Dock Area

It didn't take Soma very long to get ready and change into his board shorts. He found some life jackets in the shed on the dock and also the keys to the jet ski's. There were only two jet ski's sitting on the dock, so it would be just Soma and Erina racing them around the lake. As Soma was finished getting everything ready, Erina came to the docks.

Soma, for the first time in his life, nearly had a nosebleed when he saw what Erina was wearing. She had decided on a simple, yet elegant(and downright sexy) two piece purple swimsuit. Her top definitely accentuated her breasts and it almost seemed like the top barely was able to cover anything.

Soma stared at the blonde as she made her way the jet skis. Erina noticed Soma's stares and blushed a little at the thought that the boy she had a crush on was most definitely checking her out. Soma on the other hand couldn't help himself. He really didn't know how to act around girls yet, especially the one who had caught his eyes. It's almost as though he had forgotten that she had threatened him with a painful death not too long ago.

"Is there something wrong, Soma-kun?" Erina managed to squeak out. This broke Soma out of his spell and choked a little.

"N-nothing Nakiri. Heres your lifejacket and the key to your jet ski," Soma stuttered as he managed to turn away and head toward his jet ski. Erina put her lifejacket on and the couple both got on their rides.

"So how are we doing this?" Erina asked, curious as to where the two would actually ride.

"We'll race to that little cove over there," Soma said as he pointed to a spot not too far from the lake. It wouldn't be a very far race, but Soma himself barely knew how to ride a jet ski, only riding it a couple of times, and decided that maybe an easy objective would be better.

"Um, ok." Was the reply that he got. Soma turned his key and the jet ski engine revved up as Soma got himself situated and familiarized himself with the controls again.

"Remember, don't fall too far behind Nakiri, or else you'll just be eating my dust," Soma teased as he was prepared and raring to go. This only got Erina's competitive juices flowing even more, but there was a problem. Erina on the other hand, was in a bit of a bind. She had never ridden these things ever, but she didn't want to ask someone beneath her how the controls worked.

"As if Yukihira! You're the one that's going to be sorry to even dare challenge a Nakiri." Erina snapped back. She placed her hands on the grab bar handles and started to rev her engine as well. It was almost as though she was a natural. However, as she was looking at how to work the damn thing, she accidentally released the safety brake. She went to rev her engine again like Soma was doing, but instead this time, she took off like she was shot out of a cannon.

"Hey, I didn't even say go yet!" Soma yelled as he raced to catch up with her.

Erina was screaming as she rode the jet ski to her destination. She was scared at first since she didn't know how to control the jet ski, but now, her screams were more of excitement and thrill. She definitely was a natural. She had never ridden one of these before, yet it was as though she had been riding all her life. Soma raced to catch up and managed to get just behind her.

Erina turned around and saw Soma, oh so determined to not lose to her.

The cove was in sight. The two were neck and neck with each other. Either one could've won this little race. However, Erina's luck finally ran out as she hit a small wave that she didn't expect, just before reaching the cove. Her jet ski went airborne a little and as it landed, the force threw Erina from her jet ski into the water. Soma raced passed her and ultimately won their little race.

Erina swam back to her ski, both angry and a little embarrassed that this happened so close to the finish line. Soma came circling back around to her with a wide grin on his face.

"Well you almost had me there Nakiri. You just had to choke in the end," Soma joked as a very soaked Erina's face reddened with anger.

"You got lucky Yukihira! If it wasn't for that stupid wave I would have most definitely kicked your ass!" She yelled as she got back up on her ski.

"Yeah, yeah. I thought you said you didn't know how to ride one of these?" Soma asked.

"I don't. However, it's only fitting that I can. A Nakiri can do anything easily," she retorted back as she flipped her hair.

"Of course you can," Soma sarcastically agreed. "Well, let's see if this Nakiri will get her ass kicked two times in a row. Race you back," Soma said as the two both revved their engines and headed back to the dock.

This time, it was a much closer race and most likely a tie. Though the neither of them would admit it. Where they reached the docks, both Alice and Ryo were waiting for them. They had been watching Soma and Erina racing and wanted their chance to ride. As Alice and Ryo got on, Alice had a slight grin on her face as an idea came to her head.

"Why don't we all have a little race?" She slyly said.

"How can we? There's only two skis and theres four of us," Soma replied. Alice looked at Ryo then back at Soma and Erina.

"Well since theres four of us, why don't Ryo and I take one jet ski then you and Erina can take the other?" Alice grinned as she asked the question. The oh so sly Nakiri grandchild definitely had some nefarious plot up her sleeve.

"Me? Get on a jet ski with him? No way," Erina refused as she pointed at Soma. "I don't feel like dying today."

"Hey, I'm not the one that crashed earlier," Soma retorted as Erina shot him a look. Soma gave her a cheeky smile in response.

