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''Erina, don't run from me. We have to change the world of Gourmet together.'' A dark deep voice called out. Erina didn't listen though. She just tried to run. Get away from him as far as possible, but no matter how fast she ran. The dark corridor seemed to strech more and more with each step she took. Her strength vanishing quicker than she could comprehend. The steps from behind her grew louder, and louder. Ringing in her ears, and sending shivers of fear down her spine. She couldn't do anything, but eventually fall to her knees as the rest of her energy had been fully drained. She struggled to breath, and clutched at her chest. Her heart and soul screamed for her to keep running. Find a way to slip away from his gaze and intent to take her away. There was no way she could though, her body was at it's end.
''Ah. I caught you.'' The voice now right behind her, as her whole body shook. If the last pieces of her resolve she had gotten because of her friends weren't there she probably would have passed out by now. Erina didn't want to but something made her head slowly turn. Fear going through every bone, before she finally saw that grin filled with the most evil intents of using his own daugther. Azami Nakiri, stood above her. Reaching out to grab a tiny lock of her hair, and rub his thumb over it. She wanted to scream...punch, or do anything to voice her fear of him, but the small side that was still corrupted in her kept her from it. Made her obey. Turn her into his puppet, as she just sat there on her knees. Neither her body, nor mind able to fight against him. He had won. She was lost. How was that possible after everything?
Simple, he waited till she was alone. Ambushed her, when she was her weakest. The color of her vibrant purple eyes slowly fading, as if the life got pulled from her. She had been fighting so hard to get out of his grasp. To finally be free. . to finally have a life of her own. Somehow she knew though. . that wasn't allowed. Life had always been mean to her. She grew up to be a happy little girl, despite her gift of the God's Tongue. Grew to love cooking more than anything, until her father had the idea to use his daugther like a pawn in his big scheme. From that point on. . she had grown cold, and hateful. She had been mean to so many people that tried to help her, be kind to her. Her friends would be better of without her. . he would be better off without her. he deserved someone better. . a real partner.
The last act of her happy and free side was a quiet cry, as tears ran down her cheeks and stained her beautiful features in their salty essence. a black gloved hand moved down to grab her cheek, and make her look up. ''Do not cry. You will enjoy to burn down the small chefs with me, Erina.'' Azami spoke in his usual deep controlling tone, and all she could do was nod. Once again, being his loyal little pawn.
'I'm sorry. . Soma. . I wasn't strong enough.'
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Gasp!!
Erina sat up, wide awake with her eyes wide and sweat running down her forehead and arms. She was shaking, and felt like she couldn't breath. One hand clutching at her heart, as she tried desperately to calm her breathing. It was heavy and loud. This has probably been the worst nightmare she ever had. . about him. the purple in her eyes shining in the gentle lighting of the moon, even more so because of the tears that were pooling out of them. After her breathing has slowed a little bit she'd pull her legs up to her chest, and hug herself. Why would it not let her go? When would she finally be completely free of his influence? No matter how she turned it. His hand was still caging her heart, and making her miserable even if he wasn't here. Putting her arms on top of her legs she'd press her face into them, and slowly began to cry. Tiny quiet sobs filling the big room in the Nakiri Mansion.
All the commotion and the movements in the king sized bed slowly stirred up the person laying next to her. A soft yawn could be heard, before the man with messy red hair sat up and rubbed his tired eyes. The moonlight illuminating his rather broad form. ''Nakiri you hungry or why did you-'' the words caught in his throat when he heard her small sobs. The Queen of Gourmet gasped lightly. This was the last thing she wanted, to have him see her like that. She had wished that it would pass eventually and she could go back to sleep without waking him. . but even that she was too dumb to manage. He would probably think less of her now. The Strong Nakiri crying in her bed like a total failure.
Well, Erina didn't know her boyfriend as well as she thought. Fully awake now he carefully wrapped his arms around her. One around her back with his hand gently pulling her head towards his chest, and the other around her front to hold her in a warm and caring embrace. ''Shh, I'm here Erina.'' Erina tried to fight out of his hold, though it was a weak attempt as his strong arms and cozy body heat engulfed her. Not able to bring herself to leave such a comforting place. Leaning quietly into his arms, with her head against his muscular chest. The sound of his heartbeat had always a calming effect on her. Something she grew to cherish over the time they had been dating.
