annmott
sarNie Hatchling
Chapter 7 - Dont say it out loud, Never out loud...
A/N: One of my fave songs from DNCE. Always remind me of NY whenever I hear this and after THAT post from auntie... (Turns out to be just a drill)
Me still out here crossing thy fingers though...
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"What the heck?!" Astraea heard Theo exclaimed, making her look up from her phone only to see him battle with a neck tie.
"How do you put this damn thing on?"
Her brows furrow, watching Theo struggle, his hair messy and frustration evident on his face.
Seriously?
This is the first time that she saw him like this, so unlike his usual overflowing self confidence.
He must be really nervous eh?
"Let me", sighing, she stood up close to him, taking hold of his tie as she began on knotting it for him.
With a slight pause, she too proceed on buttoning his suit vest for him before she straighten his collar.
"There", she said, gently patting his shoulder when she's satisfied with her work, looking up only to find him staring at her with a tender smile on his face.
cr: NAYALH in YT (A/N: Permission to use please)
Astraea almost took a step back at being greeted with such a sight up close. Thank god she caught herself just in time and forced a smiled back instead, praying for her heart to calm down.
"I'm sorry about the room", Theo apologized while scanning the room with his eyes, "Didn't know I'll have companion for this trip, so I only got to book one"
"It's okay", she replied, watching him fidget in his clothes, combing his hair rather distractedly.
Looks like he really is quite anxious eh?
Must be because of the meeting he was telling her about earlier.
Theo told her that the place they are staying right now is where he and his cousin were planning to start their business.
He said he was actually on his way here when he heard about her situation and he thought that maybe he could help and hitch her since this place is quite far and hidden.
He's been wanting to buy the villa from the old couple who's gonna migrate soon but they wouldnt quite agree, he had to go personally to try and convinced them.
"Hey", Astraea sighed, taking pity of his predicament that she gently cupped his face and turned it to her, asking, "You nervous?"
"Hmm?", he only hummed with an uneasy smile, unable to meet her eyes, "A little"
"Look at me", she whispered with a slight caress on his face that he slowly looked at her, worry now evident on his eyes that she smiled at him with encouragement saying, "You can do this okay? I know you can"
Silence filled the air as they exchange glances, him staring straight and deep into her eyes as if he is looking for her sincerity before he sighed and close his eyes, holding her hand on his face softly.
"O-kay?", he said, breathing out his worries before he began smiling that charming smile he often wore, she knew he is back to his old self, "Right! Of course I am Theodore Levant Andrews after all"
Astraea only rolled her eyes at him, smiling at his antics as she took a step back, tipping her head towards the door, saying, "Go get them"
Before he left though, he stop at the door and turn to her, saying, "Thank you", sincerity laced on his voice to which she only nod her head and smiled back.
With another dimpled smile and a wink, he had left her alone, closing the door softly.
So... where to go now?
-------------------------------------------
*An hour later...
Astraea walk around the pool side, settling down on the far end where the benches were as she looked at the pictures she'd taken.
'Theo is right.', she couldnt help but agree with his sentiments about the place.
This place is a paradise.
A hidden gem in the mountains.
Now she really cant blame him for wanting to buy this place. In fact, she thinks it is one good hella investment.
cr:https://www.villagetaways.com/thailand/villa-rentals-chiang-mai-4626.html
"No!" she heard a kid of, maybe five year old threw a tantrum, pushing the tray of food the waiter brought as the old but elegant woman that must be his guardian tried to pacify him with no avail, wailing, "Dont want!" All over again.
Astraea tried not to intervene and looked anywhere else cause she didnt know if the grandma would appreciate a stranger's help but hearing the kids loud sob while shouting, "Choco Chaud! Chaud! Chaud!", she could not ignore the toddlers cry anymore.
"Erm- excuse me", she started, smiling awkwardly at the look she got from the old woman who thought she's just disturbing them at the first place, "Did he ever visited france?"
"Now is not the time for that young lady", the grandma shot her a look of frustration, thinking that she's speaking nonsense.
"I just thought that he is asking for a hot chocolate", she said with a shrug, "Cause chocolat chaud in france means hot chocolate"
"Oh?", the grandma looked at her for a moment before she nodd at the nearby waiter saying, "You heard that?"
At once, the waiter bows and scrambled towards the direction of the kitchen. In just a few minutes, the waiter came back holding a cup of what seemed like a hot chocolate, hurriedly made with instant mix.
Astraea had to raise her eyebrows at the cup, not even surprised when the kid pushed it and began wailing again.
"No!", the kid screamed again at the top of his lungs, "Want Choco chaud!"
"I thought you said hot chocolate?", the grandma glared at her.
Astraea could only sigh out loud and stop herself from rolling her eyes. This is what you get for trying to help. Drat.
Calmly standing up, she went near the two and kneel down in front of the weeping kid,
"Do you want chocolat chaud?", she asked the kiddo sweetly, brushing his hair away from his face as she wipe his tears with the back of her hand.
To everyone's surprise, the kid instantly calm down and nodd quietly. Astraea looked up at grandma with a shrug as if to say, 'I told you so'
"Okay they'll make one for you", she said to the young boy but before she could stand up though, the kiddo quickly hug her tight and wouldnt let go.
"Erm- I can make it for him if you want?", she volunteered.
"And what do you want in return?", the old woman stared at her with a hard piercing gaze as if testing her intentions.
