A/N: I updated fast because you guys are the best readers in the world. :3 Hope you guys love me more. Just kidding xD Thank you for reading this darn story :/

Dedicated to Cammie, for being such a sweetheart. <3xx Cheers. 

Chapter 9: A Picture, Lunchbox, and another Fraisier.

Chip’s POV

Xander lifted the photo frame from the shelf and dusted it lightly. His eyes widened in an instant—as if something clicked within him.

“X-Xander?” I asked tentatively, taking a few steps closer to him and peering over his shoulder.

“Is something the matter?”

The tall figure simply stared at then picture in the frame, unblinking. The expression on his face made me genuinely concerned.

Was there something wrong with the picture?

Xander’s thumb traced the middle of the photo and for a split second, the reflection of the light flitted away—revealing a childhood picture of me.

Oh! That one. I remember taking that after a snowball fight with Coco and Hansel. Mom insisted so she took a picture of me all wrapped up in winter clothes—flushed from the cold but beaming from the fun we had.

It was a long time ago.

Xander tore his gaze from the old photo and met mine.

“This,” He indicated the wooden photo frame, “who is this?” His tone was urgent, yet filled with a certain emotion—something like...desperate longing.

But that’s not possible. He’s Xander. What are you thinking, Chip? Said a voice in my head.

“U-um…that—that’s me…? Why? What’s wrong?” I know I didn’t look my best in that picture; what with the ghostly pale face and skinny legs that looked like sticks but…he didn’t need to be so surprised!

Xander’s eyes went wide for a moment and he fixed a strange stare at me—as if seeing the real Chip for the first time.

“You…?” I could see that he was struggling to digest the information, frowning at the photo, and then looking back at me.

“I—“

“Xander, honey! Your cupcakes are ready!” Rose called from the kitchen, breaking Xander mid-sentence.

His face reverted to the crooked smile he usually wore when Rose peeked through the stairwell, and he politely took the box of red-velvet cakes.

“Thanks Rose. I…guess I’ll be going then.”

“Sure! Do come by again, dear!” Rose smiled warmly, bidding him goodbye.

As if unsure, Xander’s eyes flitted across the room, glancing at me for a painful second.

“Okay…I’ll be going.” He repeated once again, slowly descending the stairs—grey orbs still fixed on me.

What is it? I wondered, wishing he would stop looking at me strangely.

I adverted my eyes to avoid the tension and played with my fingers instead.

“Say bye, Giselle,” I heard Xander tell his sister.

She obediently nodded, and after saying ‘bye bye!’ to Rose, she tottered towards me.

Slowly but almost eagerly, she took hold of my index finger and tugged it gently. “Bye bye Chocolate Chip.”

I smiled, warmed by the sweetheart’s gesture. “Bye Giselle, see you soon!”

My head automatically lifted.

Gathering all the courage I had, I raised my hand stiffly—and waved at Xander. “B-bye…Xander. See you on…on Monday…” My voice was abnormally soft.

Ah I said it! My eyes were shut tightly, probably one of the least glamorous facial expressions but oh well. I said it!

Xander turned to the door and pulled it open effortlessly, ushering his sister out of the bakery.

Then, with his back facing me, he said, “See you on Monday,”

And I could almost hear the smile in his voice.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I was feeling wonderful when I woke up on Monday. Not how I usually was—lazy, tired, or unwilling to go to school.

Hopping out of bed, I showered quickly and went downstairs to make breakfast (scrambled eggs) and heated up left-over muffins from yesterday. Feeling extraordinary, I decided to pack a lunchbox instead of having cafeteria food for lunch.

Sandwiches are the best.

Whipping out slices of soft snow bread, I stuffed some lettuce, bacon, and mashed hard-boiled eggs in between the slices, making sure to add extra mayonnaise.

Once I was done, I packed them into a box and placed it in my book bag, ready for school.

Rose was up soon enough, making sure to remind me about coming home early to help out with the bakery.

“Mornin’ Chip,” My oldest brother, Loki, descended the stairs in his work attire and ruffled my hair before grabbing a chair. “By the way, I don’t really like the guy who came over last week—be careful of him. Got it?”

I pouted. “Whatever, I’m not a kid anymore Loki!” Sticking out a tongue childishly, I grabbed my book bag and headed out of the kitchen door.

“Bye Rose! Bye Hansel!”

“Bye dear!”

“Bye bye! Don’t die!” Stupid brother.

I reached Rivendell in a jiffy, my eyes instinctively searching around for any sign of Kim and Jack.

Hmm…I guess they’re running a bit late today. 

Just then, my mobile vibrated vigorously in my pocket, making weird beeping noises. Jeez, so much for having a 6-year old cellphone.

Flipping it open, I noticed a text from Kim.

