A/N: Long chapter ahead! And I'm so so sorry for the late update ;__; Please forgive me eep.

-Before-

It was an early day for the young man as usual, as he rose-first, in the morning.

He'd go about his usual routine; taking a usual shower after brushing his teeth and having the usual blueberry pancakes that he'd never get tired of.

He'd take the usual bus to town, getting off at the stop before the school and walking on the usual route to the bakery.

The keys would click in the lock, as usual, and he'd swing the door open to hear the usual jingling of bells.

He'd start up the ovens, hearing the usual whir fill the kitchen with the illusion of busy noise. He'd glance at the calendar on the wall, checking the day of the week before going through the daily specials in his mind-as usual.

He'd see his sister, Coco, come in from the front door moments after, as he accounted for the leftover supplies from the night before. The bags of flour would seem to weigh more than a ton underneath his arms as usual, as he transferred them from the storage to the counter top.

His sister would help, as usual.

Then-one by one, the people of the bakery would join the two in the kitchen; kneading, rolling, piping, mixing-till it was time for the bakery to open its doors.

It would open just as the sun began to rise. Just like it did every day, as usual.

And the young man would take his place as usual, in the kitchen.

However, he usually does something before that;

And that was looking out of the glass that separated the bakery from the rest of the world.

He'd look out, as usual, and hear Bill's order to change the sign.

The young man would nod with a smile, as usual-and he'd hurry outside.

This is where the change seemed to step in;

For the young man would realize that the world around him wasn't usual indeed.

It was changing, and it was changing without him.

The world would not stop for him;

For seasons would pass,

And rain would come,

And the sun would set,

And time would pass-

But the young man would change the sign, as usual.

And he'd stop to wait...

As usual.

He'd wait for a certain someone to come.

And despite the people that passed; the sun that rose; and the heart that stopped-

He would be alone;

As usual.

___________________________

-After-

[Chip]

"Uwa-" I stopped short just as I entered the kitchen of the bakery, "Everyone's so early today!"

"Morning dear," Penny smiled warmly, turning back to pre-heat all the ovens.

"Morning Chippy!" Coco called from the counter, pulling out bags of flour from the cupboards above. "Rose told us that you're moving into the area in a week. And Gretel called me to ask when the wedding," She raised a suspicious brow, "I didn't even know you had a boyfriend."

I laughed awkwardly, flashing a sheepish smile.

"Well, um. Xander...h-he proposed to me," There was a quiet happiness deep within, and I couldn't stop the heat that rushed to my cheeks. "He's my...fiancé."

The word seemed foreign on my tongue; and no matter how many times it ran through my mind-it still was, certainly-very dreamy.

For it made the bird in my chest flutter in pleased excitement; despite the cage it resided in. The caged bird no longer saw itself captive, but rather-

"Wait...what?" Coco was by my side in the next moment, taking my hand and examining the ring that fit snuggly. "It's...beautiful."

Captivated.

"Oh you dummy-why didn't you tell us sooner? This is... it's so important!" My sister huffed, crossing her arms across her chest. "Jeez, I've dated for a year and yet no mention of marriage. Come on, my younger brother's getting married before I am!"

I laughed, putting away my bag and slipping the ring into one of the compartments. I grabbed an apron and proceeded to the sink to wash my hands, preparing myself for yet another busy day ahead.

"But it doesn't really matter, does it? Things like this shouldn't be rushed."

Coco sighed, slipping on a pair of disposable gloves. "I don't have all the time in the world to wait for Love to come."

"Unfortunately," I nodded, laughing softly, "Love has all the time in the world to wait for you. So it'll come when...it comes."

Smiling at my sister who looked away, I felt that deep down-she understood what I meant.

That there may always be a choice; but there are some things that despite not being chosen, cannot be stopped.

For Love was not meant to be stopped because of something as small as an obstacle of choice.

"Maybe," She stuck out her tongue in reply, getting out a couple of mixing bowls to start making the dough.

Without warning, a sudden cry sounded from the backdoor of the kitchen, causing Coco and I to jump.

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry Hansel, I couldn't see you there," Penny apologized, and I turned to see an indignant brother of mine standing at the doorframe, rubbing the top of his head as he grumbled incoherently.

"Aw c'mon! It's always me. I always get hit by this darn door when people open it," He groaned, entering the kitchen an unhappy disposition. "Shea, you walk in front next time, got it?"

"No thanks."

