A/N: Surprisingly, this chapter wasn't inspired by Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day). Also, happy April Fools' Day and some BaronxHaru "fluff" should becoming more common now. Finally, I will be going over the last chapter, since it does have some inaccuracies (sorry) but this week has been a little stressful, so I'm going to go over it when I've suitably de-stressed. Thank you all.

Chapter 21: Pancakes and Tea

"I'm going to make a mess. A big, gooey, pancake-y mess," said Haru bluntly, holding the pan with both hands. "A big, gooey, pancake-y mess all over your kitchen floor."

"That's alright, we'll just clean it up." Baron had his hands over Haru's hands to stop them shaking and spilling the half-formed pancake over the edge.

"A big, gooey, pancake-y mess all over your kitchen floor, and possibly over the two of us," Haru repeated stubbornly.

"Okay, so maybe that's not an attractive image, but we can deal with it."

"Baron, I don't have the first idea on how to flip a pancake!"

"Well, you begin by holding the pan in your hands like you are doing now, so you're off to a good start."

"I can hold the pan, it's the flipping part that I can't do."

"Just try."

Haru glared. "Well, here goes nothing." She violently moved her arms upwards, bringing the pan up in the same movement. There was a wet squelchy noise behind her a moment later. Slowly she opened her eyes – which she hadn't even realised she'd closed until then – and turned to Baron, an apologetic look on her face. "Um... sorry?"

Baron was looking where the remains of the pancake mixture was oozing over the tiled floor, doing his best not to laugh. "Right..." he said slowly, biting his lip to keep the laughter inside. "Okay... you do know we want the pancake to land back inside the pan... right?"

Haru guiltily nudged the edge of the mess. "Yeah, I knew that. That was a terrible first try, wasn't it?"

Baron opened his mouth, probably to deny her comment, then closed it. "Well, at least you kept firm hold of the pan," he said eventually.

Haru grinned, and Baron grinned back. Baron's grin progressed to a restrained chuckle, then broke down into full laughter when he couldn't hold it back any longer. Haru blushed. "Was I really that bad?"

He shook his head, but was having trouble replying due to his laughter. However, on seeing the princess blush, he quickly coughed and stopped. "Um... well let's just say I've never seen anyone use your particular... technique... before."

"What did it look like?"

"You kind of threw the pan up over your head and tossed the pancake directly behind you. Sideways instead of up," he added, in case Haru didn't quite catch his meaning.

She blushed again, understanding what he meant. "Do you want to do the next pancake?"

"You don't want another try?"

"That was a disaster."

"Yes, but if you start at the bottom, the only way to go is up."

"Thanks."

Baron had already taken the pan off Haru and was pouring another splash of the mixture onto it. He placed it back over the grill. "You keep an eye on the pan and I'll clean up the mess."

"No, I made it, I'll help–"

"You're my guest," he said firmly. "Anyway, I need someone to make sure the pancake doesn't burn."

Haru was eyeing the pan now nervously. "What happens if it does start to burn?"

"Every now and then pick the pan up and gently swirl it. It isn't too difficult."

"Knowing me, it will be," she replied, not turning round to look at Baron; not daring to take her eyes off the pan lest it suddenly burn with her attention momentarily distracted.

"Have more faith in your abilities."

"I do. I have perfect faith that I have the ability to set the house on fire while attempting to help you prepare a picnic." She frowned, realising something. "Baron..."

"Yes?"

"Pancakes are best warm..."

"I know."

"So why are we bringing them along on this picnic? They'll surely be stone cold by the time we get around to eating them."

"We're not bringing them along. We're going to eat them as soon as we've done them, as a treat to ourselves for our excellent efforts."

"Baron, the chances we'll make two edible pancakes with me flipping them are miniscule."

"They would be if you didn't have a first-rate teacher like myself coaching you." He finished clearing up the mess and came to Haru's side, looking over her shoulder at the pan. "See, you didn't let it burn."

"You are so full of yourself, aren't you?" Haru chuckled.

"No, I just knew you would be careful."

"I was talking about the 'first-rate teacher' bit, actually," she amended, and turned to smile at Baron. "I see modesty doesn't come into it."

He smiled back. "Aren't I allowed to dream at least?" he joked. Smoke began to rise from the pan. "Er... Haru?" He pointed back at the grill.

She looked over her shoulder. "Oh, sugar!" She grabbed the wooden handle and pulled the pan off the flames. She glanced doubtfully down at the contents. "Will we have to start again?"

"Let's just try flipping it first."

"You or me?"

"You."

Haru made a face. "After what happened last time?"

"Only way is up," Baron repeated.

"You and your pearls of wisdom," she grumbled as she weighed the pan smoothly in her hands, this time keeping it steady. "Right, pancake number two." She flicked her wrist upwards, flinching as the pancake left her control, noting that Baron did the same. She winced, waiting for the soggy splat that was sure to follow. Several seconds later she relaxed. There had been no sound of the pancake hitting the floor.

Then again, there had been no sound of it hitting the pan either.

"Baron, um..."

"Yes?"

"I've lost the pancake."

He first looked at the floor, which was clean. Then at the pan, which was empty.

Then at the ceiling.

And then he started laughing again.