Many minutes passed, and the only sound that filled the room was the quiet ticking of the clock on the wall. Both of them stayed quiet. Erina had stopped crying a little while ago, but didn't feel the strength to speak yet. Soma, didn't rush her, and simply continued to hold her in his arms. His hand on her head gently stroking her beautiful long golden locks. Something he does really often when they were alone, and cuddled together. Erina loved that. . feeling his rough yet gentle hand stroke her hair. Another thing that always calmed her down, and he knew it even if her pride never let her openly admit it.
A few more moments passed, and eventually in a shaky and quiet tone ''I'm sorry..'' Erina said something, and felt her head get lifted up as there was a contact on her forehead. It was his, and she felt herself blush when he looked into her purple gems with his golden ones. Slowly stroking over her cheek with his hand, wiping a few left over tears away. ''You have nothing to be sorry about.''
Erina quickly averted her eyes, putting a hand above his on her cheek. Her face heating up even more at his soft gentle words. ''I woke you up..'' She spoke simply. There was a small pause, before she heard a very familiar chuckle ring in her ears. The redheaded chef couldn't contain himself. The god's tongue pouted, and turned her head. ''Sorry Sorry, but as if you ever cared about letting me sleep in.'' He flashed his signature wide grin at her, and while her head was turned kissed her cheek quickly, before turning it again and pressing their foreheads together again. Erina's face turning a whole shade of pink.
''H-How dare you!? I'll have you know a 1st seat needs to do his duties on time! Hmph.'' How. . how did he always manage to pull her back like this? Not even an hour ago she was crying and breaking down, but now she was already bickering at him again.
His toothy grin never leaving his, adorably pretty face. Making Erina's heart beat faster, as she leaned more against his forehead. ''I know, that's why you keep me in check hm? If someone has to do it, why not the God's Tongue herself eh?'' Another chuckle, the sound of his comforting voice making her feel safer by the second. a tiny smile forming on her lips.
''But of course! What would you do without me?'' She stuck her nose up into the air and closed her eyes filled with pride. As no reply came she turned to look at him again, and saw him smiling at her. A smile that was only reserved for her, and no one else. So filled with love and adoration, which quickly hit her in the heart. ''What are you looking at me like that?'' She asked, voice small and unsure while still with a hint of pride in it.
''Just glad I got you back.'' There was no bitter stain or anything in his voice. Erina could pratically feel his warmth as he said those words, and even though she wanted to act all tough on him again. This time she didn't found it in her to do so. What did she do to derseve him? She had been so cold to him, and tried everything possible to get rid of him. With a deep blush on her face she slowly leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss on his cheek.
''Who do you take me for. . I'm Erina Nakiri after all.'' Once more trying to sound all prideful while her voice was small. Cheeks still flushed from his stupid loveable voice.
''And Erina Nakiri, can do anything.'' He added, with a small giggle. Oh god what did he do to her heart. While Azami had frozen it into a complete block of ice. Soma had melted it with ease. She was butter in his finger's. As she kept watching his stupid grin which sent her heart into overdrive she decided to attack. Erina quickly dashed closer to him, and captured his lips in a deep loving kiss. A kiss which he returned just as quickly. His strong gentle arms wrapping around her waist to hold her, while both of her hands cupped his cheeks. They stayed like this for a long while, until the need for air became to great they had to part.
Erina found herself once more snuggling into his arms, and leaned her head into his neck. ''Thank you..'' She whispered, and he let out a small hum before pressing a kiss on her head. ''You don't need to thank me.'' He whispered in return.
''I know, but I want to. You...Y-You make me whole, dummy.'' Her cheeks flushing once again, while she hid her face in his neck. Soma pushing the urge back to chuckle at that confession, and tease his girlfriend about it. Slowly, he moved them both lay down with him still keeping her close in his arms. She didn't resist. She'd never resist him. Cuddling close...as close as possible, as he continued to press soothing kisses on her head.
''You make me whole too, so I will take care of you as many times as I have to. Just to see you happy and well.'' He whispered into her ear, and despite his usual goofy self and reckless nature she believed him. to 100% did she believe in him, to be at her side against whatever challenge this cold world would throw at her. She smiled against his skin, and felt a lot better than. So much better.
''I love you, Soma.'' She pulled her head back a little and looked at him. Cupping his cheek once more before pressing their lips together again. This time a gentle kiss, filled with all the love Erina could muster right now. He gladly returned it, and let her settle against him once more.
''I love you too, Erina. I always will.'' He replied, and with his warm words and the comfort of his arms around her she fell asleep again. This time, when the image of her father appeared Soma stood next to her, holding her hand and flashing her his trademark grin. She had nothing to fear, with him by her side. Now, and forever.