Hey Chippy, sry. Down with a flu tdy, won’t be cmin to schl :(

What? No way! She was just fine 2 days ago! I quickly texted her back.

Oh nu. How are you feeling? Wear more clothes and sleep well okay! :(

I sighed, slightly worried that the always-healthy-and-hyper Kim would actually fall sick in such perfect weather.

Beep.

That was fast.

Dun worry, I’m good. Just need some med and I’ll be good to go! ;) enjoy Hm Econs with Xandie!~

I pouted after reading the message and headed to class, texting Jack on the way that Kim was absent today.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Jack? Where r u? You’re not at the table :(

It was lunchtime and I couldn’t spot Jack anywhere in the cafeteria. Clutching my box of sandwiches, I wandered around the campus, waiting for his reply.

Beep.

I flipped open my cellphone eagerly.

Sry! Got band practice today, skipping lunch ><

“What? No way!” I said out loud, biting my lip in the process. Ow, ow.

I’m all alone…and I was hoping to share some sandwiches too…

Dragging my feet to the grounds outside the main building, I sat under an oak tree, popping my lunchbox open.

The weather was perfect but my appetite was long gone.  I nibbled on the cold sandwich slowly, tasting the fresh lettuce and salted bacon.

Sighing, I watched the breeze chase fallen leaves, my thoughts emptied.

“Having fun?” A dulcet, full-toned voice whispered just beside my ear.

I jumped, startled, and spun around instantly.

Xander was leaning down, the usual cheeky smile on his flawless face. He took a seat on the grass beside me, getting into a rather comfortable position with his hands behind his head and his ridiculously long legs stretched out.

I was still half in shock, rubbing my poor earlobe to calm my racing heart.

I was obviously, consciously aware of the appealing figure right before me.

“W-what are you doing here…?” I asked uneasily, fidgeting on the soft grass.

Xander shrugged, “Wanted to take a nap under the tree.” His eyes darted to my box of sandwiches.

“Mind if I have one? I’m starving here.”

I nodded shyly, feeling my body temperature rise when the towering form leaned across my legs to grab a sandwich.

“Thanks,” Xander smiled, leaning back on the trunk of the oak while enjoying the cool breeze under shade.

We ate in silence—me feeling all awkward and nervous and him just wanting to relax. I assume.

“Tastes good.” My companion said, reaching for another sandwich.

I felt the need to say something. Just because I was nervous and awkward didn’t mean that I would let it stay like that.

“Oh! Um…th-that day, you were about to say something? It was about the picture…”

There was a rustling of grass to my right, and the muffled sound of something dropping onto the ground softly.

And then I felt a strange weight on my shoulder.

Gently, I shifted my gaze to the right, and the source of the weight laid right in front of my eyes.

Xander’s head rested against my small shoulder, which barely was able to handle the heavy load. His eyes were closed peacefully in sleep and his breathing was constant and strong. I watched his chest rise and fall steadily and felt his hair tickle the tip of my nose.

I must be blushing like a wild tomato by now.

This was by far the closest I could ever imagine looking at him.

Taking in the pleasant cologne he usually wore, I leaned into the warmth of his body—already giving in to temptation.

Before I knew it, sleep had me in its arms, pining me down in its gentle grasp—and my head gradually felt heavier.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

I awoke in the most terrible position. Ever.

“Hey Bread Boy. Slept well?” Xander’s velvet words were the first that I heard as my eyes adjusted to the light.

Still groggy from sleep, I sat up slowly—and noticed that my head was lower than I expected. There was an ache in my back, suggesting that I had not slept in a good position.

I stared at the place my head had been initially.

My eyes widened and the tips of my fingers burned fiercely. 

(A/N: Guess which part of Xander he fell asleep on. ;) It’s a pleasant place to be *sings*)

Raising my gaze, I registered the cocky smirk on Xander’s face. “Slept well didn’t ‘cha?” He teased, ruffling my hair—something he never did.

My cheeks heated furiously and I tried to hide my face behind my hair. “I-I…I’m r-really sorry! I d-didn’t mean to-“ My words came out in staggered sentences, making me more nervous than ever.

I bit my lip, shoulders tensed.

Xander laughed; Again, slipping his long fingers through my hair. His touch lingered longer than necessary and I couldn’t help but wonder why.

He’s different today. More…gentle.

Xander’s slender fingers brushed and tickled my scalp, and I dared myself to take one look at him.

I almost gasped out loud.

His gaze was soft and tender—like the one’s he usually had when he was looking at Giselle. But somehow, it was different. His line of sight shifted from my eyes to somewhere lower, my neck… maybe? I wasn’t sure.

But then again, it was the look of desperate longing. It was the second time I had seen this expression on Xander’s immaculate face in less than 2 days, and I was beginning to wonder what was going on.

