Okay so last chapter focused on Zen's least favorite and Shirayuki's most favorite. This chapter is reversed.
Disclaimer: I do not own Akagami no Shirayukihime.
Chapter 2. Grapes And Apples
Shirayuki quickly raced to the palace's dining room as fast as her legs could carry her.
She felt the wind that seeped in through the windows blast past her in an exhilarating rush as she caught sight of the large double doors.
Zen had scheduled another get-together for their group in the same place a week later. Considering that the prince had gotten sick at the end of the evening, none of them had left as contently as they should have. And so, Zen had organized for them to all meet up once again during the evening hours.
However, the pharmacist had worked late hours and feared she would be tardy this time, so she ran as fast as she could to the special room. After catching her breath briefly when she came to a stop, she knocked twice loudly on the doors, but unlike last time, no one answered. She waited another moment and knocked again, wondering if she should wait for them outside. But she had a better idea.
Pulling at the handles, she managed to open the heavy doors and slip inside. The room looked just like it had last week, if not exactly the same; the table set up for four, the buffet on the opposite side of the room, the chandelier hanging with its dewdrop-like lights from the ceiling. Realizing that she really had been the first to arrive this time, Shirayuki took the liberty upon herself to gather teacups and fill them all with the other's favorites that she had found out from last time. She made sure to place the glass of milk on the opposite side of Mitsuhide's seat, away from Zen and was just finishing preparing Kiki's Earl Gray tea when the doors suddenly opened. Shirayuki turned to see all three of her friends entering the room with smiles before they noticed her.
"Well this is an unexpected surprise." Mitsuhide grinned as they all made their way to the table.
"Good evening, Mitsuhide-san, Kiki-san." She smiled. "Hi Zen."
"Greeting the aides so formally and the prince so casually." He mumbled to himself. But in a way he was happy that she could be so informal with him, unlike everyone else.
"Did you prepare tea for us?" Kiki asked, noting the cup in Shirayuki's hands.
"Ah, yes." The other girl replied. "I just didn't want to sit here and do nothing while I waited for you all so I thought I'd get you some tea. I hope that's okay." She just realized that it was sort of out of the ordinary to serve the tea before the meal.
"Of course it's okay." Zen patted her shoulder once before taking his seat across from hers. "Let's start out with tea for a change." The others all nodded in agreement and took their seats. They all picked up their cups and took sips simultaneously. Shirayuki blushed when all of her friends glanced up at her with odd expressions on their faces.
"Did I do something wrong?" she fretted. "I hope it doesn't taste weird."
"No it's not that." Zen's eyes seemed to be focused on some far-off place. "Quite the opposite, it actually tastes really good."
"That's because Shirayuki was the one to make it for you." Mitsuhide elbowed him in the stomach and Zen whipped his head around to glare at him.
"But all teasing aside," Mitsuhide laughed. "It really does taste better somehow." He said, staring down at his Oolong tea.
"W-Well, I just added in a few things." Shirayuki fought back her embarrassment fervently as her companions gave her curious stares. "I took some of the parsley from the buffet toppings and some spices and honey and mixed them in to enhance the flavors." She shifted her shoulders.
"As expected from you." Kiki smiled. "Just the perfect touch from the pharmacist. It's delicious." She complimented, taking another sip.
"I'll say." Zen did the same and brought his cup to his lips. Then, as he placed it back down he realized something. "Hey, Shirayuki?"
"Yes?"
"I didn't have tea last time." He recalled. "So how did you know that Green tea was my favorite?" he asked.
"Ah…well…" the red-haired girl blinked. "I'm actually not too sure. I just had the feeling that you liked it somehow."
"Women's intuition never fails." Kiki stated.
"She knows you really well, huh, Zen?" the other boy taunted quietly. "It's almost like the two of you are destined."
"Would you shut up?" Zen hissed back.
"Well then," Shirayuki's voice broke the two boys away from their quarrel. "The flavor of the tea is designed to sooth your stomachs, but if you eat after drinking it, the flavors of the food will also be enhanced."
"Then let's get our meals." Kiki stood and the others did the same.
They filled their plates and began eating.
"Wow!" Mitsuhide's eyes widened. "The food really does taste better."
"I'm glad." The pharmacist smiled. She twirled a forkful of spaghetti, powdered in cheese, and popped it into her mouth.
"Would you like some pasta with your cheese?" Kiki chuckled, looking down at her friend's plate, which was like clumps of yellow swirls blanketed in snow.
"S…Sorry. I just can't help myself." Shirayuki blushed. "It's so good."
"You know what else is good?" Mitsuhide placed the glass from earlier in front of Zen. "Milk."
"Would you leave me alone?" Zen barked, his eyebrows twitching in annoyance again.
"Now, now, no need to complain."
"I'm not complaining. You're just getting on my nerves!"
"As I've said," Kiki whispered as the boys continued to squabble. "Children." Shirayuki got a sense of déjà vu from last time and laughed. After a little more taunting and laughter, they all finished up their food.
