The Alchemist ✰〘 Varian One-Shots 〙

✰1.3 Schemes

Final part, enjoy :)

Key:

(f/c): favorite color

(h/c): hair color

(y/n): your name

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I entered my dark and dreary room, closing the door softly behind me. Stepping over to the mirror, I looked at my outfit one last time, before pulling the clip out of my hair. I took off the (f/c) dress off carefully and folded it neatly and placing it back in the brown paper packaging I had taken it from earlier. Pulling open my small wardrobe doors, I grabbed my kitchen uniform and put it on. I tied my (h/c) hair up out of my face and stepped over to my window. There were people still running around having fun and celebrating, blissfully unaware of the pain that I felt inside. I had to face the facts; I was never meant for anything more than being a 'servant'. Sighing, I pulled the curtains closed and left my room to head for the palace kitchens; making a quick stop at Varian's lab a few stories up- to leave him the dress. I had requested for the day off, but I don't think the chef would mind if I returned to give him and the other kitchen staff a hand.

"Good afternoon, Chef." I greeted my superior with little enthusiasm as I entered the bustling room. He looked up at me from his chopping with surprise.

"(Y/n)? Didn't you ask for zhe day off?" He asked in a thick german accent as I took an apron from a hook and started to tie it around my waist.

"Plans changed, do you need any help?" I replied bitterly, remembering what had happened only an hour ago outside the tent.

"Do I ever! Ve're running behind on zhe prep for zhe Harvest Feast in zhe throne room tonight. I need zhe choux pastry piped and baked- oh and zhe pumpkin ravioli is about to burn!" The chef was as red as a cherry with stress, and the heat of the kitchen wasn't helping his rosy complexion either. I nodded and collected the equipment to start my work. Maybe a distraction was good for me. I was almost beginning to forget the aching of my heart, almost.

All of my concentration was placed on the tasks ahead of me; I piped the eclairs perfectly, seasoned roast vegetables excellently, and decorated the caked with precision. There's nothing like heartbreak to help you focus on your work. I would do anything to not think about him.

"You are not allowed in zhe kitchen, can't you see zhat ve're busy busy busy!" I heard the head Chef call out through the concoction of cooking noises. I looked up to see a pair of sky-blue eyes scanning the kitchen, locking on mine and grinning when they saw me.

"(Y/n)! There you are, finally! I've been looking everywhere for you." He started to make his way over to me but was stopped by the Chef who held out an oven-gloved hand and a rolling pin threateningly. A sting of grief hit my heart, but I had to face him now. I abandoned my pastry and walked over to the pair, telling the Chef it was okay and that I wouldn't let him come inside. We stepped outside the door, for some privacy.

"Where were you? You just disappeared." Varian asked as I took a breath in and prepared to make up a reason for my disappearance.

"There was a cake emergency, Chef needed a pair of extra hands." I lied.

"Oh, sounds messy. Anyway, you'll never guess what happened." He explained with excitement, "I was speaking with Cassiopeia- like actually having a conversation! I must've impressed her because she invited me to be her guest at the feast tonight!" Varian looked at me, eager to see my reaction. Unfortunately, I didn't give him anything to be eager about. "Are you not happy? Are you okay?" He frowned at my response, or lack thereof.

"You're so lucky, I'm very jealous." I replied sarcastically as Varian furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Listen, Varian; I have actual work to do- am I relieved of being your fake date?" I asked impatiently, longing to be away from his face that made my heart break. He nodded and I turned around to go back into my work.