"A smile from the young boy?", Astraea seriously think that the old lady must have been through a lot to ask that to her, she decide not to take things seriously.
At her answer though, a beginning of a smile formed on grandma's lips as she finally gave in saying, "Fine"
+++++
"Choco chaud!", the young boy excitedly taps the counter top saying, "Choco chaud" Repeatedly.
"Sorry", Grandma gave her a small smile, shaking her head, "His mother and father are in vacation right now so we are left in charge of my grandson... Didnt thought he'd be this handful though"
Astraea didnt know what happened but the old lady's attitutede towards her turned 360 degree, warming up to her now as she busy herself with the kitchen.
The grandma must be a VIP here though, to have an access in this place cause she was even given a nod to use anything she need.
"Still a cutie", Astraea smiled at the two and began explaining what was wrong with the hot choco from before, "The secret in a hot chocolate, aside from the best quality cocoa is in the milk", she said while mixing the content with a low boil.
"So you must be a chef then?", The grandma asked after a short while, watching her move around the kitchen which made Astraea chuckle and waver her hands no.
"Im afraid that I am a frustrated chef rather...", she said with a sad smile, "Never got to finish my cullinary degree"
"Sorry to hear that dear", the old lady symphatized, "You just look completely natural in the kitchen."
"No worries", she answered nonchalantly, smiling when she finished her work as she pour the contents in the cup, placing it in front of the young boy.
"Here it is! A cup of chocolat chaud"
The kid instantly clap his hands and sweetly leap towards her and gave her a kiss on her cheek which made gradma and her laugh.
"He likes you", grandma told her.
"Aw. I like him too", Astraea smiled and pinched the kiddo's cheeks at his cuteness especially when the young boy leans down to smell the hot choco.
She didnt know how she knew though but at that moment, she felt that tingling sensation she often got when someone's watching her.
Must be due to being surrounded by body guards all the time.
And she couldnt be more wrong though for she glanced around the area only to find Theo standing a few meters from her and watching her with... awe and tenderness?
cr: Ch3Thailand LR on YT
That is before he saw that she caught him looking as he immediately looked down rather shyly, smiling to himself.
cr: Ch3Thailand LR on YT
Damn. Is she imagining things now?
"Excuse me?", An unfamiliar voice suddenly called and she turn to the side to see a handsome man beside her, grandma only raised an eyebrow at her teasingly and smile while shaking her head, having also witnessed the exchange between her and Theo just earlier.
"Can I help you?", she asked, taking off her apron and walking to sit over on one of the stool instead, beside the little boy.
"I couldnt help but notice you from afar since earlier", the guy, who's looking quite cute by the way, smiled at her boyishly asking, "Are you alo-"
"Mr. Javier? Fancy seeing you here but-", she felt a hand wrap around her waist before she heard an all too familiar voice that could only belong to one man, "She's with me"
"Theo?!"
"Yes baby?", he automatically said with a smile that she couldnt even protest, leaving her speechless.
"So are you and Mr. Andrews together?", the cute guy asked them, looking at her and Theo back and forth as the two of them exchange glances.
Now what do they say here?
"Selene and I are-", Theo began speaking but stopped midsentence, his confident stance dropping, turning suddenly pale after seeing the grandma, "Erm- Mrs. Lin?!"
"Mr. Andrews", grandma gave Theo a curt nodd.
So... Do they know each other?
"Good"
A loud booming voice suddenly filled the air and they all turned towards the old but strong looking man, walking towards them.
"You're all here"
"Grandpa!", the young boy she's talking to earlier run and jumped at the old man's arms.
It couldn't be...
"This here is Mr. Daniel", The old man pertain to the guy beside him, "You could all choose to stay and tomorrow let's see who's still up for the challenge.
With that, the old man offered his hand to grandma who accepts it at once as they began walking towards the staircase.
But not before grandma looked back at her and threw her a smile.
"Hi", Mr. Daniel greeted all of them, his eyes lingering on her that she felt Theo pulled her even closer to his side saying, "Not you too! Damn. Lets go back to our room"
With that, Theo grabbed her hand and pulled her towards their room, she could only roll her eyes.
This guy is really quite possessive eh? And they werent even an item at that rate... Now she pity the one he'll marry.
Oh wait.
She better worry about him instead cause his fiance's attitude is something... well, that is, if their marriage ever pushed through.
At that thought, she felt a pinch on her heart that she immediately took a step back, pulling her hand away after realizing that he was still holding it.
"Hey", Theo called, looking at her with concern, "Is everything okay?"
"Y-Yeah", Astraea breathed out slowly, "I think?"
Well.
She could only hope so.
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*The next day
"No!", Astraea hid her smile at Theo's frustrated shout, watching from her spot behind the counter as Theo runs back and forth just to catch Mrs. Lin's naughty grandson.
At the back of her mind, she could still remember how happy he is this morning when he said that Mr. Lin had assigned him to take care of his grandson today instead of their usual routine. Said he could do with some rest but, with the way things look like, it is very far from it.
As it turns out, Mr. Lin was quite serious in the challenge thing for he really made the three young man work. Like that second day, the boys go out and gather the woods, chopping it to little pieces for the furnace all afternoon. Then the next day, they went ahead to clean the villa and Theo was assigned at the pool were he had to scrub the tiles off. Easy? Not. Cause the size of the pool is no damn joke.
Today, they were supposed to go deliver some fruits from the orchard but Mr. Lin asked him to stay instead.
