Author's Note: Hello everyone as you know today is May 19th, it's officially the day I started this project a year ago. This chapter was cut from the story and while I loved it, I just couldn't get it to work with the timeline and still cover all the ground I needed to.

So, as an anniversary gift I posted it. I honestly felt you guys should get to read it. I know it's long but it was something just a little sweeter than the hard plot. I hope you enjoy.

Bonus: A Bottle of Wine and Pie Crusts

The kitchen was roaring as the ovens burned brightly and the ranges were full. The clamor of pots and pans hitting one another as chefs shuffled to keep up with the orders, which streamed from the floor was loud and seemed to echo through the crowded kitchen. Claude's golden eyes narrowed as he watched all the chefs dart to and fro, it was becoming a habit of his to occupy a position above the others and watch all of their actions including Sebastian. Every cell in his body was alive as he glided across the floor, he was in his element and every other cook in the room knew it.

However, today he was in a rather bad mood, he had managed to lose his glasses, he was exhausted after a long night of work and had left them somewhere in the restaurant after a nap. The result was that he had to resort to contacts, something which he didn't wear frequently. Sadly it made his eyes seem even more narrow and ended up frightening people, this only added to the fact that he was in a horrible mood. "Hannah, this sauce is far too thin," he stated angrily as he lifted the spoon, "restart it." Hannah stared at him in shock, her eyes were wide as she stared at him. Usually she would refute and then attempt to justify herself, yet, that didn't happen this time around. Instead she bowed her head and did as he asked.

Claude's eyes felt as though they were burning, he hated wearing contacts, they were always immensely uncomfortable for him. He grumbled as he blinked several times and went to rub his eyes only to remember that the lenses would move if he did so. He groaned as he looked at the other side of the kitchen, as always Sebastian was hunched over a tray of pastries, his metal decorating tip hovered just above the chocolate coating of one of Ciel's best sellers, Amalie. Each one lined up on the tray like a small soldier waiting for it's decorations.

He was about to say something when his phone buzzed he stared fished it out of his pocket and noticed he had a Facebook alert. He opened the alert and stared at it, his face went from white to red with in seconds as he pressed his lips together and growled angrily.

All he could see was red at this point as he glared at the photo. Alois was smiling as he held up the now mangled wire frames of what had been his glasses. The arm on the left was dangling, the right lense was cracked and they looked beyond mangled. The bartender himself was grinning from ear to ear, his cerulean eyes were gleaming mischievous as he held them up. His blonde hair was slightly ruffled as he held them up like they were a slimy fish. The caption was what honestly sent him over the edge, "FOUND THEM!" Claude was going to scream, his hopes of having his contacts put back in their case had been dashed by the unattentive bartender known as Alois. His grip on the phone increased as he shouted, "ALOIS."

Sebastian flinched and looked upward, he then looked at William and commented, "I thought the roof lifted off the building with that one." William stared at the now red faced irritated chef, "Why did that remind me of Dave shouting Alvin?" Sebastian looked at the Sommelier inquisitively and the man sighed, "I watched a show with Ronald, apparently he is a fan of Alvin and the Chipmunks," he explained. Sebastian nodded and watched the chef storm out of the kitchen onto the floor, "I believe he's now a dead bartender," stated Sebastian.

William shook his head and crossed his arms, clearly he knew better than anyone. "Watch," said William as he pointed to the doors. In 2 seconds flat the young bartender was dashing through the kitchen, "I said I was sorry!" he shouted over his shoulder. Sebastian stared wide eyed as the bartender dodged a server and then a hot pan. Claude was through the doors and looked at though he were going to run Alois through with a knife. "You weren't even looking where you were placing the cases!" he shouted as he dashed after the bartender.

Every chef in the kitchen was terrified as Sebastian stood there and watched the bartender avoid the livid chef. "It was an accident!" he cried in terror. Claude leapt over a clear counter, the bartender's eyes were as wide as pie pans as the chef vaulted over the counter. "You know I hate contacts!" he shouted angrily, "You're done Alois!" The bartender smiled nervously and looked around only to find a fresh meringue equipt with spoon. Alois stuck his tongue out like a child as he scooped out a heap of the white, sweet meringue that Sebastian had made.

William looked over at the Patissier and asked, "What's the meringue for?" Sebastian was adding another orange rose to one of the small dark chocolate pastries and replied, "I was going to make a Lemon Tart later." William watched as Alois pulled the spoon back and Claude ducked as the white glob left the smooth surface of the spoon and hit Hannah in the side of the head. "Ha! Missed!" Claude shouted and pointed. Hannah held up a knife and grinned darkly at Alois, before Claude could say more he was hit in the face with a white glob, "Didn't!" he shouted as he grinned like a five year old and proceeded to reload the spoon.

Claude's eyes narrowed as he licked his lips and then swept up some meringue with his finger and proceeded to lick it, he hummed in appreciation as he did so. "Guess you aren't making one now, huh?" asked William. Sebastian looked up and stared at his boss who was attempting to long distance strangle the bartender, "Guess not," he replied as he lifted the tray of pastries before Alois could coat them in meringue. Hannah placed her knife on the cutting board and vanished from view. "Alois!" shouted Claude, "Quit destroying my kitchen!" Alois looked at him as though he were insane. "Stop trying to kill me!" he replied.