Hansel rolled his eyes, scanning the surroundings with a displeased look that confirmed the bad morning he had so far. "Oh. Hey boss," He greeted, nodding in my direction.

I blinked. "Me? Boss?"

"Yeah," He grabbed the book of deliveries due today and glanced through his work schedule. "You own the bakery now, don't ya bruh?"

"Um, well, yes-but being 'boss' is...a little...weird," I looked down awkwardly, staring at my shoes.

"I agree," Shea piped up, tying her the straps of her apron. "It's like calling a bunny 'wolf'."

"H-Hey-"

"I bet you were watching weird stuff last night, that's why you were late this morning," Hansel teased, "Not to mention you've been going on about this wolf and bunny thing since, like-"

"Um, guys...can we leave that for later?" I got between my brother and sister, flailing my arms in front of their faces to catch their attention, "We have to go through today's special first."

Shea clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes disapprovingly at Hansel's tongue that stuck out of his mouth like a ten-year-old. "Can't believe we're related."

"Well I'm your older brother, so there."

"Better listen to Chip dears," Penny interrupted gently, "He could kick you out of the kitchen and leave you without blueberry crumble for the rest of your lives."

I blinked.

W-Well, I wasn't intending to do that, but...

Apparently, the gentle warning was taken into account by Hansel and Shea-rather seriously, I might add. Hansel stiffened, turning away immediately, while Shea seemed genuinely concerned about the fact that she wouldn't be able to taste the blueberry crumble that I made for the rest of her life.

Despite their differences, both my brother and sister were in love with that dessert.

"Alright then," I clapped my hands together to gain everyone's attention. "As we all know, Wednesday's special would include Belgian waffles and apple pie instead of blueberry. Do apologize politely when customers ask for a blueberry pie and ask if they would like the apple one instead. If the kids from elementary school pop by for donuts after class, don't forget to give them extra chocolate sprinkles! Oh, and as for our Halloween pumpkin cupcake, um...we need more ideas on how to make it different from last years'. It'd be great if we could all come up with at least one new product to be put out on the shelf!"

I paused, glancing around for any confused faces.

Upon noting that everyone seemed good to go, I wished everyone a great day at work with a bow before taking my place at the counter.

"Penny, the oven's heated!"

"Right, can you pass me an empty tray? I need to stack up those tuna buns..."

"Here. Can you help me with the cream cheese icing for a moment? I need to get the cupcakes out of the oven..."

"Done with that. First batch of pies ready to go!"

"Waffles ready!"

"Fill that display case please."

"Don't forget the marzipan hearts!"

"Cupcakes done!"

Scuffling between the bakery and the kitchen was no easy task-but we were prepared well before the opening time as usual, and I didn't forget to change the sign outside.

And like every other day, I'd wait outside.

What was I waiting for?

My mind went blank for a moment, and much like every other human being-there were times when I couldn't seem to remember the purpose of my actions.

And then I remembered that I had not forgotten;

For my heart did await, and I had never stopped waiting.

"Angel?" Timely. "What are you doing outside? It's freezing today," He said.

I turned, and I never noticed that what I had truly waited for;

Had always been by my side.

"I-I was um, waiting. For my first customer, of course."

"Well, that'd be me," Xander smirked, hands in the pockets of his coat.

"I meant my regular one," I turned away in attempt to hide the smile that threatened to surface.

"That would also-be me."

And I realized that I was not alone-

As usual.

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

"I can't believe you'll never get bored of this," I pouted, handing my fiancé a bag of hot cross buns as I noticed the crevice between my mind and heart.

For despite the words that left, there was a certain happiness of a blanketed heart-that stayed safe in the warmest part.

"It's hard to forget the taste I've loved for more than half of my life," He shrugged easily with a smirk that was, by now, default to his expression. However easy it might have been for Xander to say those words; they were not easy on the heart.

"Xander?" Shea's voice came from the doorway separating the kitchen and the bakery, her tone laced with shock for the first second-

Then her face hardened.

"What are you doing here? Did you know how worried we were when we saw the deed to the bakery and some...some stupid letter with excuses? Did you even-"

"I'm sorry," Xander started, turning to face my sister. Hansel seemed to have heard Shea from the kitchen, for his head popped up behind her for a brief second. "I've come to explain. And also to thank you. Will you be willing to spare me five minutes?"

Shea raised a brow, looking very skeptical of this. "Explain? Yeah sure. As long as 'explanation' doesn't imply 'excuse', because it does most of the times you know. You only came for that?"

