Cute, cute, cute!
So this is one hefty and long (I think the longest yet) chapter. It made my heart heavy, and light, at the same time. You'll see, my sweetie pies. Sorry for the very late update!
I hope you enjoy it!
S x
me·di·a·tion
Céline.
Bewildered. Shocked. Aghast.
Those were the feelings that ran through my veins. Drums were loudly beating in my ears, because of the predicament I was in. It was impossible; but possible.
I was fooled for months, blind from the truth. Then again, not much over two weeks ago I was pulled into this mess. I only knew this woman as Cindy Everleigh — no other person. But Harry, he saw her as someone completely different. She was someone he was sent to kill, known as a threat or target for Steel — no other person.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked up at her with my brows furrowed, as pure anger emitted from within.
"How the fuck do I know that badge is not a fake? You could just be among Steel's puppets or working alongside him, trying to get me to fail with the assignment — or even kill me."
"You've just exposed yourself." She chuckled and my eyes narrowed even further at her, but I shook my head.
"No I have not. Those are just words. You don't know shit about how much information I know or the plans I have — or don't. What you know, is that I know who you are."
"Do you?" Cindy — or Karla — challenged me.
"Yes." I confidently spoke, knowing that I had the upper hand between us; and that was including Steel. As for her, a small sigh escaped past her lips.
"Let me tell you something, I don't know how much you know; but whatever it is you have planned, we can help you with it without any lives being taken."
"That's all I want."
"If you have an ounce of trust, you can come with me right now, and I can prove to you that every word I've spoken is true."
"How do I —?"
"If I wanted to kill you, I would have done so already." She simply said.
"Right, because doing that in this environment is very appropriate; or even have randomly disappeared with no trace whatsoever. Harry would —"
"—He'd completely lose it without you." She spoke and my heart became heavier than it already was.
He was the reason why I was doing this; and what she was saying, was completely right. Harry would lose everything at this point without me. And these are the times that I think to myself, what the fuck are you doing? You're completely mental, C; but I'm not. It's my only way to save his life. His own is more important to mine and if I can succeed, without any lives being taken, it'd be a miracle.
"Harry would be a vital person in this assignment and I think that —"
"You don't say his name on your tongue and you will leave him out of this. He will not be brought into this mess, he's already free from everything and I'm not dragging him back into it. He's been through a lot."
"Ah yes, with Amber Styles. I'm obviously aware that she's his late wife. She was also Steel's daughter and was murdered by him."
As soon as I heard Harry's deceased wife's name, it triggered something in me. She was another person I wanted to get revenge for. Some might call me crazy for doing something that could be considered a favour for the previous love of my fiancé's life, but it needed to be done. I wanted to do it, because no one deserves being murdered for simply loving another person.
I pushed past the nerves I had, forcing the strength in me to shine.
"Where exactly do you want to take me?"
"Follow me and you'll know when we get there." She spoke and headed out the door. I could see a smile on Sage's face and hear a few 'goodbye's' being told to miss Everleigh. There was nothing else I needed to do here except for log out of everything I had here and grab my bag.
"Miss Prescott, are you going somewhere?"
"Yes. I won't be back today."
"But you have a two back-to-back meetings with —"
"I'm sorry. If you can cancel them, that would be great; if not, then have either you or Lena fill in for me and take notes. I really leave to go right now."
"Alright." She nodded. I was so grateful that she was understanding and never asked where I needed to be when I had things like this. However, it was rare that I was ever put in these situations. The last time they happened was when my sweet niece was still alive. There was no doubt that I seemed in a rush, nervousness clear on my face, but I knew that she wasn't the person say a word to a soul. She's an ace PA and takes her job very seriously; and knows the difference between work and anything personal.
"If Harry calls, since I won't be answering my phone, tell him that I'm in a meeting; and that I'll be working late today out of the office."
And that was when Sage's directly focused on me, at Cindy, then back at me. The lie was something that definitely caught her attention, but I knew she'd keep quiet about it one hundred percent.
"Don't worry, it's just a surprise." My fib built up as I whispered it to her, watching the tension fade from her shoulders. Everyone knew that lying didn't exist in me, but when it came to this, and having to do it, especially to Harry, it hurt me more than I ever thought it would. "I'll see you tomorrow. Make sure those notes are detailed."
