"Pepper! Where are you?!" A familiar voice shouts from outside the kitchen.
"In here, Rake I'm preparing Gunther's birthday cake!" Pepper gently shouted back to Rake to make sure he hears it.
Pepper, now being 20, is still the castles cook. As time has passed she has mastered the craft of cooking and takes pride in everything she makes. Just like Jane, her small girl body has formed that into of a curvy woman. A tad bit heavier than Jane but just enough to show bigger hips and bust.
Rake enters the kitchen holding a small basket of strawberries that are dark red perfectly ripened.
"Here you go Pepper, I picked the best strawberries there were in the patch." With a smile on his face he kisses her cheek handing her the berries.
"Thank you so much my amazing gardener!"
Rake looks down rubbing the back of his neck in a shy but happy manner. Rake being one year younger than Pepper has grown about three times the size he was when he was a young boy. Every limb ripped with muscle, shoulders broad and reaching the impressive height of 6' 2", it's no wonder why Pepper is in love with him. His looks a part of it but also his personality. As strong and powerful as he is his personality was quite surprising. Loving and friendly to everyone he met and he was as gentle as a breeze going through leaves.
"It's funny Pepper, when we were kids we used to dislike Gunther a lot but now we're all good friends making him a cake for his birthday." He chuckles, "things change fairly quick don't they?"
Pepper lets a sigh out " yes I suppose they do but at least they're for the best" she starts to slice the strawberries to wash them and then put them on the cake.
"Well sort of for the best, kind of" Rake said with what seem to be concern in his eyes.
"What do you mean, my darling?" Pepper asked a bit worried.
"Just 'cause of, well what happened with Jane and Jester, you know? It's good the whole Gunther rivalry ended because, to be frank, it was stupid to have something like that. Honestly, I don't know what the hell happened between Jane and jester but obviously it was something. They seemed so happy together and then suddenly it ended, how you explain that? Since they ended they both have been different, have you noticed it?"
Pepper looks at Rake "I have but there's more to it than that Rakey" Pepper only uses the pet name she gave him when she's trying to make a point. " if you knew what I knew then you would understand more of it. It sucks for both of them but to be blunt, shit happens."
Rake looking at pepper with curiosity ask "what exactly do you know Pepper? If you don't mind me asking I know it's none of my business but you being best friends with Jane I'm sure she would've shared something with you."
Pepper looks away and back down at the cake somewhat poking trying to keep a secret in. "I can't tell you I'm sorry. Jane would be hurt if I would say something"
"I understand, love. I wish you could because curiosity overwhelms my mind now. Maybe the truth will come out someday." He kisses Pepper a little disappointed but with understanding.
Pepper hugs him and whispers into his ear, "I'll make it up to you tonight, I promise" she bites on his earlobe giving him a hint by what she meant.
A smirk on his face appears, already forgetting what it was that made him so curious. He chuckles "I can't wait to tend to your lovely garden." He bites her lip in a sensual way making her giggle.
"Rake not now I gotta finish this cake" blushing as she said it.
"Ok Pepper but then I get to finish your cake" he then grabs her closer "don't take long" he slaps her butt and begins to walk out.
"Once Jane picks up the cake I'll go find you ok?" She shouts before he completely exits the kitchen.
She bites down on her lower lip excited for what's to come that night.