Hey, everyone! No, you're not hallucinating, I've actually finished this next chapter. It's been a damn long time since I even thought of this story with all the life stuff I've had going on these past few years. I'm off to university soon and it feels like I've grown up a lot since I first decided to start writing fanfic (even if it was, like, 5 chapters). With this next chapter of my life beginning (pun intended), I wanted to finally appease you poor souls who have had to sit on my awful cliffhangers for literal years. For all of you who left any type of review, favourite or follow, this chapter is because of you. You all managed to motivate me enough to get this chapter done and dusted for good. In all seriousness, thank you all for all the support and all the encouragement you've given me. This is by no means the end of the story, especially due to this new lease of life I've been given, but I'd like to think this is the culmination of all of the story so far, so I hope it's worth the wait.

Also, there is kind of an M-rated scene (hint hint), but I think it pushes on the boundary of the fic being rated M. Let me know if you guys think I should leave out scenes like the one you're about to see or if I should just go all out and change it to an M-rated story.

As always, feel free to suggest any ideas or criticisms you may have with the story. Any review is greatly appreciated.

On with the story…

"I'm sorry," they said in unison.

Soma could already feel tears welling up in his eyes, but he steeled himself and force the tears back down. There's a time and place to be bawling like a baby, Soma thought. And this is neither!

Erina seemed to have prepared herself much better than Soma, since she had a firm, determined look on her face and seemed eager to say whatever was on her mind.

"Soma-kun, I-" She had started to speak, but almost immediately, Soma interjected.

"Why…why are you apologising?" Soma asked, the fierce emotions within him threatening to boil over at the slightest exertion. His voice cracked slightly and he took a breath to compose himself before returning Erina's gaze.

"I mean… what are you apologising for? You… you didn't do anything wrong…"

"What are you talking about?" Erina asked incredulously, rising from the bed to stand inches away from Soma's face. Soma had to fight the urge to reach out and hold her, he willed himself to remain in control of the situation.

Erina continued, her confidence in her speech refusing to betray any doubt or hesitation she may have been feeling.

"I was completely in the wrong! Thinking that abandoning you would solve any of my problems… I was so foolish!"

Soma could feel the ghost of a smile forming on his lips, despite his own disbelief that he was truly in this moment, right now. Surely it was a dream? But Soma knew this wasn't the case. His dreams were far from this pleasant.

"But I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, Erina. I know that now. I can't even imagine how much I put you through 'cause I was too stubborn to see that you were hurting."

Erina smiled faintly, clearly gratified by Soma's words.

"It looks like we were both pretty stupid, huh?" He chuckled as the first of the tears began to break free and trickled down his cheek. Erina chuckled in response, similar tears of relief flowing down her face.

There was a moment of silence, but it was a beautiful silence. Everything that needed to be said was out in the open and the atmosphere was content and serene. Soma slowly began to wrap his arms around Erina's waist, waiting for a signal for him to stop. When he caught her gaze and found no such signal, Soma committed to the action, and gratefully embraced Erina for the first time in an agonisingly long time.

"I missed you, Erina."

"I missed you too, Soma-kun."

It was perfect.

Soma didn't care about all the drama before this hug, or whatever would happen after. Right now, in this very moment, finally reconciling with the only person who could make him feel this way, he was happy. Truly happy.

Neither of them knew how much time had passed and neither of them cared. For months, they yearned for the warmth of the other, and now their wishes were fulfilled. The pain and hardship of the last few months, they reckoned, didn't matter in this moment. All that mattered was the pure and simple truth that they were together again, and there was nothing better than that.

One thing was nagging at the back of Soma's mind. He couldn't help it. Hugs were great and all, but he knew he couldn't resist going a little further.

With his arms still wrapped around her waist, Soma slowly worked up his head upwards, until his lips met the exposed skin of Erina's neck. He could hear her gasp at the sudden contact, and that was all the motivation he needed to continue. He started delicately at first, cherishing how warm her skin was and how comforting it felt to have her run her hands through his hair.

It was obvious though that they both wanted more.

Eagerly, Soma brought his face up until his nose was pressed against Erina's. They stared longingly into the other's eyes, their passion and desire barely concealed. Soma didn't feel like reigniting their usual staring contest, however. He leaned forward and almost chuckled with delight as he felt Erina's lips against his own. He had almost forgotten how intoxicating the feeling was, and now that the feeling was fresh in his mind, he had no intentions of stopping. He began to step forward, his lips still locked with hers and eyes closed in ecstasy. Erina helped guide him and eventually, Soma felt the two of them falling onto the bed.