"Aww Erina. Don't be a party pooper. Besides, we both know me and Ryo would whoop both your butts anyways," Alice teased. That was all it took to set Erina off.

"You know what? Fine Alice. You're on!" Erina shouted as she went to look for another lifejacket. Soma could only shake his head. There was no way he would be getting on a jet ski with Erina anytime soon.

...

Yeah, so much for that.

Soma found himself sitting behind Erina, without a lifejacket since they couldn't find a fourth one. Not only was he not driving, but he could also possible drown. Oh yes, what more could possibly go wrong for Soma today.

"Don't you think I should be driving? I mean, I am the more experienced one," Soma said but to no avail.

"Shut it, Yukihira. This is between me and Alice," Erina snapped back.

"I get that, but then why do me and Kurokiba have to be sitting behind you two? Why couldn't we just stay on the dock?" Soma asked to no response. Oh boy, maybe today was his last day on earth.

Both Nakiri girls revved the jet skis engines as they prepared their race to the cove. There wasn't even a ready, set, go. The two just looked at each other and counted 1,2,3 on their fingers and they were off.

Let's just say, both Soma and Ryo were not prepared for that start. They were both holding on for dear life. As Soma was holding on to Erina's waist, he looked over at Ryo and had never seen the usually tempered and calm Ryo in so much fear. Soma could see it in his eyes. The two Nakiris were going way faster than Soma and Erina were riding earlier. He wondered if it was really possible to go this fast on a jet ski.

The waters were mostly calm on their way to the cove, but both Nakiri's hit one huge wave that took them airborne and nearly forced Soma and Ryo off the jet ski and into the water. They were holding the girls so tight, but the two never noticed since they were too focused.

Both couples reached the cove very quickly. Both Nakiri's went at it on who go there first. Soma and Ryo were just glad that the ride was over and were able to catch their breathe. Since they couldn't come to a conclusion who was the victor, it was the boys turn to drive.

This time, there was a verbal cadence on when to go. Both Soma and Ryo both looked at each other and nodded their heads. It was almost like a, may the best man win, but let's not try to die today type of nod. They both floored it down back to the docks.

"Let's go Ryo, FASTER! Don't let him beat you!" Alice as yelling into Ryo's ear.

"C'mon Yukihira. They're catching up. Can't you drive any faster!" Erina shouted into Soma's ear.

The couples found their way back to the docks. Again, it was another tie. Neither could be bested by each other and although this didn't sit well with either Soma or Ryo, they both didn't want to have to ride with either Nakiri again. They silently and mutually agreed that this would be the end of it, and that the two Nakiri grandchildren can go at each other alone without them. Because Soma and Ryo wanted to live for a little while longer.

As things settled down, everyone returned to the lake house and change out of their wet clothes. Alice and Ryo decided to take a break and watch some TV while Erina was in her room reading her manga. Soma on the other hand, decided to go explore more of the outside area. He wandered around for a bit when he spotted an area on the lake that intrigued him. It was as though something red was peering through the almost translucent waters of Lake Toya. As Soma investigated it some more, he saw a surprising sight. There was an abundance of red fish swimming around in all different shapes and sizes. Surprised at his discovery, Soma decided to do a little fishing.

He went back into the house to try and find some fishing supplies. After a few minutes of looking, he couldn't find a fishing rod or net. He only had fishing lines and hooks. Soma went back outside and looked for some wood and was able to find the perfect rod. He attached the fishing line and hook and went to work. He took some pieces of bread with him as bait and went off to fish. He also filled up a large bucket with some of the lake water and planned to put any fish he caught in there.

Though fishing wasn't his best skill, Soma could easily catch fish. Plus, there were so many fish, Soma knew that he would get lucky to catch at least a few. He prepared the line and launched it back and threw it into the water and waited until a fish bought. After a few seconds, he felt a bit of a tug. He would have to hope that the wood would hold up and not crack on him as he tried to reel the fish in. Luckily the wood didn't break and he was able to pull the line in by hand with his first catch of the day. He unhooked a nice sized sock-eyed salmon and threw it into the bucket. He guessed that the salmon would definitely be apart of dinner tonight. As he threw out another fishing line, he stuck the wood into the sand and waited until he got another tug.

In the meantime, Erina had just finished her manga and had gone outside to stretch a little bit. Lying down and reading always made her feel stiff so she decided that she wanted to get up and walk around a bit. She noticed Soma along the Lake sitting down next to a large piece of wood and large bucket. She was intrigued by what the redhead was doing and decided to investigate.

She tried to be as stealthy as possible, even though there was no way she could hide or keep herself hidden. As she got very close, Soma jumped up unexpectedly and picked up the wooden rod. He pulled as much as the wood would let him and then stuck it in the sand again and started to pull on the fishing line. He could tell this fish was a good one because it took a lot of strength to try and bring it in. As Soma pulled with all of his strength, the line snapped and Soma fell backward onto the sand.

