AUTHOR'S NOTES: First day of school is very near, like this coming Monday, so I'm not sure if I'm going to be dormant again or not, but I swear I'll finish this!
Is anybody familiar with Iron Chef? It's like a non-anime Cooking Master Boy. If you have ETC Channel on your TV, watch it. Oh and I don't really know when Ayako's birthday really is, so I'm not gonna mention any dates whatsoever.
I also want to give the actual Sherlock Holmes quote Kogure mentioned in the Third Task chapter. It just happened that I read my old Sherlock Holmes book so might as well give it. "When you have eliminated all which is possible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
Oh, and has anyone noticed that I haven't written a single thing about Haruko? Except the puke remark on one of the previous chappies? MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The power of fanfiction!!!! NYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Please remember that this is FANFICTION. It is not part of the original story. The author does not have to please all his/her audience by his/her work. So...keep the reviews coming! (YUKI THE KITTEN SWEATDROPS)
More power to Wazzup Wazzup and Strangebrew! NYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
My, my, notes are getting longer. Tsk, tsk, tsk.
WARNING: This chapter contains foul language. Pung!
The Fifth Task: Iron Chef
Things were back to normal in Shohoku. Normal, as in the way it used to be before the Rukawa vs. Sendoh Ultimate Challenge, because things were hardly normal here, what with an assortment of flora and fauna for basketball players. There's a red monkey, a fox, a gorilla, a mushroom/cupcake, a frog and...whatever.
"Rukawa's play is improving, ne?"
"Yep, I agree. His speed is increasing."
"But he should do something with his stamina."
Sakuragi's ear had twitched upon hearing Rukawa's name and the praises the fox had been getting were like flamethrowers to him. "Rukawa, Rukawa, always Rukawa! It's bad enough I deal with him even on weekends! I'm better than that stupid fox!"
Whack.
Ayako's paper fan hit the side of his big head. "Urusai, Sakuragi! Just concentrate on your basics!"
The redhead rubbed the smoking lump that had formed where Ayako hit it.
Meanwhile, the pale boy was concentrating hard on his own training, improvising new techniques for the practice game tomorrow. Which was, as fate would have it, with Ryonan. He decided to forgive Sakuragi and his sempai-tachi for last night, knowing that it would affect their play.
Yes, Rukawa has a patient, forgiving, although somewhat harsh soul.
But of course, Sendoh's sort-of insult last night was an exception.
Oh, did I mention that he was selective?
/"That was your first kiss, wasn't it? The way you reacted...seems like you've never kissed anyone before."/
Swish.
The whistle blew, signaling the end of practice. Many of the team members were relieved and walked to the shower stalls immediately. They've been training extra-hard for tomorrow. Although it was just a practice game, Shohoku should never be complacent, Akagi said.
"Oi, Rukawa! Wanna play with me?"
The freshman eyed his scar-faced senior, eager for a chance to apply his new techniques. Hearing Mitsui's challenge, most of the other team members turned and went back to the bleachers to watch them play. It was always interesting to watch those two play one-on-one, almost as interesting as Rukawa and Sakuragi's bickering.
Needless to say, author is incapable of writing a basketball scene so she uses that "Flash Forward Machine for Fanfiction" thingamajig again. Hey, this is becoming quite handy!
Game ends without anyone scoring.
Applause.
"You're getting much better, Rukawa," commented Mitsui through harsh breaths.
Rukawa didn't reply, throwing the ball tiredly into the ring (er...nosebleed). Thanking the gods for the chance to redeem himself, he nodded and followed the rest of the team to the showers, Mitsui beside him.
Author fights the superstrong urge to write a MitRu.
"Nice game, Rukawa."
Rukawa didn't turn around to even acknowledge the speaker; he knew who that person was. He was still upset with Sendoh over the previous task and decided to ignore him, just as he used to. No one would notice the change anyway.
Shohoku won by a slim seven points, hence Sendoh congratulating Rukawa. Even Sendoh's exceedingly good mood, which by the way surprised his teammates and even led to some rather weird interrogation ("OK, Sendoh, who's the unlucky girl?"), was not enough to break the Shohoku team spirit.
"Let's go to Danny's! My treat!"
Akagi and Kogure looked knowingly at the team manageress, knowing (duh) exactly why she had suddenly decided to treat them all to Danny's. It was no victory party; it was her birthday, and only Kogure and Akagi (and Anzai-sensei) knew that.
Poor Rukawa was dragged along by Miyagi and Mitsui.
"Pass the rice!"
"Oi, Sakuragi, don't hog the pork!"
"Does anyone know where my watch is?"
"Hey, Rukawa, eat up!"
"That's mine, baka!"
"Where's my watch?"
The table(s) occupied by the entire Shohoku team was(were) as expected, the center of all kinds of noises and attention. People were giving them weird looks, especially Rukawa whose good looks attract unwanted attention of all sorts.