Soma crouched on all fours above Erina, who was gripping fiercely onto his forearms, biting her lip in anticipation. Despite his best efforts, Soma knew he couldn't resist for a second longer, even to tease the blonde for her worked up state. He realised that he probably looked just the same as her, desperate and hungry for more.

Their lips met once more, and even before their kiss, Soma felt Erina's fingertips slide from his arms to the underside of his shirt. Unwilling to disappoint her, he broke the kiss momentarily so she could remove his shirt with it snagging only twice before floating across the room and landing in a heap on the desk Soma regularly used for his utensils and such. He noted, before Erina gripped the sides of his neck gently and brought him back to her level, that his shirt landed perfectly in the centre of his wok. Bullseye, he chuckled to himself.

Soma felt Erina drifting her grip on him from his neck, her fingers drifting down his bare back, eagerly feeling as much as she could. It was only then Soma remembered how little experience they both had with this. It seemed so stupid to look back and think about how neither of them made the first move to initiate this kind of lovemaking. So stupid in fact, that Soma boxed it up and immediately put it out of mind. Now was the time to quell that point for good.

Without the slightest hint of hesitation, Soma began unbuttoning the few buttons on the top of Erina's blouse. In response, Erina arched her back to give him a better angle to finish the job, all the while, their lips remained locked in a fierce battle for dominance. Soma began to lift Erina's top, but she suddenly grabbed his arms and Soma feared for a second that he had overstepped a boundary. His fears were allayed almost immediately, however, as Erina used her grip to flip herself on top, while Soma landed on the bed. He watched as Erina removed her top in one smooth action and flung it across the room, coincidently landing in the exact same wok as Soma's top had done. He marvelled at her aim for a second before her sly smile brought him back to the right mindset.

Erina lay directly on top of Soma as they continued their heated kiss, and she was surprised to feel how fast Soma's heart was beating against her chest. She took pride in knowing she had made the usually calm and collected Soma so flustered. Her mind wandered instantly to the scene at the Elite Ten table with Soma's quiet fury and the intense argument they had in this very room. As she forced her mind back into reality, she made a point to affirm that this was the only way she wanted to drive Soma crazy.

Soma's hands were busy, hungrily feeling up as much of her as they could, though Erina noted that they were gradually drifting further down her body. She suddenly felt a sharp pang of trepidation. Were they going to do…that? Was she really ready for it? Weren't they rushing things a little bit?

Whatever doubts Erina had were immediately quashed when the near silence of the room was pierced by the sound of her phone's ringtone. Soma released her from his grip with a smirk plastered on his face, seemingly more amused than annoyed that they had been interrupted. Erina moved off of the bed and saw her Grandfather was the one calling her. She took a breath to release the adrenaline built up from her steamy encounter with Soma and answered.

"Hello, Grandfather?"

"Ah, Erina. I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"

Erina immediately blushed in embarrassment, but kept her voice nonchalant and calm.

"Not at all. I was just speaking with Soma and-"

"Oh, I see," he chuckled, "So I most certainly was interrupting in some way," he added mischievously.

Erina laughed and rolled her eyes, even though her Grandfather obviously couldn't see the latter. Unbeknownst to Erina, however, Soma walked up directly behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and teasingly nibbled on her earlobe. She stifled a gasp and turned her head slightly to see Soma wearing a devilish grin. So he wants to play this game? Erina giggled inwardly. I suppose I can play along…

Without response, she pushed her body against Soma's, feeling a slight resistance lower down. Erina grinned wickedly as Soma flinched, the sudden sensation taking him by surprise. He met her gaze and returned with a smug smile, one that seemed to say "Game on."

"So is everything sorted out the two of you? Are you on better terms now?" the voice of her Grandfather reached her ear and Erina barely heard it. In the few seconds of silence, the both had already stripped down further and were both standing in just their underwear. Erina knew she wasn't ready for anything major, but she was more than comfortable with a little fun. She remembered she was supposed to reply to her Grandfather, and responded even as she begin to grind on Soma's bulge.

"Yes, thank you, Grandfather. We've sorted out our differences now."

"That's wonderful to hear, Erina! I'm glad you two have reconciled. How are you feeling besides that?"

Erina felt wonderful. She was sure Soma's hands had touched every inch of her body and he was starting to become teasingly rough with his kisses along her neck. She had to fight the urge to gasp or moan, and did her best to keep her breathing under control.