Claude was standing before the doors, Alois proceeded to loading the spoon once again and pulled back. In seconds the doors were open but before Alois could stop himself the spoon full of meringue was gone and now airborne before he realized who was in the door. A rather stern looking slate haired twenty year old, with sapphire blue eyes were standing there in an expensive three piece suite. The white glob hit Ciel's lapel which caused the owner to glare furiously. Claude stared in shock as Alois pointed at him with his finger. "He started it," he stated sincerely. Ciel looked at his suite and proceeded to walking over to Alois.

"Should we do something?" asked Sebastian warily. William shook his head as he leaned on the counter, "No, he has this under control," he replied. Ciel stopped short of Alois and held his hand out for the bowl of meringue. Naturally Alois obeyed the silent command, his eyes closed as the silver bowl was lifted and then flipped so Ciel could place it over his head like a silver helmet. The white meringue slid down his head and Ciel stated, "And I ended it," he stated as he turned his attention to Claude, "Just buy another pair of glasses, and get back to work." In moments he had a handkerchief in his hand was attempting to clean his suite as he walked toward the bathroom. Claude grumbled as he walked away leaving Alois with the silver bowl on his head, and turned his head to look at around, "Damn it, now I have to get this crap out of my hair," Alois whined.

Sebastian ignored him and looked at the now upset Head Chef. William had padded off to the floor to put out the fire which had been started by the loud mouthed Bartender. Leaving Sebastian to still and stare at the chef who was now leaning on the counter with his head in his hands. Something wasn't quite right with the Head Chef, he wouldn't have snapped like that if it were a normal day. Sebastian hummed as he snuck a look at his calendar, it was the 28th of November. He froze, Claude was from New York and the French Patissier slowly began piecing things together. A smile graced his lips as he picked up his frosting tip again and continued working. It was sweet to know that even the Head Chef could be home sick.

~~xXx~~

Ciel had given Claude quite a lecture after the evening had finally come to an end, which only seemed to add to his irritation. Golden eyes rested on the range as he made some stuffing from toasted bread with mushrooms, sherry, sausage, basil and thyme. He sighed as he continued to stir the pot, in the oven was a small chicken which he had basted with sherry and butter, he would have liked a small turkey, but with his work schedule that wasn't possible. Every year that he lived in London he seemed to long more and more for his home before his mother had left his father, before the madness, when he was still able to dash into his father's study and hug him.

Those days had vanished before he even began to appreciate them, now his father simply wanted to make him into the world's leading CEO, regardless of his desires. A double boiler rested on the stove with broccoli in it. All that remained was the one thing he could never manage to make correctly, pie. He could never make a pie that didn't fall apart, either the crust burnt or the filling was too bitter. Either way he ended up chucking it.

His eyes glided over to his notes which were resting on the counter for an event coming up, the competition had only increased their workload. The demand for both his work and Sebastian's was off the charts and he couldn't keep up. He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair, he had forgotten to get Sebastian's proposed menu, in moments he was picking up his mobile and was dialing the chef, part of him was dreading it, he had acted like such a child and now he was calling one of the few people who had witnessed it, and the man he honestly loved. The phone rang for a moment and the chef was quick to put it on speaker. He was startled when he heard music blaring in the background, it was the sound of violins trilling and the signature sound of a bass laying out a familiar melody. "Claude, what's the matter?" asked the Patissier, he could hear the creak of a rolling pin in the background as he worked. Claude stared at the mobile and replied, "I need your menu for next week's Gala." Sebastian hummed as he ran the dough over again with the pin, "Now?" he asked smoothly.

Claude sighed and was about to snap when he realized he had the opportunity to talk the the chef. "In a little bit, what are you making?" he asked curiously. "Pie," replied the Patissier as the pan slid across the surface, Claude rolled his eyes and listened to the symphony fusing together with that in which the chef was directing. Claude looked at his failed attempt which was resting on the counter, it was bitter, burnt and the crust was a wreck. "What kind?" he asked as he looked at what was supposed to be a pumpkin pie. He heard the sound of a knife hitting a wooden block in the background, "Apple," was his reply. A moan left the chef's lips, he honestly wondered what the man's apple pie tasted like, it was probably devine in comparison to his mother's. "Claude?" asked Sebastian curiously. Claude blushed crimson and hid his face in his hand, "Something wrong?" he asked curiously.

Claude sighed, there was a lot wrong, the first being the Patissier was on the other side of the phone and not in his bed. The second was the fact that the one thing he couldn't make was what the Patissier was crafting. Third, his brain had gone straight to his groin. He drew a deep breath before turning his attention to his chicken and stuffing. His broccoli was finally tender and the chicken was just about done. "Claude?" asked the Patissier again. Claude looked at the pie and then to the phone. "My pie, it's not right, can you tell me how to fix it?" he asked as he looked at the ceiling and groaned. He placed his hand over his eyes and muffled a groan, he didn't want to spend the night alone. All he wanted was someone to eat dinner with, there was more than enough for two, after all he had enjoyed cooking his own food.

