A/N: Hey everyone! Here's chapter 4 for ya. This story is a slower paced cute/romantic type of story that is completely A.U. from the books and the movies. Right now it's just Frypan and Reese, but some familiar faces may be making some appearances in later chapters. Theme song for this chapter is Strawberry Avalanche by Owl City. -MoonlitShadow

Of Love And Cupcakes Chapter 4

Reese watched thoroughly amused at how dedicated Frypan was to getting the batches of cupcakes into the case by lunchtime. He had turned back on the radio and Reese found herself swaying along to the beat as she tried to put the right amount of pressure on the frosting bag so the icing wouldn't slide right off the cupcakes. So far she had gone through eight cupcakes, making them extra soggy much to her dismay. Yet every time she found herself getting worked up and frustrated, Frypan was always there to offer words of encouragement telling her that she would get better with practice. She was quickly learning that Frypan was one of the nicest guys that she had ever met in her life and that he was definitely the best boss she had ever had. She smiled to herself when she managed to ice the cupcake she was working on just right. She jumped slightly when she heard the sound of clapping and realized that the radio had been turned off. Looking over her shoulder she saw that Frypan was standing there with a proud smirk on his face as he watched her hold up the cupcake in triumph. "That's a perfect cupcake if I do say so myself! You did a really great job. That one looks even better than the ones I did and I've been doing this for over 8 years." Reese blushed at his praise and set the cupcake back on the pan with the others before turning around and leaning her arms up against the counter behind her. "Thanks, boss. So we've finished all the cupcakes and we've made several batches of donuts. What's next?"

Frypan tilted his head to the side with a thoughtful expression before he shrugged and gave her a kind smile. "Well that's it for the morning routine. Now I think since it's slow, I was going to offer if you'd like to close up shop for an hour or so and join me for coffee?" She smiled widely and nodded as they both took off their aprons and hung them on the kitchen door before they grabbed their things and headed out onto the busy morning streets. "Coffee sounds great. Do you have any place in particular in mind?" She asked as they walked at a leisurely place taking in the morning sights and sounds. Sidestepping to avoid the spray of a florist's hose in the market square, he looked down at her with a charmed look. "I was thinking of a coffee shop in the French district that's run by a friend of mine. The coffee there is the best in the city."

"What's the shop called? I might've been there before." She pondered out loud while smiling at a street musician as they passed. Frypan let out a small chuckle and pointed to a large coffee shop that was called Captain's Quarters. "This is it right here. My friend Gally runs it. He named the place after the nickname that my friend's and I gave him several years ago. He's one of the few friends that I have in this city. Everyone else is spread out all around the world." He said as his voice wavered slightly at the mention of his friends. Reese's smile faltered when she noticed and was going to say something but Frypan forced a smile and held open the door for her making her feel a pang of sadness at the thought that he obviously didn't want her to know that he was hurting. So she did the only thing she could think of to do. Smile and play it off like it never happened for the sake of his dignity.

Reese followed him over to the counter where a large scruffy guy with beautifully defined eyebrows stood chatting with a customer before he spotted them and waved them over with a welcoming smile. "Fry! Good to see ya, shank. Where've you been hiding out? It feels like forever since we've had a drink together." Gally bantered as Frypan leaned over the counter and gave him a friendly hug before he pulled back and stood next to Reese with a knowing smile. "Captain, I want you to meet my newest employee at the bakery, Reese. Reese, this is Gally or Captain Gally whichever you prefer. He's a dear friend of mine and the owner of this fine establishment." Stepping forward she extended a delicate hand over the counter as the man named Gally shook it gently as his eyes shined with amusement. "Nice to meet you, Reese. Don't let him hide you away in that kitchen all the time. Please feel free to come here and relax any time you want. Just look for me and I'll let you have anything on the house. I don't think I've ever seen a woman in the presence of Fry before so please excuse my excitement." Both Reese and Frypan blushed before Fry whacked Gally in the shoulder as he scowled up at his friend. "It's not like that and you know it Galileo. Reese is just my employee. Behave yourself."

Reese shifted her weight awkwardly as she watched Gally hold up his hands in mock surrender with a mischievous smirk. "Hey, just because you're employees doesn't mean it'd hurt to get to know each other better. You can't deny that she's a beautiful woman." He said sending her a saucy wink that made her entire face flush bright pink. Frypan moved slightly in front of her in a subtle protective move as he quirked an eyebrow at Gally in a silent challenge daring him to say it again. Gally merely shook his head and signaled for one of his workers to take their orders swaggering away but not without a few ominous words directed at the two. "Sometimes destiny has a way of changing people, and most importantly their hearts. All I'm saying is are you going to leave yours open or will you let a chance at something more pass you by? It's your choice." Both Reese and Frypan stood there stunned at his words before Fry cleared his throat and smiled as a small blush tainted his cheeks. "Dually noted. Now about that coffee?" And for the first time, Reese found herself wishing that maybe someday soon, a chance would present itself for more with the cook that was slowly making his way into her life, one sweet moment at a time.