Karla and I then headed out the building together, taking her vehicle to wherever needed to be. The nerves and anxiety I had were through the roof, but I only hoped that where this place was, would help me immensely in nine days.
..
Silence suffocated the small space we sat in for just under twenty minutes. Neither of us really knowing what to say; and to be honest, I was nervous to find out sooner than I needed to. Time was what was required to know all the answers I was looking for and I was afraid to rush it — so I let it be.
A typical parking garage in a typical downtown skyscraper, was our destination. Once she'd placed her car in a designated spot, we both made our way into the building, scanning in a form of identification to enter.
The place seemed almost empty, no other noise heard — except for the sound of the tapping of our heels echoing through the hallways.
But as we reached a steel door, scanning her identification once more, we were enabled to enter the mystery room; and it didn't take long to realise where we were: Federal Bureau of Investigation — Kansas City Field Office.
My eyes were wide as I took in everything that was around me.
Lights. Camera. Action.
Now if only I was talking about a set prepared to film a movie. No; I was talking about a real life field office where real life agents work as their daily job.
Men and women, a mix between either wearing black and white suits, or formal business attire — only a few in uniforms. Nonetheless, each of them had a visible firearm accompanying their hips. Formal expressions were worn on their faces; basically, everyone was solemn with more than a hint of seriousness filling the air. It was great, really.
If it weren't for all of the guns and suits, the space would easily pass off just as how a standard business company looks. Desks lined up in rows, commercial grade carpet laid on the floors, glass panelling along the walls, some already noted as briefing rooms, and others as general offices. Phones were ringing, calls were answered, conversations of multiple sorts were spoken through the machines and between other people; it was a chaotic mess.
I hadn't even realised that the lady I came in with, had greeted several as we walked through the colossal room, and into one of the briefing rooms. My mind properly returned to me when I heard her directly speaking to me.
"Miss Prescott?"
"Yes?" I turned towards her, a curious expression on her face.
"I asked if you wanted something to drink."
"Um, sure." I shrugged.
"What would you like?" She raised a brow at me, waiting for the proper answer she needed.
"Oh, coffee; black please."
What the fuck was wrong with me? You've never been like this before, Céline. You weren't even like this when you were faced with Steel. You need to calm down.
"I'm sensing that you're quite overwhelmed." She calmly spoke, pouring me a drink in a paper cup, as I took a seat.
"That obvious?" I awkwardly chuckled, then thanked her as she handed me the warm beverage.
"I'm afraid so."
"I've never been like this before." My hands were a bit shaky as I lifted one to take a sip from the drink, only for me to pull back from the bitter taste. That should be illegal to even identify as coffee. I should make a petition.
"Do you think it's because of how serious this situation is?" Her tone had begun to bother me.
"Honestly, no." I shook my head and placed the cup on the table. "My plan in mind just got changed dramatically in this past hour and I'm pretty much confused as fuck."
"You're scared?" It was as if she was starting to mock me.
"I'm sure you damn well know about which things I am afraid of." A sarcastic chuckle escaped my lips.
"But love is on your list, is it not?"
"That's true." My reply was short and I didn't need to elaborate, but my mouth was working faster than my brain could process things. "I was afraid of falling in and out of love, but not being it."
"So, you're not afraid of losing Harry?"
This woman was looking for a death wish.
"Listen, bitch. I'm not going to sit here while you try and push my buttons. He's the only reason why I'm doing this."
"What about revenge for Amber?" She pushed and my brows furrowed at her words.
"Who the fuck are you? And how could you possibly know that?" I snapped and a smirk formed on her face. Oh she was definitely trying to get to me — and it was working.
"Isn't she the reason why Harry went down the wrong path and met Steel? If it weren't for her, he wouldn't have even been in this mess. So why bother getting revenge for her?"
"Harry made bad choices, we all do; we're human. We can't blame one another for the mistakes we do on our own. What he would have done could have been done for another reason in his life." I defended the love of my life.
"I think you don't love Harry enough to do this without putting your heart aside for this. Your emotions are too caught up into it. You won't succeed." This woman wasn't stopping and it was pissing me the fuck off.
"You may know about my fears; you may know the reasons about why I'm doing this; but you will never know what's in my heart. Is that understood? Get it through your thick skull." I sneered, then took a look at her as she turned around to sit on one of the chairs.