"What's wrong with it?" asked Sebastian curiously, the music from the background vanished, from what Claude could tell the man had turned it off. Claude looked at it and sighed, he had no idea where to begin, "The crust is soggy on the bottom but burnt around the edges," he replied, he figured the base would be a good start.

"Sounds like you didn't take the humidity in the air into account or the amount of moisture in the flour, you also had the oven way too hot," replied Sebastian, the answer made little sense to Claude. In his world chemistry wasn't part of cooking, it was just an added bonus, and yet for Sebastian it was everything. "What else?" Sebastian asked. Claude looked at the destroyed pie and replied, "It's bitter." Sebastian hummed as he heard the chef put something in a container and snap the lid in place. "Pumpkin?" he asked tentatively as the refrigerator door in the background opened. "Yeah, how did you know?" asked Claude curiously, no one at work knew what he was planning on having for dinner. "Simple, pumpkin will turn out bitter if it isn't prepped properly, you have to make sure all of the guts are removed but don't skin it. The skin contains all the flavor, boil it down with the skin on and then run it through the blender to puree it," he replied simply.

Claude gaped at the phone, most Patissiers refused to prepare their own ingredients, cooking down a pumpkin was usually a job for a cook, not a Patissier. "Next problem," he stated. Claude walked over to the pie and stated, "When I cut into it, the crust fell apart." Sebastian hummed it was as though he had the answer for everything, it was actually a little startling, "Sounds like you don't know how to roll out a decent pie crust, did you learn anything from watching me at Le Cordon Bleu," he teased.

Claude huffed and replied, "You never demonstrated pie making, mister favorite-child-of-pastry," he stated. Sebastian chuckled, it was a beautiful sound which made even his dreary night alone seem brighter, "How about I swing by with a bottle of wine, ingredients and a pie I made and then teach you how to make one," he replied simply. Claude stared at the phone, he didn't expect that answer, internally his brain was screaming 'yes,' while he was still trying to figure out how to not sound like a teenager being asked out by his crush to the movies.

"Sure," he replied and internally hit himself in the head. "Wonderful, see you in ten," replied the Patissier before hanging up. Claude looked at Nightshade whose head was tilted and looked at him inquisitively. "Don't look at me like that," he commented. The cat picked up her paw and began licking it, "I know I fumbled it, I'm not always a smooth operator," he stated. The cat's crimson eyes looked up at him curiously and tilted his head, "You are so much like him," Claude commented before stroking the cat down it's back and then turning to go and freshen up.

~~xXx~~

Sebastian stood outside of the door and stared at it, he knew he should knock however it was a little tough with the brown bag in his arms, and the paper bag hanging from his hand. "I really should have thought this through. He sighed and kicked the door with his foot lightly, "Coming," called Claude. After a moment the door opened to a rather frazzled Claude. His black hair was ruffled and his sweater was clinging to his body like another skin. Sebastian's crimson eyes traveled up and down the chef as he took in every detail of the man's appearance. He was wearing a pair of tightly fit stone washed blue jeans with several rips, his feet were bare and he looked as though he had just stepped off of a photo shoot. Sebastian felt heat rush to his cheeks as he looked over the man, he was stunning.

"Hi," Sebastian said hesitantly, Claude smiled brightly which made the Patissier nearly drop the bag of groceries to the floor. Oddly the bag felt heavier now than it had before, "Here, let me take that," Claude said sweetly as he held his hands out for the brown paper bag. Sebastian stared at him dumbly for a moment, before it finally registered that Claude wanted to help him. "Ah yes, thanks," Sebastian mumbled as he handed the bag off. "No problem," Claude replied as he moved out of the way to allow Sebastian in.

The Patissier slowly walked over the threshold and slipped his shoes off. Most people wandered around with them on in their own homes, yet he didn't feel right wearing them when Claude was barefoot. "It's cold out," commented Sebastian, he watched as Claude vanished to the kitchen before promptly returning, "I'm sure," replied the Head Chef. Sebastian was in the middle of slowly unzipping the zipper of his coat when Claude's fingers wraped around the shoulders of it. Sebastian stiffened at the sudden contact, he wasn't expecting the chef to take his coat. In a swift and flawless motion he was out of the jacket and Claude was putting it in the closet by the door. "Thank you," Sebastian stated softly. He was about to say more when he was pulled away by a soft mew.

His eyes fell on the floor to the all too familiar black cat sitting at attention, her red eyes were on him and she seemed to want his attention. "Hello Nightshade," he said smoothly as he knelt on the floor and picked up the cat, she was much larger than when he had seen her before, "He's taking great care of you huh?" he asked softly. The cat snuggled into his chest, it's soft and supple fur caressed his skin and made the Patissier grin. "She loves chicken oddly," Claude commented. Sebastian continued to carry the small animal and looked over his shoulder. "I can tell, she's rather large now," he replied. He padded into the familiar kitchen and looked around, "You've been busy," he could see the many dishes sitting under covers and smelt the familiar spices which always seemed to cling to the chef.

"It's the 28th," replied Claude simply Sebastian placed Nightshade on the floor and then placed the bag with handles on it on the table, it was a simple white shop bag, void of logo and color. Sebastian hummed as he slipped his hand into the bag and pulled a box out. "Here is the back up plan," Sebastian teased with a smile. His eyes were shining and he felt very comfortable with this. Claude hummed and chuckled, "So even the patissier needs a backup plan," he replied.