"Oh, Shirayuki?" Zen spoke up. "I've been meaning to ask you this, but is there any food that you don't like? I always try to keep people away from those kinds of things."
"Well I'm not allergic to anything…" she thought for a moment. "But I was never a fan of grapes for some reason. They always made me ill."
"Really?" he asked, intrigued. "I never would have guessed. I find them sweet and delicious."
"And I feel that way about milk." She smirked.
"Touché." He laughed. "Come on. Let's get some dessert." The four rose again and returned to the buffet. Instead of cake, this time warm pie had been prepared for them by the chefs, and as they sat back down they compared flavors.
"Ah." Kiki bit into a piece of pumpkin pie. "So Shirayuki likes cherry-flavored?"
"Yes." She beamed. "I've always loved cherries, ever since I was a little girl."
"But they can't compare to blueberry!" Mitsuhide chanted.
"I think they can." She narrowed her eyes with a smirk.
"Is that a challenge?" he smirked back.
"Really now, Shirayuki," Kiki scolded. "Must I save you from his childish behavior as well? I failed to do so with Zen, however."
"Hey." Said prince grumbled.
"Then what flavor did Zen get?" Shirayuki asked curiously.
"Apple." He smiled. "It's always been my favorite."
"I see." She returned his smile. They finished off their desserts and Shirayuki then offered them more of her specially prepared tea, which they all eagerly accepted. The four sipped their drinks slowly to savor the tastes. "You know, anytime you want some just let me know." The pharmacist told them. "I could even give you the remedy."
"Thanks." Zen replied. "But I don't think it would be the same if it was prepared by anyone other than you." His light, ice-blue eyes met her emerald once and she suddenly forgot how to breathe until Kiki spoke up.
"Thank you for the tea, Shirayuki." The older girl smiled. "I'm going to get a bit of wine. Would anyone else like some?"
"Yes, please." The two boys answered.
"I'd like to try some as well." Shirayuki piped in. Zen gave her a confused stare. "What?" she pouted. "I am above the legal age, you know."
"No, I know that." He said. "But what do you mean you want to try some? You've never had it before?"
"N…No." She mumbled. "Is that something bad?"
"It is if you turn out to be a bad drunk." Mitsuhide added helpfully. They all glared at him.
Kiki returned with glasses for them all and took her seat once more.
"Cheers." Zen lifted his glass and his friends did likewise. The members of Clarines all took sips while the Tanburn visitor did nothing at first. Then, she slowly raised the glass to her lips and let some of the dark claret liquid slip down her throat. She recoiled at the sharp taste and put her glass back down, then reached for her Jasmine tea and washed the harsh taste down.
"No, huh?" Kiki asked.
"Mm mm." Shirayuki shook her head from side to side, crossing her arms over her stomach.
"Are you okay?" Zen asked her, putting his glass down.
"Yes, I'm fine. My stomach just feels funny from the odd taste." She reassured him.
She then glanced out the window to see that the moon was high in the sky, sliced into the shape of a thin, cat's claw to cast a faint light into the room to mix with the light of the chandelier. The others too seemed to realize that it was getting rather late and they all somehow came to the silent agreement to end their party here.
"I'm beat." Mitsuhide complained.
"Thank you for inviting us, Zen." Kiki murmured gratefully.
"Yes, thank you." Shirayuki added.
"And thank you all for coming." He smiled. "It was nice to be able to be together again and have some fun." They all reflected smiles, then began to clean up their plates and glasses. Suddenly, Shirayuki winced and Kiki glanced at her curiously, yet the red-haired girl quickly covered it up with a fake yawn.
"I-I'm sorry." She said hastily. "I'm suddenly feeling really tired all of a sudden, so I'm heading off to bed now." She smiled. "Good night." With a small bow to each of them, she staggered to the doors and tried to cover up her shakiness by straightening her posture and walking fast. Her friends watched her go as she disappeared through the doors.
"Something's obviously wrong." Kiki announced immediately.
"I know." The second prince replied. "I'm going to go check on her."
"Please do."
And with that, Zen bid the remaining pair goodnight and was off as well.
"And there he goes," Mitsuhide stepped up to stand beside Kiki. "Off and running after her."
"As it should be." She replied.
Zen ascended the small staircase to the next floor, where all of the rooms were.
He took the path he knew very well that led to Shirayuki's door. He halted and knocked softly.
"Shirayuki? It's me." He called out. But it appeared that she had not heard him, for he was given no response aside from a small moan. "Shirayuki?" He slowly opened the door to her room and stepped inside, flicking on the light switch as he did so. The girl lay on her bed facing the ceiling, her arms holding her stomach.
"Ah! Zen!" she gasped as she recognized him. "Wh-Why are you here?" she stammered. But before she could hear his answer, a pang went through her stomach and she moaned again.
"That's why." He replied, walking over to her bedside. "What's wrong?" he asked, his blue eyes looking her over. Her breath was a bit ragged and her fingers clutched at her torso.
"I seemed to have forgotten," she wheezed. "That wine is made from grapes."
