Im so glad your requests are open! I noticed on your personal that you're a fan of another blond, smoking chef 😎 was wondering if you could write a little something with reader and Bard having a quiet, tender moment together? he definitely deserves more love!
Absolutely!! Oh my gosh, could you imagine??? Kept this fluffy because I couldn't resist. Hope you enjoy!
Teatime with Bard🫖
fem!reader x Bard While visiting the Phantomhive Manor, you have some time to kill. You decide to pay Bard a visit in the kitchen.
-SFW, fluffy, pleasant conversation WC: 1,227
The imposing silhouette of the Phantomhive Manor loomed ahead as you made your way through the meticulously kept gardens. The carriage wheels clattered along the cobblestone path, winding its way through the dense, misty forest.
You felt your heart racing with anticipation. You couldn’t help but feel a flutter of nerves dancing in your stomach as you approached the grand entrance.
It wasn’t every day that you were invited to such a prestigious household. Especially one known throughout England for its bizarre dealings and its mysterious young lord and master.
You had been invited as a guest of Lady Elizabeth, who insisted you visit to see the mansion’s beautiful décor. Yet, despite the purpose of your visit, you couldn’t help but think of someone else entirely, Baldroy, the manor’s rather unconventional chef.
As the manor came into view, its towering, gothic architecture loomed over the landscape, shrouded in an aura of both grandeur and secrecy. Stepping out of the carriage, you took a deep breath, adjusted your attire, and made your way to the grand entrance.
You hesitated just before knocking, adjusting your dress. A swift creak from the doors caught you off guard. The imposing wooden doors opened, revealing the stern butler, Sebastian, who greeted you with impeccable courtesy.
“Hello My Lady. Welcome to the Phantomhive Manor”, he said with a slight bow, “Please, come in”.
You attentively stepped through the threshold. The doors made a loud thud as they were closed. Your eyes wandered over the grand hall. It was adorned with exquisite tapestries and flickering candle sconces. The air was filled with timeless elegance and yet something perplexing. You could almost feel the manor's history bearing down on you.
“The Young Master is not in at the moment, I’m afraid, but Lady Elizabeth will be along shortly”, Sebastian stated.
Just as you were about to ask where you needed to wait, the faint scent of smoke wafted through the air, and your heart skipped a beat. You couldn’t help but smile. You then could hear the faint sound of clattering pots and pans.
“Is Bard in the kitchen?”, you asked casually, hoping you didn’t sound too eager.
Sebastian gave a knowing smile, clearly noticing the glint of curiosity in your eyes.
“He is, My Lady. If you wish to visit with the servants, please see to it you are available in approximately three hours”.
You suppressed a chuckle and excused yourself to the kitchen. As you approached, the sounds of clanging dishes and the unmistakable crackle of flames reached your ears. Pushing open the door, amidst the organized chaos, you spotted Bard hunched over the stove, a cigarette hanging from his lips, waving a towel at a small fire that had erupted in a pan. He was a stark contrast to the elegance of the manor with his rugged demeanor. Yet, there was a warmth in his eyes that drew you in.
“Damn it! Ah, come on, ya stupid thing!”, he cursed.
“Having some trouble, Balroy?”, you teased softly, stepping inside the kitchen.
Bard whipped around, startled, his cigarette nearly falling from his lips. When he recognized you, a grin spread across his face.
“Well, well, look who’s wandered into my kitchen. Thought I smelled somethin’ sweeter than usual around here.What brings you here, Miss?”
Your cheeks flushed and you smiled at the compliment.
“I just heard some delightful music and thought I’d see what was going on”, you approached him carefully, peering at the charred mess on the stove, “Is that supposed to be lunch?”, you asked lightheartedly.
He gave a sheepish shrug, scratching the back of his neck.
“Somethin’ like that. The Master’s got me cookin’ some fancy French dish. Can’t make heads or tails of it”.
He glanced over at you in that moment. You stood with a quiet elegance that seemed entirely out of place. The warm light caught the soft waves of your hair. Your eyes, framed by an expression of calm curiosity, sparkled like gemstones under the afternoon sun.
You moved with a grace that made the kitchen feel less like a battleground and more like a sanctuary. Your presence exuded an effortless charm that Bard found impossible to ignore. For a moment, the world slowed, and he almost forgot the concoction on the stove. Bard laughed heartily and put his failed attempt to the side.
“Would you care for some tea? I've got a special blend I've been saving".
You nodded eagerly, and Bard gestured for you to sit at a small, cozy table tucked away in a corner of the kitchen. As he prepared the tea, you couldn't help but notice the care and precision with which he worked.
Before you knew it, Bard had managed to scavenge some biscuits from a tin and brewed a pot of surprisingly good tea.
“So, what brings ya to the manor?”, Bard asked, leaning back in his chair and lighting another cigarette, setting a hot cup of tea in front of you.
“Lady Elizabeth invited me while some business was being handled, but... I must say, I’m glad I found my way in here with you”, you sipped your tea, savoring the rich, aromatic flavors.
Bard’s eyes widened briefly before he chuckled, blowing a thin stream of smoke toward the ceiling.
“With me? Can’t say I’m the best company, but I’m glad ya stopped by”.
The two of you fell into easy conversation, sharing stories and jokes, and you found yourself relaxing more and more in his presence. Despite his rough demeanor and lack of culinary finesse, Bard had an easygoing nature and genuine warmth that made you feel at ease. You chatted, and even learned a bit about his unique cooking techniques.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, and before you knew it, you had spent hours in the kitchen. You quite enjoyed Bard's company and the delicious treats. There was something special about this secret tea time.
At one point, he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he watched you talk.
"You know, it's not often I get to have a proper tea time with someone. Thanks for keeping me company”.
Your heart fluttered at the way his gaze softened, and you couldn’t help but smile back.
“Maybe that’s why I like spending time with you. You’re real, no pretenses”.
“Heh. You’re gonna make a guy blush, sayin’ stuff like that”, Bard muttered as he looked away with a faint blush on his cheeks.
The sound of footsteps approaching the kitchen snapped both of you out of your comfortable bubble, and Bard quickly moved to clear away the evidence of your little tea party. You couldn’t help but grin at his sudden fluster.
Bard stood, offering you a hand to help you up.
"Anytime you find yourself at the manor, you're welcome to drop by the kitchen. I'll always have a cup of tea ready for you".
You nodded, giving him one last smile before slipping out of the kitchen, your heart pounding. Just before you left, you heard Bard mutter to himself, low and almost affectionate, “Damn woman’s gonna be the death of me”.
As you made your way back to the main hall, your thoughts spun with warmth and excitement. You’d had to thank Elizabeth for inviting you, though you doubted she would ever know how much that little tea break truly meant.
divider DNC KoFi
