Author's note: Decided to write some Everthorne. Thought it would work best in the world of Elaborate Lives. The title comes from a song in Aida of the same title.
Happy reading!
Easy As Life
Katniss sighed as she loaded Sam in the car. Cold rain pounded her back, but she couldn't get the buckles to snap. The wet suddenly stopped and she looked over her shoulder to see Gale with an umbrella.
"You could have waited two minutes, Catnip." He commented with a smile. "But you're so stubborn."
"Not the only one." She gave a triumphant cry as the buckle finally snapped.
"Can't believe it's raining on Valentine's Day." He said as he stepped back and waited for Katniss to close the back door.
"Yeah. There goes taking off early for a hike." Katniss opened the passenger door and slid in.
"We can still have fun." Gale leaned close and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "Like normal couples."
She snorted. "What's normal?"
Katniss brought Sam into the front office and handed her to Hazelle's waiting arms.
"She's ready for her Grandma time." Katniss said. "Have I mentioned how much we appreciate that you're willing to look after her?"
Hazelle kissed the baby soundly on the cheek. "I don't mind. Can't have our sweet girl inhaling all that sawdust."
Sam let out a happy coo.
Katniss pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Mommy will be in to feed you after while." She smiled at her mother-in-law. "Thanks again, Hazelle."
Katniss stepped into the large, open shop and took her space beside Gale. Other people were scattered about the room. They all had their assignments and churned out orders all morning.
Katniss stood at the window, staring out into the cold and dreary afternoon. She'd been looking forward to the annual Valentine's Day hike with Gale. Neither of them were overly romantic, but they did thrive on predictability.
Gale wrapped his arms around Katniss's waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. "So what do we want to do?"
She leaned back into him. "We could go out anyway."
"And get soaked?" He kissed her neck. "What about we go up to bed?"
She laughed. "And do what? You'll get off. I'll just be bored."
He laughed and kissed her cheek. "So want to order a pizza and curl up together under a blanket and watch some cheesy movie?"
"I like that idea." Katniss turned and wrapped her arms around Gale's neck. "Pepperoni and black olive?"
"Of course!" He pressed a kiss to her lips and then started to step away.
She grabbed his hand. "No anchovies on your half or no more kisses!"
"What if I don't want kisses?"
"Then get your anchovies." She pulled him close and gave him a lingering kiss.
He heaved a sigh. "I guess I'll give up the anchovies this time." He sulked off toward the other room where he'd left his phone.
It was growing late and they were still curled together on the couch. Katniss stretched and pressed a series of kisses up Gale's neck and across his jaw before landing on his lips.
"Bed time?" Gale asked.
"Time for sleep. Our first full night since Sam was born." She jumped up and pulled him to his feet. "This won't happen often because your Mom and Dad can't take care of her every night."
"I get a full night every night." He laughed as he followed her.
"You're such a liar." She shut off the lights as she went. "You're a lighter sleeper than me."
He laughed and easily lifted her up into his arms. "True." He kissed her softly. "Happy Valentine's Day, Catnip."
"Happy Valentine's Day, Gale." Katniss rested her head on Gale's shoulder as he continued the journey up to their room.