Turns out that he has the hardest task cause the other two would probably just sit at the back of the car and then carry all those fruits at the station but Theo had been running all day after the kid who seemed to never ran out of energy.
She would have to applaud him for his patience.
"You doing okay there?" Astraea asked Theo as she mixed the flour in the counter.
"Yeah just-", A crashing sound comes behind them and she could see the kid pushed one of the ancient vase before running away.
Ooops.
"Fudge!", Theo is now close to pulling his hair, "Come back here!"
With that, he ran away again towards the direction of the kid to stop him from doing anymore damage.
"Miss Selene", one of the staff called her, "There's two orders of your chocolat chaud, one café au lait and three orders of Baguette with Jam"
If Theo's days here were presumably unkind, the same could not be said to her for so far... she had been enjoying the days living her dream to become a chef, even if it is only by name as she replaced the pastry chef who resigned the post immediately after knowing that there is another chef around, according to her, she had to "Grab the chance to work in the city"
"Okay noted, thank you", Astraea smiled and nodded at the girl before she began gathering the ingredients she needed after writing the orders down, "Erm- Is there anything more?"
She had to ask at the weird look the girl is giving her but she only smiled at her and said, "Just couldnt believe that someone like you is the replacement of the old pastry chef here"
"What? Why?", Astraea asked in confusion.
What does she mean with someone like her?
At her question, the girl sighed out loud and sit down at the stool in front of her saying, "The old chef here was awful who likes to boss us around thinking that she's gods gift to us cause she's the only pastry chef around but then you came here, looking every bit of an angel and answering our prayers"
"Oh."
Astraea forced a smile at the girl who looks at her with admiration before she busies herself with preparation of the food.
"Thank you?", her brows furrow in slight confusion as she doesnt know how to react in this kind of situations, "That was erm- very kind of you"
"Mr. Andrews is sure one lucky guy to have you", the girl said before she stood up and went back to work.
So... what was that all about? Astraea shake her head at the weird conversation.
"So how are you doing?", A voice speak next to her and she was honestly surprised out of her wits, when she saw grandma suddenly standing next to her, she had to put a hand on her heart to try and calm it down.
Damn.
Why are people here so weird?
"I see you're managing eh?", the old lady read the orders and began helping her with pouring the chocolat chaud she had already prepared at the cups.
"Hopefully", she answered with a small smile as silence fell on them as they work around the kitchen that she was quite surprised when the old lady began laughing.
"That naughty little kiddo"
And there she saw the high and mighty Mr. Andrews falling on the ground repeatedly as the little kid keeps on throwing his marbles everytime the guy made a move.
"Did you know? We all thought Mr. Andrews would be the first to give up on the challenge but he keeps on proving us wrong", the old woman told her softly like it was supposed to be a secret.
Ironically, she already had a hint at what was happening, having been observed the treatment he had been given compared to the other two but she says nothing cause she do not want to discourage him.
"Thats why he was always given the hardest task", Astraea said absentmindedly while carefully putting the bread inside the oven.
"You knew?", the old woman looked at her strangely proud.
"I guessed", she said with a shrug as if it was no big deal.
"My husband insists that it'll only be a matter of time before he gave in", grandma told her that Astraea begin to wonder why she is telling her all this, "Between you and me though, I dont think he would"
At her look of confusion, the old lady continued with a smile, saying, "Why he's smart enough to bring his secret weapon"
"Weapon?" Astraea had to ask, "What weapon?"
Did the old woman heard of something again that she didnt?!
"Silly. Its you of course", the old lady rolled her eyes at her like that was the most obvious thing in the world.
"M-me?", she asked again just to make sure if she is hearing things now.
"Yes. You", the grandma sighed out loud in frustration before she began pushing her out the kitchen, "Now go help your man. I'll take it from here"
With a shrug and pout, she turn and began walking towards the duo's direction. Her brows furrowing in confusion at the turn of events cause for the life of her, she just dont get what her grandma was trying to say...
"Careful!", she heard someone shouted before she felt herself slip, Astraea automatically close her eyes at the feeling of falling, thankfully, on something soft instead of the hard ground.
"You okay?", Theo asked her as she slowly opened her eyes to find him underneath her, his face filled with concern before he turn to the kid, red in the face with controlled anger, "Now you've done it", he said while helping her up.
The kid slowly back away scared, looking like he was about to cry at the sudden change in Theo's demeanor that she took hold of his arm and hissed, "Stop it"
"Raphael is a good boy right?", Astraea asked, kneeling in front of the boy, "Now what will you say?", she said while combing his hair as the boy nodded slowly, trying to stop crying.
"Sorry", the kid said softly, quickly wiping the tear that falls from his eyes.
"Hurting others is bad you know", Theo intervened,walking towards them that the kid, who thought he was still angry began crying, burying his face on her shoulders and hugging her tight.
"See what you did?", She glared at Theo who looked back at her innocently as she stood up and began walking towards the benches instead.
"Wait", Theo called them, following their steps, "Why am I the bad guy now?"
Astraea coupd only roll her eyes at him.
Damn.
She forgot there's also another kid here.
Remind her... why did she agree again on her exile from the kitchen?
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*Later that evening...
Astraea sat on the floor in front of the coffee table, glimpsing at Theo who's sleeping a few meters across from her on the sofa with the kid, Raphael, as she carefully typed down the words she was planning to send to Kiara.
