[ Author's Note: There was nothing that happened at Maize in the episode "The Tree of Forgiveness". It only consisted of Daphne and Emmett and Daphne and Angelom so this all original. It is the first time I am venturing from the show for this fic, and I hope you like it. ]
Scuba wiped down the countertop for at least the hundredth time that afternoon. Daphne had agreed to come over to his apartment and teach him the art of pastry. Scuba was excited for this first bonding time that they would have alone. No ornery co workers that would yell at them for not working. No dining room patrons wondering when they would get their meal. Just a quiet apartment with some subtle music playing in the background. Scuba made sure his apartment was spotless, and that his kitchen was perfect to bake in. He smiled at his labor until the there was a knock at the door. 'She's here.' he thought as he threw the yellow sponge back into the stainless steel sink. He rushed to the door and pulled it open to reveal Daphne in a t-shirt and jeans. It was not as sexy as he hoped, but it would do for now. He was at least getting to spend time with her, and that was a plus.
Daphne agreed to help Scuba learn about baking and pastries because it gave her the chance to impress Chef with her dedication. If she taught Scuba the basics, she would be teaching his staff to be well rounded in areas they did poorly in. Daphne pulled up to Scuba's apartment complex and parked her car where Scuba told her too. She gathered a box of supplies they would need from her trunk. Daphne had no clue if Scuba kitchen was properly stocked for cooking a grilled cheese sandwich let alone a chocolate mousse or a flaky pastry with a creamy custard filling. She carried the box up the stairs and to his apartment door where she knocked twice. Her watch read 1:59. She agreed to show up at 2:00, so she was on time. Suddenly the door was pulled open, and she was greeted by Scuba who ushered her into the apartment. Daphne handed him the heavy box which he placed on top of the granite countertop. It was an impressive kitchen which made sense because he was a prep cook at a five star kitchen. She still did not doubt her idea of bringing baking supplies. Even if he had the marvelous kitchen, he might not have the ingredients or baking dishes to make pastries.
"Are you ready teacher?" Scuba question curiously as he set down the box on the counter. He peered into the cardboard box to see dishes and pans, sugars and semi sweet chocolate, mixing spoons and whisks. It seemed Daphne brought everything they would need. He wondered what recipes she had in mind, or what skill she would introduce him to first. Daphne nodded and walked over to the sink to wash her hands while Scuba slipped on his work apron. Scuba proceeded to wash his hands as well. Scrubbing them with the blueberry scented soap that did not agitate his guest who had sensitive skin. He rinsed off the suds and shook the excess water drops off before using a sheet of paper towel to dry them. He turned towards Daphne who was sorting the contents of the box. Once emptied, Daphne placed the box aside and scanned over the baking materials. She pointed towards two fresh zucchini and ordered Scuba to peel and shred the zucchini. She was obviously wasting no time to get started.
Daphne had organized everything she had brought before Scuba could blink. Today's menu consisted of chocolate zucchini bread, lemon bars, meringue cookies, and a variety of sauces and types of frosting. It was only basic compared to Daphne's vast knowledge of desserts. It would teach Scuba enough thought that Chef would put the two of them in charge of desserts instead of having local bakeries take care of them. The chocolate zucchini bread was first on her list, so she gave Scuba the task of prepping the zucchini. A job he had more than likely done at work before. Daphne began to grease two baking pans with Crisco and then sprinkled flour gingerly across the slick surface. Once Scuba finished shredding the zucchini, Daphne showed him the recipe to make her delicious bread.
A few hours later, both Daphne and Scuba was covered in a variety of substances and the counter was filled with dirty dishes and finished products that were packaged. Some would remain in Scuba's fridge, so he had a reference when he tried to recreate the dishes on his own. Another portion would go home with Daphne for her family to enjoy. The final portion would be brought to Maize that night for Chef to sample. Hopefully they would get his approval to start doing desserts. Daphne was pleased with Scuba's ability to learn new skills quickly, so she agreed to give more lessons to an eager Scuba. The more he knew, the better chance they would have in succeeding.
Scuba was disappointed in the fact that his lesson was over so quickly. He had enjoyed the several hours he and Daphne had been alone together, but he had to go to work soon. Daphne had to get home to her family, and she had already promised to come back another day for another lesson. Scuba repacked the box with Daphne's items that she would bring home with her. What he was keeping was put away in the refrigerator to be chilled. Daphne was in his bathroom, so Scuba finished wiping up the kitchen himself. He saw Daphne exit the bathroom and enter the kitchen. She was walking towards him when she slipped. Scuba scrambled to catch her. She fell backwards into his arms, and he pulled her close. Scuba allowed her full body weight to rest in his arms as he pulled her up and closer to his own body. "Are you okay, Daphne" a concerned Scuba inquired. He twirled her 180 degrees, so he could look at her directly. She was a bit startled, but she was not injured.
Daphne had exited the bathroom and wandered back into the kitchen. She did not notice the wet spot on the ceramic tile and walked over it. She slipped as soon as her foot stepped down on the liquid on the floor. Thankfully, Scuba was there to catch her in his arms. He was surprisingly strong for being so skinny. Daphne relaxed her weight as he pulled her up closer to his body as she was too spooked to stand on her own. Scuba investigated if she was okay as Daphne began to stand on her own again. She reassured him she was fine and thanked him for bracing her fall. Daphne tore off a sheet of paper towel and mopped up whatever she had stumbled on. After that, Scuba helped her out to her car, and she gave him a hug. He seemed to appreciate the lesson, and she was grateful he was there to catch her like always.
[ Author's Note: I enjoyed writing some Scuba and Daphne action, but I do not think a lot of people enjoy seeing them together. This will be brought up in future chapters to cause drama and make Japhne a stronger couple. You may hate this chapter, but it will make the following ones juicer. As always, reviews are helpful and appreciated. ]