"Much better, Grandfather. It's amazing being back at Totsuki and seeing all my old friends."

There was a burning desire within Erina, to just throw the phone away and lose herself fully in Soma's embrace. But she knew she had somewhat of a reputation to upkeep and couldn't live with the embarrassment of her Grandfather finding out what she was doing whilst she was talking to him over the phone.

"That's fantastic, Erina. I'm glad you finally came to your senses." He laughed heartily, clearly in a cheerful mood. "If I haven't caught you at a bad time, could you come to my office? I'd like to discuss some things with you in person."

Erina cursed inwardly. She wasn't eager to stop her game with Soma, mainly because it might mean she would lose, but also because the pleasure she was deriving from the situation was unlike any other experience she'd ever had. But she knew better than to give into her desires, and reluctantly replied.

"Of course, Grandfather. I'll be there shortly."

She ended the call and immediately turned around and initiated a passionate kiss with an equally triumphant and disappointed Soma. Once the kiss was over, he chuckled.

"I can't believe we just did that! That was so naughty, Erina…" he said playfully.

"You're clearly a bad influence on me," Erina retorted, unwilling to break her gaze with the redhead.

"Well, I'm sorry, but there's no way you're getting rid of me," he laughed, his thumb gently caressing her cheek.

It took almost every ounce of willpower she possessed, but Erina turned away from Soma and stepped into her skirt, then walked over to fetch her top, adding extra swagger to her hips knowing Soma would be watching.

"Hey, look at that! Both of our tops landed in the wok!" She giggled, grabbing her blouse and putting it back on. She turned to watch Soma jumping into his trousers and suddenly felt an almost unexplainable sensation of guilt.

"H-Hey, Soma-kun?" She asked timidly.

Soma looked up once both legs were through the holes and his belt was firmly secured. "What's up, Erina?"

"We…you don't think we're rushing things, right?"

Soma gave a look of confusion, but seemed to ponder the question for a few seconds before answering.

"I can say personally I don't regret what we did. Hell, I've pretty much been dreaming about doing that with you for months!"

Erina laughed, shaking her head at his response.

"But seriously…" Erina looked up as Soma held an uncharacteristically serious expression.

"If you think we're going too fast, just say, alright? Let's say what we just did now is the maximum for now."

Erina nodded. "That's a good idea. I don't think I'm ready to… go all the way, but I've been comfortable with today."

Suddenly, Soma chuckled and shook his head in disbelief.

"What? What's so funny?" Erina queried.

"Nah, it's just… it's kinda funny, y'know? We've only seen each other for like 15 minutes after so long and we're acting like nothing ever changed. Talking about how far we're gonna go, acting like what we just did wasn't a big deal," Soma had a wide smile on his face, and he shrugged his shoulders.

"Ah well, not like it matters now, right?" He added.

"What do you mean?"

Soma's smile slightly dropped. "I-I mean, we are, like, back together right? Like, proper official boyfriend-slash-girlfriend type of deal?"

Erina grinned. "Of course we're back together, you big dope. What else did you expect?"

Those words were all Soma needed to hear. His smile was the widest it had been that day.

"No way." Takumi uttered.

Soma took immense joy at seeing his friend's dumbfounded expression at his revelation, so much so that he simply leant back in his chair and replied with an innocent smile.

"You're being serious? One hundred percent?"

"When would I ever lie to you, Takumi?" Soma grinned, barely able to hide his excitement.

"It's just a lot to take in, you know? And no one else knows?"

"Well, it's a pretty exclusive club. You, me, Hisako and Alice know she's back, and that's it."

"And you chose to tell me about it?"

Soma's grin grew even wider. "Of course I'd tell you. You're the one I've been torturing with my angst over my long lost girlfriend, it's only fair you're the first to hear the happy story."

Takumi finally reciprocated the infectious grin Soma was giving him and was silently grateful to see his friend in such high spirits.

"So when will everyone else find out then? This'll be the kind of thing that everyone will be talking about soon, I assume Erina will announce it on her own terms?"

"I have no clue, maybe her Gramps will announce or something? She hasn't said anything about it to me."

"Of course, you didn't do much talking in the end, did you?" Takumi teased, accentuating his joke with an exaggerated wink and sly smile. Soma burst out laughing, covering his face with a hand in feigned embarrassment.

"I told you that in confidence," he chuckled.

