Kitchen Confidential chapter 6

Apologies for the delay in updating this story. I've been distracted by some other details and have been reading more than writing. I've shamed myself into writing this next chapter as quickly as I could.

Feel free to point out any spelling and/or grammatical errors as you see them.

As always, comments and reviews are welcomed and appreciated!

ooooooo000000000ooooooo

Saitou woke up groggily to the annoying buzz of his alarm clock. Without looking over, he slammed his hand down to turn it off and swung his legs over the edge of his bed. He immediately grabbed a cigarette from the nightstand and a match to light it up. After taking a puff and exhaling slowly, he bothered to look at the time; it was ten o'clock in the morning.

Sundays were slow days and a day that rarely required his supervision. He usually took it easy by going in late or skipping it altogether if nothing was out of the ordinary. It took him a split second to recall why he had to go in today. Kamiya. Saitou grimaced slightly and decided to get up and head into work. He was irritated enough with having to show a newbie around but that annoyance was compounded by the fact the girl was inconsiderate enough to order so much food only to waste it all. I can't believe I have to put up with this shit. That sentiment reminded him that he should double-check to see if his efforts are to be rewarded.

He walked over to his phone which hung on the wall in his kitchen. As he grabbed the handset and finished dialing the numbers, he twisted around the cord and started to make himself a cup of coffee. As he listened to the ringtone of the other line, he ground up some beans and poured the rough grounds into his French press. He added hot water from the water cooler and let it steep for three minutes while grabbing a coffee cup.

He took another puff from the cigarette still dangling from his lips as he started to get annoyed by the sixth ring. Just then he heard a click with a familiar voice on the other line, "Hello? Uramura here."

"It's Saitou."

"Ah, Saitou! It's early yet. How can I help you?"

Saitou took another puff and blew out the smoke before responding, "I was hoping you'd be the one knowing why I'm calling right now. Didn't you receive anything from Shishio yet?" He heard some rustling before Uramura replied.

"Actually, I was on my way out to pick up the packages that were dropped off yesterday. Sometimes, our doorman forgets to bring them up, so I was about to head downstairs. Shall I check and call you back?"

The wolf sighed quietly to himself and replied, "Call me only if you did receive something. But try my at Les Alles since I'll be over there in twenty."

"Very well, Saitou. Good day." Uramura hung up as he knew Saitou wasn't one to bother with goodbyes.

Saitou finished his cigarette and smashed the butt into the ashtray while grabbing his cup of coffee. He took a few sips as he walked to the bathroom to take a quick shower before heading into the brasserie. He had hope to have a little more incentive before knowing he'd have to deal with Kamiya, but he figured it was unavoidable either way, so he finished his cup, took off his shirt and boxers and stepped into his shower to try and wake up for this day he wasn't looking forward to.

oooooo00000000ooooooooo

Twenty minutes later Saitou walked into Les Alles by way of the entrance versus the kitchen entrance from the alley. He liked to get a sense of the lazy Sunday crowd since he wasn't always around to experience that shift. However, he didn't pay attention to the diners as he walked briskly towards the swinging kitchen doors. He pushed past the door and walked in.

As expected, Okita was walking around to check the stations, making sure each had the necessary items for the morning. Saitou knew that Okita would make sure the refrigerators were well stocked through the dinner service but would have room for Monday's deliveries. This is the main reason Saitou could afford a Sunday off; without Okita, he'd still be breaking his back seven days a week instead of just the five to six days he continues to handle.

However, out of habit more than concern, the chef walked towards the stock room to see if items were well organized and plentiful. He saw young Yahiko on a step stool rotating the old stock items to the front while putting the new ones in the back. He raised an eyebrow to see that the boy was putting some of the flour bags on the top shelf, but since it's not his concern to retrieve the items, not his desire to be a micro-manager, he kept mum on the subject and continued on.

After having checked in with Okita about the usual details, he decided to hand over even more responsibilities to his sous chef by stating, "I'd like you to give Kamiya the overview today, whenever she decides to show up."

"Gee, Saitou-san, I wasn't aware we'd given her a time frame for today?" Okita gave Saitou a polite smile, but there was a hint of teasing the older man as Okita knew better than most how stringent the man could be if he were not feeling warmly towards someone. He knew that Saitou wasn't thrilled to have had his food and efforts wasted the night before by Kaoru, but Okita would never say the words out loud.

