Note:

Well hello guys, Troublesome-monkey-dono signing in.

Yeah, I learned quickly that I literally have no expectations or direction with this story. I'm literally just writing whatever I feel like or want to happen to them at this point. So, uh, let's get on with it. Read, review and enjoy!

Chapter 3: Beginnings

Their relationship does not begin with a first kiss. Frankly, Soma wasn't sure where it began. The two had continued where they left off it seems, seemingly more comfortable pretending that the kiss had not happened in the first place. And for the most part, it was fine with the both of them. At least he thought so until he realized that Tadokoro had placed an invisible barrier between them. He only realized it belatedly when Tadokoro, whose cute flustered personality, began to panic at the thought of being alone with him. So, for the better part of the week following that night, she had made it a point to be in his companionship only when there were others with them.

And once he came upon that conclusion, he couldn't help but feel upset. It wasn't as if he would particularly enjoy the thought of Tadokoro walking on egg shells in his presence, but it bothered him more to think that she felt there was even a need to do it. Tadokoro has been his first friend in Totsuki Academy. Even more so, she became his go to partner. There was never a question on who he would choose to cook with. Admittedly, yes, he does enjoy cooking with others as it allows him to trade about skills, recipes and experiences with them. However, he finds that the best experience was often challenging another cook. To challenge one meant the opportunity to gain even more experience by facing the best quality of work this cook can give. This is a marked difference, he thinks, when it comes to actually cooking with another cook. To cook with another meant another type of intricate dance. It was more intimate, more passionate, and something he knows he enjoys the best with Megumi Tadokoro.

So, with the typical Yukihira fashion, he decides to confront her about it. The opportunity comes much faster than he expects it to. The group departs after a wonderful dinner, courtesy of Isshiki – senpai, and part ways to accomplish different goals. He spies Megumi shyly move away quickly, scurrying down the corridor in an attempt to perhaps slide away unnoticed. But, he follows unperturbed by her actions and shadows her like a ghost. It is simple, he finds, to sneak behind her just as she swings open her dorm door. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, he couldn't help but be amused when she let out an animated sigh and relaxed her frigid posture once she thought she was in the clear.

"Neh Tadokoro," he let out, letting his breath hit the back of her neck as he leaned down, "I think it's time we talk." Amused, he began to chuckle when she essentially jumped a foot in the air in fright before trying to launch herself forward in an ill-fated attempt to get away from him. However, if anything, he didn't enjoy particularly running after Megumi when it was high time he confronts her over something so…well, natural.

"Soma- kun! I…uh….eek!" she eventually squawks as his lean, toned arms curled around her waist. Biting her lip, she allowed him to carry her to the bed, depositing her on it lightly before practically climbing on top of her. The mortification dawns on her when she realizes that Soma has an unnatural look on his face, a certain gaze he only uses when he is in the midst of an exciting competition. His face is fierce, amber eyes glinting with such passion and determination as his lips set into a fine line. Under his gaze, she feels herself shrink, feeling more naked than ever. It was unnerving.

Still, there was a shot of pride that came through from the hazy pools of her mind and she couldn't help but be more than just a bit peeved at the thought of Soma committing such an action without her consent. Deciding to take charge of the situation, she pressed her hands on his torso and gave a gentle shove, signaling that she was more than uncomfortable with the situation. She kept a pout on her face, a gentle frown marring it as she gazed up at him in triumph. No, she will not talk to him this way.

And she was more than surprised when she spots Soma's face. His fierce attitude seemed to roar for the moment as his eyes glinted almost suspiciously. Yet, despite her actions, he made no move to climb off her. Instead, he leveraged his body, supporting himself with his elbows and knees, until his nose was a mere few centimeters from hers. "I think," he begins with a smirk, "we should talk like this so you won't get a chance to run away from me."

"Soma-kun!" she yells in protest, finally squirming under his frame, red – faced and panting as she tried to slide away.