Sebastian grinned and shook his head, the plan wasn't for him, "Not for me, you'll be doing a bulk of the cooking, I'm just a guide," he stated. Claude blanched and looked at Sebastian as though he were insane. "You can't be serious," he replied. Sebastian chuckled and crossed his arms across his chest and nodded firmly, "I'm very serious, Pastry is best learned through experience, no lecture can teach a chef how to roll out the perfect pie crust every time," he said simply.

The Head Chef sighed, "Well at least Alois isn't here," he stated. He was about to say more when the doorbell rang. Sebastian looked at the door and then to Claude, there was no way in hell that was Alois, there was no way Claude was that unlucky. "It can't be," whispered Sebastian. Claude pushed himself away from the counter with a noticeable amount of reluctance. Sebastian was silent as he watched the chef stride toward the door of his flat. He could barely hear Claude's light footsteps as he continued down the hall. All he could wonder was just who was at the door, after several moments he popped his head around the corner and stared at Claude whose head was leaning on the door.

"No," whispered Sebastian. Claude looked at Sebastian pleadingly and nodded, "It is." At that moment Claude looked as though he wanted to run for the hills. "We could leave him out there," Sebastian suggested. Claude turned and stared at Sebastian, obviously that wasn't what the Head Chef was expecting to hear from him. Sebastian simply shrugged and looked at him as though it were simple arithmetic.

"Claude, I can hear you!" he shouted. Claude jumped back from the door as though it had burned him, Sebastian suppressed a chuckle he had never seen Claude like this before. It was actually comical, "Help me," he whispered and looked at Sebastian pleadingly. Sebastian looked at the door and then to Claude, he had no idea how to stop the blonde, from what he had seen earlier nothing stopped him, not even Ciel's impending punishment. "I don't know, ignore him," he suggested. Claude rolled his eyes and shook his head, he knew that would never work, it was an idea. "Claude, I've got to take a piss, I'm going to do it in the hallway 'kay?" he asked. Claude's eyes widened as he all but tore the door of it's hinges, "Don't you dare," he barked. Alois was giggling as he slipped by and chirped, "Got ya'." Sebastian shook his head and groaned, he couldn't believe he fell for that one. "Oh you have company," the blonde commented as he walked by and looked at Sebastian, he was smiling knowingly. Sebastian would usually tell the blonde off however this time the blonde's disruption may be in his favor.

"Hello Sebastian," Alois chirped as he looked at the Patissier, there was a broad grin on his face, clearly he knew what was going on. "Hi," replied the Patissier hesitantly, he had seen the havoc in which the blonde was capable of wreaking on small scale, now he was terrified of what the blonde could do in large quantities. "Wow, something smells amazing," he chirped brightly, "Sebastian are you cooking?" he asked. Sebastian hummed and nodded as he began to roll up the sleeves of his black sweater. "Not exactly," he replied after a moment. Alois whirled around and stared at him as Claude walked over to the sink and began to wash his hands.

"Sebastian has been kind enough to teach me how to make a pie," he replied as he looked at Alois and dabbed his hands with a soft green towel. Alois hummed and chuckled, "You mean so you stop killing them," he replied with a hint of mirth. Claude elbowed the blonde hard in the side and glared, which only caused the bartender to rub his tender side. Sebastian smiled as he attempted to hold back the chuckles that were threatening to take over.

Sebastian nodded and stared at the failed attempt on Claude's part, "Wow, you really did kill it," he commented as he hesitantly stuck a fork into it. The fork slipped into the filling and he cringed at how off the consistency was. "Okay I think we need to start with the basics, and that is the crust," he stated simply. Alois was silent as Claude stared at Sebastian who was opening the flour canister and began measuring it out. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Alois typing something on his phone. He sighed and shook his head, he should have known the blonde would be texting while he was trying to teach about pies. "Why were you so upset today, it's not like you," remarked Sebastian as he finished measuring out the flour and placing it on the scale to determine the moisture content. "It's the 28th, I miss New York," he replied softly. Sebastian smiled and nodded, "I miss Paris, my home. I bet Thanksgiving was wonderful for you," he commented.

Claude's eyes grew wide as he looked at the chef, internally Sebastian was thanking himself for having met Brac, an American who also attended Le Cordon Bleu and had taught him how to make a decent turkey. "Okay we need half a cup of unsalted butter," Sebastian stated as he pulled out a package and began to unwrap the sticks. Claude hummed and nodded it felt wonderful to be working with another person in the kitchen, to be side by side with someone who shared the same passion as himself. "We are going to do something a little interesting, since this is an apple pie we will be adding lemon zest to the crust to make the apples pop," he remarked as he tossed a yellow orb to the chef. They were lost in their own pace to the point that they didn't even hear the doorbell ring.

~~xXx~~

Alois snapped a shot of the pair working together and grinned, he was going to make this night enjoyable for not only Claude but Sebastian as well. He looked at the photo of Sebastian cutting the butter and Claude slipping it into the well which he had made on the cutting board, the pair didn't like using bowls. In reality watching the pair was like watching the moon and the tide, Sebastian was the moon, a guiding force and Claude was the tide, always reacting and never fighting the man's pull. Alois hummed, Claude was homesick, so he was going to do the one thing he knew best, bring everyone over.