"It's not something I'm gonna let you forget," Takumi replied flippantly. "In this very room, within 15 minutes of seeing Erina for the first time in months, you were both already in your underwear. You must be a real charmer, you know? I mean, I can't recall you even mentioning if you'd gotten to second base with her! And here you are, Mr Casanova, already well on his way to home base…"

"I swear to God, I will kill you if you say another word," Soma replied light-heartedly.

"This is great news, though. Everyone will be so glad to see Erina again."

"For sure, man. This'll definitely lift everyone's spirits for this year."

"Hey, don't forget your paperwork! You've got a hell of a lot of catching up to do with your First Seat work, you can't afford to spend all your time in the embrace of sweet Erina…"

"What did I just say?" Soma rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop the grin flashing on his face. It felt good to be teased about Erina. Strangely enough, he had missed it.

"Sorry, sorry. I promise not to tease you about Erina for at least the next fifteen seconds."

"I'll take that," Soma chuckled. "But yeah, I know, I'll focus on the paperwork stuff. God, we're only like a month in our second year and we've got stacks of paper up to our eyeballs! You'd think they'd give us a break, right?"

"No such luck, buddy. We're the Elite Ten, we don't do breaks." Takumi stood, and walked over to the door. "Well, I've kept Megumi waiting long enough. I promise to keep my lips sealed about you-know-what."

Soma followed him to the door and patted him on the back.

"I appreciate all you've done for me, Takumi. You're my best friend, you know that?"

Takumi beamed and stepped forward, wrapping Soma in the tightest of bro hugs.

"You're my best friend too, Soma. I'm glad we managed to work through all that shit."

"It was a real journey, but I think we've ended up pretty good."

"I'll see you soon then, buddy."

"Until next time," Soma gave a salute as Takumi walked out his room.

Shutting the door behind him, Soma flopped onto his bed and put his arms behind his head, feeling completely relaxed and upbeat. He knew it would another long day tomorrow, but the incentive of seeing Erina was enough to make him giddy with excitement. He gazed at his phone, noting it was still quite an early night, at least for him. I've got nothing else to do, Soma thought, I might as well try out some new dishes.

He stood and approached his desk, littered with his many cooking apparatuses. His gaze lingered on the wok at the centre of the table and gave an instinctual grin. He grabbed the handle of the wok and carried it over to his portable stovetop, and fetched the first few ingredients he set his eyes on. He noticed the carton of eggs placed out in front of him, and a lightbulb shone above his head. Now that Erina was back, he knew what he needed to do now.

Make her say it's delicious.

A knock on the door startled Soma as he was on his 57th attempt at creating the perfect dish.

"Come in," he called out, rubbing his eyes in fatigue.

The door opened and Megumi walked in, almost immediately massaging her temples in muted annoyance when she saw Soma's disheveled state.

"Soma-kun, did you seriously just pull another all-nighter?"

Soma arched an eyebrow in confusion and looked to the window to see the beginnings of sunlight peeking beyond the horizon. He chuckled weakly and forced himself up, his back aching from his constant hunched over position throughout the night.

"Damn, I really let time slip away again, huh? I didn't even notice time passing."

"You never change, do you Soma-kun?" Megumi smiled, glad she bothered to check whether her friend had actually heard the news. "Anyway, didn't you hear? The Headmaster has called an assembly for all the students in 15 minutes!"

Soma's eyes widened and he immediately fell upon his wardrobe, scanning for anything somewhat clean and presentable. "This is the first I'm hearing of it, when was all of that planned?" Soma panted in between bursts of him stripping and jumping into new clothes.

Megumi, having gotten used to Soma spontaneously changing in front of her, calmly turned on the spot facing away from him and checked her phone to confirm the information she had been given.

"It was only yesterday, quite late, I think, but pretty everyone has heard it. It must be something urgent for the Headmaster to arrange it so suddenly. What do you think it could be?"

Soma slipped his arms through the sleeve holes and grabbed his bag, and motioned for Megumi to continue their conversation as they walked.

"I dunno. Like you said, it must be something important if everyone's being gathered on such short notice? Maybe a new teacher or something?"

Megumi glanced at her watch and didn't reply, instead picking up the pace towards the gathering. Soma followed in suit, his mind racing with possible scenarios.

As they approached the large crowd, Soma noticed Hisako walking towards the pair.

"Hey, Hisako! Do you know why everyone's been called here?" He asked, scanning the crowd for Erina in the hopes he might get to see her before the announcement.

