and stepped inside. Jigen wore garments of red, white, and black and his hair streamed out in a long ponytail. She could see that he had the haughty countenance of a noble. His eyes were cold. He was so elegant and yet looked so bored. Still as a statue, he wasn't even looking at her. This man was her new boss.
At last, he noticed her with eyes. "You. What is your name?"
"Keiko," she answered him with a deep bow. "Hajimemashite."
"And family name?" he stared directly into her eyes.
Once again, Keiko could feel her cheeks flare. She was embarrassed talking about herself.
"Tamagawa."
Her family name meant square jewel. Keiko wasn't sure if she was a jewel but she definitely felt like a square. Also, Keiko meant lucky child for what it was worth. Though, she was lucky to be here, right?
As if the mere sight of her face bored him, he sighed "Well, then, show me that you can cook then," he all but ordered her. "I'm hungry."
Her job would be to alleviate his hunger.
Keiko was instantly at attention. "What would you like?
Irritation settled in his features. "We have everything. Figure it out. You're the chef," he literally hissed
Keiko bowed before she stalked out into the kitchen. She would be sure to make minimal noise of her presence. No one liked a noisy kitchen maid.
She browed through the contents of the kitchen and settled on fish that she found in the freezer. Who didn't like fish? It seemed like a safe bet. She needed a meat after all because it was dinner after all.
After taking more inventory of some of the ingredients in the kitchens, she decided to make Mirin glazed salmon. It wouldn't be that difficult for her as she had make it before. She just hoped that Jigen liked sweet things.
First of all, she boiled the water to make the indispensable rice. The grains were actually a fine jasmine rice that promised to be as soft as a cloud with butter.
Next, she then soaked the fish in sweet mirin wine, brown sugar, and soy sauce as the rice boiled away.
It was a mercy that he hair was short as the frying pan quickly became hot and bead of sweats were already quickly forming under her hair, but regardless, the fish had to be cooked to perfection, and it couldn't be contaminated.
When, she finished it, she plated it with a heap of rice and two fillets of salmon. There were steaming clouds that rose from the food smelled delectable as her mouth started to water. She then waited for the plates to cool a bit so that she could carry them out to Jigen.
However when she went to took the plate she discovered that she wasn't alone. A man stood there in the kitchen smirking at her. He looked dangerous. Everyone here did. But then, being in the administration of Kara was an important job.
How did she even get here?
Keiko stopped stood there in hesitation. She could feel the weight and heat from the heavy plate.
"Could I have a bite?" his rather whimsical voice asked.
Unfortunately, she wasn't alone anymore.
Keiko was greeted with a rather bizarre appearance painted face with triangles under his red eyes icy grey lips. Nervousness twinged through her
Keiko bit her lip. "It's for the master."
The stranger's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Is that what you call Jigen?"
"I cook for him now," Keiko explained.
She prepared and cooked food like a lowly Outer would in other words. Didn't the others know?
He crossed his arms then. "Since when?" Deepa asked
She glanced up at him.
She didn't know who he was but she couldn't not answer him. "Today."
He smirked. "Well, I believe introductions are in order. The name's Deepa." He spread his arms out. "And, who might you be, young woman?"
Did he have authority over her ? If he did, she couldn't risk to insult him. Keiko had to answer him at least.
Keiko's mouth was as dry as straw. "Keiko."
She bowed. "Nice to meet you."
"Well, I suppose I'll let you go. "Jigen hates to be hungry." Deepa then watched her face. "That was a warning."
So, Jigen was a bit demanding, she could expect.
Keiko continued on her way to the dinner table where her new boss was waiting.
He noticed her plate. "What am I being served?"
"Mirin glazed salmon," she replied
"I haven't had fish in a while, he said to her surprise.
It would seem that she had selected correctly. She silently thanked the gods.
She delicately placed the platter in front of him.
Jigen poked the salmon with his chopsticks and first decided to try the rice and then the fish and rice together. All she could do was watch him chew.
"It tastes fine." Jigen commented. "Well, fine enough anyway."
Of course, it couldn't be perfect. She was only an imperfect person after all.
Keiko wanted to smile but she had the suspicion that he wouldn't appreciate such an emotional gesture. She had to formal be at any times in his divine presence.
"Oh, before you leave, would you refill my glass?" Jigen held up his crystal wine glass.
Keiko stared at it. She had never drunk out of a wine glass as fine as that one, and she probably never would. Her mouth went dry as if protecting the crystal from her saliva.
It was so clear and shiny, but she noticed there were rainbow glints around the rim and in its depths. An exquisite glass indeed. It was perfect for someone like Jigen.
Tentatively, she eyed the almost full jug of red wine and managed not to show her reluctance to lift it as the wine bottle was so heavy. Luckily, she managed to lift it and tilt it into the glass to pour. She filled it halfway.
There. It was a miracle hat it didn't splash on the table or on Jigen's robes If she had, she might be executed on the spot. It seemed that she had made the transition of praying to the gods to serving the gods.
She watched him sip his wine at his wine and all she could do was wait with clasped hands. Did he want anything else? All she had to do was ask.
"You may leave he finally," intoned.
Keiko bowed before she left the chamber exactly as a ghost would. Her job had been completed. Now, all she had to do was drift away.
Now, she hoped to taste the fish that she had painstakingly fried...
However, Deepa was still present in the kitchen. He stood over the empty plate while licking his fingers. Keiko's stomach growled.
"I couldn't resist. That was his apology
If anything, at this house, its inhabitants were perpetually hungry, but her own appetite would have to wait.
Even a lowly Outer had to eat.