Swiftly I got up, pulled her hands together, hooking her ankle around my foot, dropping her to the ground. I snatched the gun she had on her holster and pointed the barrel to the back of her head, that I pressed her cheek tightly against the carpet. She was most likely feeling a burning sensation, but I couldn't give two shits.
"Tell me again, who won't succeed? You have five seconds; tell me, agent Renell."
"Prescott, get the fuck off of me, because in five seconds I'll have you arrested for assaulting an officer." She spat, her words muffled from the position she was in, and I let out a laugh.
The door to the room opened, seeing the position I had her stationed in, and was immediately held at gunpoint by two other agents. Another one stood behind them, observing the situation. Of course, I never looked up, only to watch them from the corner of my eye.
Never take your eyes off the target; and right now, she is my target.
"Right, because putting me in jail will have the plan you've mapped out succeed so well." I pushed myself up from on top of her, placing the gun on the table.
"Boys, it's fine. We were just having a misunderstanding." Karla spoke, telling them to lower their weapons, then wrapping her own hands around her wrists. "Damn, you have a rough grip. I'm impressed."
"But —"
"I said it's fine." Her voice was firm, which quickly shut him up. "These are agents Jason Cornwall, J.Z. Quincy, and Darren O'Conell."
Her fingers pointed towards each man, introducing their names to their faces. O'Conell was a buff man, like the rest, in a formal suit. He was handsome and reminded me of Ernie Hudson or Denzel Washington, and I was Gracie Hart. It was a different, but similar, situation. The irony of it all made me chuckle internally.
"Good afternoon miss Prescott. We're here to brief you in on the assignment we have to catch Maximillian Steel." His tone firm and strong, just like his handshake.
"Yes, I figured so." I wasn't entertained, nor was I really wanting to make friends with these people. All I wanted was for these nine days and eight nights to end, so that I could finally be free. I wanted the freedom that Harry has.
"I see that we don't need to train you, since you're clearly capable of handing your own."
"I doubt this is only the first time you've seen what I can do."
"No, it is most certainly not." He replied and I mentally wanted to stab my hand with a fork repeatedly.
Of course I was being watched; not just by Karla, but by several other people.
"If you're currently doubting yourself and realising how you feel by not being able to see that we were watching you, then don't be. We've had surveillance cameras and trackers that are in multiple parts of the city, each of them, untraceable. So in terms, you are excellent with what you do."
"If you have untraceable cameras, then how have you not captured Steel by now? I'm sure there are some in the warehouse and areas where he goes to make his deals. He is a drug lord and gang leader after all. He's smart, but not enough to see untraceable sorts of surveillance devices."
"You are correct; however, he hasn't done any of the deals worthy enough to have any sort of proof of to catch him. Everything he does, is through his workers. He has never personally done anything to be caught on. We've imprisoned several of them, but I guess you could say that they're very loyal. I'm sure they have some sort of incentive as to why they haven't spoken a word."
"If they say anything, everyone they know, dies." I simply said.
"What?"
"He has a hold onto every one of his dealers. They're all safe and can't be harmed by anyone. People who so much even threaten them, they're killed to protect them. It's why his workers are so loyal to him. They have that sense of security."
"What about some of his dealers who don't have anyone?"
"Everyone has someone."
"We've seen that Steel doesn't have the upper hand anymore and it's now you."
"Yes..." I nodded, but trailed off. "...but that's only if I succeed with this assignment."
"I have nine days left, copies of the building drawings, along with every file of everyone who works for him and who he's dealt with. Nonetheless, I haven't figured out exactly how I'm going to plan it out."
"That's where we come in. Steel wants this painting so desperately and he'll do anything to make sure that he's the one that will have in his hands immediately. There won't be anyone else to do that for him. This is why this project is very important to him — and to us. For years, we've been tracking him, and this is the first time that he physically wants to be there at the scene; so it's the only opportunity we've had so far."
"And I'm going to be your bait?"
"No, you're going to be an undercover ally for us. You're the only one that has access to every room in the building and know where everything is placed, since you've done the designs. The bait, is the painting."
"But won't Cindy be there as well." I noted, nodding my head over to her.
"Yes she will; but she won't be able to do a thing there, since her and her family are the founders and owners of the museum."
"Why haven't you asked for Vitale himself to assist you with this? It's his painting, he could have done a fake or replica of it, and caught Steel that way."
