Disclaimer: Do not own anything recognizable, just this plot/prompt idea – Thanks!
"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapter 019: Takashi Morinozuka
Anime: Ouran High School Host Club
Prompt: Cake/Spicy
Chapter Warnings:
Author's Note: For those of you waiting for an update on "The Pathway of Fate," thank you so much for being patient! Hopefully, I'll be able to get the next chapter up soon! :P
KH*TM*KH*TM
Midnight Craving Bakery
Mori took a deep breath, silently releasing it after a few, heart pounding seconds. His dark grey eyes were focused on the charming store's entrance, and he knew he would have to go in eventually. Standing outside like a creep was the last impression he wanted to leave.
Why was this moment so hard? It wasn't like it was his first time visiting this particular bakery. In fact, his cousin Mitsukuni favored it so much, the little blonde male insisted that Kyouya buy all of the Host Club's sweets from there. Mitsukuni also indulged in picking up more after school and club activities, which was why Mori now stood, like an idiot, in front of said establishment.
Why did he get the sudden feeling his cousin was plotting against him?
Discreetly, Mori glanced over his shoulder towards the nondescript black limo he'd exited upon Mitsukuni's request to pick up his latest order of sugary goodness.
"You can do it, Takashi," the little blonde male called out, cheerful and full of sunshine as always. If this had been an anime, flowers would be floating around his head like a halo. "You have nothing to worry about. Just go inside!"
Easier said than done, the darker haired male thought, disgruntled. However, this was for his best friend. Facing forward once more, he took another deep breath before placing his hand on the glass door. He clenched his eyes closed even as he pushed it open to enter.
Instantly, his nose was hit with the scent of something spicy in the warm, comfortable air. Gingerbread. The treat was normally popular during the Fall season, but the scent was soothing and heartwarming. Almost like he was coming home after a long business trip overseas.
"Takashi," a feminine voice that embodied the emotions he'd just been feeling said. His grey eyes locked with sparkling amethyst, and he felt his cheeks flush the slightest bit. "I was expecting a visit from you. How are you?"
Ah, the reason why he always struggled to enter the bakery.
"Kagome," he greeted, voice deep and velvety. His gaze unknowingly softened with adoration as he looked upon the petite young woman. Although she appeared to be a high school student, she was actually five years his senior. She was also the kindest and the gentlest hearted person he'd met. "I am well. And yourself?"
She beamed happily. From behind the counter, she rearranged her delicious confections to appeal to customers. "I've been doing really great," she answered. "Business has been booming, especially after Mitsukuni started ordering regularly. And that friend of yours? Kyouya Ootori? He drops in from time-to-time to place orders for your club and to pick up cake for his older sister – or so he claims."
Mori didn't really like the thought of Kyouya coming to see Kagome but he easily dismissed it. The Shadow King always had a fatal weakness when it came to his own curiosity. He must have stopped by in order to gain as much information on Kagome as he could, if his initial searches didn't prove fruitful. If any club members became interested in someone outside of their circle of friends, Kyouya had to get his hands on all the data he could.
"Good," was all he said. Then, "Mitsukuni ordered a cake."
"He did," she chirped. She straightened from the display, turning to go into the back where most of the baking took place during the day. "Hold on a minute, Takashi. I'll go get it."
When she was out of sight, Mori released the breath he'd been holding. He placed his hand over his rapidly beating heart, wishing he didn't have such a strong reaction to the raven haired beauty and her mega-watt smiles. She was just so… pure. It riled his protective instincts, adding emphasis to why he was labeled the 'Wild' type.
He had just calmed himself enough to once more don his stoic façade when Kagome glided back into view. She held a couple of lavender colored cake boxes, her shop's name beautifully embossed on the top.
"Here they are," she needlessly announced. However, she set them aside and gave Mori a considering glance. It made him nervous but he didn't outwardly show it. She suddenly grinned quite devilishly. "You're going to be my guinea pig."
His brain stalled. What?
"I don't—"
Kagome shook her finger, back and forth, in a scolding manner. "Nope. Nu uh. It's been decided." Placing a hand on the boxes of cakes, she smiled like a Cheshire cat. "If you want these cakes, Takashi, you're going to do something for me."
