I have taken a few liberties
Soma's mom was the best chef in the world.
Soma's mom died in childbirth.
Erina's dad went away before her mom (still abused just by her mom instead.)
Everything else I changed is slight.
I do not own Shokugeki no Soma*
Soma came tumbling downstairs as soon as he smelled his father's cooking. He ran into the kitchen, and his dad was cooking cold soba. "Why are you cooking right now? We closed hours ago?" He asked his father.
"We have guests coming over; here, let me see the injury," Joichiro said. Soma walked towards the older man. He checked the bloody mess that formed a scar. "Well, we should go to the hospital tomorrow to remove the stitches." Soma nodded. "Which reminds me, shouldn't you be asleep?"
"I couldn't help it, and your cooking is at fault here," Soma said. "Want me to help?"
"No, but if you want, you can cook your own," Joichiro said, and Soma's fire lit. Soma put on his headband and got to work. He was so focused on it that it reminded Joichiro of the boy's mother. His son looked like her: his fiery red hair, his concentration on his dish, and his clothes. He prepared the dishes. The door opened, and three people Soma did not recognize walked in. "Soma, are you done with your dish?" He heard some rustling from the kitchen.
"I'm done," he called back. He came out, put his dish on a table, and bowed to show respect.
"He's so respectful; are you sure he is yours?" A woman said to Joichiro.
"I have to agree," A muscular man said.
"Oh, come on, I wasn't that bad," Joichiro said. "Anyway, Soma, these are my friends. The one to the left is Riko, the one in the middle is Senzaemon, and the one on the left is Gin."
"Hi, I'm Soma; I'm seven years old," he said. A little girl popped out from behind the old man.
"Oh, looks like the princess came too," Joichiro said. "This is Erina."
"Hi," she was still hiding behind Senzaemon.
"Hi," he said. They all laughed at the awkward atmosphere. "Do you guys want to eat?" They were still laughing but nodded. Joichiro brought his dish out, and Soma brought it. "Tell me your thoughts on this dish." They all tried Joichiro's dish first. Riko was transported to the Arctic as she was getting warmed by the noodles as the noodles encased her in them.
"Joichiro is as good as ever," Riko said. Joichiro smiled as he brought them drinks.
"What do you think, little lady?" he asked.
"It's really good, I can't taste any flaws in your cooking," Erina exclaimed.
"Flaws?" Soma asked.
"Ah, yes, the little lady has a unique condition where she can taste any flaw in a dish," Joichiro explained.
"Does it cause you any pain?" Soma asked. The sincerity of the question caused her little heart to speed up.
"Not usually," she started. "But if food is super bad, then sometimes." He looked concerned. "But you don't need to worry if your father is this good." He nodded; he put his dish in front of them and gave a bit to his dad. Gin tried some and immediately was thrust into the bottom of the Mariana trench as he struggled to breathe, and the pressure was so delightful. As the noodles grabbed his arms he felt something digging into his sides.
"You had tempura pieces in this," Joichiro and Gin said simultaneously.
"Not bad, kid," Joichiro said.
"So, how was it?" Soma asked. Soma was mainly directing it at one person. Erina was thinking about deciding on something, and finally, she talked to Senzaemon. He laughed and nodded.
"First off, it was good, but it was missing something. I can't put my finger on it. Secondly, I want you to work for me," Erina finally said. She looked at him as if she was pleading with him.
"I'm sorry, but I can't," Soma started. "I need to stay with my dad and help out with this place." She began lowering her head. "But if I am available, we can meet if that's OK with you?"
"Yes," she said very fast. Her cheeks were burning after she responded. Everyone laughed while she pouted.
"Soma, why don't you show the little lady around," Joichiro said. Soma nodded. He stuck out his hand as Erina grabbed it, giggling the whole time.
"This is not what I had in mind when I brought her," Senzaemon said. "Hopefully, Soma will take care of her."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Joichiro said.
"It's cute," Riko said. "They're adorable together."
"I have to agree," Gin started. "How's life been, Joichiro?"
"Hard, but my kid keeps it interesting," he continued. "He has been one of the only reasons I got myself through."
"I'm sorry," Riko said as she put her hand on his shoulder.
"How are you guys?" he said.
"So, how old are you?" Soma asked.
"I'll be seven in one month," she said. She was still holding Soma's hand. She liked the feeling of it. Soma was leading them through the house. Erina, for some reason, was lagging. Soma looked to where she was looking.
"I'm sorry," Soma said as he let go. "I didn't realize we were still holding hands."
"It's fine," she said with a smile. "Could we see your room?"
"Sure," Soma said. Soma guided Erina through the house to his room. He put his hand on the doorknob and turned it. He opened the door.
"Is this your closet?" Erina asked.
"No?" Soma didn't understand what she was asking. "This is my room over there is my closet."
"Oh ok," Erina thought about what she said. "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it," he said. He let an awkward silence hang there."So is Senzaemon your grandfather?"
"Yes, he is the best grandfather ever; I love him," Erina said.