Ayako's paper fan was hard at work, whacking random people's heads. So were Akagi's fists, which for some reason focused much on Sakuragi's redhead.
"Oi, Gori, that hurts!"
"Do ahou."
"TEME KITSUNE!"
"Hey, guys, look who's here!"
Heads swung in the direction of the door where Miyagi was pointing to. The sight of a spiky head followed by a handful of familiar-looking boys brought frowns on most of the faces, a warm smile on one, a scowl on another one, and cheeky grins on three. The owner of the spiky head waved at one of the Shohoku people. The three grinning heads swung back to the one wearing the scowl, their grins widening four centimeters on each side of their mouths.
"I found my watch!"
The Shohoku noise started again, apparently ignoring the Ryonan presence.
"Hey, that's mine!"
"Wow, the shrimp is good!"
"Nyahahahahahahahahaha! Itai, GORI!"
"Ayako-chan! Itai!"
"Do'ahou."
"Kisama! Urusai, baka kitsune!"
"You shut up, moron."
"YOU SHUT UP, COLD-BLOODED FOX! Oi, why did everyone get so quiet?"
The sudden absence of noise brought Sakuragi's and Rukawa's attention to the spiky-haired boy that was standing over their table, smiling brightly at one of them. The two also noticed that all the people were looking at them. Particularly at Rukawa, who was glaring at Sendoh.
Sendoh laughed and said to Rukawa, "Can I talk to you for a moment please?"
Rukawa pointedly ignored him, choosing instead to interact with his food rather than Sendoh. Miyagi nudged him with an elbow and cocked his head towards Sendoh. A nervous silence hung over the once-noisy table, waiting to be broken.
Which of course was Sakuragi's job.
The redhead pointed straight at Rukawa's face and laughed. "NYAHAHAHAHAHA! The Kitsune's blushing!"
Rukawa wanted to scream, "I AM NOT BLUSHING!" but that would be so OOC so instead, he did the most Rukawa-like thing and punched Sakuragi.
"Rukawa!"
The pale boy stood up, respectfully bowed to Akagi and Ayako, cast a last glare at Sendoh and walked out of the restaurant.
Smooth, eh?
Damn that ahou.
Rukawa cycled home alone, as he preferred to. He felt better now that he was out of Sakuragi's insult range.
Or was it bitter?
But why would he be bitter? He walked out of there by his own accord. Actually, he should've thanked Sakuragi for that rather nasty remark because it gave him reason to leave and have some quiet time, ne? Ne?
So cycled home by himself, feeling extremely lighter. And happier, duh.
He decided to stop over at a basketball court to continue his training. He still had to beat Sendoh in basketball, and even if there was a Rukawa vs. Sendoh Ultimate Challenge, he can't slack off. And there were still others who he should watch out for, like Maki, Fujima, and Hanagata.
So why did he challenge Sendoh?
Oh, right, the stupid smile.
"Orange? What kind of a theme ingredient is that?"
"Noodle?"
"No, too few dishes."
"Cabbage sounds OK."
"Hmm...but its too easy."
"Lamb?"
"Miyagi, these are teenagers, not professional chefs!"
"Right."
"Eeto, since we're on the meat subject, why not beef?"
"Takes too long to cook."
"Pork?"
"Still too easy."
"Lemon."
"That would be unfair!"
"Darn. I was hoping that Sendoh would win."
"What changing sides already?"
"I was never on anybody's side."
"Sakuragi, you'd make a fine subject for psychologists."
"Of course, ore wa tensai!"
"I'd not comment on that."
"So, any other ideas?"
"Shrimp?"
"Sounds like a good idea to me."
"Yeah, not too hard, not too easy."
"Are you insulting me?!"
"Sakuragi, stop drooling."
"Hey, I'm not drooling!"
"What are you doing, idiots?!"
"Akagi!"
"Gori!"
"Don't call me that!"
"ITAI!"
"Fifty laps, the three of you!"
Thursday came and the usual excitement that preceded a task was less, especially on Rukawa's part. He was the type who held grudges if the person was really horrible to him and forgave if the person really deserved it.
As I said, selective.
Akagi wondered why his best players were always in a hurry to go home these days. He also noticed that his vice-captain hung out more with Mitsui and Miyagi than him. And Sakuragi was talking a wee bit more civilly to Rukawa. The captain was happy, yes, because of the improvements in the relationships of his teammates, but he sort of found it odd that it was all too sudden.
He really should talk to Kogure soon.
"Ja, Akagi! We'll see you tomorrow!" called out the Mischief Three aka Sakuragi, Mitsui and Miyagi. Behind them was The Fox Named Rukawa Kaede yawning as if it was the best thing in the world right now. And come to think of it, maybe it was.