Mm. His mind thought at the delicious sight. She was so cute to look at. So delectable. So…sexy. And at that thought, he suddenly felt his consciousness slam itself against his lust – filled musings. Don't do anything stupid Yukihira. Don't be a fucking rapist friend. What are you? So finally, he relents and eases off her almost hesitantly. Still, he takes hold of her hand gently and squeezes before pulling her up so they could both sit on top of her bed.

She lets out a gentle sigh of relief, her quivering hand squeezing his back gently. If anything, she felt more than happy to know that Soma liked her enough to respect her wishes. The mere thought of being truly intimate with him still scared her and at this point she was more than just happy with their friendship right now. She knew of course of the brewing crush she has spent with her mulling over forming an intimate relationship with him. But, she felt even more intimidated by that idea. Honestly, it scared her too much.

She didn't realize it until Soma bought her pale, delicate hands to his lips and gave it a small peck. "S-Soma-kun!" she quipped again, turning further crimson in his devilish gaze. She couldn't help it. The embarrassment churned within her and she felt herself feel faint at the action. Oh god, what was he doing to her?

"You've been avoiding me," he suddenly states as he brings his gaze up to her. And it's like his whole demeanor changes again. He is suddenly more serious, gazing upon her with such conviction and disappointment it was like being drenched with ice cold water. "I thought after that night we would be much closer." He let out an almost bitter smile, eyes narrowing at her slightly. "I guess I was wrong."

And the crushing guilt hits her like a wave. Oh god, she didn't mean to. She was just… It was more like… She was stumped. "I'm sorry," she whispers apologetically. "I didn't mean to stay away. I was just…"

She trails off in wonder as she picked at her mind for any sound reason that she could give. But as she ticks off her reasons in her head, it seemed even more farfetched than she previously thought. Confounded, her mouth gaped open and close for a respond, finally noticing that she had let the thought escape her all together. Why had she avoided him for so long? Was she embarrassed? Did she not know how to act around him? Yes, all of it was yes, but…why?

"I was scared," she finally admitted, keeping her gaze bowed as she fidgeted from her seat. "I… I didn't know how to act around you." Nervously, she twiddled with the ends of her braid, skillfully twirling it in her fingers as she spoke. "I…I'm sorry."

Soma's warm hand took hold of her twiddling hand as another bought fingers to her chin, deftly raising her head up to look at him. The look that he gave her made her melt. "Just act like yourself Tadokoro."

He hadn't expected her to cry. But, he spies the shining glint of her eyes as she blinks the tears away. Chuckling, he gathers her in his arms quickly and presses a kiss on her temple. He couldn't help it. Tadokoro was a gentle soul. One that was prone to weeping and extreme bouts of concern. "Don't cry," he whispers in her ear, "you're making me look bad."

In response, she lets out a watery giggle as she places her face against the crook of his left shoulder blade. In his arms, she always felt safe. She always felt loved and wanted. It was such a heartwarming experience. She knew she could stay in his arms forever if he permitted it. But this reality and the reality is nothing like that. So she pulls away and states, "You don't want to be in a romantic relationship with me. And…and that's okay Soma-kun. We're okay."

He is left stumped at her accusation. He didn't want what now? Who says? By whose authority says he didn't want to kindle a blooming relationship with her? "Uh…what?' he asks rather dumbly. He couldn't help it. This wasn't the answer he was expecting of her.

Biting her lip, she effectively cuts away from his probing gaze and turns her head away in shame. "We….we had a lot to drink that night…so…the kiss was just…that." She almost feels like she was saying this to convince herself that the kiss was certainly just a ruse. Yes, it was just an action caused by the timeless action of both alcohol and irrational teenage hormones. That this conversation was in fact useless because they could simply forget about it and move on. And yes, that she was completely fine with that.

And yes, it was all such a blatant lie she could feel the ugly bitterness in her own tongue before she could even utter those words. She knew that this was not a cause of alcohol or her own teenage impulses. That kiss was electric. There was a spark, she knew existed and caused her to turn into jelly before he could even touch her. It deepened, no cemented, her crush for him into a new formed fondness that she could almost call love. At least, for her it was.