Was that supposed to sound so… scandalous? His brain was officially fried. There was no way this was happening right now, not to him.
"I have a new cake recipe I want you to try," she continued speaking, smiling angelically once more. Like she hadn't almost induced a heart attack.
And yet, Mori felt equally relieved and disappointed in her announcement. But he would indulge her, because she was adorable. Because his cousin liked her. Because even Kyouya seemed to approve of her. Because she was kind and gentle.
And maybe because he was a little bit in love with her.
Again, he couldn't help but wonder if Mitsukuni was plotting against him. Had his cousin known about his feelings for Kagome even before Mori had completely realized them? It wouldn't be surprising, actually, but still… How embarrassing!
Kagome's voice caught his attention again, and he tuned back into the conversation. "I know you don't really care for sweets, especially not the way Mitsukuni does." She giggled at the thought. "So, I've been trying cake recipes I hope would be more to your taste. It's not fair if everyone else is enjoying the sweets, after all. So? Will you try it for me?"
All Mori could do was nod. Her consideration for his likes and dislikes was charming and thoughtful. He was… infinitely touched by the gesture.
"Yay," she cheered, clapping twice to show her excitement and happiness. "Okay, I'll bring the sample out. Don't go anywhere!"
She was back within seconds, obviously eager to see what he thought of her latest experiment.
"It's a spice cake. Try it, and be honest about what you think. I promise you won't hurt my feelings if you don't like it. Okay?" Using a small, plastic fork, she broke off a piece and held it up to his mouth. Of course, with her petite stature, he would have to bend the rest of the way down to reach the morsel.
To Mori, the action reminded him too strongly of newly wedded couples cutting into their wedding cake for the first taste. His tanned cheeks darkened with the image it provoked. However, it didn't stop him from leaning down to accept the bite.
The scent of gingerbread once more assaulted his nose, and he figured it was the ginger that had been added into the cake mix. The spicy aroma was delicious with the soft, spongy texture of the cake itself. The frosting was also light, the perfect balance.
"It's good," he complimented, giving a small smile to Kagome.
Her expression immediately lit up, like a child on Christmas morning. "Really?" she squealed. "That's great! I'm so happy!" Doing a little victory dance that was hilarious and adorable, she quickly went to the back room, calling out, "I'll wrap up the rest for you to take home, Takashi."
As he watched her disappear again, Mori couldn't help the blush that fully broke out across his cheeks. Okay, maybe he wasn't just 'a little bit' in love with Kagome.
He was, very likely, completely, utterly, irrevocably in love with her.
Special Thanks to: daisynaruto909, kakashixangela, Tinas86Roses, Tubafox, Bunny.W.K, Taisho No Miko, etolie, Guest, MusicLover315, Applejax XD, Madiline Magnolia, izumooichi, and RebornRose1992
Also, a HUGE thanks to everyone who followed and added this series of prompts to their favorites list (:
daisynaruto909: He definitely cracked me up when I watched the anime series :D Glad you liked it!
kakashixangela: Yeah! It was especially fun to write that prompt because of this, LOL :D
Tinas86Roses: Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed it (:
Tubafox: That would be hilarious! Definitely something to think about ;)
Bunny.W.K: Thank you! I was laughing (quite evilly, I admit) as I was writing out the chapter and Yuri's reactions to Kagome :D It was totally fun! So glad you liked it, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too!
Taisho No Miko: I was pretty hooked onto Noragami when I wrote that chapter prompt :D And yes, I had a lot of fun with that chapter, and every single you I've posted so far (: Thank you again for reviewing! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, too!
etolie: Thanks! (: I don't play games anymore (otherwise I wouldn't write, haha), but I'll definitely check it out!
Guest: Ever since I've read your review, I've been honestly giving that scenario some thought :P We'll see what happens, though. Thanks again for reviewing!
MusicLover315: I'll definitely give that some serious thought! :D
Applejax XD: Yes, it was extremely fun writing Kagome in that sort of role, and with Yuri as her "victim," haha
Madiline Magnolia: Thank you! I thought they would be adorable, too :D
izumooichi: There will be a lot more! Hope you enjoyed this chapter, too (:
RebornRose1992: Thanks! I really appreciate your kind words (: