april kisses

cooking lesson

by: samthegreat

disclaimer: as usual

She tilted her head in innocent wonder, but her smile stayed the same radiant glow it always was. So typically Himawari. "So, it was your father who taught you how to cook Watanuki-kun? I think that's wonderful. Your food is so delicious; he must have been talented too!" She plucked a snow pea out of the ganmodoki Watanuki had prepared for that day's meal and chewed it thoughtfully.

Watanuki ducked his head bashfully and rubbed the back of his head in a humble manner. Compliments from Himawari-chan were always welcomed. "You know," he started shyly, "I could teach you if you wanted Himawari-chan. I mean, I'm sure your cooking is wonderful on its own, but maybe you'd like to learn some of the recipes I know. I would like to teach you if you'd like to learn."

"That sounds like fun, Watanuki-kun!" She grinned at him earnestly and clapped her hands together for emphasis. The bespectacled boy's heart leapt out of his chest. This joy, he reasoned, could only be attained when he is with Himawari. But, as quickly as his happiness was delivered by the raven haired girl with those wonderful curls, it was snatched back by said sun-lit angel.

"Doumeki-kun would like to learn too? It would be fun to all cook together." She looked innocently over to the other boy who was sharing their bento. Watanuki was having such a blissful time with his Himawari-chan that he hadn't even noticed the annoyance. Just as he was about to protest loudly that he refused to teach an annoying poker face like Doumeki, the taller boy answered for himself.

"Actually, I have no interest in learning how to cook." Had this been any other time, Watanuki would have counted it as a victory and continue to daydream about his lessons with Himawari. But, this was a sensitive subject. He had always taken such pride in the food he prepared considering it was his father who had diligently and lovingly taught him. He couldn't stand for that.

"Oh, so you're just too good to be taught by me, is that it, you jerk?" The shorter boy snapped his chop sticks in two as he continued to yell at the unresponsive boy. When he felt his throat beginning to sore, he convinced his anger to subside enough to allow a few soothing breaths to get sucked in through his gaping mouth and enter the oxygen starved lungs.

"Are you finished yet, idiot," the archer began as he rubbed is aching ears, "No, I didn't mean anything against you by it." He continued eating and ignored the puzzled look the other boy's face.

Still, Himawari beamed as she looked between the two boys. "Watanuki-kun just wants you to have fun with us since you two are such good friends." With this, Watanuki lapsed into his same protests at the horrible mistake.

Watanuki had never really considered himself much of a teacher, especially since he had never taught anybody anything, but for his Himawari, he was willing to try. She met him at his apartment the following Sunday in all of her usual splendor. She looked around his thoroughly cleaned home, "Your apartment is very nice Watanuki-kun, but it must be hard to live alone, right?"

The boy laughed nervously and assured her that he managed just fine on his own. His kitchen was small, but he knew his way around it. In this room, he had churned out many delicious creations and delicacies. In his element, he could surely impress Himawari with his hard work and talent.

"Himawari-chan, I thought that today we could make oyako domburi. It's not too hard to make." She nodded her approve and went to fetch the eggs needed for the dish. Watanuki leaned over the chopping board and began slicing the chicken into thin, manageable strips when he heard the breaking of eggs.

He turned to see the egg cart an oozing mess on the floor and Himawari with her surprised mouth hidden by her thin hands. "It's alright, Himawari-chan," he consoled with a sympathetic reassurance, "We still have plenty of eggs." Those broken eggs, however, were only a sign of things to come.

Himawari looked up at Watanuki with those large eyes of hers, "I'm really sorry that I was such a bother today, Watanuki-kun. I really am grateful to you for teaching me. I did have a lot of fun today."

The bespectacled boy gave a good natured chuckle, "No, no, Himawari-chan. You were no bother at all. It was really very fun."

"But, we didn't even get to taste the finished product and it doesn't look very much like the picture of the dish in your cook book."

"I'll pack it in our bento for tomorrow, Himawari-chan. Honestly, it will save me from preparing a lunch for us and we'll have something to look forward to." The boy assured the apologetic girl until she left his small apartment. He let out a sigh of relief that he felt he had been holding in the entire afternoon.

He drudged to his kitchen and donned his apron yet again. He hadn't the heart to tell her, but after several cracked eggs, two broken bowls, a pound of burnt chicken, and many other mishaps, the oyako domburi hadn't turned out very well. After sluggishly disposing of the culinary disaster, he began work on a replacement oyako domburi.

Watanuki waited impatiently at there usual meeting place the next day at school. He looked around at the surrounding school yard and narrowed his eyes in annoyance when they landing on one person in particular. "Oi."

"Don't oi me, now, where's Himawari-chan?"

"She has duty today, remember." Doumeki looked hungrily at the cloth-wrapped bento the other boy was holding and snatched it quickly.

"Ahh! I forgot all about that. And she wanted to try the oyako domburi, too. She worked so hard on it."

Doumeki dipped his chop sticks into the bowl and popped a bit of egg and rice in his mouth. He chewed silently then placed the utensils down and looked intently at the other boy, "Kunogi isn't responsible for this. You made it."

"How did you know that?" he asked suspiciously then quietly added, "Himawari-chan's dish did not turn out very well."

In between bites, Doumeki confessed. "I'd know your food anywhere. I've never had anything that compares to it. I doubt Kunogi could get as good as you are in one day," he paused and looked thoughtful, "Why do you think I don't need cooking lessons. I have you."

The shorter boy felt the heat rise to his face and a small smile pull at his down turned lips. Gingerly, he removed the chop sticks from Doumeki's hand and occupied his mouth with something other than food. The kiss was unexpected for the other, but he returned it with enthusiasm. Pulling away, Watanuki noticed the amused almost-smile on the archer's lips. "Hey," he started as he looked over at the nearly empty bento, "That's why you taste so much like oyako domburi."

notes

ganmodoki- fried tofu with veggies. Good vegetarian dish!

oyako domburi- one of many types of domburi (rice dishes). This one includes egg and chicken. really yummy comfort food!

i love food. please review…