Haru followed his line of sight and saw what he'd seen. "Whoops?" she said quietly. The pancake was loosely glued to the ceiling, a few droplets of pancake mixture dripping down every now and then, but the majority of the pancake quite happily stuck.

"You know, when I said the only way is up, I didn't expect you to take it so literally," laughed Baron. "Pass me one of those chairs."

Haru pushed the nearest one towards him, which he placed under the pancake and stood upon in order to be able to reach it. "I only did as you told me," protested Haru. "And at least it did go up this time."

Baron was attempting to scrap the pancake off, with little success. "True. Let's hope third time is the charm."

"You're not seriously thinking about me doing another one, are you?"

"Well, when you're at the top, the only way is to go is down," teased Baron.

"You mean, when your pancake is stuck to the ceiling, the only way for it to go is down," Haru corrected.

"Hm, maybe I should just stick to the original phrase."

"Maybe you should."

The pancake came away suddenly from the ceiling, not allowing Baron any time to move away before it soaked the top of his head and shoulders. He almost fell backwards, but regained his balance before he toppled over. He jumped off the chair, trying to swipe the worst of the damage off. He saw Haru covering her mouth with her hand, obviously resisting the urge to giggle.

"Oh, so you think I look funny, do you?" he chuckled and wiped a handful of the pancake mixture off his shoulder and onto his hand and threateningly walked towards Haru.

She squealed and ducked before he could smear it on her. "No, no, no, don't!" she screeched breathlessly, her giggles breaking up her shouts. "No, no, I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Her last shout was cut off as Baron finally managed to catch her and wipe the handful down Haru's arm. She looked down at the long smudge of creamy goo. "Oh, now you're going to get it." She grabbed the pot with the remainder of the pancake mixture in and ran back at Baron, who, on seeing her idea, fled to the other side of the kitchen, putting a table between the two of them. They were both laughing so hard it was difficult to aim. Haru dropped beneath the table as a glob of flying pancake mixture from Baron flew over her head. She took a handful from the pot and tossed it over the table, hoping rather than trying to hit Baron. There was the satisfying sound of a clean shot.

Several minutes later – when the full stock of pancake mixture had been drained and the kitchen had been tastefully decorated with what looked like yellowy paint splotches – a cease fire was called. Baron was the messier of the two, having been pancake-y to start with and having only limited reserves, but Haru had been victim to a few choice hits from Baron. Each of them collapsed onto a chair, still breathing hard.

"I... have never... had that much fun in my life..." gasped Haru, still trying to recover her breath.

Baron grinned, and leaned over to pick up the now empty pot. "It seems we've run out of pancake mixture though."

"We can go without pancakes."

"It seems like we haven't got much choice in the matter. Unless you'd like to make a new batch?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm good."

"Good." Baron placed the pot on the table. "Do you want some tea?"

Haru smiled. "That would be perfect. Your own blend?"

"Naturally."

Haru glanced around the room. "You know, we're going to have to clean this room up before we go on the picnic."

"Technically we could get the servants to do that."

"Yeah, but that's not your way of doing things."

"You're right, it isn't." Baron set a cup before Haru and sat down opposite her. "However, let's have a drink before we get to work. How's this batch?"

Haru sipped the tea. "Excellent. Just like last time."

Baron beamed as he sipped his own cup. "So you've never had a food fight before?"

Haru made a face. "I'm a princess. Princesses are meant to be dignified at all times." The way she said it made it sound like she was quoting someone. Probably a tutor or someone, Baron thought. "Anyway, when was the last time you had a food fight? You make it sound like you have them often."

"Not really. Had a few when I was a child."

"Bet you were really scolded for that."

Baron smiled. "My parents understood. It's all just a part of growing up."

"I made a mess without indulging in food fights," Haru said dryly, swirling her cup in a thoughtful motion. "Princess or no, I'm a regular klutz."

"That would explain the saying, 'If only you'd been blessed with grace,' wouldn't it?"

"So you've heard it?"

"After three days at your home, yes, I believe that phrase cropped up a few times."

Haru shrugged. "Let's just say I was hardly the most graceful of girls."

Baron glanced outside. The previously clear sky was beginning to cloud over, the promise of rain hanging damply over the house. "Looks like we're going to have to postpone the picnic though. Shame, after all the effort we put into it." His brow furrowed, then lifted. He smiled over at Haru. "No, we'll still have that picnic. Who says a picnic has to be outside anyway?"

"Where though?"

"Don't know. Haven't decided yet." Baron placed his now empty teacup down on the table. "Before we do anything though, we'll have to clean up this mess. Care to join me?"

Haru giggled. "You make it sound like you're inviting me to a ball, not to help you clean."

"So is that a yes?"

"After the major involvement I had in the fight, I should probably help you put the kitchen back to rights. And, Baron?"

"Yes?"

"Even though we're still having that picnic, can we have another one? Outside, I mean," she hastily added. "Because I enjoyed today. I really have. I've had more fun today than I've had in a long time."

"Of course." Baron smiled, and although he was overjoyed at the positive comment, inside he was sad that her last couple of months had been so lonely. He should've sent a letter to her in that time, instead of just waiting for their promised visit to happen. Well, in the future he would know better. He found a cloth and tossed it over to Haru. "Come on, no time like the present."