But this was Soma. Soma, whose passion in life was cooking. Soma, who was talented, awe inspiring and determined to get to the top. Soma, whose brightness people flocked to due to awe and delight. Soma, who could do so much better than to settle with little old her. This was Soma, the guy that was always and will always be more than just a few steps above her. And that was fine, she was okay with that. Yes, she was okay. At least if she kept on telling herself that, than someday she will be.

She hadn't expected Soma to suddenly pull her forward, crashing his lips against her with such unrelenting fervor that she didn't have the energy to fight him off. In fact, she relished the moment when she felt his lips touch hers. There it was again. That spark. "Nnh…," she moaned out as she felt his tongue probe her mouth open and plunder it so savagely she was surprised by his sudden fierceness.

For the most part, Soma enjoyed the way she responded to him. He loved the way her fingers curled against his chest and how she tentatively parted her mouth every time he boldly pushed to explore her. And there it was again, the intoxicating smell he loved wafting around him. Her taste, so sickeningly sweet, he couldn't get enough of it. It took him a gargantuan effort to just pull away from her mouth, only to slam back again with equal vitality as he experimentally licked her swollen lips. "Mmm…honey," he mumbled against her.

Gradually, he sought out other places as he started to wander about. He started with corners of her lips, trailing sideways to the curve of her jaw, the arch of her pale neck, down to the curve her exposed shoulder blades. He only barely sucked and nipped, but the taste of her and the soft sounds that reached his ears each time he discovered another sensitive area of her skin only enhanced his need to fulfill his knowledge about her. She twisted against him, squirming and tightening in response whenever his seeking breath fell on her skin. Soon, he had her humming in enjoyment as his lips began to trail dangerously low towards the hollow of her collarbones.

But Tadokoro had her values, albeit she was dangerously close to breaking them, she withheld and took a hold of his head gently. As she weaved her fingers in his reddish mane, she moaned out as he gave her a peck on her left upper breast before gasping out his name. "So – soma-kun! I- I…ngh…we can't…"

Breath hitching, Soma willed himself to pull away and take in her disheveled appearance. Her hair was frazzled and his finger twitched to remove her braids and run his hands through them again. He oddly felt pride as he took note of the love bites covering her pale skin before he zoned on her love bitten mouth. Oh yeah, he was good. Giving her a charming grin, he pulled her close and whispered in her hear heatedly, "Look Megumi, I'm not drunk. And I still want to kiss you."

Blinking, she shot him an cautiously disbelieving look. I don't want believe you. I can't believe you. Don't lie to me Soma. Please don't. I can't take it if you will.

"I'm not lying Megumi."

She took in a sharp intake of breath and held in before blowing it out softly. It helped lessen the sudden bout of anxiety and nausea that rocked within her. Shivering, she couldn't help but seek comfort in his arms. Before she knew it, she had her fingers in his feathery locks once more and she peered upon him with a bittersweet smile. She was trying, trying vainly, to convince herself that this was not a dream. That yes, this was indeed Soma Yukihira's head she was cupping between her palms as she slid her fingers down to trail down his cheeks. That he was in fact placing soft kisses on her hands, his eyes pointedly piercing her with is gaze.

This is happening right? This wasn't a dream right? …Is this actually happening? "Is this real?" she couldn't help but whisper breathlessly and his gaze flickered downwards to truly stare at her before she realized that she had indeed spoken out loud.

A subtle smirk found its way on his lips and he pulled her close as his hands pulled in her, letting them trail near the hem of her shirt where he played with the exposed flesh of her lower back. "This is happening," he confirmed for her as he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, "Now we nice enough to fulfill my dream."

"..your dream?" she gasped out, shivering as he placed well timed kisses on her lips, cheeks and jaws.

"Be my girlfriend Megumi," he murmured into her right ear before pressing another head kiss just below it. "Be mine."