In moments the snap shop of Claude and Sebastian was followed by a single line of text, "Claude is homesick and Sebastian is teaching him how to bake! Swing by Claude's place with a dish or drink and join in," he typed rapidly. Once he confirmed the text he posted it and grinned mischievously, he couldn't wait, it was going to be one hell of an event. With in posting he watched all of the green lights on the side of the screen light up, sadly Joker and the gang were in Yorkshire and busy with another shoot. He smiled fondly as they added comments, if he had known that this was the reason that the chef was always unhappy on the 28th of November he would have done this long ago.

Yet the last commented he expected was from the eccentric food critic, "So Sebastian is teaching the pie killer how to make a pie, what is the Head Chef teaching him?" he asked. Alois nodded and replied, "Yup, apparently he wants to protect pie pans from the likes of him, hey want to come over? Claude's cooking a feast," he commented. His eyes flicked up to the pair of chefs, as he watched Sebastian core the apples and direct Claude on how to hold the rolling pin. His hands swept over the backs of Claude's strong ones, "Ease up," he directed. Sebastian's voice was soft and rather sensual, compared to his usually firm tone.

Claude did just so only for Sebastian to shake his head, "Apply even pressure to the dough, if you don't it'll be uneven and won't cook correctly," he replied. Claude hummed and remarked, "Basically turn out like shit." Sebastian chuckled, his nose wrinkled before he shrugged and replied, "Pretty much, I would like to spare your pie pan another atrocity," he stated. Claude placed the pin on the side and put his hands on his hips. Sebastian hadn't noticed as he picked up another bright red apple and began peeling it. "Since when are my pie pans your concern?" he asked feigning irritation. Sebastian ran the silver blade of the peeler around the circumference of the apple and replied, "Simple, since I saw what you were capable of, and I must say your pans are begging me to save them."

Claude picked up the pin once more and continued rolling, "Really," he drawled. Alois chuckled as Sebastian smirked, clearly the Patissier was enjoying the fact Claude couldn't do something, it was a rare event he had to admit. For as long as he had known the chef, the man was a perfectionist. When something didn't come out right the first time, he would obsess to the point of no return over fixing it and spend most of his day not only executing it but refining the recipe.

"How's this?" asked Claude with a hint of pride. Sebastian hummed as he looked over at the now tan piece of dough on the glass board. "Not bad, I've seen first years do better," he remarked. Claude's expression fell as he glared at Sebastian, "You could have done it for me," he snapped. Clearly Claude was frustrated since the only person he never snapped at had just been on the receiving end of his temper. "Claude, it wouldn't be your pie if I did," he stated.

The kitchen smelt wonderful and Alois soon found himself simply being able to enjoy basking in their creativity. He knew he had messed up earlier when he broke Claude's glasses, but at the same time he was a little thankful because it caused the Patissier to realize something was wrong. His mobile buzzed drawing his attention to it once more. "Sounds wonderful, I'll be there soon, I'm going to bring a bottle to share," he replied. Alois was quick to reply and then slipped the phone in his pocket, there was a click as the knife hit the wooden board bellow and he watched the pair chop the cored and skinned apples.

Sebastian's nimble fingers caressed the sides of the fruit as he sliced it, "What else are we adding?" asked Claude curiously as the Patissier made quick work of preparing the apples. "Cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of nutmeg," he replied simply as he placed the slices in the bowl and added the three spices he mentioned. "Okay coat them in that," directed Sebastian. Alois stared as Claude took the metal bowl and tossed it's contents into the air. The white apples had started to yellow a touch as they began to oxidize, he smelt the tang of apples, the bite of cinnamon and the earthy nutmeg as Claude tossed the bowl's contents once more, coating them evenly.

Alois smiled as he leaned on the counter, the pair were wonderful together in the kitchen, they could make pure magic happen. Their chemistry was irrefutable, they simply worked well together. He smiled when he heard the doorbell ring, oddly neither chef notice and Alois quickly popped away to have the doorman let him in and open the door. He waited for a moment and as soon as the guest's knuckles hit the door he had it open. Only it wasn't simply the Undertaker on the other side but William and Ronald were there as well. William was holding the wine, Ronald had brought biscuits, and the Undertaker was holding up some crackers and cheese. "William threatened to knock me out with the wine I was going to bring if I didn't allow him this honor," stated the silver haired critic.

The Bartender looked at the Sommelier and laughed, "It must have been a cheap bottle for him to do that, you know he never would if it were anything reputable," he stated. William chuckled as he looked at Alois, who was smiling smugly, he did pay attention, sometimes. "Well, come on in, they are probably still at it," he commented. The three walked into Claude's flat and looked around in awe at it's decor. "Whoa, he's got money doesn't he?" asked Ronald curiously. Alois snorted, Claude wasn't a pauper, he honestly wouldn't be able to survive as one, his standards of living were far too high for that.