Someone tapped Akagi on the shoulder and when he turned, he saw the person he half-expected to see. It was his vice-captain Kogure, all ready to go. "Anou, Akagi—"
Akagi sighed. "Yes, yes, you may go."
"Arigatou, Akagi-kun," said the vice-captain, giving Akagi the gym keys and going to follow his friends.
Ch. He spoke too soon.
Sendoh was waiting for the Shohoku guys in front of Rukawa's house where the fifth task was to be held. He felt confident in this one because Uozumi had given him some cooking tips some time ago. But he also considered that Rukawa was living alone and would probably be a good cook.
But then again, there's always the possibility that the stoic boy orders takeout.
Sendoh snickered to himself.
Each step Rukawa took was getting heavier and this was probably one of the few times he dreaded going home. His heart was again breakdancing in his chest, and he convinced himself that it was because of anger and not whatever else dokidoki-causing stuff.
So instead, he occupied himself with staring at the plastic bag Kogure was carrying. What could be inside it?
And he realized that he was cheating by trying to find out the theme ingredient, so he stopped staring at the bag.
He just hoped that Sendoh would show up late so he could find an excuse to ignore that lemon-eating hedgehog.
"Wow. Sendoh's here."
Broken dream bubble, anyone?
The Ryonan boy stood up and acknowledged them. "Konbanwa."
"Konbanwa," greeted the four boys with four different tones. Rukawa just walked past them without a second glance, opening the gate and the door. It's a surprise he didn't sneak in, he thought, referring to the time when Sendoh played a prank on him early in the morning.
They shuffled inside after Rukawa, taking their shoes off at the foyer. "Nice place you got here, Rukawa," Miyagi said, looking around the neat and well-maintained house. "Very comfy."
The owner of the house ignored the comment. He'd heard that several times before. He led them to the kitchen and went upstairs to change.
Mitsui stared at Rukawa as the boy left them to bother themselves with whatnot. "Warm welcome," he said.
Rukawa walked into the kitchen wearing his house clothes, a loose red shirt and white cotton shorts. He found the others chatting happily with Sendoh and the stuff in the bag neatly laid out on his kitchen counter.
The task presented a little more effort than the previous tasks. They are required to cook a dish using the theme ingredient. If they needed extra ingredients that are not in Rukawa's private store, they should give a list to the judges before the task starts. Then they have an hour to complete the task. The dish will be judged according to taste (70) and presentation (30) only.
"The theme ingredient is shrimp," said Miyagi, pointing to the large platter of shrimps on the kitchen counter. Behind him, Kogure and Sakuragi sniggered quietly because as Miyagi said the word 'shrimp', Mitsui eagerly pointed to Miyagi. Miyagi was blissfully unaware.
"You've got ten minutes to list down your extra ingredients."
Miyagi, Mitsui, Kogure and Sakuragi, junk food in hand, left the pair to sort out their plans and went to the living room to watch whatever was on TV. Rukawa took out his choice of ingredients from the fridge, as well as a carton of orange juice and a bag of chocolate chip cookies and put them on the kitchen table. Sendoh was surveying Rukawa's cupboards and racks for his choice of ingredients.
Though it was against his will, it was his duty to entertain his guests and unfortunately, Sendoh was his guest. And more unfortunate was the fact that he didn't have any poison in the house. Not like he was going to use it. Rukawa poured out six glasses of juice and put two plates of cookies on the kitchen counter (he didn't put any for the Shohoku guys. They brought their food anyway.). Leaving one plate and one glass on the counter and thanking the gods that he needn't offer them to Sendoh verbally, he carried the tray to the living room where Sakuragi and the rest watched an ongakuban (music show) and were singing along.
"Did you put any poison in it, Kitsune?" Sakuragi asked, peering through the glass of orange juice. He sure didn't trust anything that Rukawa made.
"If I did, then good riddance," came Rukawa's sarcastic reply. The pale boy then went back to the kitchen.
When Sendoh returned from his survey, he was surprised to find a plate of chocolate chip cookies and a glass of orange juice on the kitchen counter. He smiled and took a bite off one and that's when Rukawa entered the kitchen. Their gazes met for a second, then Rukawa went to sort his ingredients. He stood with his back to Sendoh and his heart practicing for an audition for the circus.
"Arigatou," Rukawa heard Sendoh say. He 'hn-ed' and focused on his work.
Miyagi entered the kitchen and asked for their lists, if any, and both boys shook their heads. "OK, then. It's...5:45 PM...I'll be back at 6:45. Good luck."
Rukawa worked in utter silence, trying hard to ignore Sendoh and concentrate on his work. The older boy kept distracting him with his stupid singing and dancing. Sendoh even grabbed hold of Rukawa's hand one time and sang to him a couple of lines from a love song, making Rukawa cringe and slightly blush at the same time. He almost cut his finger when he saw Sendoh gyrating his hips suggestively.