Uwaa since when did Shea get so protective over this matter?

"You got me there," Xander raised a hand as if in defeat.

"Wanted to see Chip in an apron, you see-" He admitted nonchalantly, "Kinda missed that."

"I knew it!" Hansel pumped a fist in the air, elbow narrowly missing Shea's head.

"Ugh, useless men."

"X-Xan!" I nudged him sideways, knowing that my ears were red.

He laughed, gaze lowering with a reassuring smile my way.

.

"O...kay...so," Shea frowned, sliding the tray of cookies into the oven. "Engaged, okay. Moving, okay. But what about the registration? You'll have to...register in another country. It's not allowed here, is it?"

"Wedding reception? How about the wedding dress-uh I mean...okay nevermind that but when's the honeymoon? Like, so, we're invited...right?" She narrowed her eyes at the last part, not giving Xander or me any room to voice our answers currently.

Hansel was pretty silent, and Coco knew of this already so she merely listened in as she transferred the freshly baked chocolate muffins onto the cooling rack. Penny was outside, at the counter.

"O-Of course, Shea," I hugged her quickly. "Just that...we're not sure about the wedding or anything like that yet. There's a lot of money involved, s-so..."

"We're going to L.A to get registered. Probably in a week or two," Xander picked up afterwards, pulling me closer.

!!!

N-Not in front of my sisters!

(And brother)

"Woah, L.A...Loki would be jealous as hell," Shea commented lightly. "Better let the wedding reception be somewhere good too. I'll help you with savings. Er-have you told Mom though? Last I heard she'd be in Japan for a week. Not sure when she's coming back."

"I'll give her a call," I nodded, slightly anxious. I hadn't talk to Mom for a long time.

"As for the two rooms upstairs," Xander continued, gaze resting on Hansel. "We were thinking to let you and Shea have it, instead."

My sister's eyes widened. "Huh? But...it's Chip's bakery. And your money-weren't you guys supposed to live there?"

"You guys need it more than we do. You're having trouble with the rent, right?" My fiancé smiled, and so did I. "Besides...I'm going to be part of the family soon."

"Might as well have your backs."

Neither of them spoke for some time, and I glanced outside to check the situation in the bakery.

Phew, Penny's handling it pretty well.

"Wow...um," Shea seemed confused. "Thanks. I guess."

I grinned and tapped her shoulder. "Now you can get to work on time."

"Oh shut up."

There was one thing that I had noticed, and it worried me quite a bit-

Hansel didn't look as happy as Shea did.

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

Strangely, I didn't quite feel the attachment I was supposed to have towards the apartment I had lived in for the past few years. Just-acceptance, perhaps?

It didn't change much; from the time I first arrived, and now, would leave.

Unexpectedly, it remained quite empty.

And to be honest, there was no sign of myself in it.

It could have been anyone's apartment.

That itself seemed quite sad indeed.

Ah, but maybe I wasn't being myself, then?

Maybe my heart was lost;

And all I could do was to reply on the mind that was found.

But that was then,

And this is now-

"Ready Angel?" Now, I have found-

"Giselle's waiting in the van with Ace and Blake."

I picked up the last of the boxes, not remembering to take a second glance behind my shoulder. "Coming!"

The box was big, and it blocked my view ahead.

I couldn't see what was ahead.

"Woah, let me have that."

"I-It's okay, I can handle it," I reassured with an untimely stammer, feet unsure.

"Watch your step Angel. You know-I could always carry both you and that box if you'd let me."

"That wouldn't be good for the heart you dummy," I pouted, taking tentative steps forward.

Xander laughed, and there was a warm touch on my hand that struggled to keep the box upright. "I've got you."

But perhaps it was okay;

Even if you can't see what's ahead;

I'm glad you still have the courage to go on-

Despite not knowing if anyone would catch your fall.

Because really,

You'll find the people who will.

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

"Acey and Blakey sittin' under a tree, K-I-"

"She keeps saying that, what does it mean?" Blake frowned in confusion. "How did she even know?" He added in a whisper.

"Leave her. It means she approves. Trust me, I have no idea how she knows everything," Xander laid out bluntly, checking the backseat-which included me, Giselle and tons of boxes. "What's taking Ace so long?"

"He went to the store to get gummies for Giselle, what do you think?"

Xander eyed his sister, and she looked away-as if caught red-handed. "Giselle."