The chef knew what Okita meant, but he chose not to acknowledge it. Instead he merely replied, "There is nothing new for her to do. If she chooses to do anything for tonight, she should stick to the current menu. Any new items can be decided on some other day."

"Yes, Chef," said Okita as he turned around to resume his duties. Yahiko had returned from the stock room in time to hear the entire conversation. He tried to be sure and pick up on any words that came from Saitou since he wanted to learn absolutely everything he could from the chef. He knew he was being given quite the opportunity to work in the kitchen even though he only had a worker's permit, for being under-aged, and absolutely no culinary experience. However, Saitou had started off the same way, and look at him now. That is what Yahiko wanted to become - a self-made man and a respected chef.

Yahiko gave the chef his most confident greetings of good morning and was surprised to see that Saitou actually gave him a firm nod in acknowledgment. The boy tried to suppress his smile and just nodded back while turning back towards the sinks.

Saitou was about to head outside for another smoke when the morning shift host, Kamatari, stepped up to the service window to call for him. "Chef, you have a call on line one. It's Uramura."

"Thanks. Tell him to hold and I'll take it in my office." With that, with smooth strides, he walked to the staircase and took the steps quickly with his long legs. He pulled the chair out from his desk, sat down, grabbed his smokes and matches from his pocket, and picked up the receiver. As he cradled the handset between his ear and shoulder, he lit his cigarette and said, "I hope it's good news, Uramura?"

"Well, the terms of the agreement are very much to your liking. There is a stipulation I wasn't aware of though. Something about adding on a pastry chef?"

"Yeah, Shishio sprung it on me last night. I wasn't thrilled with the idea, but it seems to be a small enough concession... for now," Saitou exhaled slowly. "Stop by tonight for a drink and I'll sign it right away."

Uramura continued, "Oh, well, the agreement they sent over is only a draft version. As of yet, there is nothing you need to sign."

Saitou sat up in his chair and removed the cigarette from his mouth. "What do you mean it's a draft version?" He could hear the other man swallow before continuing.

"Well, uh, it appears Shishio's attorney sent a Final Draft version, probably to make sure you'd be happy with the agreement about this pastry chef?"

The chef's lips pressed together in a thin hard line. Shishio is doing this as a delaying tactic on purpose - making me wait because he can. Saitou closed his eyes and ran his fingers through his hair. He picked up his cigarette and took in a very long drag.

As he exhaled the smoke, he calmly told Uramura to tell Shishio's men to send the version for signature right away. "And then just come over and find me when you have it in hand. You know I'll be here or at my place." With that, Saitou hung up the phone.

He knew Shishio was playing a game with him, but Saitou wasn't going to let a minor irritation keep him from getting a piece of the brasserie. He'd worked too hard and for too long to let one man's idea of "fun" get in his way. He decided to take a walk to clear his head and thought maybe seeing his friend and rival, Chef Shinomori over at Le Ripert. Shinomori Aoshi wasn't a rival, per se, since their cuisines and restaurants were completely different, but the egos of chefs were that which made for a rivalry in itself. However, having been in the industry for as long as the two have, it was natural for them to develop a camaraderie.

In fact, Sunday nights allowed the two to get together with a few other head chefs to eat, drink, and catch up on the latest in the industry. Since the exact location for this evening wasn't set, Saitou figured he'd distract himself by seeing what Aoshi might have in mind. Plus he always liked seeing the man in the kitchen so he could amuse himself by giving the younger chef a hard time.

After walking a few long blocks, Saitou arrived at the front door to Le Ripert. The fine dining establishment wasn't open until dinner service, but he knew the staff was in already prepping for the evening's work. He knocked on the glass doors and waited for the perky young woman he knew would be working on a day Aoshi was in.

A set of wide blue-green eyes peered out at him before he heard the lock click. She greeted him with a smirk that expressed mock annoyance. "Saitou Hajime, what brings you by on a Sunday morning?"

"Hmph. Seeing as you're here, I'd assume Aoshi is already in, hmm, Misao?" He watched as Makimachi Misao dropped her head to hide the blush rising to her cheeks. Saitou knew the girl was hopelessly in love with Aoshi and he took pleasure in teasing her to no end. He wouldn't bother if the girl didn't react every single time. He enjoyed getting a rise out of people just to see their reactions, and Misao was never one to disappoint, especially when it came to Aoshi. "So where is the man, itachi?"