She had been doing this report secretly since day one here on Chiang Mai and as days passed by, she always find new things to add that in fact, the note now goes longer than she expected.
He wont hate her right? She really hope he wouldnt.
"What are you doing?" A sleepy voice that could only belong to Theo suddenly called to her that almost made her jump in fright as she quickly turn her phone off. Looking up to see Theo sat in front of her while rubbing his eyes with a yawn, "Damn. Did I fell asleep?"
Thank God for the beeping sound of the oven indicating the cake she was baking was now finished that she quickly scramble to get up saying, "Good! You're awake."
The sweet aroma that greeted her the moment she opened the oven was enough to made her forget all her worries as she excitedly transfered the chocolate cheesecake to a container and cut a piece.
"Here", she said, putting down the plate before him while taking a seat just beside the guy, waiting and anticipating for him to take a bite.
When he only stared at her, she had to roll her eyes and took the initiative, grabbing the scoop herself before she placed it right in front of his mouth, saying, "Open up"
Theo followed her commands and opens his mouth, his intense gaze never faltering from her face as he chew it slowly, a smudge of chocolate just beside his lips that Astraea looked rather distractedly, licking her lips absent mindedly.
"So erm-"
Astraea tried to speak and form a coherent sentence without success.
What is she trying to say again?
Oh right.
The taste.
How his lips tast- Erm- the chocolate!
Damn. It is the taste of the chocolate Astraea Selene Leblanc!
"H-how was it?", she managed to blurt out.
Before Astraea knew what she was doing, her hand already reached over and wipe the smear with her thumb.
Damn.
Blame it on the chocolate.
She felt him gasp immediately when she accidentally grazes his lips, her hand instantly caught in his as he grasp it tight.
His eyes boring a hole into her soul, seemingly conveying her something he couldnt speak.
"Did you know?", Theo finally whisper so dangerously low, her heart began thundering at his intensity, "Waking up like this is all I ever wanted in my whole life"
With that, he began on leaning close. So close she can almost feel his breath touch her face that she closed her eyes, waiting for the kiss that never came...
cr: Ch3Thailand LR in YT
Astraea had to open her eyes to be faced with Theo's deep blazing look, his eyes staring at her like he was looking for something. She knew then what he is doing and she quite understood him.
Really.
Cause this is quite different from that 'drunk' kiss he thought she didnt knew.
This time, doing this would mean they cant go back to the way they were before now.
And she isnt sure if thats a good thing.
Or if she can even handle that.
But something in her wants to try and give it a chance. Maybe they might just find the happiness they were looking for...
This might be one of the most stupid decision in her life but damn, its not like she had anything more to lose now anyway so with that, she slowly broke into a smile, encouraging him to kiss her, effectively earning a smile from him as he started to lean close again.
"We're back!", The loud voice of Mr. Lin suddenly interrupted them, springing them apart and making them both stood up to greet the elder.
"Erm- are we interrupting something?", Mr. Javier asked just as Theo and her exchange glances before they both blurted out their different answers.
"No", she said just as Theo exclaimed, "Yes!", his voice laced with irritation.
"Dont mind us then. We'll just go ahead.", Mr. Daniel nodded at them before he pulled Mr. Javier with him upstairs just as Mr. Lin went over to get the sleeping Raphael.
"Goodnight kids", the old man said heading straight to staircase befor he paused and looked back at them, saying, "Dont do anything I wont do"
His loud chuckle was the last thing they heard before they were once again left alone.
"So where were we?", Theo asked, placing his arms around her and pulling her down the sofa as they laid side by side.
Astraea didnt know what happened but she suddenly felt scared. She was so ready then.
Now she isnt quite sure as thoughts kept popping in her mind, she couldnt even meet his eyes.
Theo threw her one look before he sighed out loud, taking hold of her hand and placing it on his chest as he tucked her head on his shoulder caressing her hair as if to say, 'Its okay'.
"So what's up with the cake?", he said trying to lighten up the mood.
"A gift", she whispered absent mindedly, "Remember the promise we made on the island? The meal we never seem to have..."
Astraea shrugged, reminding him of that unfulfilled pact cause their timelines werent quite aligned even when they're just near as Mr. Lin's challenge left Theo very exhausted or if not, they finish very late at night that she often ate dinner with Mrs. Lin and Raphael instead.
Silenced fell over them as he caress her hair, she honestly would have fallen asleep if he did not speak, whispering softly "Are you happy?"
Even then, his hand on her hair and the soft beating of his heart felt like a lullaby that she could only manage to murmur, "Very happy"
"Then you dont have to give me anything", He breathed out and she didnt know if she just imagined it but she felt something brush her hand before she heard, "Sleep now my baby", as she finally succumbed into the darkness and fell asleep.
http://imgur.com/a/UlHsweM
cr: Ch3Thailand GRGR in YT
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*A/N: What is going on here? Didnt Selene already like Theo? But why in the world is she still doing the report she's going to send to Kiara? Now thats tricky eh?
Stay tuned if you want to find out.
Thank you for reading!
P.S. Who wants Theo's POV?
Unfortunately, I think I'm gonna write this the same way I wrote Silverlining so...
those who read knew the gist.
***Additional cast
Ronadech Wongsaroj as Mr. Javier
a.k.a the guy who played Preuk in Duang Jai Akkanee
AND
Panomkorn Tungtatsawat as Mr. Daniel
a.k.a the guy who played the baddie KraiPop in Duang Jai Akkanee
A/N: One of my fave songs from DNCE. Always remind me of NY whenever I hear this and after THAT post from auntie... (Turns out to be just a drill)
Me still out here crossing thy fingers though...