"How is your mom and dad?" Soma was curious.
"They're okay, I prefer spending time with my grandpa though," Erina said. "What about you? I know about your dad, but what about your mom?" He smiled a sad smile. He found it hard to speak about her since he didn't like talking about her since he didn't know her.
"I never met her; she passed a minute after I was born," Soma said sadly. "From what I've been told, I remind them a lot of her." She didn't know what to do, so she hugged him.
"Erina, it's getting late, let's go!" Someone said.
"I'll walk you out," Soma said. He walked her out. "I hope you all enjoyed your stay; I hope to see you all again."
4 years later*
Erina locked her door and collapsed onto the floor. She pushed her head against the door. Erina closed her eyes and tried to breathe. She looked down at her arm. Her mom got her hands on a peeler, and it nicked her as it flew across the kitchen. It ripped open Erina's skin, so she went to bandage it up. Ever since her dad left, her mother went off the deep end. She looked at her phone and stared at it. She used all of her courage and sent a text to Soma, and she packed her bags and left through her window. She began crying while walking away.
She was waiting for the bus when she received a text, she didn't bother looking at it. She ended up thinking about her father. "How could he? How could he leave me?" She got on the bus, she was the only soul on there aside from the driver.
"Where to little lady?" he asked.
"Sumiredori shopping district, please," she said. Erina went to take her seat. She was exhausted, but she couldn't sleep, not yet. She hoped that Soma was awake. She stared at her arm, hoping he wouldn't ask. Erina just needed Soma right now. She was staring out the window during this, but she wasn't paying attention. Once she stopped daydreaming she realized she was five minutes away. She prepared to get off with all her energy.
"Little lady, here is your stop," he said. She thanked him and then got off. Erina was about to walk until she reached the restaurant, but someone was standing right by the exit of the bus. She came closer, but in fear stopped. He looked at her. She could recognize those two golden eyes anywhere. Even though it had been a while since they spoke face to face, she could never mistake those golden orbs. She ran to him and nearly tackled him to the ground. She could already feel more at ease than she had in a long time.
"What's wrong?" Soma asked while holding her. "I got your message." She just buried her face in his shoulder. "OK, you don't want to talk, but we should go to the restaurant." She nodded. He grabbed her bag and let her go first. He was worried about her. They got back to the restaurant and Erina opened the door. She was surprised to see Joichiro cooking in the kitchen.
"Hi little Erina," Joichiro said. "What do you want to eat?"
"Eggs please," Erina felt her stomach growl. She sat down.
"Do you want me to put this in my room?" Soma asked. She nodded. Soma went to his room and put the bag away. She foolishly left her arm uncovered on top of the table. Joichiro took notice once he brought her plate out.
"What happened?" Joichiro said as he was inspecting it.
"Nothing," she quickly tried to hide it.
"It doesn't look like nothing," Joichiro continued. "What happened?"
"My mom threw a peeler at me," she responded, trying not to look at it. "It doesn't hurt as bad as when it happened."
"This needs some more bandages," he said. "SOMA, GET BANDAGES!" He was still inspecting it. Soma grabbed them and came back to the restaurant. He saw the injury and winced. Soma looked at her, gold met amethyst, and held her hand. He felt her shake from fear and used his other hand to quell the shaking. He then slipped onto the other side of her and hugged her. She was beginning to tear up. She hadn't felt this warmth in her own family in a while. She ate in silence as the tears went rolling down her cheeks. She was on the verge of a mental breakdown and these two were all that stopped it. Joichiro smiled and brought her arm back to her. "Good as new, anything else?" Joichiro said. She shook her head as Soma was playing with her hair. "I'll call your grandfather and get this sorted out."
After a little while of sitting in silence, Erina was the first to speak up. "I'm a little surprised you came outside to greet me and didn't try to cook," she said. He moved his hand to the back of his head, and he had a little bit of a blush.
"Well, I wanted to be the first face that you saw instead of you getting here with no one to greet you," Soma continued. "I really did want to cook but-"
"No, he didn't cook because he was super concerned with your well-being," Joichiro laughed. "He went outside as soon as he got your text." Soma had a blush on his face, meanwhile, Erina was a tomato. "Anyway, your grandfather said he has everything under control, and you can stay here for as long as you want." She ran up to him and hugged him with so much gratitude.
"You can sleep in my room," Soma explained. She wanted to argue with him, but her body was about to give out on her. She decided against arguing and hugged him.
"Thank you," she went on. "You're the best friend anyone could ever ask for." She went into Soma's room and finally felt safe enough to sleep.
4 years after that*
Soma was busy cooking for his friends. Mayumi was the first to try anything he made, including the disgusting dishes, but she didn't mind in fact she was glad she got to do something for Soma. She was just hoping that this wasn't a disgusting dish; she still had nightmares about the last disgusting dish. Soma put her plate in front of her and waited for her to try it. Mayumi got a bit on her fork and took a bite.