~~xXx~~

Claude watched Sebastian's hands worth methodically, it was clear this was a dessert he had made hundreds of times, which didn't surprise him. Pie was basic for someone of Sebastian's caliber. The pie crust fell into the silver pan with ease, it had been greased for him by Sebastian with a touch of butter, he gently pressed it into the pan and looked at the silver bow full of apples. He followed every instruction of the Patissier and found himself enjoying Sebastian's teaching. Unlike the chefs at Le Cordon Bleu, Sebastian was patient and tender in nature. He seemed to treat each and every ingredient with respect, it was a treat to be taught by him.

He loved the feeling of the Patissier's hands on his as they guided his hands into the proper position to hold a rolling pin. They were soft and warm, nothing like his hands which were calloused and harsh. Claude looked over at Sebastian as he tossed the apples, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg together. The Patissier's crimson red eyes were on the bowl as he did this, they never seemed to leave it, "That should be good, now put them in the pan," he said simply as he grabbed a kitchen towel and wiped his hands, they were probably very sticky from apple juice. The chef gently swept the orange cloth over his fingers as Claude slipped the apples out of the bowl.

"Okay, you have two options for the top crust, a basket weave or a closed crust," Sebastian said as he continued to run his fingers through the micro towel. Claude stared at Sebastian as though he were speaking another language, "Um, the easier one," he said with a note of embarrassment. Sebastian smiled brightly and nodded, "Alright, closed one it is," he said with a hint of gusto. There was something about the Patissier when he baked, he was a different person, it was enjoyable to see the cool, confident and collected chef. It made him wonder just why he wasn't the same in any other position.

Claude began rolling the crust out, and Sebastian simply watched, "Better," breathed the Patissier as Claude finished doing so and placed the pin on the side. "Now, take that portion and place it on top," he directed as he gestured to the top of the pie. Oddly the world slipped away from view when ever he was with Sebastian, it was as though they were the only two in it. He placed the delicately thin crust over the apples and began to pinch the rim, "Beautiful," Sebastian remarked warmly, "Take a cork and add vents to the top."

Claude lifted a fork and was quick to poke a few holes in the top. Sebastian turned to the oven and opened it, making it easier for Claude to slip the pie in, "I already adjusted the temperature, and the rack, you had it way too high up," he stated. Claude slid the pie onto the rack and closed the oven only to hear a whisper. "You say something?" asked Claude as he looked at the Patissier. Black hair swayed as the Patissier replied, "No, I thought you did." The pair looked at one another before turning to see four people standing at the island.

"Claude, I thought it was only Alois," said Sebastian as he tilted his head toward the Head Chef. He looked over the group who was smiling, William was holding up a two bottles of wine, Ronald had biscuits and finally the Undertaker had crackers and cheese. "But now there are four," commented Claude and he looked at Sebastian, the pair stared at one another once more. He watched as the Patissier looked at the chicken and sides, "Do we have enough to feed them?" he asked curiously, his eyebrows lifted as he did so.

The Head Chef looked at the group, they looked very hungry and were practically drooling on his counters, which he considered honestly pathetic. The Undertaker was looking at them with wide, sad eyes, Ronald was smiling sweetly, William was glaring at him with a challange present, and Alois well he was pretending he didn't know why they were there. He sighed, the wonders of Facebook at work. "I don't have a choice do I?" he asked slowly. Sebastian chuckled and placed a hand on his shoulder, he stood on his toes and whispered, "If you don't they may tear you limb from limb."

He looked over the group, he felt confident in taking on Alois, and possibly the Undertaker, but the glare from William and the false sweet smile from Ronald gave him shivers. He knew the Head Waiter was a boxer, and probably would knock in on his ass. "Okay, I'll feed them, but Alois eats on the floor," he commanded. The bartender's mouth popped open as he shouted, "WHAT?" Sebastian snickered as he picked up a bowl and transferred the stuffing from the pot to it. Ronald was at his side in seconds with waiting hands.

"You posted it on Facebook," snapped Claude, his arms were crossed, "First you broke my glasses and now you tell everyone what I'm doing." Sebastian ignored him and looked at Ronald's waiting palms, he then looked back to sparkling emerald green eyes. "Uh, Knox, you do realize you aren't at work, right?" he asked. The Head Waiter put his hands on his hips and replied tersely, "I know, I just want to help, besides you have to make sure he doesn't kill the pie." Sebastian bit his lower lip and pressed the bowl into the young man's hands, not bothering to tell him about the backup plan hidden away.

Alois whined as he walked into the kitchen and picked up a bowl of green beans, Claude had the chicken on a carving board and was walking out with it. He was thankful that for once he had gone with a larger bird. He glanced over his shoulder to see Sebastian looking at the timer. Obviously making sure he had enough time to eat the main course before sprinting toward the oven. The Patissier joined the crew as they opened the wine and began serving food. Oddly his chair was beside the Head Chef, Claude hadn't said a word to them, and yet they all seemed to know.

He listened to them chatter and joke about time, naturally Alois brought up the kitchen incident making Ronald hit William in the side, "You should have filmed it!" he cried and crossed his arms childishly. The Sommelier adjusted his glasses and replied, "If I had one of you would have posted it on YouTube, probably Alois." The bartender's head snapped up and he shouted loudly, "HEY!" The Undertaker laughed hysterically as the Sommelier's shoulders lifted and he replied, "C'est la vie." Sebastian was grinning broadly as he watched the guests interact, it was the most smiling he had seen the Patissier do in a very long time.