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"What the heck?!" Astraea heard Theo exclaimed, making her look up from her phone only to see him battle with a neck tie.
"How do you put this damn thing on?"
Her brows furrow, watching Theo struggle, his hair messy and frustration evident on his face.
Seriously?
This is the first time that she saw him like this, so unlike his usual overflowing self confidence.
He must be really nervous eh?
"Let me", sighing, she stood up close to him, taking hold of his tie as she began on knotting it for him.
With a slight pause, she too proceed on buttoning his suit vest for him before she straighten his collar.
"There", she said, gently patting his shoulder when she's satisfied with her work, looking up only to find him staring at her with a tender smile on his face.
cr: NAYALH in YT (A/N: Permission to use please)
Astraea almost took a step back at being greeted with such a sight up close. Thank god she caught herself just in time and forced a smiled back instead, praying for her heart to calm down.
"I'm sorry about the room", Theo apologized while scanning the room with his eyes, "Didn't know I'll have companion for this trip, so I only got to book one"
"It's okay", she replied, watching him fidget in his clothes, combing his hair rather distractedly.
Looks like he really is quite anxious eh?
Must be because of the meeting he was telling her about earlier.
Theo told her that the place they are staying right now is where he and his cousin were planning to start their business.
He said he was actually on his way here when he heard about her situation and he thought that maybe he could help and hitch her since this place is quite far and hidden.
He's been wanting to buy the villa from the old couple who's gonna migrate soon but they wouldnt quite agree, he had to go personally to try and convinced them.
"Hey", Astraea sighed, taking pity of his predicament that she gently cupped his face and turned it to her, asking, "You nervous?"
"Hmm?", he only hummed with an uneasy smile, unable to meet her eyes, "A little"
"Look at me", she whispered with a slight caress on his face that he slowly looked at her, worry now evident on his eyes that she smiled at him with encouragement saying, "You can do this okay? I know you can"
Silence filled the air as they exchange glances, him staring straight and deep into her eyes as if he is looking for her sincerity before he sighed and close his eyes, holding her hand on his face softly.
"O-kay?", he said, breathing out his worries before he began smiling that charming smile he often wore, she knew he is back to his old self, "Right! Of course I am Theodore Levant Andrews after all"
Astraea only rolled her eyes at him, smiling at his antics as she took a step back, tipping her head towards the door, saying, "Go get them"
Before he left though, he stop at the door and turn to her, saying, "Thank you", sincerity laced on his voice to which she only nod her head and smiled back.
With another dimpled smile and a wink, he had left her alone, closing the door softly.
So... where to go now?
-------------------------------------------
*An hour later...
Astraea walk around the pool side, settling down on the far end where the benches were as she looked at the pictures she'd taken.
'Theo is right.', she couldnt help but agree with his sentiments about the place.
This place is a paradise.
A hidden gem in the mountains.
Now she really cant blame him for wanting to buy this place. In fact, she thinks it is one good hella investment.
cr:https://www.villagetaways.com/thailand/villa-rentals-chiang-mai-4626.html
"No!" she heard a kid of, maybe five year old threw a tantrum, pushing the tray of food the waiter brought as the old but elegant woman that must be his guardian tried to pacify him with no avail, wailing, "Dont want!" All over again.
Astraea tried not to intervene and looked anywhere else cause she didnt know if the grandma would appreciate a stranger's help but hearing the kids loud sob while shouting, "Choco Chaud! Chaud! Chaud!", she could not ignore the toddlers cry anymore.
"Erm- excuse me", she started, smiling awkwardly at the look she got from the old woman who thought she's just disturbing them at the first place, "Did he ever visited france?"
"Now is not the time for that young lady", the grandma shot her a look of frustration, thinking that she's speaking nonsense.
"I just thought that he is asking for a hot chocolate", she said with a shrug, "Cause chocolat chaud in france means hot chocolate"
"Oh?", the grandma looked at her for a moment before she nodd at the nearby waiter saying, "You heard that?"
At once, the waiter bows and scrambled towards the direction of the kitchen. In just a few minutes, the waiter came back holding a cup of what seemed like a hot chocolate, hurriedly made with instant mix.
Astraea had to raise her eyebrows at the cup, not even surprised when the kid pushed it and began wailing again.
"No!", the kid screamed again at the top of his lungs, "Want Choco chaud!"
"I thought you said hot chocolate?", the grandma glared at her.
Astraea could only sigh out loud and stop herself from rolling her eyes. This is what you get for trying to help. Drat.
Calmly standing up, she went near the two and kneel down in front of the weeping kid,
"Do you want chocolat chaud?", she asked the kiddo sweetly, brushing his hair away from his face as she wipe his tears with the back of her hand.
To everyone's surprise, the kid instantly calm down and nodd quietly. Astraea looked up at grandma with a shrug as if to say, 'I told you so'
"Okay they'll make one for you", she said to the young boy but before she could stand up though, the kiddo quickly hug her tight and wouldnt let go.
"Erm- I can make it for him if you want?", she volunteered.
"And what do you want in return?", the old woman stared at her with a hard piercing gaze as if testing her intentions.
"A smile from the young boy?", Astraea seriously think that the old lady must have been through a lot to ask that to her, she decide not to take things seriously.