She kept her eyes on her shoes.

"Don't cause trouble for others, okay?"

"Fine," She replied quietly, not looking at him either, but I was worried that something different might be on her mind.

Before I could enquire, the door to my right slid open without warning-and Ace slid in with a bag of gummy bears. "Ah, sorry guys. Long queue. Let's go!"

"Here you go Giselle. Hope you didn't wait too long," He grinned sheepishly, handing her the gummies.

Giselle smiled back, opening the packet and sharing them between the three of us.

.

"We're here."

I looked out of the window, taking in the surroundings. It was familiar-not very far from the bakery at all, but still a knowledgeable distance away. The row of terrace houses didn't seem particularly foreign-but I was a tad excited to be moving into a two-story house for the first time.

W-Well, it's different from having a bakery as the first floor, so.

Finally," Ace slid the door of the van open as soon as possible, "I was definitely going to get car sick. Blake-your driving skills suck."

Xander burst out laughing. "Heard that? Wasn't me."

"Ace, that's not a very nice thing you should say to your boss," Blake threw a glare over his shoulder. I opened the door for Giselle to help her out and headed to the back with Xander to get the boxes out.

"Isn't that Seth?"

Xander and I looked up, noting the two men that were approaching. One of them, I assumed the one dressed in a business suit, was Xander's ex-teammate, Seth. And the other was our landlord.

It felt strange-when Xander took my hand and led me to the two. Not just because it was rather sudden, but perhaps it was the fact that he had done it so easily; effortlessly; as if hesitation had never crossed his mind.

"Seth," They clapped backs, "This is my fiancé, Chip. You remember him? He sat at our table a couple of times."

"U-Um! Hi, nice to meet you," I greeted with a quick bow. "I'm Chip Honeycutt."

Seth's dark eyes zeroed in on me, and I couldn't help but feel slightly intimidated. "Mm...small fry? God he looks exactly the same. Just-a little taller, maybe."

M-Maybee...?

I give up.

"Hey Seth!" Blake caught up, giving the agent's hand a good shake. "How's it going?"

"Hey Capt, think you gotta up your game-can't believe Xander got some before you," He joked with a smirk, patting Blake on the back pitifully. Ace, who was in earshot, glanced over.

"Disrespectful little bastards," The ex-captain rolled his eyes, flipping his teammates off. "Can we get to business?"

"Sorry about that," Seth turned to the man I had assumed was our landlord, who didn't seem to mind our 'touching' reunion. "Mr. Reeves, would you like to show your new tenants around before they get started on the unpacking?"

"Sure thing," He nodded, gesturing towards the gates of terrace number 5. "This way gentlemen."

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

The interior was larger than it seemed.

It was unexpectedly cozy-since the red brick outlook wasn't particularly inviting, and the door was a dull black-and I was glad I left the choice to Xander, really.

Before I could take a look at the furniture provided by the landlord, there was a loud bark coming from the kitchen, and without warning-

"Uwa!"

"Holy-"

"Blake, chill, it's just a dog," Ace laughed.

A large, grey-white dog padded across the laminate flooring towards the entering guests-tongue out and tail wagging.

"Ah, I've informed Mr. Jaxon about our little husky-Berry," Mr. Reeves smiled proudly, bending down to run his hand over Berry's head. "She's a little loud at times, but a great companion."

L-Little...?

She's huge.

I glanced up at Xander, noticing the light in his eyes.

But as long Xander's okay.

How about Giselle?

"Right, the living room-I think you'll like it here. Though I apologize, I gave the couch to my niece. I'm sure you'd like to do some furniture shopping..." The landlord led us to the living room. "Ah, the wallpaper. I hope you like it. My wife wasn't fond of the dark tones I used to have, you see."

"It looks fine," Xander nodded, as I leaned down to whisper the color to Giselle. "What do you think, Angel?"

"It's pretty!" I agreed, "And we could get a couch that would match the color."

"The living's huge. I might just give you a treadmill as a housewarming present," Ace commented excitedly. "Work out, you know? Oh but Chip you gotta like, do some push-ups."

"U-Uh um, okay."

Xander laughed. "I'll make sure he gets some exercise."

I blinked, panicking slightly.

"At night," He added when Mr. Reeves wasn't in earshot-and Seth slapped him hard on the back.

"Don't know how you put up with him, small fry."

"Same sentiments," Blake agreed quickly, and Ace punched his shoulder playfully.