"I'd hate to ruin the surprise," Hisako giggled. "But don't worry, you won't be watching from the crowd, Senzaemon-dono has requested you watch on the sidelines of the stage."

Soma cocked his head in bemusement. "What, just me specifically? Why's that?"

Hisako giggled again. "Again, I don't want to ruin the surprise. Just follow me."

Soma bade goodbye to Megumi, who he saw meet up with Takumi and the other Polar Star members. As he followed Hisako towards the backstage area, he picked up on several conversation, each theorising on the nature of the gathering. Some believed it was an update in regards to the training camp, though it was strange that students besides the first years were ordered to come. Others posited that Senzaemon was stepping down as Headmaster and relinquishing the role to a younger face. Soma didn't pay much attention to those ideas. He knew there was a reason he was requested to be so close to the announcement and Hisako's behaviour seemed to implicate him in something. But what could it be?

Hisako left Soma waiting in the backstage area by himself, waiting for the big reveal. He peeked his head round, trying one last time to spot Erina before giving up and slumping back down in his seat. Of course Erina wouldn't be in the crowd; she wasn't even officially back in Totsuki yet. Soma shrugged his shoulders and leant back in his seat. I suppose I can ask Hisako after this where I can find Erina…

Soma heard the chatter amongst the crowd fade out and he turned to see Senzaemon striding up to the lectern. Soma stared intensely at the Headmaster, trying to get a read of the nature of his speech from his face. Obviously, the grey-haired devil betrayed no discernible emotions or thoughts. Soma sighed and began to zone out of his words, assuming whatever he was saying wasn't anything he couldn't just ask the guy later if it was really that important.

"I appreciate all of you coming out…..might be wondering what this gathering is…..I'd like to ask you to remain calm and quiet before….."

Soma's interest was beginning to dwindle until he heard a sentence that immediately snapped him out of his daydreams.

"Please welcome Nakiri Erina to the stage."

Soma leapt to his feet and brought his attention to the stage. Lo and behold, there she was: Nakiri Erina walking towards her grandfather, her body language and facial expression exuding utter confidence as the people in the crowd immediately began vocalising their shock and disbelief. Soma couldn't help but grin at how bold Erina was being, reintroducing herself to Totsuki as soon as the opportunity allowed.

Once Erina approached the lectern, the rantings of the crowd began to die out, everyone present clearly eager to see what the former queen of Totsuki had to say.

"Hello, everyone. I would like to say how pleased I am to be back at Totsuki with all of you again." Erina began, her voice eliciting an aura of command that made it seem like she had never left Totsuki in the first place. She sounded like she belonged, and that made Soma smile contently.

"As you know, I decided to take my studies abroad and expand my culinary knowledge. Whilst this sabbatical was not intended to be so long, I have decided to continue my education here at Totsuki."

There was a round of applause, even some cheering, once Erina had said this, with Soma being one of the applauders. Erina turned her head slightly and made eye contact with Soma. He grinned cheerfully towards her and she responded with a smile of her own, though Soma noted there was a hint of mischief directed towards him. What is she planning? Soma pondered, trying to discern the nature of her smile. There was clearly no ill will within it… It reminded him of the smile she gave him when she was on the phone with her Grandfather, when he initiated a playful game with her. It was a smile that seemed to convey a friendly competition…

Erina turned to address the crowd once more. "But that's not the only reason why I am delivering this announcement. Yukihira Soma, would you mind coming out here?"

Soma was taken aback for a second, but his curiosity immediately overrode all other thoughts, and before he realised it, he was already on the stage, a few feet away from Erina.

"As you all know, once I left Totsuki, Yukihira Soma became the First Seat in my stead. Well, now that I'm back, I think I'd like to reclaim my title."

Soma blinked in confusion, before a smirk overtook his face.

"Yukihira Soma, I challenge you to a Shokugeki for the First Seat."

And there it is! The chapter that rose from the dead! I sincerely hope this update is a sufficient apology for my inability to write at a consistent pace. It felt amazing to write and finish this chapter, so I'm hoping I can release some more updates in a more reasonable timespan (famous last words, I know).

Also, let me know what you thought of the kinda M-rated scene! I'd love to write more of that kind of stuff in this story if that's why you guys are interested in!

Once again, I want to thank all of you who left reviews and such, politely pestering me to continue this series. Without the response from you guys, I think this story would have remained in hiatus limbo forever, so this chapter is thanks to your dedicated persistence in wanting to see more!

Thanks again for reading this story, I'll talk to you guys later!