At her answer though, a beginning of a smile formed on grandma's lips as she finally gave in saying, "Fine"
+++++
"Choco chaud!", the young boy excitedly taps the counter top saying, "Choco chaud" Repeatedly.
"Sorry", Grandma gave her a small smile, shaking her head, "His mother and father are in vacation right now so we are left in charge of my grandson... Didnt thought he'd be this handful though"
Astraea didnt know what happened but the old lady's attitutede towards her turned 360 degree, warming up to her now as she busy herself with the kitchen.
The grandma must be a VIP here though, to have an access in this place cause she was even given a nod to use anything she need.
"Still a cutie", Astraea smiled at the two and began explaining what was wrong with the hot choco from before, "The secret in a hot chocolate, aside from the best quality cocoa is in the milk", she said while mixing the content with a low boil.
"So you must be a chef then?", The grandma asked after a short while, watching her move around the kitchen which made Astraea chuckle and waver her hands no.
"Im afraid that I am a frustrated chef rather...", she said with a sad smile, "Never got to finish my cullinary degree"
"Sorry to hear that dear", the old lady symphatized, "You just look completely natural in the kitchen."
"No worries", she answered nonchalantly, smiling when she finished her work as she pour the contents in the cup, placing it in front of the young boy.
"Here it is! A cup of chocolat chaud"
The kid instantly clap his hands and sweetly leap towards her and gave her a kiss on her cheek which made gradma and her laugh.
"He likes you", grandma told her.
"Aw. I like him too", Astraea smiled and pinched the kiddo's cheeks at his cuteness especially when the young boy leans down to smell the hot choco.
She didnt know how she knew though but at that moment, she felt that tingling sensation she often got when someone's watching her.
Must be due to being surrounded by body guards all the time.
And she couldnt be more wrong though for she glanced around the area only to find Theo standing a few meters from her and watching her with... awe and tenderness?
cr: Ch3Thailand LR on YT
That is before he saw that she caught him looking as he immediately looked down rather shyly, smiling to himself.
cr: Ch3Thailand LR on YT
Damn. Is she imagining things now?
"Excuse me?", An unfamiliar voice suddenly called and she turn to the side to see a handsome man beside her, grandma only raised an eyebrow at her teasingly and smile while shaking her head, having also witnessed the exchange between her and Theo just earlier.
"Can I help you?", she asked, taking off her apron and walking to sit over on one of the stool instead, beside the little boy.
"I couldnt help but notice you from afar since earlier", the guy, who's looking quite cute by the way, smiled at her boyishly asking, "Are you alo-"
"Mr. Javier? Fancy seeing you here but-", she felt a hand wrap around her waist before she heard an all too familiar voice that could only belong to one man, "She's with me"
"Theo?!"
"Yes baby?", he automatically said with a smile that she couldnt even protest, leaving her speechless.
"So are you and Mr. Andrews together?", the cute guy asked them, looking at her and Theo back and forth as the two of them exchange glances.
Now what do they say here?
"Selene and I are-", Theo began speaking but stopped midsentence, his confident stance dropping, turning suddenly pale after seeing the grandma, "Erm- Mrs. Lin?!"
"Mr. Andrews", grandma gave Theo a curt nodd.
So... Do they know each other?
"Good"
A loud booming voice suddenly filled the air and they all turned towards the old but strong looking man, walking towards them.
"You're all here"
"Grandpa!", the young boy she's talking to earlier run and jumped at the old man's arms.
It couldn't be...
"This here is Mr. Daniel", The old man pertain to the guy beside him, "You could all choose to stay and tomorrow let's see who's still up for the challenge.
With that, the old man offered his hand to grandma who accepts it at once as they began walking towards the staircase.
But not before grandma looked back at her and threw her a smile.
"Hi", Mr. Daniel greeted all of them, his eyes lingering on her that she felt Theo pulled her even closer to his side saying, "Not you too! Damn. Lets go back to our room"
With that, Theo grabbed her hand and pulled her towards their room, she could only roll her eyes.
This guy is really quite possessive eh? And they werent even an item at that rate... Now she pity the one he'll marry.
Oh wait.
She better worry about him instead cause his fiance's attitude is something... well, that is, if their marriage ever pushed through.
At that thought, she felt a pinch on her heart that she immediately took a step back, pulling her hand away after realizing that he was still holding it.
"Hey", Theo called, looking at her with concern, "Is everything okay?"
"Y-Yeah", Astraea breathed out slowly, "I think?"
Well.
She could only hope so.
-----------------------------------------------------
*The next day
"No!", Astraea hid her smile at Theo's frustrated shout, watching from her spot behind the counter as Theo runs back and forth just to catch Mrs. Lin's naughty grandson.
At the back of her mind, she could still remember how happy he is this morning when he said that Mr. Lin had assigned him to take care of his grandson today instead of their usual routine. Said he could do with some rest but, with the way things look like, it is very far from it.
As it turns out, Mr. Lin was quite serious in the challenge thing for he really made the three young man work. Like that second day, the boys go out and gather the woods, chopping it to little pieces for the furnace all afternoon. Then the next day, they went ahead to clean the villa and Theo was assigned at the pool were he had to scrub the tiles off. Easy? Not. Cause the size of the pool is no damn joke.
Today, they were supposed to go deliver some fruits from the orchard but Mr. Lin asked him to stay instead.