"Oh no." Zen smacked himself in the forehead. "I didn't even realize…I'm sorry."
"No it's not your fault at all." She assured him. "I mean I'm the one who's known it all my life. I just got a bit careless and it slipped my mind."
"Yes but I'm responsible as well considering that you had just told me about how it makes you sick."
"Don't worry about it." She tried to smile up at him, but he could tell it was forced. "Let's just both get some sleep and we'll feel better in the morning."
Just then, Zen got an idea. "Okay. I'll stay here until you fall asleep."
"Ah, n-no. You don't have to do that. I wouldn't want to trouble you."
"Shirayuki." He sat down on the edge of her bed and took one of her hands in his and pressed two fingers against her wrist. "Slowly close your eyes for 60 seconds. And don't open your eyes in the middle of it."
"Zen-"
"Come on." He urged her with a smirk. Shirayuki sighed and did as she was told. Within seconds, she was fast asleep. "Works every time, huh?" Zen mumbled satisfactorily to himself.
He then let go of her hand and walked over to her desk where she kept all of her medicinal books, logs, and journals, as well as several small bottles full of water, spices and other various things as indicated by labels. "Sorry for intruding." Zen murmured as he began flipping carefully through one of the books. He was relieved to find that what he was looking for was something so simple. He walked over to her window, where she kept several pots of small plants growing. Matching the plants to pictures in the book, the prince plucked off a few leaves off of a dark green plant. He then placed it in one of the small bottles, added some water, and honey and mixed it all together before smiling triumphantly. He placed the bottle of medicine on her desk and closed the book he had been using for reference, but he closed it a bit too loudly and Shirayuki stirred and opened her eyes.
"Zen…why are you still here?" she asked. Then she cringed as she was brought back into the world of the waking and could feel her stomachache again.
"You don't seem happy to see me." He gave a tiny smirk.
"Ah no! Of course I am." She said quickly. He chuckled.
"Here." He sat back on the chair at her desk beside her bed and held up the bottle.
"You…you made me medicine?" she asked, feeling a little flattered.
"Well you did seem to be in pain." He replied. "And I can't stand seeing anyone that way. Especially not you." Her cheeks flushed. "And you also did the same for me last time."
"Yes but, it's my job as the pharmacist. You're the prince."
"Humor me." He requested. "Now, come on, sit up."
Shirayuki pushed herself up slowly, the pain in her stomach spreading like poison as she moved. Zen placed a hand on her back to help support her and kept it there, for she was leaning back heavily and he feared if he removed his hand she would fall back and hit her head on the headboard. With his other hand, he placed the bottle in her palm. "I promise I did it right." He vowed. "I re-read the recipe several times."
"I trust you." She smiled up at him before drinking the concoction. "It was perfect. Maybe you should drop the title of 'prince' and come to work being a pharmacist with me." She jested, handing him back the empty bottle where he placed it back on her desk.
"That'll be the day…" He made sure his voice was sarcastic, but a small part of him wondered what it would be like to be able to work beside her every day. "Do you feel any better?" he asked.
"Yes, actually." She smiled. "From the medicine you made me and I also think that part of it was from your visit."
"I'm glad." He slowly laid her back down. "Does it still hurt?"
"Only a little now. Not as much as before, thanks to you." Her eyes and lips sent him gratitude.
"Good. Then try and get some sleep now. And stay asleep." He added. "I promise I won't wake you up this time."
"Okay." She chuckled. "Thank you, Zen."
"No problem." He reached forward and rested his palm on her stomach, tracing small circles. Shirayuki immediately longed to close her eyes under his soothing touch. "It's a proven fact that you'll feel better if someone rubs your stomach when it hurts, you know."
"Where did you learn that?"
"One of your books."
"I see." She laughed, finally letting her eyelids fall. But before she could doze off she remembered something and reopened them. "Oh, Zen?"
"Yes?"
"You said you love apples right?"
"I did say that." He recalled. "They've always been my favorite." He then lightly brushed his fingers through her red hair.
"Good." She smiled and repeated his own words back to him. "Then I'll make sure there's plenty in your future."
Their gazes locked briefly.
Then, Zen leaned down and kissed her soft, apple-red tresses.
"Thank you." He replied happily.
The girl soon fell asleep shortly afterwards with a smile still on her face.
With some final words of goodnight, he flicked off the lights and slipped out of her room, as the moonlight cut through the shadows.
A/N: Okay a couple things need to be noted now.
First, hope you liked it :3 Second, literally an HOUR after I finished writing this, I realized that there was a time in chapter 11 where Shirayuki did in fact drink wine and get drunk (so either I can re-write this or you can bear with me and pretend it never happened XD whichever is fine with me, really). Third, to prove that Zen always liked apples, refer to the beginning of chapter 16 of the manga ;3. Fourth, see? I told you the end of chapter 1 would make more sense if you read this one!, and fifth, Shirayuki I feel your pain! I love cheese too! And my family would always tell me to 'have some pasta with my cheese' X'D
Thank you all and please review!