She was in the warmth of the sun as she enjoyed playing beach volleyball with her friends, laughing and giggling as she had her mom calling her. It was just pure bliss, and she was so relaxed and calm. She was just enjoying it.
"So, how was it?" Soma asked, genuinely curious. A tear dropped from her. Soma was confused and concerned. The rest of the group gasped. "If my dish offended you, please tell me. This wasn't meant to be-"
"How?" Mayumi asked. Soma looked confused. She looked at him. "How did you pack so much love in this dish? How?"
"So you enjoyed it?" Soma said. "That's good, maybe, this will be the one." He got up to go back to the kitchen. Mayumi was confused by what he just said. He came out with two more.
"What did you mean?" Mayumi said. "When you said this will be the one?"
"Right, you haven't met Erina, yet," he said. "She is the best, she helps me with my cooking and… other problems, and I do the same for her." She thought about it, and there was a change in the way he talked about her. She smirked as she thought about it.
"So, tell me who are you closer to her or me?" Mayumi asked.
"Umm… look at the time," Soma wanted out of the situation. "I should get ready." She was left laughing. She thought about it.
Soma went to change and as that happened Erina walked in. Mayumi was still laughing. "Oh, I didn't realize anyone else was here," Erina said.
"Oh, you must be Erina," Mayumi said. "I'm Mayumi. Soma has been going on and on about you. I will say you are pretty."
"Oh, th- thank you," Erina blushed.
"What are you two doing?" Mayumi teased. "A date perhaps."
"No! It's not that, I don't think so at least."
"I'm just teasing, but you guys would be cute together."
"Thank you, but why are you here?"
"Soma wanted me to taste a dish for you. I told him it was delicious."
"Uggh, he's trying to get me to call one of his dishes delicious." Erina explained.
"Is that so bad?" Mayumi asked. "If I had someone so dedicated to me as to make me dishes trying to get me to say delicious, it would be heaven."
"I guess so."
"Ok, I better go, SOMA YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS HERE!"
"I… I told you we aren't like that!" Erina said.
"SHE ISN'T MY GIRLFRIEND!" Soma yelled back. Soma came back with a button up and black slacks. She whispered something to Erina, that made Erina's face look like a tomato. She waved bye to Soma and was off. "Sorry about her, she is one of my closest friends but she has a habit of teasing me."
"It's fine," Erina looked him up and down. "You look really good."
"Why do you say that like you're surprised?"
"It is surprising, I haven't seen you all dressed up before."
"Oh, well thank you, I wanted to dress up for you," he said while a hand came up to the back. "Why do I look weird?"
"No, nothing like that," Erina explained. "Just different, you look good." After a minute, she said. "Don't wear it for anyone else but me." He had a sly smile.
"Why? I thought we were going out?" Soma teased.
"Well that's different because I'm with you, but anytime I'm not, you can't dress like that."
"Why can't I?"
"Because I said so," she pouted.
"You are too cute, Erina."
"Since you like bullying me, I'll take my leave now."
"No, no Erina, I'm sorry, but you are adorable when you get embarrassed," Soma said. She burst out into laughter.
"I'm sorry, but you won't get rid of me that easily," Erina said as she grabbed his arm. "Let's go?"
"Before that, one thing," Soma continued. "I should ask you, would you like to go on a date with me?" Her eyes sparkled.
"Yes!" Erina screamed. Soma felt way more confident. He went in for the hug. She was more than happy to oblige. "What took you so long?"
"I was nervous," he said. "Shall we?" He put out his arm, she nodded and took his arm. They went out and just walked around. Soma stopped looking at something, which Erina noticed. Erina saw Soma staring at a knife. She stole Soma's gaze back.
"So what do you want to do?" Erina asked.
"I don't really know," he said. "This just gives me an excuse to walk with the prettiest girl I've ever seen." She stopped and looked suspicious. "What?"
"You are way too good at this," she started. "Are you sure I'm your first girlfriend?" He nodded.
"I've known you for about 8 years," he said. "So, of course, I would catch onto the little things." They walked back having thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Erina looked as if she wanted to say something.
"Umm, if you want to come to Totsuki, I can make my grandfather accept you," she was blushing as she said this. "I mean only if you want to."
"I would love to, but isn't it a bit too late?" He asked.
"It's fine, plus it's not like we are a week out, we're a month out so it should be fine," she said.
The door opened, and Joichiro walked through it. "What's up, kiddos?" He said. "Soma, I'm leaving here so you can't stay here. You'll be going to Totsuki." Soma and Erina looked at each other and laughed. "What's so funny?" They just laughed harder.
"Quick question, am I allowed to open the restaurant every now and then?" Soma said.
"As long as your girlfriend comes with you, you can," Joichiro said. Soma looked as if he was about to argue, but decided against it.
"Thank you, dad," he went to hug his dad. Erina saw this and couldn't help but smile.
"I leave in the next 2 weeks," Joichiro explained. Soma nodded and walked Erina out. Soma and Erina held hands as Erina said a quick goodbye as they were leaving.