I didn’t really notice how long we were staring into each other’s eyes until the sharp ringing of the school bell sounded for the start of fifth period, causing me to jump and blush the crap out of myself for staring.

“I-I’m sorry! Really, really, please forgive me—“ I scrambled into an upright position, getting ready to make a break for class.

“Woah,” Xander grabbed my arm abruptly, cutting off my escape. “Hold up, it’s Home Economics next period.” Smiling once again, he used my weight to steadily lift himself off the ground.

“Come on,” The towering figure reached out a large hand to pat my head in a rather affectionate manner.

Nah, can’t be.

You’re imagining things, Chip. It’s all your imagination.

Xander picked up his pace, striding off to Home Economics class as I lagged behind feebly.

There’s no such thing as requited love.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Boys, you are terribly late!” Mrs Harry said crossly, eyeing me and Xander crossly as we entered the class.

“We’re really sorry Mrs Harry,” I said apologetically, hurrying to my station.

Her face softened and she waved as along. “Don’t do that again alright?”

Xander smiled cheekily and I nodded.

“Alright class, today we’ll be baking a cake!” Excited murmurs swept the room.

“You are free to decide on whatever cake you want to bake, but if you’re unsure of the recipe, you can come forward to the recipe book I have here,” Mrs Harry lifted the thickest book I’ve ever seen and dropped it on her table with a loud ‘slam’.

“Chop, Chop—you have two hours, it’s go time!” Our Home Economics teacher said cheerfully.

Just when I was about to turn to Xander and ask about the cake, the girl in the station before us raised her hand.

“Mrs Harry, James is absent today, and I don’t have a partner!” She said sadly.

Mrs Harry wriggled her nose, “Hmm…you’re a straight A student my dear, why not try it yourself this time?” She smiled encouragingly.

The senior (Vicky I think, I recognized her as one of the girls who usually followed Xander around) pouted. “But I can’t!” She put on her cutest puppy eyes, “can I please pair with Xander just once? Please pretty please?” Vicky crossed her fingers and begged desperately.

Okay, not desperately but…It was obvious that she wanted Xander pretty badly.

“Besides, Chip is, like, an expert at Home Economics!” She gestured to me, “I’m sure he can handle the cake by himself!” Vicky beamed.

Me? I wondered how she even knew my name.

“Well…” Mrs Harry put a finger to her lips thoughtfully, “Chip? What do you say?”

I glanced at Xander for a moment and he shrugged, as if to say ‘up to you’.

I sighed, was there even a choice?

Nodding my head, I forced a smile and lowered my gaze to hide my face.

“Yes!” I heard Vicky cheer excitedly as Xander moved over to her station and they began to decide on the cake.

There was this weird ache in my chest and I couldn’t help but wonder why. Was it even logical to be upset over such a small thing?

I tried to decipher the ache in my chest—disappointment?

I sketched my specialty (Fraisier cake) on a piece of parchment paper, listlessly adding the details and including the ingredients to make sure I remembered everything.

Perhaps I’ll make it exactly like the one I made for Giselle.

Yeap, that’ll do.

Smiling to myself, I headed over to the ingredient cupboard to grab the stuff that I needed.

When I was back at my station, I saw Vicky leaning over my counter, staring at the piece of paper I wrote my recipe on.

“Hey!” She jumped, slightly startled and stumbled over her words. “Do you-um, have any ideas about what we can make? Uh, Xander went to the storeroom to help Mrs Harry you see,”

Although she was smiling, I couldn’t get why she wouldn’t look me in the eye.

“Well…um…I’m just making a Fraisier Cake…” I said uncertainly.  

“Great!” Vicky’s pretty green eyes lit up, “So what are you planning to put inside?”

“I—“

Without my consent, Vicky grabbed the recipe, pointing to the ingredients I listed. “Oh, so you’re using all this?”

“Y-yeah—“

“Wow! That’s impressive…” She stared at the paper as her gaze ran through the design quickly.

“Um…can I have the paper back?” I asked tentatively, trying to slip the recipe out of her firm grasp.

She didn’t respond.

I began to panic.

“E-excuse me…”

She was quick, however, to respond when Xander walked through the door of the classroom, a stack of boxes in his arms.

Flinging the recipe back at me, Vicky sashayed over to the tall figure. “Hey Xander! So I’ve got this brilliant idea—“

Watching the pair interact, I bit my lip—forcing down the horrible feeling in my stomach.

What’s going on?

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A/N: What's going on? D: What's Vicky gonna do? D: Oh well, until next time! :D 

By the way, for those of you who are confused by Xander's sudden change in behaviour...it has something to do with the Prologue. It's kinda obvious who's Xander and who's Chip by now, and Xander's probably the only one who remembers Chip when they were young. Guess his Angel's just that special to him ;)

I was thinking about doing a Valentine's Day special! :3 What do you guys think? Vote if you want it! 

-Cupcake