A/N: Hey everyone. It's 1:00 a.m. here and I just thought of this story idea a moment ago while I'm half asleep so I said to myself, why not post it raw and see what happens? This is a Frypan/OC pairing. And I know you all are going why not make it a group pairing and I'm going to say that I think this will work better with just Frypan getting all the love. Alright now without further ado, enjoy! –MoonlitShadow
Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Maze Runner series and any recognizable characters that come with it. I only own my OC's and A.U. plotline that I've created. I do NOT make any profits off of any of my stories. All rights go to James Dashner.
Of Love and Cupcakes
It had been six years since the Gladers and the rest of the Immunes had survived the trials and the world was finally being rebuilt and repopulated after a cure had been found for the flare virus. It had been a long and dangerous road getting to the way things were now. And the solar flares still beat down with no mercy over every spot of the United States. Once a cure had been found, the main focus was coming up with a way to have cities and towns without being exposed to the harsh sunlight and dangerous weather that was a result of everything that had happened. The Glader's that had been temporarily placed into Paradise had been key at heading up the rebuilding process with Thomas taking the lead with an architectural design for dome like structures that were built into the ground that housed entire cities around the globe that acted as a working unit with pod like living quarters for each family and provided the entire unit with food, water, shelter and a safe atmosphere to grow the economy and raise families without the fear of death and destruction.
It was in a dome city just like that that Frypan, the Glade's cook now found himself living in. Spending over half his life as a Glader had changed him and made him mature in ways that most 24 year old's couldn't even begin to imagine. He and the other Glader's had decided that it was time for everyone who survived the trials to break away from being in the close knit group that they always had functioned in and spread out all over the globe to start their lives with a blank slate where no one would know them as the Gladers, but just another nameless person on the city streets. Frypan had taken up residence in the city that was the new version of New Orleans, Louisiana and the distance away from everything to do with the trials had done him good. He had a chance to heal over the years and found himself even being happy at times. He lived in an apartment in a high rise like building within the dome city where he could look out his window and watch the traffic of the hover cars and people go by. He had stuck to what he loved to do best and had opened a small bakery in the heart of the city called The Wonderland Bakery where he sold all kinds of sweets and goodies to anyone with a sweet tooth. He always offered his customers a cheery hello and a kind smile making him very popular in his neighborhood.
And that was where he found himself today at three in the afternoon. He was currently mixing a bowl filled with almond paste that he was planning on adding to his new macaroon recipe where he heard the telltale ding of the bell on his shop's front door. He waited for the person to press the button of the bell that he kept on the counter signaling that they needed assistance but none came. Scrunching up his face in confusion, he set the bowl on the kitchen island and wiped his hands on his apron before making his way to the front of the store where he was surprised to see a young woman with strawberry blonde hair that was pinned neatly on top of her head and was dressed in a beautiful pink sundress with a pair of brown heeled boots. When she heard him approach she turned and he was taken aback by her bright green eyes that reminded him of the leaves of trees and flowers that bloomed in the spring.
She gave him a breathtaking smile making his heart clench as he stepped up behind the counter and greeted her with a welcoming smile. "Hello, welcome to The Wonderland Bakery. What can I get you today?" The woman ducked her head with a bright pink blush spreading over her cheeks before raising her head and brushing a loose piece of hair behind her ear with a small smile. "Hi. My name's Reese. I just moved to the city and I'm currently looking for work. I was wondering if you were hiring." Frypan looked at the woman curiously as she looked up at him with a hopeful expression. He never had an employee before. He always opted to do everything himself because after being in charge of a whole group of cooks in the Glade, he really did like not having to share his kitchen with anyone. But as he looked into her bright jade eyes, he knew there was something special about her. He didn't know what it was yet, but he was determined to find out. Nodding his head he leaned over the counter and extended his hand for her to shake. "I've never had an employee here before, but I can tell you'd be a good worker. My name is Frypan and I'm the one and only cook of this fine establishment. I think I could use some extra help starting at around 9:00 a.m. tomorrow morning."
Gently she took his hand and Frypan could've sworn he felt sparks fly through his veins when his skin made contact with hers. Yup. She was different. And now she was his very first employee. Things were looking good for the lonely cook. "Nice to meet you, Frypan. I'll be here bright and early tomorrow morning. I'll probably be a little early. I only live about five minutes away from here. See you then?" He gave her a smile and nodded as she pulled her hand away and instantly his hand felt cold and unwanted. His brows drew together in confusion as he watched the beautiful woman named Reese walk out of his bakery and disappear down the street. Leaning up against the counter he took a deep breath and exhaled loudly. Who was Reese? And what on earth was she doing to him?