"Damnit!" He yelled in frustration as he got more fishing line and started to attach it to the rod. That's when he heard some laughter and looked to his left and saw Erina trying to cover her face so he wouldn't see her laughing.

"What's so funny Nakiri?" Soma questioned, a little pissed but a little intrigued at Erina.

"Nothing Soma-kun, I was just wandering about," she responded, trying to play off the fact that she just saw her crush fall backwards on his ass.

"Uh huh. Sure," Soma said as he went back to work on his makeshift fishing pole.

"What are you even doing Soma-kun?" Erina asked, intrigued at what the redhead was doing.

"Trying to put this fishing pole back together. Damn fishing line is always breaking on me. And this thing says heavy duty on the box. Heavy duty my ass!" Soma yelled in frustration at this particular brand of fishing lines.

"How is the fishing going?" Erina asked.

"Take a look for yourself," he replied as he pointed to the large bucket.

As Erina moved closer, she saw the one fish that Soma had caught on his first try still swimming around by its lonely self.

"How long have you been out here?" Erina asked.

"About two hours,"

"Two hours? And you've only caught one fish? She replied, more perplexed then trying to tease him.

"Well you know, it's hard when you don't have even adequate equipment. Besides, not like you could do any better," Soma replied, still trying to fix his rod.

"I bet I could catch more than you in two hours," she quipped back as she brushed her hair back.

"I'd like to see you try then Nakiri," was his response as he got up and gave the newly fixed fishing pole to Erina.

The God Tongue took the pole, but almost like the jet ski situation, she didn't really know to fish. Even though it was a simple fishing rod, she didn't know how to hold and position the rod in her hand. She also didn't know what to do with the fishing line that was hanging off the pole. So without thinking, she swung the pole back almost like a baseball batter swinging a bat and nearly hit Soma on the head, both with the pole and the hook hanging off the fishing line.

"Hey, hey, hey watch it! You're gonna kill me with that thing you know," Soma said as Erina apologized. She took a long thinking about it on her second try and eventually came up with another plan. This attempt also failed as she didn't have enough power into her launching of the fishing line and it didn't even make it into the water. A small snort from Soma could be heard.

"Yeah, don't think you're gonna be able to catch any fish at this rate," Soma stated as this only frustrated Erina even more.

"Well with you standing behind me like this, I can't concentrate," Erina replied as Soma moved away. Erina took even more time deciding how she would get the hook into the water. Soma was getting a bit irritated and impatient with the Nakiri. At this rate, only one fish would be on the menu for dinner.

"Ok look, here's how you wanna position the rod," Soma said as he moved behind Erina and took his hands and placed them on hers. She was a little taken aback, but didn't say anything and listened.

"Then you're going to want to aim it like this so the line reaches the water," Soma continued as this time he moved her body with his to show the position on how he would do it. Now his arms were wrapped around her, holding her in position. Erina blushed a little as Soma was walking her through the steps. She almost forgot everything he said, since she was focused on how strong his hands and arms were and how good they felt on her body. His hands were warm on hers and it made Erina heat up a little.

Once Soma was done with his explanation, Erina tried again. She did everything Soma said and managed to get the line into the water. After a few seconds, there was a tug on the line and Erina screamed in amazement. Soma helped her out and after a few minutes, they were able to haul in another nice sized salmon.

They put another bait on the hook and did it again. A few seconds later, another fish bit the line. Soma helped Erina pull out this one, which was even bigger than the first one she caught. This happened over and over again. With each fish getting bigger and bigger each time. The bucket was getting full and Soma called it a day much to the dismay of Erina who protested a bit but noticed that the bucket was almost overflowing.

Soma released some of the smaller fish, including the only one he caught, and kept three of the bigger ones to cook for later. He picked up the bucket and started to head back to the lake house with Erina.

"See, I told you I could catch more than you! It didn't even take me two hours," Erina gloated much to the chagrin of Soma.

"Well you know, you did have an awesome teacher," Soma retorted.

"My teacher was alright I guess," was her response. She was grateful on the inside at Soma's "hands-on" approach of teaching her how to fish. Soma on the other hand, was only amazed at Erina.

"First the jet ski and now fishing. Geez. What else can this girl do that I don't know about? She really is something," he thought.

As they reached the lake house, Soma went to the kitchen to clean and debone the salmon so that it could be cooked and eaten for dinner. Both Alice and Ryo were taking a nap and Erina returned to her room to take one as well.

As she laid on her bed, she could only think of how eventful this day was for her. First her crush had seen her half naked and then challenged her in jet skiing and even taught her how to fish. She was slowly beginning to like the idea of this vacation and also just being in Soma's presence. That wall that she had placed in between them since they first met was slowly starting to crumble by the day. She was falling so hard for him. At this rate, they would ride off into the sunset together by senior year. As she thought about Soma's strong, warm hands on hers, Erina drifted asleep, dreaming of the redhead, with a smile on her face.