"You look better that way you know," said Claude aloud, he hadn't realized he did so until Sebastian turned his attention to him. Crimson eyes danced as they searched his face, "What do you mean?" he asked curiously, his head tilted to the side as he did so. Claude felt his cheeks burn as he attempted to hide the incriminating blush by fixing his glasses. "When you smile, I like it, it makes you look free," he replied hesitantly, mentally kicking himself for not watching himself, he always had a tendency of saying what was on his mind when he was too comfortable. Sebastian hummed as his lips spread wide, his pearl white teeth were perfectly straight and he laughed, "Well you look better when you aren't going to kill Alois," he quipped.

The Head Chef was about to say something when the Patissier got up and walked over to the oven, as he did so the timer went off. Claude sat there in shock for a moment, not once had he seen the man check his watch, it was as though he had an internal timer. He listened to the oven door drop before getting up to see just how the pie came out. The smell of apples swept through the flat, it was welcoming and reminded him of his mother's pies.

Claude looked over to see the pie pan resting on the clear counter of the island and Sebastian toss the towel over his shoulder. "Well, looks like we're done, now we have to see how it tastes," he said simply, "After it cools." Claude chuckled at Sebastian's amendment and quickly understood why when he noticed the dinner table occupants staring at the pie ravenously. They all looked like sharks waiting to strike. The Head Chef gulped and nodded, "Right, it has to cool," he emphasised.

It was amazing to him how a simple pie could produce such a reaction from his guests. Claude stared at the pie in the pan, the crust was a golden brown, the air smelt of cinnamon and he could see the steam wafting from it. It was honestly picture perfect. He felt a little pride swell in his chest, "Not bad," commented Sebastian as he nudged Claude in the side and smiled teasingly. The Head Chef folded his arms and replied, "Of course it isn't, because you helped me, rather than letting me drown."

The Patissier looked away, blushing brightly as he did so, long fingers swept through his black hair as he attempted to hide his embarrassment. Claude smiled a little as he watched the raven haired chef, he always found Sebastian's attempts at staying composed to be rather endearing, the man was an open book. Every emotion that ran through the chef he could read, it wasn't a bad thing, it simply made him innocent and rather adorable. "Thank you," Claude earnestly said, only to cause Sebastian's head to snap up and a pair of wide garnet eyes lock onto him.

Sebastian shifted a little as he folded his hands before him, Claude was well aware that he didn't apologize often, he knew he should but he simply couldn't find time. "I mean it, if you didn't show me how to make a better pie, I wouldn't have been able to," he said simply, his words rang with sincerity as he did so. The Patissier looked from the pie in the pan to Claude, "You're welcome," he said softly, his voice was just above a whisper as he did so and he watched the younger chef fidget a little.

"Whoa it looks amazing," gushed Alois as he bounded over. Claude's eyes slid to the bright azure eyes of the bartender before him. "Thanks," he said softly as he looked at Alois and smiled at Sebastian, "I needed a little help." The Undertaker pulled out several plates, Claude was confused for a moment as he began to wonder just how the man knew where everything was in his kitchen, then again the Undertaker was always full of surprises. William was opening a bottle of Pointe Noire, making Claude stare at the Sommelier, the bottle would compliment the pie perfectly.

His lips parted as the question teased the tip of his tongue, part of him wondered just how the Sommelier knew what wine to bring. William was brilliant but not psychic. He looked over at Sebastian who was nervously eyeing the bottle and then looked to Claude, he smiled a little and laughed. "You?" asked Claude as he looked to the rather nervous patissier beside him, who was holding a knife to cut into the pie. "Yeah, I thought you would like company, and well since you can't be with your genetic family I figured I should invite your symbolic one, Ronald and William," Sebastian stated as he slipped his hands into the pockets of his jeans, "You invited me, and I see you and them as family, so I thought you would feel the same way."

There was silence in the room, as the chime of silverware hitting the table echoed, Sebastian had dropped the fork and was looking at the surface of the counter. He was terrified to look up and Claude could tell he honestly thought he had done something wrong. The Head Chef shook his head, he was touched by the action, he knew Sebastian didn't have a lot of family in his life but he was happy that he considered Ronald and William family. "Thank you," he breathed as he looked at Sebastian, he knew the Patissier didn't like being touched, but this time he couldn't help it. He slipped his hand over Sebastian's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, "I'm glad you came," he said softly, as though he were speaking to a child.

Sebastian's lips curled up tentatively as he looked at the group, "Really?" he asked slowly, testing the air to see if anyone would object. Claude nodded before finally pulling Sebastian into an embrace, he pressed his lips to the top of the man's head, he felt silky black strands against them and could smell the heavenly scent of lavender and vanilla, with a touch of earthy chocolate. He purred as he pulled the Patissier into a hug, "Yes really," he replies, his eyes sliding closed as he did so. He had expected Sebastian to tense only to feel the chef relax and lean on him, his hand brushed one of his arms and gently clasped his forearm, making Claude beam with joy.