Thank God he didn't nosebleed.
Fighting the intense urge to stab Sendoh with his knife, Rukawa drank some of his orange juice and worked on his dish.
Meanwhile, Sendoh continued to unconsciously annoy and distract (to put it mildly) Rukawa with his silliness. He was waiting for his dish to cook and in the meantime was trying to content himself with music and dancing.
Twenty minutes later, Rukawa did the finishing touches to his dish.
"That looks good, Rukawa-kun," Sendoh beamed, smiling down at Rukawa from behind the younger boy. "What is it?"
"Aaah!"
Sendoh's breath blew hotly against (and into) Rukawa's left ear, making him blush four shades of pink and cry in surprise. He roughly pushed the older boy away, clasping his left ear with his left hand and pointing the knife at Sendoh with his right hand.
Sendoh blinked at Rukawa's display of anger before him. "What did I do now?" he asked aloud, but more to himself, since he wasn't really expecting a reply from the younger boy. Then he noticed Rukawa holding his left ear and his cheeks flushed pink.
He'd never seen Rukawa blush before.
"Oh, I see," Sendoh PURRED, smirking at Rukawa but turning his back at him and pretending to be busy with his work. "You've got sensitive ears."
Rukawa's anger flared, but he didn't show it, knowing well the consequences of being angry at Sendoh. He calmed down and went back to his work.
Then Sendoh blew into his ear again. He turned abruptly, fist ready to bash Sendoh's annoying face in, sarcastic insult ready to pour out from his lips...
Oh, but Fate just had to interfere!
Instead of the sarcastic insult Sendoh (and Rukawa) was expecting, he got a VERY unexpected and unintended lip contact from Rukawa, who was currently wide-eyed with shock and embarrassment.
And to further heighten his humiliation, Sakuragi and co. walked in and froze at the door, seeing the awkward situation the two were in.
Ahh...don't you just love how Fate plays her game?
Mitsui leered at them. "I see we've interrupted something," he said, smirking at them. Miyagi hummed the 'K-I-S-S-I-N-G' song and even danced a silly dance. Sakuragi danced along.
Rukawa and Sendoh, however, were in Another World (do I hear Gackt???). They remained petrified where they were, staring wide-eyed at each other.
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck!!!
Kami-sama, Rukawa's kissing me!
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck!!!
I think I should pull away now. No, maybe just a sec more...
Fuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuckfuck fuck!!!
Can I overdo it?
Mitsui faked a cough. "That's just great, guys, take your time."
Rukawa roughly shoved Sendoh away, hurriedly looking as if nothing happened. The faint blush that somehow remained on his cheeks betrayed him however.
"OK. So let's taste test!"
Oh, shit!
Rukawa now discovered why Mitsui, Miyagi, Sakuragi and Kogure were choking. At first, his Buttered Shrimp in Chili Pepper Mushroom Cream Sauce looked amazing, but after taking a bite, he found that he had put too much pepper, sugar instead of salt (common mistake), and way too much chili.
Sakuragi, red-faced and coughing, managed to choke out, "You're really trying to kill me, aren't you?!"
Miyagi was all but writhing on the floor, screaming, "Water! I need water!"
There go all his chances of winning! Wheeeeeeee!
Sendoh did not escape the trouble net. His Steamed Shrimp Wrap with Lemon Dip, did not look appealing (read: APPALLING), what with the wrap too easily disintegrated and the lemon dip too sour.
Unsurprisingly, none of the judges had a proper dinner that night.
While the four huddled in the living room consuming as much orange juice as they can handle, the two cooks sat in the kitchen, eating their ruined masterpieces.
"Man, this is hot!" Sendoh said, fanning his mouth with his hand. "But I must say, Rukawa, if you fixed this up, this would've been great."
Rukawa rolled his eyes and offered a glass of water to Sendoh, which the other boy readily accepted.
Miyagi, Mitsui, Sakuragi and Kogure went in with the verdict, looking better but still very red.
"It was a very difficult decision, considering that we spent most of our time trying to stay alive than actually tasting the food, but in the end we decided that Sendoh's food was less deadly so he wins."
Rukawa frowned, but accepted the decision. Now Sendoh has a lead of one win over him.
No surprise.
Sendoh plopped onto his bed grinning like a tomcat. Somehow, even after one helping of Rukawa's hot shrimps (which was enough to set your lips and mouth on fire) the softness of Rukawa's lips still lingered on Sendoh's lips. He didn't know why, but somehow he liked that kiss, especially because Rukawa was the first person he kissed after...a long time.
How ironic.
Sendoh breathed heavily and closed his eyes. It was really funny how Fate works.
If he did that to shut me up...it was very effective.
TBC
The dishes are just my invention. We're now finished with the first half of the challenge! Woohoo! Just six chapters more (or so...) and we're done! Pung!
