A/N: I was perusing the Dokuga challenge site on lj, and saw this, and couldn't resist. I know it's a really literal interpretation, but I couldn't pass it up.

My fiance is a chef, and I got a whole lesson on creating a proper menu for fine dining. It was actually kind of frightening, because he told me about his school experiences and a guy who gave himself stomach ulcers for their final (which is featured in this story as Kagome's final). This story isn't just mine, it's also Managarm's. The menu idea was part of his actual final, and as a memorial to a teacher.

Oh. And he went nuts because they forgot to include a second intermezzo. Never mess with a chef's sensibilities.

6 Course Challenge

Composition

By: The Hatter Theory and Managarm

Rated: K+ (mild language)

Hors D' Oeuvres

He listened to the entire thing, start to finish, with a disdainful sneer. Most people wouldn't notice the slight curling of his lip, but Kagome had spent the past year under the man's tutelage. That simple muscle twitch had reduced many a student to tears. And as the coordinator and head chef, she had the most contact with him, the other two deferring to her and making her the official representative for their class.

"A six course meal, based on Irish pub food?" He asked, his opinion evident in his disparaging tone.

"Conner-sensei was beloved by all of the students that were lucky enough to have him as a teacher. It is a memorial to him."

"Do you honestly think you can turn Irish pub food, any pub food for that matter, into fine dining?"

"You said once potatoes were considered peasant food because they were a root."

"Hardly relevant Higurashi," The pale, fair haired man told her.

"I think it is relevant. I wasn't the only one that decided on this Taisho-sama. Everyone in our group is ready for this." She was adamant. More than that, confident.

"You know the consequences if it is inadequate."

"I do. Taste those though, and tell me they're inadequate," Kagome challenged, gesturing to the small pastry box she had brought with her. He opened the box, surprised that instead of a dessert, as most students had brought with their theme proposals, she had brought something else.

He took one and tasted, chewing as he considered it. The meat practically melted on his tongue and for a brief moment, he resented her intrusion on what was a pleasurable experience for him. One of the rare few since he had begun teaching.

"Rabbit?" He finally asked, the morsel gone.

"Yes, sir. Rabbit is very popular in Ireland."

"Are you using any of Conner-sensei's recipes?"

"No sir. Everything we're doing is going to be original." By the rules of the final, everything had to be, or it was an automatic failing grade. And the person to provide the recipe wouldn't be the only one punished. Everyone on the team would fail.

"Is everyone contributing the recipes?"

"Mostly."

"Everyone is supposed to contribute."

"How will you know if they didn't?" She countered. Sesshoumaru finished the first treat and strangled a smile that wanted to escape. It was quite delicious. He tried to figure out if she had been the one to donate the recipe to her classmates.

"If you're all determined, be my guest. I expect a full menu list in two weeks."

"Yes sensei. We'll have it in."

"Don't forget, you have to auction tickets off for this event, the school pays for nothing. Just remember that when you're trying to sell pub food to people that expect a first class experience."

"I will. Enjoy the other hors d' oeuvres." She turned on her heel and exited quickly, her mood as obvious as her sudden spike in temper.

Spunky girl. He leaned back and considered the box. Four more of the little appetizers awaited, each their own distinctive shape. And while he would never admit it to anyone else, the rabbit and mushrooms had wet his palate and demanded he try something more. By the time the door was closed and her footsteps fading down the hall, the box was in his hands and another treat in his mouth. Something with lobster and cream. It melted on his tongue and he savored the taste. Had she cooked it in whiskey?

Irish pub food turned into fine dining. It would be an amazing achievement, if they pulled it off. And it was a big 'if'. He admired her ambition and tenacity if nothing else. The star pupil of the senior chef class, she was good. But he wondered if this was beyond even her capabilities.

It startled him to realize he would enjoy this.

Hors D' Oeuvres are each supposed to be composed of completely different ingredients, and hint at each of the entrees, and that it's not actually considered a course. Also, according to Mana, they're supposed to be different shapes. His teacher reacted in much the same way when he presented the menu, and he still laughs about proving her wrong.

Review, please? Takes two seconds, and they make us happy.