( Chapter 1 )

( Prologue )

( Read more... )

Epilogue

Jared parks the truck outside the forest like the last time and quickly runs to the back to let the Chatri (“The name’s Matt,” he said) out. He remembers this so clearly from five years ago. So little has changed since then. The cushion cover he found beside him when he woke up alone that morning is a permanent feature on his bed - he ( Read more... )

Chapter 5: Marseillotes

The apartment is quiet when Jared returns from his opening shift at the shop. It’s almost two in the afternoon, and Misha is usually cleaning industriously at this time, but no one answers his usual greeting, and worry has him running to their room. He’s somewhat relieved Misha hasn’t vanished, but it’s clear something is ( Read more... )

Chapter 4: Orange and Cashew Butterscotch

Misha looks into the fridge balefully. He needs more eggs, milk and some fresh herbs for dinner, but Jared won’t be home for a while. He has the keys and some money, and the grocery store they went to last time isn’t far, but…

He paces, anxious.

Jared keeps telling him he doesn’t need permission or ( Read more... )

Chapter 3: Vanilla Pancakes With Marmalade

Jared stares at the potted plant in his hands as he walks home. It’s pretty, with dark green toothed leaves and small white flowers, and has a pleasant citrusy mint fragrance. Rachel, the florist down the block, gave it to him earlier, saying it won’t be long before the flowers start to wither, but that ( Read more... )

Chapter 2: Orange Macarons with Passion Fruit Buttercream

Jared arrives home to the aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon. Misha has only been here for five days, and the apartment is tidier than it's ever been. All the frames and trimmings are pristine white once more, the pastel blue walls are a little less gray, and the navy carpet ( Read more... )

Chapter 1: Orange Flower Marshmallows

~Five years earlier~

Rain pours over the city of Chi'an, lightning illuminating the night sky and wind howling loudly through the streets. Jared scratches his neck, restless, and looks balefully out the window - he doesn't want to go out into the deluge.

It’s his shop though.

Sighing, he grabs his raincoat ( Read more... )

Prologue

As one of the more popular candy stores in the city of Chi’an, JP Confections often sees a steady crowd, whether they’re here for the candy or to catch a glimpse of the owner. Jared Padalecki is proud of it. He loves candy, and there’s nothing quite like the sense of satisfaction he gets when a customer asks for more of the daily special ( Read more... )