Author's Note: No I have not died. Sorry to disappoint. Don't own anything either.
Mistress of the House
Kanae didn't actually remember whose idea this was, but at this point it didn't matter. They were all co-conspirators now and all three of them looked like they were going to be in deep trouble for a while. Kanae was terrified about what her mother would do when they got home, but she didn't entirely regret her actions either. It was strange that she could remember just an hour ago when she was so proud of herself, Katagiri Kanae, master of the Ishida kitchen. She had been so clever and mature, getting the kitchen all to herself all so they could eat and play together.
Years from now Kanae might be considered quite a good cook, but at age 11 she was still learning. None the less she was proud of herself for each culinary success, and was working toward improving her skills. Kanae tended to be in the background, to be the support, but she liked winning almost as much as Ryuuken, and for very similar reasons. When often ignored by ones parents, a hint of praise is like a ray of sunshine. When made powerless by hollows, rules, secrets, every small victory is like conquering a mountain. Being in control of that kitchen was the biggest power trip that she had gotten for the longest time. Success made all the sweeter because it made them happy too.
Ryuuken had fussed the first couple of times, that Masaki and himself should not be in the kitchen like servants, but that didn't stop him from following along (to protect them of course, because there are so many dangers in the kitchen that Kanae and Masaki might need a 11-year-old Quincy protege to protect them from). Kanae had learned that Ryuuken had a natural weak spot, when both Masaki and she wanted to do something, no matter how many rules were violated; all three of them would end up doing it. Maybe it was all in her head, but Kanae felt that Ryuuken liked watching her act all confident and in charge. Well, she knew he liked that big goofy grin that would come on Masaki's face.
Masaki was a glutton. She loved food, and she ate a ton of it. All the food explained all the energy, because Masaki was not the type of girl to sit still and pay attention for long periods of time. If Masaki was too still or quiet for any length of time, she was either very sad or off daydreaming in Masaki world. Not at Masaki couldn't concentrate or relax or…Masaki was Masaki, there was no point trying to put it in words because it wasn't like they would want her any other way. Ryuuken loved to spoil Masaki, and Katagiri found herself enjoying it to. That girl has a talent for the puppy dog eyes, and when Kanae would make her something, well stronger men and women than Kanae, have been charmed by the pure adorableness that is a happy Masaki.
Kanae had just been laying out the ingredients, when the true mistress of the Ishida House had found them. It had been harmless fun: Kanae learning to cook, Masaki getting to eat, and Ryuuken getting to relax and play with them instead of endless training and studying. After the lecture, Kanae could not imagine that any of them were completely free of the sense of guilt for just trying to have fun and relax. Kanae hated being a Gemischt Quincy. All she wanted to do was spend time with her friends, why did that have to be such a crime.
Next time she would do better. There would be not more playing in the kitchen, but Kanae was still Ryuuken's servant and protector. She wasn't going to give up on making him smile. Not if it was the last thing she did.