Their first week as boyfriend and girlfriend was, to put it simply, awkward and embarrassing. Soma was all for acting the same. To him, it was simply another day with some added perks that came with the benefit of having a girlfriend. For one, sneaking in and stealing unnoticed kisses was an added perk that he enjoyed. He liked the way Tadokoro would react to his actions, choosing to chastise him lightly as her face bloomed to such a crimson shade he couldn't help but think that it was almost a natural color on her face with how long she was wearing it this week.

Another added perk he found was the close proximity he had to work with her. It was in these small moments did he see the tiny quirks of habit that just made it impossible for him not to love her even more. He liked her best when she was in deep thought, concentrating on yet another dish to make. She had the habit of staring out in a determined daze, eyes wandering off into nothing, her small mouth mumbling to herself, and her hands cupped close to her chest. He liked how her nose with scrunch up when she had an afterthought she was not particularly happy about. He liked when she would perk up, eyes brightening and widening in response. And he was in love with the smile she would emit afterwards when she was in her determined streak. Yes, it was refreshingly exhilarating.

Megumi on the other hand was not as comfortable with the shift of dynamics as he had previously thought. While she no longer avoided his presence, she certainly minded the sudden touches of intimacy he would initiate. When he moved to take her hand, she would squeak and long around before accepting it. She would shyly maneuver around him if he drew her in for a kiss if they were in the presence of people. Really, if there were people, she was not at all comfortable with the sudden touches. And to him, it was abnormal.

He was not a relationship expert per say, but he knew well enough that couples did display small touches of affection in public. It wasn't as if he had initiated a make out session even he could be embarrassed about. However, at the same time, he knew that it was simply because she was not use to the idea of them being more than just friends. And that was fine. At least, he'll be fine with it. He accepted that idea for now. After all, Alice and Ryo were not a public couple as well.

Often times, there were little hints they were ever a couple. Alice stayed the same, trudging about with Ryo following like her personal body guard. There were few times they had ever initiated contact in public. So, Soma supposed, it would be the same for Megumi and him. And yes, that's fine. Okay, it wasn't fine to him. It wasn't, but he'll get used to it. Eventually.

"Oh! Good evening you two!" He was cut of his musing by the sound of Alice Nakiri's voice behind them. Hesitantly, he turned to see Alice and Ryo sauntering over. As always, it seemed that Alice was in a rather exuberant mood as she waved at them enthusiastically. "What are you two up to?" she questioned innocently as they met.

"Hey how's it going?" he replied with a grin, "Tadokoro and I were just talking and evening walk." And perhaps, his mind added snidely, in the dark they could hold hands with the dusky evening somehow helping in hiding their identities to the public. Anything to keep her at ease, despite the fact that he could almost hear his father practically sneer at him in judgement. Seriously Soma? What are you doing?

"Oh?" Alice said with a gleaming smile. Her crimson eyes steered directly to Megumi, who couldn't help but take a step back in nervousness. While Alice was entirely much nicer than her cousin, there was a certain aspect to her that always made people uneasy.

"Good evening Nakiri-san, Kurokiba-san," Megumi greeted politely with a small bow. Wringing her hands together, she couldn't help but step closer to Soma who discreetly placed a warm hand behind her back for support. She couldn't even begin to understand how content and pleased Soma felt at this moment.

Still, the little action was not missed by the pale girl's sharp eyes and Alice's grin widened even more. "Oh, I see, I see," she nodded her head understandingly, "how cute!" Clapping her hand excitedly, she couldn't but giggle in amusement. "Yukihira-kun, this is the little lady you laid a kiss on I presume?" She tilted her head in curiosity, watching with utter amusement as the two suddenly squirmed under her gaze.

"Uhm…"

"Nakiri-san! It's not - ! We're not - !"