Turns out that he has the hardest task cause the other two would probably just sit at the back of the car and then carry all those fruits at the station but Theo had been running all day after the kid who seemed to never ran out of energy.
She would have to applaud him for his patience.
"You doing okay there?" Astraea asked Theo as she mixed the flour in the counter.
"Yeah just-", A crashing sound comes behind them and she could see the kid pushed one of the ancient vase before running away.
Ooops.
"Fudge!", Theo is now close to pulling his hair, "Come back here!"
With that, he ran away again towards the direction of the kid to stop him from doing anymore damage.
"Miss Selene", one of the staff called her, "There's two orders of your chocolat chaud, one café au lait and three orders of Baguette with Jam"
If Theo's days here were presumably unkind, the same could not be said to her for so far... she had been enjoying the days living her dream to become a chef, even if it is only by name as she replaced the pastry chef who resigned the post immediately after knowing that there is another chef around, according to her, she had to "Grab the chance to work in the city"
"Okay noted, thank you", Astraea smiled and nodded at the girl before she began gathering the ingredients she needed after writing the orders down, "Erm- Is there anything more?"
She had to ask at the weird look the girl is giving her but she only smiled at her and said, "Just couldnt believe that someone like you is the replacement of the old pastry chef here"
"What? Why?", Astraea asked in confusion.
What does she mean with someone like her?
At her question, the girl sighed out loud and sit down at the stool in front of her saying, "The old chef here was awful who likes to boss us around thinking that she's gods gift to us cause she's the only pastry chef around but then you came here, looking every bit of an angel and answering our prayers"
"Oh."
Astraea forced a smile at the girl who looks at her with admiration before she busies herself with preparation of the food.
"Thank you?", her brows furrow in slight confusion as she doesnt know how to react in this kind of situations, "That was erm- very kind of you"
"Mr. Andrews is sure one lucky guy to have you", the girl said before she stood up and went back to work.
So... what was that all about? Astraea shake her head at the weird conversation.
"So how are you doing?", A voice speak next to her and she was honestly surprised out of her wits, when she saw grandma suddenly standing next to her, she had to put a hand on her heart to try and calm it down.
Damn.
Why are people here so weird?
"I see you're managing eh?", the old lady read the orders and began helping her with pouring the chocolat chaud she had already prepared at the cups.
"Hopefully", she answered with a small smile as silence fell on them as they work around the kitchen that she was quite surprised when the old lady began laughing.
"That naughty little kiddo"
And there she saw the high and mighty Mr. Andrews falling on the ground repeatedly as the little kid keeps on throwing his marbles everytime the guy made a move.
"Did you know? We all thought Mr. Andrews would be the first to give up on the challenge but he keeps on proving us wrong", the old woman told her softly like it was supposed to be a secret.
Ironically, she already had a hint at what was happening, having been observed the treatment he had been given compared to the other two but she says nothing cause she do not want to discourage him.
"Thats why he was always given the hardest task", Astraea said absentmindedly while carefully putting the bread inside the oven.
"You knew?", the old woman looked at her strangely proud.
"I guessed", she said with a shrug as if it was no big deal.
"My husband insists that it'll only be a matter of time before he gave in", grandma told her that Astraea begin to wonder why she is telling her all this, "Between you and me though, I dont think he would"
At her look of confusion, the old lady continued with a smile, saying, "Why he's smart enough to bring his secret weapon"
"Weapon?" Astraea had to ask, "What weapon?"
Did the old woman heard of something again that she didnt?!
"Silly. Its you of course", the old lady rolled her eyes at her like that was the most obvious thing in the world.
"M-me?", she asked again just to make sure if she is hearing things now.
"Yes. You", the grandma sighed out loud in frustration before she began pushing her out the kitchen, "Now go help your man. I'll take it from here"
With a shrug and pout, she turn and began walking towards the duo's direction. Her brows furrowing in confusion at the turn of events cause for the life of her, she just dont get what her grandma was trying to say...
"Careful!", she heard someone shouted before she felt herself slip, Astraea automatically close her eyes at the feeling of falling, thankfully, on something soft instead of the hard ground.
"You okay?", Theo asked her as she slowly opened her eyes to find him underneath her, his face filled with concern before he turn to the kid, red in the face with controlled anger, "Now you've done it", he said while helping her up.
The kid slowly back away scared, looking like he was about to cry at the sudden change in Theo's demeanor that she took hold of his arm and hissed, "Stop it"
"Raphael is a good boy right?", Astraea asked, kneeling in front of the boy, "Now what will you say?", she said while combing his hair as the boy nodded slowly, trying to stop crying.
"Sorry", the kid said softly, quickly wiping the tear that falls from his eyes.
"Hurting others is bad you know", Theo intervened,walking towards them that the kid, who thought he was still angry began crying, burying his face on her shoulders and hugging her tight.
"See what you did?", She glared at Theo who looked back at her innocently as she stood up and began walking towards the benches instead.
"Wait", Theo called them, following their steps, "Why am I the bad guy now?"
Astraea coupd only roll her eyes at him.
Damn.
She forgot there's also another kid here.
Remind her... why did she agree again on her exile from the kitchen?
-------------------------------
*Later that evening...
Astraea sat on the floor in front of the coffee table, glimpsing at Theo who's sleeping a few meters across from her on the sofa with the kid, Raphael, as she carefully typed down the words she was planning to send to Kiara.
