Work Text:
L'amour triomphe de tout
"That's no good. I won't let you destroy my recette." You could hear the resounding voice of Shinomiya from the hallway.
You walked into the muted kitchen just in time to see Shinomiya scolding one of his staff.
"You should mirror the recette to the end"
"E... Excuse me, but chef!" the quivering voice of his staff came.
"If I do it this way, the finished product will still have a high enough quality. It also has a lower cost making it more efficient---" the staff tried to justified but was cut off.
"I am the chef. If you have any complaints then leave." Shinomiya said with finality.
"O-Oui chef!"
You frowned at the exchange.
"Kojiro" you called to the peevish chef to break the tense atmosphere.
"A client wishes to meet the chef in person to send his regards..." you said to which he replied with a nod and made his way out the kitchen. You followed in his wake crestfallenly looking at his back.
You've hoped that Shinomiya would be back to his strict yet endearing self after garnering the highly acclaimed Pluspol Award but it was clearly evident how hypercritical he still is. You've been meaning to confront him with regards to the matter and the events that unfold necessitates as such.
It was nearly midnight when you had the chance to approach him.
"The service today was exceptional" you started.
"Yes. It would've been perfect if those halfwits would just do as they are told" Shinomiya remarked reading through some reports.
"Aren't you being too harsh my love? You can't expect people to do as what a machine would. They're not robots." You countered.
"Tsk. Robots would probably do a finer job than they would" he said in ire.
"Then are you suggesting that you much prefer a machine as companion?"
"You know that's not what I meant." He said irritated to where the discussion was going.
"Then do pray, tell what it was that you meant" you continued which earned you a grumble from the coral-haired individual.
"I mean that they should do as they are told and nothing more, simple as that" he said in a much higher volume with a look insinuating that you drop the subject matter.
But you did not falter from his gaze. Instead, you stood your ground as you neared him maintaining eye contact.
"And would it please you if I do so as well?" You enquired. "I can be your loyal lap dog that shall entertain every whims you may fancy."
"If you do not like how I run things [Name], then leave!" he spat spitefully.
You were hurt, you have to admit, but you didn't say a word. It must've reflected into your eyes however because it was apparent that Shinomiya regretted his words immediately.
"I---" he stuttered.
"Kiss me." You demanded as you made your way towards him.
"What?" He asked, confused.
"KISS. ME." You pressed, different emotions swirlingly reflected in your eyes.
You heard him let out a deep breath before he grabbed and pulled you into him. And without any hesitation, kissed you.
His kiss was intense. It was rough and straightforward, much like what he was feeling at the moment. And like a ferocious beast gunning down its prey, his grip was vise-like as well. Most likely to leave bruises in its wake.
All the same, you returned the kiss with equal fervour conveying your emotions as well.
You could feel the change of his kiss as the time passed by. It started to mellow down into your accord. He loosen his grip and strategically placed it in such a manner so that he may be able to hold you properly, as if afraid he might lose you. You on the other hand, placed yours on his chest feeling his rapidly beating heart.
When you both broke for air you leaned on each other's forehead trying to steady yourselves.
You opened your eyes to see him observing you intently.
"Have you calmed down..?" You asked in a low voice.
"I'm sorry" came his reply as he buried his face in the crook of your neck. His hold tightening to cage you into him.
"Désolé, c'est ma faute, j'aurais dû y penser avant de parler" he said yet again, nuzzling you while inhaling your scent as if memorising it. "I didn't mean--"
"It's alright" you replied, hands roaming up to stoke his hair.
"It is quite alright" you assured him understanding his predicament.
"But you do know this has to stop" you said. "You can't continue on like this..."
"Then what do you suggest? That I quit?"
"No, of course not!" you continued running your hand through his tresses.
"But might I suggest a change in scenery? I know Chef Gin proposed that you come as an examiner for Totsuki's freshmen training camp."
"I don't see the need to entertain that hired school chef's ideas."
"But you'd do well to heed to his request." You said while cupping his face into your hands. "You might find a good enough apprentice there"
"Tsk. As if!"
"Well, if not then it'll still be a good opportunity for a new outlook. And I know you miss your mother dearly. We could visit her if you'd like..."
"And leave the restaurant?"
"We'll close it for a couple of days if we must"
"You know how stiff the competition here is"
"I understand that. The more it necessitates you to be on your best. I know you've been struggling..."
He looked away at your statement and you move to keep eye contact.
"Please Kojiro..." You said stroking his cheek. "You don't have to force yourself but please don't let it eat you."
"I don't want to lose you" you said longingly looking into his eyes.
He sighed deeply knowing that he could not refuse you, nor does he want to.
"And it'll be a good chance for me to finally look into that massive school of yours" you offered, trying to lighten up the mood.
"You're taking this as a vacation trip and using me then?" He countered to which you smile knowingly.
"But of course~" you said while twirling around in a dance-like manner keeping hold of his hand. You close the gap between the two of you as if in a waltz.
"Fine. But I'll do it in my own terms."
"Of course, you'll have it your way or none at all" you smiled teasing him.
"I'll settle all the necessary arrangements with Chef Gin and the academy" you said giving him a chaste kiss. "But for now you must rest, my dear Kojiro..."
He was truly over exhausting himself lately and you feared that his health may suffer from it. You lead him to your shared quarters to settle in for the night. You cuddled next to him and let his fingers aimlessly draw lazy circles on your back.
You reached up and kiss him softly. No further words were exchanged as the two of you settled in.
Only when Shinomiya sees how deep asleep you were did he let sleep seeped into him. Gingerly caressing your face, he placed yet another kiss on your lips feeling utterly grateful that you are at his side. And with all the things happening at such a fast pace he feels quite happy that you keep him grounded.
"Je ne peux pas vivre sans toi mon cœur... Non, je ne peux pas..." he uttered placing a soft kiss on your forehead before letting sleep take him.