Waving her hand to brush it aside, Alice only let out a twinkling laugh. "Oh don't be so modest!" she exclaimed, "I'm happy for you two!" And with one blink, she had managed to swipe Megumi away from Soma's grasp, swiftly pulling her to the side exclaiming that they simply must talk in private. He mildly heard her mention something about girl talk, before his own mind blocked the droning that he was sure Megumi was getting grilled on.

"Uh…," he let out slightly confused. Turning to his side, he stared as the girls stopped a considerable distance away before he turned back to Ryo who was standing nearby. For the most part, the cook didn't seem all that interested in what was happening. He had his hands stuffed deep in his pockets, shoulders slumped, and his panda eyes peered at the insect on the concrete walk past them. "So," Soma said trying to cut the tension, "what's happening with you?"

"Not much," Ryo drawled back with a small shrug.

And that was that. It seemed like the man was not one to start a conversation and he was certainly not one do mindless rambling. But it is in this moment, Soma feels the frustration make its way to the surface and he lets it out without meaning to. "How do you do it man?" he asks allowed, keeping his eye trained to where the girls were chatting.

"Mm?"

"The whole relationship thing," Soma clarifies. "Like, yeah, we got together. We kissed. And she's still not comfortable with me! I want to hold her hand in public! I want to kiss her while were walking without her pushing me away! I want the whole she-bang ya know?" he swivels to look at the man in question, only to find himself surprised when the raging beast that is known as the demon lord of all seafood had mad his appearance. He wasn't sure when Ryo even placed the red bandana on his forehead, but it was there to say it seems.

At that moment, he watched as Ryo sneered at him, throwing his head back in disgust. "Who the fuck are you asking me about yer damn woman?!" he demanded, "Get some balls and ask her yourself!"

"I did ask her," Soma clarified with a huff, "and she said she wasn't comfortable."

"Then there you go genius," Ryo quipped back with a growl.

"What I meant to say was, how do I make it so she wouldn't be uncomfortable?"

And for once Soma was surprised when Ryo remained silent. For a moment, he thought he had heard an answer but it was simply the girls squealing over something or other. He briefly heard the word Penis and Soma, but he wasn't quite sure what Alice was saying. So, he simply turned back to Ryo who looked more brazen and fuming silently to himself, before daring to ask, "Got any advice?"

Ryo perked for a moment before a deep seated grin settled into his face. He turned to look at Alice for a moment and it dawned on Soma there was something else in that fierce gaze that was so inherently filled with passion and…something that Soma could only dream he had could imitate. "There's a reason Milday and I stayed together for so long," he finally answered before settling his gaze to him.

Eyes narrowing and feeling a small bout of excitement erupt for him, Soma nodded and pressed on. "Yeah? How long were you together?"

"Three years."

"Th…three years!?"

"What? Surprised?" Ryo jeered.

"Duh." Really, Soma couldn't believe it. Three years. They've been lovers for three years. How is that even possible? Was that even possible? The Nakiri family didn't strike Soma as the type to simply just allow members of their family to just get together with anyone. Well actually, perhaps Ryo had been adopted into the family before they got together, but still there always seemed to be this inherent slave-master relationship between the two that eased its way to the surface. It was surprising, even doubtful, that the two had easily moved past such a relationship without causing scorn within the family ranks. But…perhaps…is that the reason they keep their relationship under wraps?

"We're not keep it a secret," Ryo cuts his thoughts away quickly, "but relationship is our business." And he ends the conversation quickly enough, effectively cutting Soma from any other sort of question he could possibly bring up. And while he was gruff, Soma felt that he could respect the man enough to understand where what he meant. Yes, indeed, their relationship was their business.

"But I wonder," Ryo suddenly brings up as he turns to fully face him. He has that certain look on his face again when he's taking on a challenge. It's feral and aggressive just as akin to his personality. "I wonder if you two could even reach our level." He says it with such amusement Soma couldn't help the anger that rises with in him. He's a sore loser, he admits as much and he feels his pride being crushed at the moment. It was as if Ryo knew that their relationship seemed to be doomed to stagnate, with Tadokoro always feel uncomfortable and him just doing a shitty job at being a boyfriend. It was as if he just knew…and he wanted to laugh at their failure.