Soma on the other hand was in the middle of deboning the salmon when he thought back to teaching Erina how to fish. He didn't think about giving her a hands-on teaching, it sort of just happened that way. However, he did remember her soft skin that he was able to feel for the first time. It was smooth like silk, and her scent was even more intoxicating. He was falling even harder than Erina at this point. He was beginning to see her in a different light and he was still determined to make her say that his food was delicious.

Few Hours Later

It was beginning to get dark and the sun was just setting over the horizon. Soma decided that the best way to cook the salmon was smoke it. Soma liked doing things the old fashioned way and went outside to collect some wood. He was able to start a fire in the little camp area and placed a small grill over the fire. He seasoned the salmon and set it on the grill. There was definitely going to be leftovers since there was so much salmon to go around.

Erina came down after waking up from her nap and was definitely hungry. She looked outside and saw Soma sitting in the camping area with a fire, cooking something. She went outside and joined him, sitting on the same log as he was, but with a lot more space in between the two of them.

"Oi Nakiri, you have to try these smoked salmon. They're pretty good," Soma said excited as he handed her a small plate. Erina took it and watched as some cut some pieces of salmon and placed it on her plate. She took a bite and immediately loved the smokey taste of the salmon. She normally wouldn't eat salmon prepared this way, but since this was the only thing readily available she went with it. Eventually she downed all her pieces and asked Soma for more.

Alice and Ryo finally woke up from their naps and came outside to join Soma and Erina. They also enjoyed the salmon and Soma went into the house and grabbed bowls of rice and a plate he prepared earlier of other vegetables to be put on the grill.

"Where did you find this salmon Yukihira-kun?" Alice asked.

"I caught them," Soma replied followed by a clearing of the throat by Erina.

"Well, Erina caught them actually," he corrected.

"You caught them Erina?" Alice asked in disbelief. "You're joking right?

"Nope. I caught them. With a little help of course, but I did most of the work," Erina replied as she puffed her chest out proudly.

"I didn't even know you could fish," Alice said.

"Of course I can," Erina replied as she continued to eat. "Though, I had a really great teacher," she thought secretly.

The four enjoyed their meal and talked about different things. Well mostly Alice trying to pry how Erina was able to fish and catch such large pieces of salmon.

As the night wore on, a nice cool breeze fell over the lake house. Though it was summer, the lake could get pretty cold at night. Luckily the fire was still burning strong and providing warmth to the four teens. Both Soma and Erina had a large argument and fight over the last piece of salmon before they saved the rest. Soma wanted it because he did most of the work pulling the fish in, but Erina fired back that they wouldn't be having fish if it wasn't for her showing up and throwing the line into the water. They took so long arguing that Ryo got up and swiped the last piece and ate it himself.

This got Erina even more mad and she started to blame Soma for this happening. Alice started to tug at Ryo as a signal to let the two of them be alone and get along. They both got up without either Erina or Soma noticing. Once Erina had calmed down, the two remained outside looking at the beautiful scenery. She didn't realize it, but Erina had closed the space that once separated her and Soma. Now they were almost shoulder to shoulder, looking at the night sky together.

Though they were close in proximity, neither looked at each other, for fear of something embarrassing happening. Instead, they kept their gazes forward, to the lake and also the up at the night sky. The stars were shining brightly and a full moon was out. Even though she took a nap, Erina was still tired from all the physical activity that she did throughout the day. She was growing tired, but didn't want to remove herself from this moment. It was almost like a scene from her shoujo manga.

Without really thinking, she slowly rested her head on Soma's shoulder and closed her eyes. For some reason, she felt safe being this close to him. She felt as though nothing in this world could harm her.

Soma felt her head on his shoulder but didn't look at her. He didn't want to ruin the moment. He only smiled and prayed to kami he wouldn't mess this up. Eventually, he heard Erina breathing a bit harder, meaning she had fallen asleep. He didn't want to wake her but they needed to go inside so she could get a good nights sleep.

He wrapped his right arm around her waist and reached down and put his left arm behind her knees and lifter her up bridal style. He did it oh so gently and he took her upstairs to her room. He placed her on her bed and could only look and admire how cute she looked sleeping. As he was leaving he heard her murmur something in her sleep,

"Thanks for being a great teacher, Soma-kun." Soma turned around to look at her and smiled. He closed her door and went to clean up and go to bed himself.

As Soma laid on his bed he couldn't believe everything that had happened up until this point. He did realize that he was tasked with saving Erina, but he didn't realize that he might actually fall for her as well. Was there really more life than just cooking?

"If this is what the first day of vacation was going to be like, what would the second day bring?" He thought as he drifted off to sleep.