Love In Denial

Disclaimer: I do not own Yumeiro Patissiére or any of its awesome characters. If I did, it wouldn't have been that epic.

I. Sweets Spirits

"Say, Vanilla. What do you think of Kashino and Amano?" Chocolat asked out of the blue, one evening.

Kashino and the others were cleaning up the shop, Mint and Hanabusa were talking about a new design, and the only people left outside were Chocolat and Vanilla.

To say the least, Vanilla had expected the question.

"I know, Chocolat. I've been thinking lately too. They've grown really close, don't you think?" she replied, giggling.

Chocolat turned her head, and sighed.

"Maybe, they're meant to be, after all," she mumbled.

"I know what you mean. But, you know Ichigo-chan. She's dense and very stubborn when it comes to her love life. She insists that she doesn't like anyone." Vanilla countered.

"Same with Kashino. I wonder… Could you run over to Andou's and fetch Caramel? I'll call Café." Chocolat instructed. As always, she had a plan.

Vanilla nodded. "Okay."

Vanilla flew to Andou's Yumezuki branch and called for Caramel.

"Caramel! Where are you? Chocolat, Café and I need you!" she shouted. Doesn't matter. Only Andou-kun and Caramel can hear me anyway. She thought, dismissively.

"What's the racket about, desu?" Caramel called. She appeared from the kitchen, closely followed by Andou.

"Good evening, Vanilla. Why did you come alone? Where's Amano-san?" Andou politely asked. He walked a bit closer to Vanilla, who looked a bit out of breath.

"G-Good evening, Andou-kun. Chocolat instructed me to fetch Caramel. For what reasons, she didn't tell me." Vanilla managed to stutter. Please let it go, please let it go.

Caramel's eyes shone. "I get to see Chocolat and Café-kun again! Yay, desu. But, Andou-kun, can you come with me?"

Andou laughed. "Of course, Caramel. I am already done with cleaning the kitchen anyway. I'll just say goodbye to Kana-chan, then. Please excuse me."

He exited to the kitchen as Vanilla turned to Caramel.

"It's not super urgent, but Chocolat has this plan…"

Not too long after, they were on their way to Le Rêve Couleur.

"So, what is this meeting all about, Vanilla?" Andou asked, cautiously. He felt like he was intruding something, but it wasn't like Caramel to keep secrets from him.

Vanilla sweat. "Uhh, okay. Fine. I can tell you. Its about Kashino and Ichigo-chan. You could come if you want. I think we'd need your help anyway."

Caramel clapped. "Kashino and Ichigo-chan, ne? Kawaii, kawaii!"

Andou laughed. "You guys, too? Hanabusa and I have been thinking about the same thing, although we haven't done anything yet."

Vanilla smiled. "Okay then! Let's hurry! Café and Chocolat are waiting."

The two Sweets Spirits and Andou arrived at the corner nearest to the shop. They found Chocolat, Café and Hanabusa, waiting patiently.

Chocolat wasn't so patient, though.

"Where have you guys been?" Chocolat burst out, clearly annoyed.

Café tried to stop her. "Its fine, Chocolat. They're only 5 minutes late."

Hanabusa laughed. "Yeah, Chocolat. Let's just get on with the plan."

Chocolat shook her head and then sighed. "Lately, Kashino's been getting… distracted. He keeps on staring at Amano, and then blushing. I know what that means."

"What does that mean, desu?" Caramel asked, rather innocently.

Andou laughed. "It means he's in love with Ichigo-chan, Caramel."

Café and Vanilla nodded in understanding. Caramel just said "Ah."

Chocolat went on, acting like she hadn't been interrupted. "And I've been noticing Amano-san, too. She's been smiling at Kashino more often, and doesn't call him Devil. That would seem strange, ne? I didn't want this to happen, but I guess we just have to set them up."

Hanabusa clapped. "Well said, Chocolat." The raven-haired spirit beamed.

Andou nodded. "Yes, but how?"

Vanilla's eyes opened wide. "So, you're in?"

"Of course." Hanabusa and Andou said in unison. Everyone laughed.

Caramel clapped her hands. "Yay! Welcome to Operation: Kashigo, desu!"

Café stopped smiling and then turned to Caramel. "What's Kashigo?"

Vanilla grinned. "Kashino and Ichigo, of course!"

Chocolat shook her head. "Where do you guys get your ideas?"

Andou and Hanabusa sweat dropped. "Operation: Kashigo, it is."

A/N: Hope you liked it! :) If you haven't yet, please read 'The Perfect Mille Crêpe'. It's another one of my stories. Press that blue button and review!