"We consider you family too," said Ronald brightly, his voice was light and airy as he did so, giving away the fact that he was far more enthusiastic about it than he led on. "He would still be moping in the kitchen if it wasn't for you," said William lightly as he smiled at Claude, the Head Chef glared daggers at the Sommelier, silently promising to kill him in his sleep. "You've changed him, even if he still want's to kill me half the time, you have made him softer," said Alois as he held up one of his fingers, asking them to pause and listen to his reason.

The Undertaker chuckled as he leaned on the counter, he swept his silver hair back, causing his scar to be even more visible, and his hazel eyes to brighten, "You've made an impression on all of us," said the food critic as he tucked a lock of silver hair behind his ear. Claude felt something damp on his arm and looked down at Sebastian to see tears sliding down his cheeks. "Sebastian?" asked Claude curiously, he hadn't anticipated tears at the ending of everyone's comments. "What's wrong?" he inquired softly as he swept the droplets away with the pads of his fingers, they were warm and made his fingers damp. "I'm just happy," breathed the Patissier.

Claude smiled and buried his nose in Sebastian's hair before whispering, "Want to serve?" Sebastian nodded slowly, causing the Head Chef to untangle his long arms and allow the chef a wider range of movements. The blade of the knife slid through the crust with ease at the Patissier sliced into it. Golden eyes watched keenly as he slid the knife under the rim of the crust, down the inside edge of the pan and finally popped the bottom out. The piece came out in a single beautiful triangular piece. With grace each wedge was sliced and plated until everyone had a piece of Claude's attempt at a classic American apple pie.

He watched with intrigue as Sebastian lifted a silver fork to his lips with a little pie on it, secretly he was hoping the Chef would compliment him. Claude had always admired Sebastian's work, and always wanted to be just as creative and different as the Patissier. The golden flakey crust and light caramel colored filling slipped between the chef's lips as he slowly took a bite. His eyes fluttered closed as he began to chew.

"Not bad, for a first time," said Sebastian as he winked at Claude, laughter filled the room as Claude galred mockingly at Sebastian. He ignored all the other comments as the others dug into the pie, all he wanted to know was what he was going to do with the other one, no doubt it would be one of the finest pies he ever consumed, but he couldn't eat it alone. Sebastian chuckled as he leaned over and whispered, "Save it, I have a feeling we will need it," as Alois began slicing another enormous piece and putting it on his plate.

The night seemed to carry on as the conversations did and the wine caressing his tongue. Yet, all he could think about was that smile Sebastian had given him, and the statement about him being part of Sebastian's family.

"Perhaps Thanksgiving, isn't a bad holiday after all," Claude Faustus mused as he watched the group tell stories.

~~xXx~~

Sebastian purred after trying the pie and smiled as he did so, "Not bad, for a first time," he commented before winking. Knowing full well Claude would see the subtle wink. He watched as the others dove into the pie, and the conversations rang through the room. Cladue was oddly quiet through them, which had at first alarmed Sebastian, before he realized a rather nostalgic smile on the man's face, and the sparkle of his golden eyes behind his glasses. He looked younger and far more joyous than he had hours before in the kitchens of Ciel. He listened for a moment only to catch Claude whispered, "Perhaps Thanksgiving isn't a bad holiday after all."

The Patissier smiled as he looked at the sliver of pie left in the pan on the counter, he had a new favorite dish, and a memory he would keep all to himself, and Apple Pie and his first Thanksgiving.

Review Replies:

(Final Chapter Only)

Anonymous: Thank you for reading, it's been an adventure and a battle with this piece, I was terrified when I started it and even now I'm terrified of what you will think of Book 2. I'm honored you're proud of me, I'm just glad you wanted to read this really long fic. I understand the feeling of mixed emotions, I was happy to end book 1 because it meant I finished it, but at the same time it was sad because I was ending it. Book 2 is posted, and I hope you read it, I'm happy you want to read more and hope you do. -Kuro.

Audrey: Thank you for sticking with me through this, I know it's a long series, believe me I know and Book 2 is going to be a long one as well as I piece things together. I hope you follow me to Book 2. -Kuro.

Courtney: Thank you for taking the time to read my work. You're re-reading it? Well tell me if you still think it's good the second time around. I'm glad you like the plot, it's complicated and will carry into Book 2. Don't worry, you're going to love it, you get to see who VP is, where Ciel is, what's happening with Vincent and Diederich, how Claude is, and just what kind of Chef, Sebastian has become. Thank you for sticking with me and I'm still touched you enjoy my work to such a degree. -Kuro.

Mew: Yes, that's the end of Book 1. Thanks for reviewing by the way, I'm glad you've been periodically taking the time to do so. I would suggest checking out Book 2, as well as Bottle Shock for more, believe me not all of it ends here, and you're going to love what I have planned. Thank you again. -Kuro.

Glasses: Thank you for taking the time to review, I know Book 1 has an emotional ending and believe me when I tell you I'm happy people are interested in a book 2 and prequel. I posted Book 2 and it's going to answer a lot of questions that weren't answered in Book 1. As well as a few new issues along the way. You'll meet some new characters, see the old cast of Book 1 and the prequel, and yes you get an even longer menu and wine-list. What can I say? It's a series to die for. -Kuro