"It was a thought, but it's too cliché and predicted. Steel would've figured it out easily, since he knows the painter through other clients of his. A few words spoken here and there, and he could've told him everything by a simple threat." He explained and my chest tightened the longer I remained in this room. Everything was too much. "That's where you come in."
"Great."
"No, miss Prescott. It's good. We'll all figure this out together, with you on our side, we can capture our target and let you live in peace, without anyone having to get killed."
"I'm confused about something though."
"And what is that?"
"Why hasn't Steel figured out that you're still alive yet? I mean, your picture was in the file, and I'm sure that a simple name change — or an alias — wouldn't have stopped him. I've met you multiple times at the firm and would've known if you would have 'died' afterwards. It would be in the news, since your family is so well known."
"I haven't seen you since the night Harry was sent to kill me. I've been in hiding ever since." She justified herself. "As for the alias, somehow it's one of the few things that Steel was stupid enough to not realise. I guess you could say it was, simple, but effective."
"So then why did you expose yourself by coming in today? You could've sent in another agent."
"I don't think you would've believed anyone else based on just an FBI badge. I was the only option."
"Alright, then why was it listed that your reason and deal was unknown? Why is Steel out to kill you?"
"My, my, Céline. You have so many questions. How's about we leave those for another time?"
"I want answers."
"And you'll get them, just not right now."
"Fine."
"Now that we've got that settled, where are these plans and copies of those files?"
"I'm sure you have them already. What's the FBI without having to track and hack phones, and not capture photographs of those plans while I was in the archive room?"
"Touché, miss Prescott. Touché." O'Donell chuckled. "In that case, we've got a plan to come up with, and nine days to perfect it. Are you in, undercover agent Prescott?"
"I thought I was an ally?" I raised a brow.
"Let's consider you an undercover agent, temporarily."
"It depends, do I get to put it on my resumé?" My teeth bit the corner of my lip, holding in a tight smile. I could see every other agent, wanting to do the same, as they waited for their boss to speak again.
"We can talk about it." He let out another deep laugh. "So, are you in?"
"I'm in."
..
Harry.
Housewife. That's how I felt today — or is it a househusband?
Working at home doing some basic things: the laundry, dishes, steamed the floors, cooked dinner, but it was nice.
But wait; she wasn't my wife yet, nor was I her husband. Fuck I couldn't wait for that to happen.
I couldn't wait to marry the love of my life. Part of me just wanted to kidnap her to a random chapel in Las Vegas and elope in some Elvis, hippie, or a rock & roll themed wedding. Anything she wants, she can choose it; but I knew that wouldn't be what she wants.
My baby girl deserved romance. She deserved the best of the best. She's been missing love her entire life and I wouldn't ever take such a special day away from her. It wouldn't just be her alone, me included. I want to see her walking down the isle wearing a stunning white gown, her hazel eyes sparkling at me from a distance, looking as beautiful as ever. Her chocolate hair either up or down, makeup or bare faced, whatever she prefers. Anything she wanted as long as I saw an honest smile on her soft petal lips.
"Hi darling, how was work? You're home late." I called out to my fiancée as her presence became known once the door that led to the garage shut. Her silence remained until she came in my view and wasn't comforting — it only added to the worry I already had for her lately.
Pulling out the pan of chicken and potatoes, herbs fragrant as they filled the space from the oven. I washed my hands and wiped them on the towel I had over my shoulder, then placed them on the island. Leaning forward slightly, I watched her walk in our home; each step she was making, seemed drained, dragging her own two feet as she moved within the space.
"Great." The single word was released through her mouth as she dropped her bag on the ground in the middle of the living room floor. The exhaustion was clear in her tone as she plopped herself down onto the couch. Snowflake slowly came up to her, gliding her body along C's leg, welcoming her mother home. I saw Céline pet Snow's soft white fur, purring softly at her gentle touch.
And just based on that single word, I knew exactly what she needed — comfort.
I'd spent part of day researching things that could help put me back on the fast track with my residency. It was something that I've talked about with Céline a couple of times, but the conversations were short. I felt the need to have more things prepared in my mind that could give me a clearer picture about what I truly wanted to do with my future. There was one specific item that couldn't leave my thoughts and everything inside me was pushing me to head towards a certain field within my already set medical path that I'd begun over the past several years. However, that was one thing that I've kept to myself — a secret.