She had been doing this report secretly since day one here on Chiang Mai and as days passed by, she always find new things to add that in fact, the note now goes longer than she expected.
He wont hate her right? She really hope he wouldnt.
"What are you doing?" A sleepy voice that could only belong to Theo suddenly called to her that almost made her jump in fright as she quickly turn her phone off. Looking up to see Theo sat in front of her while rubbing his eyes with a yawn, "Damn. Did I fell asleep?"
Thank God for the beeping sound of the oven indicating the cake she was baking was now finished that she quickly scramble to get up saying, "Good! You're awake."
The sweet aroma that greeted her the moment she opened the oven was enough to made her forget all her worries as she excitedly transfered the chocolate cheesecake to a container and cut a piece.
"Here", she said, putting down the plate before him while taking a seat just beside the guy, waiting and anticipating for him to take a bite.
When he only stared at her, she had to roll her eyes and took the initiative, grabbing the scoop herself before she placed it right in front of his mouth, saying, "Open up"
Theo followed her commands and opens his mouth, his intense gaze never faltering from her face as he chew it slowly, a smudge of chocolate just beside his lips that Astraea looked rather distractedly, licking her lips absent mindedly.
"So erm-"
Astraea tried to speak and form a coherent sentence without success.
What is she trying to say again?
Oh right.
The taste.
How his lips tast- Erm- the chocolate!
Damn. It is the taste of the chocolate Astraea Selene Leblanc!
"H-how was it?", she managed to blurt out.
Before Astraea knew what she was doing, her hand already reached over and wipe the smear with her thumb.
Damn.
Blame it on the chocolate.
She felt him gasp immediately when she accidentally grazes his lips, her hand instantly caught in his as he grasp it tight.
His eyes boring a hole into her soul, seemingly conveying her something he couldnt speak.
"Did you know?", Theo finally whisper so dangerously low, her heart began thundering at his intensity, "Waking up like this is all I ever wanted in my whole life"
With that, he began on leaning close. So close she can almost feel his breath touch her face that she closed her eyes, waiting for the kiss that never came...
cr: Ch3Thailand LR in YT
Astraea had to open her eyes to be faced with Theo's deep blazing look, his eyes staring at her like he was looking for something. She knew then what he is doing and she quite understood him.
Really.
Cause this is quite different from that 'drunk' kiss he thought she didnt knew.
This time, doing this would mean they cant go back to the way they were before now.
And she isnt sure if thats a good thing.
Or if she can even handle that.
But something in her wants to try and give it a chance. Maybe they might just find the happiness they were looking for...
This might be one of the most stupid decision in her life but damn, its not like she had anything more to lose now anyway so with that, she slowly broke into a smile, encouraging him to kiss her, effectively earning a smile from him as he started to lean close again.
"We're back!", The loud voice of Mr. Lin suddenly interrupted them, springing them apart and making them both stood up to greet the elder.
"Erm- are we interrupting something?", Mr. Javier asked just as Theo and her exchange glances before they both blurted out their different answers.
"No", she said just as Theo exclaimed, "Yes!", his voice laced with irritation.
"Dont mind us then. We'll just go ahead.", Mr. Daniel nodded at them before he pulled Mr. Javier with him upstairs just as Mr. Lin went over to get the sleeping Raphael.
"Goodnight kids", the old man said heading straight to staircase befor he paused and looked back at them, saying, "Dont do anything I wont do"
His loud chuckle was the last thing they heard before they were once again left alone.
"So where were we?", Theo asked, placing his arms around her and pulling her down the sofa as they laid side by side.
Astraea didnt know what happened but she suddenly felt scared. She was so ready then.
Now she isnt quite sure as thoughts kept popping in her mind, she couldnt even meet his eyes.
Theo threw her one look before he sighed out loud, taking hold of her hand and placing it on his chest as he tucked her head on his shoulder caressing her hair as if to say, 'Its okay'.
"So what's up with the cake?", he said trying to lighten up the mood.
"A gift", she whispered absent mindedly, "Remember the promise we made on the island? The meal we never seem to have..."
Astraea shrugged, reminding him of that unfulfilled pact cause their timelines werent quite aligned even when they're just near as Mr. Lin's challenge left Theo very exhausted or if not, they finish very late at night that she often ate dinner with Mrs. Lin and Raphael instead.
Silenced fell over them as he caress her hair, she honestly would have fallen asleep if he did not speak, whispering softly "Are you happy?"
Even then, his hand on her hair and the soft beating of his heart felt like a lullaby that she could only manage to murmur, "Very happy"
"Then you dont have to give me anything", He breathed out and she didnt know if she just imagined it but she felt something brush her hand before she heard, "Sleep now my baby", as she finally succumbed into the darkness and fell asleep.
http://imgur.com/a/UlHsweM
cr: Ch3Thailand GRGR in YT
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*A/N: What is going on here? Didnt Selene already like Theo? But why in the world is she still doing the report she's going to send to Kiara? Now thats tricky eh?
Stay tuned if you want to find out.
Thank you for reading!
P.S. Who wants Theo's POV?
Unfortunately, I think I'm gonna write this the same way I wrote Silverlining so...
those who read knew the gist.
***Additional cast
Ronadech Wongsaroj as Mr. Javier
a.k.a the guy who played Preuk in Duang Jai Akkanee
AND
Panomkorn Tungtatsawat as Mr. Daniel
a.k.a the guy who played the baddie KraiPop in Duang Jai Akkanee
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