Oh and congrats to @kristinaroyal1 for instantly getting that Toby was Ditzy fangirl’s brother.

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I woke up nice and early leaving the boys to sleep, while I went to make them pancakes and biscuits. Healthy start to the day…I know.  Sebastian would be working today so something savory or even spicy was in order.  Plucking the ingredients from the cupboard I set them down on the countertop and tied up my hair and reached for my little house wife apron. A Stepford wife much? I had the batter ready for when they came down and the biscuits were almost done. The curry was smelling wonderful as it  filled the entire room. I soon felt hands slid around my waist and a heavy head rest on my shoulder.

“Hmm what’s this you’re making? Smells good,” Sebastian kissed my cheek and held me tight.

“Curry, want a taste?” I asked holding a spoon of the thick sauce. He let me pop it in his mouth even if it was at an awkward angle. “Any good?” I asked.

“I think it needs a little more seasoning.” I nodded and turned to the spice rack Sebastian had gotten me. It annoyed me that all the spices came as a sort of paste, but one must work with what one is given.

“Is Toby up yet?” I asked. Sebastian shook his head. “Oh ok. Can you take the biscuits out of the oven please?” I asked turning to mix the paste into the curry. “I’ll be up there soon to make the pancakes, and I want to see all nineteen biscuits when you get down here,” I warned, knowing he’d try to nick a few. I stirred the curry a bit more as I watched Sebastian return to slide the cookies into the jar. I swam up to the surface and cooked both the pancakes and the curry, packing it into a sealed container.

I was surprised to find Toby awake when I brought down the pancakes. I set the plate on the table and watched the two of them devour it, as if they hadn’t had food for a week. I handed Sebastian his lunch and got a goodbye kiss making the little rascal scrunch up his nose as he took another serving.

“I’m sure your parents are worried about you,” I mentioned when we were alone. He shook his head stuffing his face.

“Me ain’t got no parents,” he replied through his full mouth. “I live with my sissy,” he explained. I nodded and gave him the remainder of mine. “These are soooo yummy. You nom nom nom are a good cook,” he smiled clapping his hands.

“I’m sure your sister must be worried sick, do you know where you live?” I asked. He thankfully nodded and chomped down the last of breakfast. And Sebastian said I was the one who ate to much…

***

We passed the market district with all the wonderful stores and smells and slowly came into the more residential area. I looked at all the apartment like buildings and only then did I realize that Sebastian’s pad was actually quite large.

“My sister is a big fan of yours, she will be super happy with me when she meets you.” He cheered circling around me. We reached a door and I knocked on it, feeling kind of awkward.

The door suddenly flung open and some chic came out bursting in tears suddenly saw Toby and scooped up.

“Toby, I thought you were dead,” she wailed. “Don’t ever scare me like that again,” she sobbed.

“I’m sorry sissy, but Aubrey saved me. She and Sebastian looked after me,” he said patting his stomach and pointing out the bandage. Her head suddenly bolted up and looked at me so I could see who it was. OMG it’s the ditzy girl from the patisserie. What was her name again? Taylor Mintel right?

“Oh my, I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t see you there Countess,” she did a bob. Umm this was getting even more awkward. “Sorry for all the trouble my little brother caused you and Sebastian. Toby is the only thing I have left in my life, won’t you please come in?” she said letting go of Toby who dashed inside to play.

“Umm…I don’t wish to be a bother,” I began.

“No no no, it’s the least I could do. I never thought I’d be able to have you as a guest, please come in and have a piece of cake,” she insisted. I smiled weakly. I nodded and followed her inside.

The Mintel’s apartment was cluttered but it wasn’t really messy. Most of the clutter was Toby’s toys but the book shelves were filled with her celebrity craze…Sebastian and me. There were newspapers, photos albums and…bobble heads?

“I saw the photo you took of me when I had visited the cake shop,” I mentioned. A small blush eased its way onto her cheeks as she searched her fridge before pulling out a large half eaten cake.

“Yes, I’m a bit of a fan of you and Sebastian,” she admitted placing the large cake on the bench before taking out a massive knife.

“Why?” I asked my eyes fixated on the delicacy. She looked up at me.

“What do you mean why?”

“What makes my life worth fanning over? Is it really a big sceptical? Surly your life is more interesting to you?”

“You’re a beautiful Halfling, marrying Atlantis’ number one bachelor who is not only rich, powerful and has a title, but everyone loves him. Your friends with the seven daughters of Atlantis, you have been to the top school, have beautiful gowns made for you, your smart and brave. You saved Toby. That’s why I admire you so much.” She smiled with so much pride as she passed me a generous slice of cake.

“But most of those things were forced upon me,” I watched as her smile sank. “I was originally an ugly plain Jane, no one ever gave me a second glance. I was kidnapped, went through a painful transformation and was suddenly engaged to a man I didn’t know. I haven’t seen my family in months, and there are still basic things I don’t know about living here.” I took a bite of the cake, it wasn’t as good as the last one. “To be honest, I would have preferred a normal quiet life. Not one filled with fame and fortune.” There was several minutes of silence, as I picked at the cake. Toby was playing in his room as the clock ticked by.

“You haven’t given up, not once,” she whispered a gentle smile playing on her lips, completely different from the hyperactive cheery sales girl. “Now I feel shallow for only thinking of only the trivial things. I really should pay more attention to Toby. He’s all that I have,” her smile still soft and gentle but she glanced up at the door separating her and her brother.

“He’s a real cutie” I giggled thinking of the little guy. “Sebastian is so jealous of him,” we both cracked into a fit of laughter. Making Toby emerge from his room with a confused look spread across his face.

“There is some cake if you want it Toby,” Taylor pointed in between the laughing fit she had. Toby shook his head and explained that the pancakes I had fed him were enough. He quickly returned to his room to play with his toy boat. “You love Sebastian dearly, don’t you?” she mused as our laughs settled. I nodded slowly.

“Very much, although I’m not quite used to all,  bit I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’m his after all.” I can’t believe I’m really admitting all this. What is wrong with you girl?

“Awww, that’s so sweet. Hey wanna see some pictures I snagged of Sebastian over the years?” before I could answer she reached up and took a thick album from the cluttered bookshelf and opened it up to various photos. “You can keep one if you like?” she said as I picked a very casual shot of him, I smiled and ran my fingers over the photo.

I am his… and he is mine.

___

To be honest this is really just a filler chapter. Nothing to special.

I have to say I am surprised and truly thankful for all the comments that I received, especially from the last chapter. Thanks for the support and the feedback. Anyway keep it up and tell me what you think.

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