With futures, I see Céline always overworking herself. I understood that she wanted to do her doctoral degree. It's something so important to her — not to anyone else. She wanted to be the best she could possibly be. I told her that she didn't need the highest form of education to prove to anyone, or even herself, to be the best we could be. There were so many ways that we could do that. Through helping people around us. Through holding someone's hand who needed it. Through feeling compassion and kissing the forehead of an orphaned child; and that, was something that C never got as a child.
During one of our many late night chats, she told me some stories she had during the foster adoption agency and at a few of the homes she lived in. Not one single soul ever showed her proper care and affection — or even an ounce of love. She was deprived of everything that I had growing up. A family, a friend, stability, and security. Several times her apartment was broken into and her things were stolen — as was her car. It's why she never overreacted that night Steel sent someone to steal her car. Several times she had to encounter people where she threatened them with her bat and the skills she had. Several times she outran repulsive perverts that wanted more than just a 'chat'. My heart tugged with strings being pulled in a million directions, feeling it slowly rip apart internally weeping.
Each moment, I'd hold her hand, and rub smoothing circles onto her skin, kissing the knuckles every once in a while. Whilst she told me bits and pieces of her brutal past, she kept her chin down refusing to face me; but I'd force her to lift her head up, to look high and proud about who she is today and how she's overcome everything. About how she's the warrior she's always been.
This was something that I knew Céline talked about within herself constantly. Though at times, I feel like she refuses to believe it — to believe in herself and what she's capable of.
So I told her again.
And she cried.
And I held her.
Every, single, time.
The love of my life broke down every once in a while for a few different reasons and thinking that she couldn't handle life anymore; but thankfully the actions we both had in the past, never occurred or thought of. Through everything, the strength she had within herself, still shone through at her mentally weakest times.
Every once in a while, she needed to be reminded of that — and I'd do it each time.
Pouring a couple glasses of wine and handed one to her — pinot noir, her favourite. I saw the faintest of a sad smile curl at her lips, fading away just as quickly as it formed. I placed a soft kiss on her forehead, letting my touch linger there for a bit, before I pulled away. Grasping hold of her free hand, I took a seat next to her, doing the same action on her knuckles.
"That bad?" I softly asked and she took a sip from her drink.
"A fucking disaster."
"What happened?"
"Can I quit life?" She questioned with a chuckle, but it only put a frown on my face.
"Cielo, baby, what's wrong?" I brought her hand up to my lips again and gently moved her chin to turn towards me.
"Everything." It was easy to tell the shakiness in her voice now, almost as if she was holding onto something inside, about to snap; but in actuality, about to cry.
And I knew that she was most definitely not okay, good, or fine.
"C'mere, love." I placed both of our glasses on the coffee table and pulled her close to me, embracing her in tightly. She immediately clung onto me as if I were to disappear into thin air. I gently raked my fingers through her hair, whispering calming words in her ear.
"Talk to me, darling. What's wrong?" I questioned her softly, feeling her body weaken in my hold. She seemed weak, almost like she'd gave up on everything. Slowly pulling back just enough to see her face, I slid my hands to cup her cheeks, seeing a couple of wet streaks on them.
"I just — I'm tired. Everything's on me and I have a feeling I can do it, but it's all just getting to me."
"Take your time then love, there's no rush. For work, try and get some others to help you out a bit; and school, talk to your professors to extend some deadlines. It's not the end of the world, baby. You don't have to destroy yourself for this. You need to breathe and relax."
"If only I could." She whispered, barely inaudible, but I heard it. She reached for her drink again, the glass fogged up when she spoke, assuring me she truly did say something.
"Why can't you?"
"Because it's none of those; it's a walk in the park in comparison."
"C, my warrior, you're worrying me. You've been off for days. Tell me what's wrong."
"I can't. It's too much." Her voice remained low and I nodded in understanding; I knew that I couldn't push her anymore. I tried a few times and if she was going to tell me, she would've by now.
We've both had things like this on our minds and it takes a couple of tries for it to work; but she's not budging. I didn't her to feel forced against what she was doing within her. The worst is an internal battle in the mind, trying to fight for sanity and emotional stability. It can either make you or break you; and for the sake of Céline, I'm honestly thankful that I'm by her side to help her with whatever is going on with her. Sure I couldn't physically help, but just giving her that peace of mind that there is someone beside her, can be more than enough with succouring with what she needed.