Hell no. "Is that a challenge?" Soma hisses back as his own excited grin crashes into his face. He smells it. Ryo is practically smacking him on the face with it. He was waving the challenge to his face.

Shrugging, Ryo flexes his arms as he brings his hands to the back of his head. He leaned back casually as he spies Alice and Tadokoro make their way back. Judging by the look on his lovers face, she had all the information she needed. So he threw Soma another biting grin, "You scared to lose?"

"Bring it!" Soma yells back with equal fervor. His hand was already clenching his own white bandana, as though he meant to have his own display of power. However, that moment was stolen from him once the girls arrived. He turned to see Megumi was practically withering where she stood, flustered and red-faced. She merely took a hold of his arm, tugging him as though she meant to say, can we please go? Relenting, he turned back to the couple in question who were smirking back at them.

Jaw clenching, he grabbed hold of her hand securely earning himself a gasp and yelled, "Let's go Tadokoro! We have a lot of work to do!" Without he dragged her away, pointedly ignoring the questioning looks he earned from his own girlfriend. Still, she followed him after giving the two a wave goodbye. Gritting his teeth, Soma huffed as they stalked around the corner. He'll show them. They'll make it past three years! Hell yeah they will!

"Uh….Soma-kun!?" he heard Tadokoro say as she eased her hand away from his grasp. Feeling ill for the moment, he was forced to turn to her, only to find her looking less and less confused and more than a little uncomfortable. "What happened?" she ventured to ask, taking note of the fired up appearance he had. "Did Kurokiba-san challenge you to a Shokugeki?"

He didn't even bother answering her correctly as he leaned in swiftly to capture a kiss on her lips before she could sputter and push him away. He pressed an open palm towards her backside, sweeping her closer to him. "God, you make me feel stupid," he gasped into her mouth as she tried to form more words. As her lips parted, he seized the opportunity and slipped his tongue inside, taste her again. He felt the sensitive shocks, sparking in waves in his stomach and tighten his chest. The feeling was euphoric. And it was never enough. More, he needed more of her. And for now, it seemed Megumi allowed it as she snuggled up against him, trying her best to return the favor. Yes, yes, they're going to make it.

Unbeknownst, to them, they still had spectators watching. While the path was relatively free of people at this time, Alice and Ryo had slinked back and to follow the newly formed love birds. "Oh my," Alice giggled as a hand went up to cover her mouth, "they're going at it aren't they?" She tried to sneak in closer, pressing against the bush they hid in as her pale hands pushed away the stray branches, "I thought they would at least last until they go back to the dorm. What do you think Ryo?"

"Aa," the man responded behind her. He had reverted back to usual monotone self as he watched the couple press firmly against each other with a sense of boredom. He wasn't particularly interested in the display as he was with Alice flashing her black laced panty his direction as she struggled about. He stared at her perfectly pale bottom for a moment, before reaching over and pulling her towards him.

"Hm?" Alice muttered as she turned her head to face him, "was this your doing?"

"Who knows?"

Alice chuckled as she leaned over to caress his face with one of her hands. Letting her finger trace his dark circles, she gave him a small peck on the cheek. "Good boy."

Note:

Uh yes, so, this chapters done. Like I said, I had no generally direction on what I wanted to do, so I just wrote until I thought this was a good enough output. I should probably plan more huh? Hopefully, I captured the characters better this time. I still feel like….I'm not getting their true personalities correctly. I don't know. Maybe it's just me.

Anyway, you may notice that I've literally been posting quite fast. I don't know when this streak will end. I just had enough time on my hands to actually write. We shall see. Anyway, for now, cheers! Please read and review. It would be nice to get insight and honestly, I have no idea what to write anymore. So please! Ideas are very much welcome!

So thank you! Troublesome – monkey – dono signing out.