"W-Well, I don't really...like running, you see-even if it's in the morning or night, I-I'm not really cut out for it," I laughed sheepishly.

The next thing I knew there were four blank faces staring back at me.

"Um...is something wrong?"

"Nah, nevermind."

"Haha, good luck Xander," Seth patted my fiancé on the back this time.

"Hahaha! Chip you're so cute," Ace laughed, squishing me for a long second.

"Gentlemen? I assume you'd like to take a look at the second floor...?" Mr. Reeves called from the stairs, and Seth nodded.

"We'll be right there."

O-Oh, aren't we taking a look at the kitchen first?

Ah I wonder if they have an island. Also, I hope the cupboards aren't too high. I'd have trouble reaching them.

Hehe, I hope everything's neat and tidy.

"Why don't we check out the kitchen first?" Xander asked his friend just as the rest began to follow the landlord. "I think that's more important..."

Xander's gaze met mine as soon as the words left his lips, and he smiled.

I felt my cheeks burn.

Was I that easy to read?

"Hm...how about I bring Chip and Giselle round the kitchen and backyard while you guys go up first? I bet all Xander wants to see is the master bedroom," Seth rolled his eyes. Blake agreed with the last part, and Ace simply laughed.

Xander seemed reluctant.

"It's fine Xan, I'll be down here with Giselle!" I reassured with my usual smile. My fiancé sighed with a nod, proceeding to follow the landlord up the stairs.

"I'll be quick."

"A-Ah, don't worry, you can take your time..."

"You do realize that we could always do it in the kitchen instead of the bedroom-"

"Stop flirting, you idiots."

.

"There's a dishwasher!" I noticed immediately, unable to control the biggest gush that surfaced. "I've always wanted one. Rose always said that there was no need for it since we could always hand-wash the dishes."

"What? Seriously?" Seth's eyes widened, as if he had never seen someone without a dishwasher before. "Well it's pretty convenient."

"O-Oh, and there's this stool for me to step on when I can't reach the upper shelves," I talked to myself excitedly, tugging on Giselle's hand as we examined the fairly large kitchen. "I always had to drag a chair from the dining, but I probably don't have to now."

The island in the middle of the kitchen was a pleasant shade of milky white, countertop and cupboards a matching dark wood that showed good contrast. Both the oven and microwave were just where I liked them to be; and the refrigerator was huge.

"Giselle, they have a gigantic fridge to put all our ice-cream tubs in," I told her eagerly, taking her hand and running it across the large handle.

Xander's sister didn't respond-she simply kept quiet. Then I noticed that she was grinding her teeth.

I leaned down, spirits dulling. "G-Giselle? Do you want to go outside for a moment? We could get back in the van and eat more gummy bears if you'd like."

She shook her head, grip tightening on my hand.

She must be scared.

After all, it was a completely new place-and it wasn't exactly small either. It'd take a long time for her to get used to it.

"I can't see," She voiced; a hint of frustration and anxiety in her tone. Her other fist was clenched-a habit indicating that she was holding back her emotions. "I want to go home..."

I glanced at Seth, and he got the que.

He left us for a while, stepping out of the kitchen.

I turned to Giselle, holding her hands. "I'll hold your hand. It's going to be A-okay! Soon we will be baking cookies here, just like we did at home. We can watch the Hobbit later too! The second part, with Legolas in it. I'm sure you miss him."

Her shoulders relaxed slightly. "But I want to go home..."

"It's cold here."

"We'll bring in the house slippers soon Giselle. You can go upstairs and cuddle Fluffy if you'd like. Xander even made sure for you to have a painting room on the first floor! There'll be lots of easels, and lots of pretty colors."

"Really?"

"Un! Your brother wants the best for you too!"

She was silent, as though she hadn't heard what I said.

But I was sure she did, and sure she understood what I meant.

After all, she'd be turning 18 soon.

"Me too," Giselle piped up all of a sudden, clutching my fingers tightly. "Want the best for him too."

I smiled.

"Giselle is the most understanding girl I've ever met! I'll bring some red velvet cupcakes home from the bakery tomorrow, how does that sound?"

"Mm...good."

"Thank you for accepting the change, Giselle," I planted a kiss on her cheek, but her mind seemed to be elsewhere.

"As long as Chocolate Chip is here," She nodded. "Chocolate Chip is the best. So he must be for Xandie. So, as long as Chocolate Chip is here.

Change is okay."