At that, Misao blush turned to fury as she punched Saitou in the arm - a constant battle between the two which only made him smirk in amusement. It was too easy teasing her.

"Where else would Aoshi-sama be? He's in the kitchen. Can you find your way back there, or should I help you?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"I'd think you'd want to help me, so you can get more face time with the man. Isn't that why you always come in when he works, even if it's your day off?"

Misao tried to look indignant, but it didn't fool Saitou as he listened to her denials, "I work extra to help out. It never hurts Aoshi-sama to have a little extra help, even if I only work the reception area." With arms crossed, she turned on her heels to get away from the tall man who annoyed her to no end.

Saitou eyed her retreating figure and smiled. He'd never tell Misao that Aoshi was very fond of her. Saitou could read people better than most and he knew Aoshi cared for Misao immensely but would never show his feelings outwardly. The man was a cold fish, which amused Saitou since Aoshi's specialty at Le Ripert was fresh fish and seafood.

He walked past the double doors and stepped into the kitchen to find his friend. As always, the difference between his kitchen and that of Aoshi's was like night and day. While Les Alles housed a narrow work space and a frenetic pace to which his staff were forced to maneuver through with finesse, Le Ripert had wide expanses and plenty of counter space. Saitou would blast rock music for the staff when it's slow enough for them to enjoy it, while Aoshi's kitchen was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. Regardless of styles and equipment, both men were trained by the best in the industry and were considered tops in the areas of expertise. Aoshi was also in the works to own a part of Le Ripert, so Saitou's competitive nature naturally would like him to accomplish this feat before the younger man was able to get his due.

Aoshi finished giving his staff a few instructions before looking up to see Saitou. He strode over gracefully and they shook hands warmly, while Saitou gave him a warm slap on the arm with his free hand.

"Hajime, it's good to see you. Are you working on a Sunday this time?" Aoshi knew the man was dedicated, but he figured he'd at least take a day off on a slow night.

"I normally would, but Shishio has decided to throw a wrench into my life by saddling me with a pastry chef of all things. As if I really need one, so I'm not sure what he is playing at, besides trying to delay giving me a part of the brasserie."

Aoshi's eyebrows raised up in surprise. "It is an unusual amendment, but I would imagine getting extra help is better than being told to cut your staff, yes?"

"I guess it depends on how you look at it. Of course I don't like layoffs, but having to train a rookie to work around my crew just seems to be a hindrance that is merely given to me to annoy me."

Aoshi was thoughtful before asking, "and who is this pastry chef?"

Saitou replied without much emotion, "Her name is Kamiya Kaoru. She worked in a bakery on the West coast before coming out here."

"Ah, yes. I recall a Kamiya who worked at La Cienega Bakery out there. She helped establish them into a name. It's rather impressive."

Saitou cocked one eyebrow as he eyed the man before replying, "I hadn't considered you might be familiar with her considering how young she is."

"I have and should like to say hello in person if I may. What time will she be at Les Alles this evening?" Aoshi gave him a small smile as he waited for his friend to reply.

He wasn't sure what to make of Aoshi at the moment. For one, the man rarely smiled and rarely requested to come by the brasserie on a day he was working. Saitou paused before he continued their conversation, "I'd imagine she should be coming in before dinner service, so you could probably show up after five o'clock." He was about to leave when he added a final thought, "Just don't forget she's my employee so I expect you won't interfere with her work."

Aoshi kept smiling as he responded, "I thought she's Shishio's employee?" He rarely had the chance to goad Saitou and found it interesting that the man would allow himself an opening which was unusual for the Wolf of Mibu.

Saitou narrowed his eyes but shrugged off the comment as he turned to leave. He lifted his hand to acknowledge his leave and said, "I'll see you later then. We can decide on the after work meal and drinking when I see you this evening."

Aoshi watched the man as he left his restaurant as the wheels in his head started to turn. He decided this situation for Saitou may prove to be interesting.

oooo000000oooooo

TBC - with Kaoru getting to Les Alles to start her first day.

Sorry if you find Aoshi to be a bit OoC. I'm trying to keep his overall tone as close to canon as possible, but since he and Saitou are friends in this story, he can't be completely an ice block.

I will try to update in the next couple of days.

And for those who may have noticed, I am basing my restaurants and their names from real life chefs and places. Send me some guesses, if you feel like. -z