Title: Honey Sweet

Author: Fenikkusu Ai

Rating: T

Fandom: Boruto

Pairing: Jigen/OC

Genre: Romance/Drama

Word Count: 1,308

Summary: Keiko decides to bake dessert, and who doesn't like dessert?

"So who is my new chef?" Jigen asked at the grand table.

At the front of the room, Delta read from a clipboard. "Here's what we know. She's 21. Her date of birth is July 5. Blood type A."

"She has unusual eyes," Jigen commented. "They're blood red."

"That could merely be a family trait." Delta flipped through the papers. "It's pretty apparent that she has no powers or connections to any prominent individuals that possess them."

Jigen prodded his lips. "Does she have any diseases?"

Delta bit her lip. "None that we know of why. Still, forgive my intrusiveness, but why exactly did you need a personal chef? Isn't having a general cook good enough?"

Jigen shrugged. "I like eating. It relives my stress."

He was loathe to admit that he actually enjoyed one part of being human. Or masquerading as one anyway.

Delta's face was blank. "Oh? I'm afraid that I've never had the pleasure."

Jigen gave her a wry smile.

One couldn't experience everything in life apparently.

In time, Keiko came to learned Jigens's habits.

The master liked his tea without any cream or sugar, and she had not forgotten. She could never forget.

In all respects, Keiko had a good week. Just last night, she had cooked Nikujaga pork for the leader's palate. She had cooked curry rice for herself as Keiko decided that Inners and Outers had different palates so Keiko had simply decided not to eat any of it. Deepa might leave her meal alone now.

Even though it would be unhealthy, she decided to prepare Jigen a Castella honey cake even though he hadn't requested it. She still didn't even know his opinion on sweets.

The recipe consisted of eggs, flour, sugar, and of course, honey. It was wondrous that such simple ingredients could be so exquisite together. Of course, much depended on how pure the ingredients were and the preparation itself.

The cake had left the oven and as she was waiting for it to cool, she realized that she was no longer alone in the kitchen. A familiar teenaged boy she recognized had entered her workspace.

When Keiko had first seen him, for a moment, Keiko thought that Jigen had a son. Later, she learned that that was a misunderstanding. The boy's name was Kawaki, and he was an Inner. He was also known as Jigen's vessel so he was treated with the utmost respect. At times, Keiko wondered what it was like to be an Inner.

"Would you like some honey cake?" she asked him.

Keiko just knew that he would be interested.

Kawaki stood there in place. But, as he looked down at the golden confection, he licked his lips and she knew without asking that Keiko knew that he would like a piece.

"Can I?" His eyes focused on her

She nodded. "I baked a lot," she explained. "It's all right."

The slice of cake was polished off in seconds and the plate she would later have to clean on the table would have to clean was left behind.

"So, what's your name?" the boy asked her.

"Keiko, Jigen's new personal chef." She bowed routinely.

She didn't question him anymore after a grimace she swore that she didn't imagine passed over his face like a shadow.

Kawaki brushed a crumb off his lips. "Well, thank you. I'll see you around."

Now, it was time for her employer.

Keiko sliced a generous piece and put it on a plate. As she carried it, She saw that he was already waiting her her at the table.

"Douzo." She placed the sunny-colored cake in front of him.

"What is this?" he asked.

Keiko began to deflate. "Castella honey cake. Should I take it away?"

Had she displeased him?

Jigen held his hand up for silence as he gathered up some cake.

He popped the chopsticks into his mouth and stopped for a moment.

"Delicious. Moist too."

To her delight, he put more in his mouth, and Keiko felt warm all over. She had just pleased a god. What could be better?

Keiko cowed. "Domo arigato."

Once more, she looked at him and knew that he was perfect. A god of a man. Once again, she was aware knew how lucky she was. But, what had she done to earn it?

Without meaning to, she actually waited for him to finish eating. It couldn't hurt to be attentive.

After his plate was clean, Jigen dabbed his lips with a napkin under his chin. He seemed consumed with thought

"I've been thinking it over, and I've decided that I would like to keep you."

At once, Keiko was overcome. So, this was to be a permanent role. Though Keiko didn't display it, she was overjoyed. It was in no reality any different than if Jigen had adopted a pet.

A sparkle of brightness passed through her before dissipating. "Thank you very much. I'm glad that I have pleased you."

So, she had passed. Keiko didn't even know she was being graded.

How crafty. Without a doubt, a superior had a better mental faculties than she.

Now, that Jigen had been served, she had to wash the dishes again. It was her job after all. When Jigen departed from the table, Keiko took his plates away before filled up the sink. One plate and once cup wasn't too much to handle. There was also the dishes used for baking that had been dirtied.

As she lathered up once more in the dish pan, Keiko would have to remind herself that she needed some lotion for her hands, but at the moment, she could make do. Even though she could wash dishes up to five times a day. Things happened when life wanted them to.

After Keiko had finished her work for the day, she decided to go out for a break. The sun was calling her name.

A lot of the time when she was free, she simply meditated outside. Sometimes, Keiko decided to look up at the clouds and see what shapes she could see. Today, she could see a banana. Did Jigen even like bananas? She resolved to find out.

The sun above was so warm and golden yellow, but of course she couldn't directly look at it. She could feel its warmth which was a different warmth from the cup of tea she held in her hands. The color of the sunshine itself reminded her of the honey of the honey cake she had recently baked. One could never taste the sun, but if she did, she would have expected the glowing orb to taste like lemons or oranges.

The cake had been so sweet. Life could be as sweet as food and vice versa. Food had a purpose, and it nourished you in different ways.

It was odd the thoughts that came to mind as she nursed the cup of tea, but she knew that she was far from a philosopher. Let the sunlight shine and invigorate, and Keiko decided that she would do the same. Her purpose was to nourish and provide sustenance as well.

Suddenly, Keiko rose to her feet. There. That was it. This rest would suffice. She had decided to take a ten minute break. It was what she deserved. Nothing more and less.

Work would decrease at night anyway because typically everyone would be sleeping instead of eating. Keiko then pondered about the phase of the moon. Would it be full tonight?

Yet, as soon as she entered the door of the swelling her attention was needed. The man known as Amado stood there with an empty glass pot.

"Ah...the coffee pot is empty." He scratched his cheek. "You wouldn't mind fixing up another would you?"

Immediately, Keiko bowed. "Of course." It was her job.

Apparently, her work wasn't done for the night.

A/N: Keiko has white hair and red eyes. The avatar of this fic is what she looks like. I hope that you like it!