I blushed furiously. "E-Eh? Um, I'm not best chocolate-I mean, I'm not the chip best-ah...nevermind."

Speak I English.

Giselle laughed. "Okie dokie."

I held her hand, about to lead her upstairs to join Xander-

"Woah girl, hold up! Small fry-I mean, Chip! Watch out!"

I turned, just in time to hear paw steps clicking on the laminate flooring and a huge blur of white and grey knock my feet off the ground.

"Uwaa!"

"Chocolate Chip?"

I let go of Giselle's hand in that instant, not wanting her to fall with me and I think she kind of panicked, wondering what had happened.

Ah, I shouldn't have stood in front of the stairs...she probably wanted to go up.

There was a wet sensation on my arm; suggesting that Berry the husky had decided to lick it. Her weight held me on the ground, and since I had no idea whether she would bite me if lifted her (not even sure whether I could) I decided to stay put.

"-leave Berry to you. She's no trouble, hope you'll take good care of her. She's my baby, but I can't bring her over to Hong Kong, you know what I mean? The food's in the storeroom, but if you ever run out, give me a call-woah. What happened here?"

I smiled sheepishly; but inside, I was thoroughly embarrassed to be knocked over by a husky. "Um. H-Hi."

Xander laughed-and I noticed the difference between the before and after.

It was pleasant, really. And I couldn't help but think that I'd be happy to listen to it every day.

"Angel, I'm pretty sure that's not the right way to say hi to Berry," He turned behind to smack Blake on the head, who was laughing also-then there was concern in his eyes. O-Oh, but I couldn't quite tell because he was upside down in my vision. "Did you hit your head or anything?"

"Ah, I-I'm fine. Don't worry..." Getting up warily, I was almost sure Berry would knock me over again but she moved aside, giving me some space.

Instead, she went over to Giselle, sniffing her leg and licking it.

Xander's sister froze the moment Berry's coat brushed against her leg-and all of us panicked.

"Wait-does she like dogs?"

"Forget about that, she's never met one before."

"S-She just doesn't like new things, that's all."

"Oh no, let's-"

Without warning, Giselle squatted down with her hands on her knees. "Fluffy?"

Berry nudged Giselle's hand with her nose, sniffing it and trying to catch her attention. She held out a hand, which Berry accepted readily by running her coat under it. "Ooh. Feels like fluffy."

Xander's sister began to pet Berry, soothing her coat over and over again like she always did with her stuffed unicorn.

"But warmer."

Soon, both her hands were rubbing Berry's back-as though she enjoyed the familiar sensation.

"She likes it."

"Her," Ace corrected. "Berry is a 'her'."

"Okay fine," Seth rolled his eyes.

"Good start."

"Yeah, Xander likes the bedroom too which is probably the most important 'start'-ow!"

My fiancé hit the back of Blake's head, but there was laughter in his eyes.

They were grey, yes-but there was not a single dark cloud in them.

The sun shone through, and there was no rain.

It seemed as if the thunderstorm was gone-and I found myself wondering if he had taken his pills today.

But that was when I realized;

That he didn't.

And it made his smile all the more different from before.

There was change;

And it resided in our hearts.

The heart that was

Before you;

And after-

You.

*~*~*~*~end of chapter 'before and after'*~*~*~*~*

A/N: I missed you so much ;__; I'm so so sorry for the late update again. The chapter took really long to write because I was pretty caught up on the theme of change. I wanted to take it slow and lay out the possible directions of this book so that everyone wouldn't be confused when the conflicts come in.

Therefore, sorry for the boring chapter ;__; I promise the next would be more interesting. And actually I was thinking of updating every two weeks from now, since I'm also working on the next chapters of Flight School and Human. Uwaa.

I think I've mentioned this before, but the Baked Series does not take place in any specific country :) That's because I think that it doesn't really matter where or when Love takes place.

When it comes, it comes-and there's not stopping it.

That, and I guess I want all my bakers from around the world to feel attached to the characters ^^ and that perhaps they aren't so distant after all.

Because really, the truth is the characters are right here-in your hearts.

-Cuppiecake.

P.S. I missed you loads ;__; Also, just a clarification that this and the previous chapter takes places before the epilogue of the Brave Love. I kinda want to show you guys how, why, where they moved and what happened to Giselle that made her decide that she wanted to take the risk of the eye surgery. Oh, and o-of course more sexual tension between Xander and Chip. Eep. /.\

I'll see you in two weeks time! ^0^/