We were succumbed by the silence around us as we sat together. Sometime around the unknown time we inhaled and exhaled in complete stillness, our wine glasses became empty, sat on the coffee table, with C comfortably embraced in my arms. The feeling of her warm breath hit my skin, and the beating of her heart in my ears, was relaxing music to me worth multiple Grammy's.
Without another word, I slid her properly on my lap so I could carry her easily upstairs. One of her hands wrapped around my neck, the other placed on my chest. I made our way into the master bathroom and seated her on the counter. The atmosphere still hushed around us and I didn't expect that to change anytime soon.
Starting up a bath, filling the large soaker tub, I added in her favourite lavender bath soap to her liking. I lit the few candles around the room, that C always kept under the sink and turned off the light. I shut the tap off as soon as the grand basin was filled, the soothing aroma spread calmly throughout the space.
As I made my way over to her, I was pleased to know that she wasn't crying anymore, but was only watching me intently from the short distance away. Closing the gap between us almost entirely, I let our lips connect in a way that they always loved. Two pairs dancing delicately with one another, in a sensual tango joining in between us. I rested my hands on her waist, pulling her even closer to me. Her own were wrapped around my neck, slender fingers slightly tugging and twirling the short hairs around the tips.
This intimate moment we shared, had nothing to deal with a physical connection, but an emotional one. There was only one important thing on my mind that I had to succeed and it was to continue assuring my love and need for C in my life.
Beautiful crimson lips, swollen and plump parted from my own as I rested our foreheads against one another. Breaths were heavy, bouncing off the other's, taking in the scent from the single person we each love.
"Arms up, love." I spoke softly after placing a sweet kiss on her cheek. She obliged, following along to my request as I slowly began to undress her. Every action and movement was pure and innocent, letting my lips linger every once in a while against her smooth skin.
I led her into the warm water and watched as her eyes fluttered close, finally letting relaxation consume her. The candlelights flickered as the flames burned from several different parts around the room. As soon as I went to leave, she called out for me, making me turn around to face her.
"You don't want to join me?" Her voice was delicate, as her sparkling caramel gems gazed at me. I couldn't stop a small smile from forming at my lips.
"Anything for you, mi cielo."
Within a minute's time, I was submerged into the water with the love of my life, her body situation between my own.
Her back was leaned against my chest, her head resting slightly on my shoulder. She tied her hair up, the ones around the base of her neck were soaked from the water. I could feel her soft breaths as her body moved softly against mine. My hands roamed up and down her back and shoulders, massaging any knots of tension visible. I could tell by her relaxed state that her eyes were close, though her fingertips gently played with the bubbles on the surface.
A thought popped in my mind, and I told myself, this could be fun. All I wanted was to see a smile on her face and I said that maybe this could be a temporary way to make that happen. I took a hold of some effervescent foam in my hand, I smeared it alongside her cheek, a gasp escaped her lips as she turned her head ready to scold me. Her eyes were squinting at me, but I only looked at her innocently.
I did nothing wrong.
But oh boy was I mistaken.
There was no stopping her from quickly turning around, pushing my shoulders down until my head was ducked underneath the surface. She let go and I lifted up out of the water, panting as I took in deep breaths for air. Her body was scooted on the other side of the tub as she peered up at me with a smirk on her face and only innocently watching me as if she'd done nothing wrong.
But oh boy, was she mistaken.
Needless to say that our little bubble grapple turned into a water fight — and a lot of towels were going to be required for cleanup; but that was the last thing on our minds.
Tugging on her ankle until she slid close enough to me, I kissed her passionately. Our hands were over We were both wet from head to toe; and well, the little lip-lock we had, went from first base to third over a short amount of time. We both loved every second of it as ecstasy filled our souls by releasing the sinful act of pleasure.
..
After our unplanned physically intimate rendezvous, I rubbed the cosy cotton fabric over her body, drying up as much as I could, then wrapped a fleecy robe around her. She hummed softly at the warm feeling, then I whispered for her to go lay in bed while finished cleaning up the mess we'd made — feeling honestly surprised when it took less than I'd imagined to do so.
We were both were matching in a single piece of attire, after I'd made us some tea to help with easing the tension she had. All I knew, was that I needed something else to get her mind off whatever was bothering her; and I knew exactly how to do that.
"Baby, I've been thinking that we should look for a new place to live." I suddenly spoke, causing her head to lift up from my shoulder.
"Where'd this come from?" She questioned softly.
"I mean, I feel like it's time to have a new home together."
"But you love this house."
"I know I do, but I want to start new memories with you. We're getting married and I just want that fresh start."
"Harry, you don't have to do this for me. I'm really not bothered by living here. It's okay."
"Cielo, sweetheart, this house means a lot to me; but you, you are worth more than what diamonds can ever offer. You're my entire life and I'll do anything to make you happy. Baby, you don't know how whipped I am for you. I'm a man and I will forever admit it." A smile tugged at my lips, watching as the same appeared on her own.
"I want to be your wife; we should decide on a day." Her voice lightened and it made my heart feel the same way.
"Tomorrow?" I tried.
"Cute, but no." A deep laugh left her chest. "C-can we have a winter wedding?"
Fuck. I hated frigid weather.
"When were you thinking?"
"December 21st."
"Why that day?"
"It's first day of winter, the season I love; and let's hope it's not too cold." She spoke softly, explaining her reason. The look in her eyes were sparkling with hope. Céline took in consideration of me with what she wanted. Many times, it hadn't snowed in parts of December that month — and I hoped it wouldn't this year. It was also so close to Christmas, her favourite holiday. My sweet girl.
"December 21st it is." I smiled and her entire face lit up in excitement, then pulled me into a hug, cuddling her face in my chest. Happiness looked so beautiful on her.
"I've also been meaning to tell you something..." She started, trailing off, and returned back to the position she was in before. "...I want to let my apartment go. It's time and I'm finally ready to move on. I know Hazel wouldn't want me to keep holding onto it for so long. Honestly, I think she might've been mad at me for keeping it from the start. I'm sorry for having you pay for it for so long."
"Well, you're probably right." I chuckled, tightening my hold on her, squeezing slightly. "And don't apologise, love. No need to do that. So, what kind of home do you want? Or maybe have dreamed about having?"
"I don't know. I never really imagined anything before — even growing up. It wasn't something that was really on my mind." Her voice was low, seeming embarrassed of her thoughts. "Maybe saying a house in the countryside with a white picket fence would be a nice choice."
"But —"
"But, it's not my style of pick."
"Then, what do you picture, baby? What do you imagine living in with me? But wait, tell me something, do you really like this house that we're in now?"
"Honestly?"
"Honestly."
"This house is too modern and minimalist for my taste. I want something maybe a bit more contemporary, something that seems more 'lived in'. Kind of like this messy bedroom" She laughed, waving her arms around to prove her point. God, her laugh is so beautiful; so melodically perfect. "I don't know, maybe just a regular single family home, just cosy with a little flair."
"Sassy and feisty too? A bit like you. Maybe a place with some soft character, feature walls, pillows, throws, maybe some coffee bean paintings."
"Maybe." She grinned, then her eyes brightened up widely, excitement building in her. "Or maybe we can move up north in Canada and live in a wigwam or a teepee!"
"A wig- what?" I laughed, completely unsure of whatever language she was speaking of.
"They're similar to huts. Teepees are portable and a wigwam is like a little cabin made of bark or skins."
"So, you want to live in a hut? And in the cold? Always?" I asked and she nodded, her teeth biting at the corner of her lips. "Count me out, baby girl. I want that ring back."
I leaned forward and she shook her head, giggling as she created a distance between us. "Never."
"Where do you think you're going, love?" A slight smirk planted on my face, as I reached forward to grab her wrist. "I think it's time for round two."
"Why limit yourself to just two?" She grinned.
"Oh, you're going to regret you ever said that, cielo."
And she definitely did — and just maybe, I did too.
..
A/N:
Céline never fails to show that badass side of her. I dig it. Do you do too?
But, we're all human too, and she broke down...and Harry held her...and I'm emotional.
On a happy note, they had a cute bath time, and they planned their wedding day! Yay!
Kay so, a couple of chapters left + an epilogue. I'm sad. Very, very, very sad. I love Héline so much.
"I'm terrified for what's to come; but if you vote, I'll gain that strength in me to finally get fucking Steel out of our lives forever. Can you do that for me?" Céline questioned, hope filled in her eyes.
Much love as always, sweets!
S x