Okay, I admit it, I still have all these ideas involvingthe family I created (Mu, Murrue, Evi, Matt,--baby--). I can't get rid of these ideas but I can't use them either (seeing as how It Should've Been Me has ended and such) So, here's where I'm putting them! I couldn't think of a core plotline to center them around so it couldn't be a full fledged story. (But that might change. . .)
But until then there'll be many more since I already have many in the works!
Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! And to celebrate, I give this. (not a good gift, but still) And I know that because of the returning memory of the 'Bloody Valentine Tradgey' this probably couldn't happen so care-freely, but in the name ofbadly written romance I waver that aside. Forgive me.
I was also running through this and realized that it's more like three one-shots in one and I've also realized that I seemto do that a lot. . . .
Out-there for me and a bit Out-Of-Character for sure. (I make Murrue blush way too much as well)
I. Stolen Hearts
Today was that day. The day for lovers everywhere. The day that the two kids should be off at the neighbor's, and the day that they should be spending a romantic time home alone.
. . . Valentine's . . .
Murrue glanced about her well-lit kitchen and sighed. She knew exactly what she was missing, elbow deep in dishwater cleaning off old plates that they'd never used.
It was Valentine's Day again and the LaFlaga household was over-ridden with the intoxicating smell of cleaning fluid and cookies.
There was going to be something like a garage sale the next day and both Mu and Murrue had been putting off the picking and cleaning of what they were going to sell—meaning they had to spend Valentine's . . . cleaning.
Murrue sighed again, wiping her hands dry, staring wistfully at the two bouquets of roses Mu bought her to make up for it.
Where Mu was then, Murrue had no clue.
Evi bounded into the room, covered head to toe in red. To celebrate the day she picked out all her clothes herself.
"Need help, Mama?" Evi was happy and energetic—just like always. Murrue turned from her washing to look around for anything her young daughter could manage.
"Here, could you take this and pour it over the railing?" She pointed to a large bucket filled with dirty water. It was what Murrue used to clean off the soap she was soaking her plates in, but now, with the water dirty as it was, it didn't make any sense to keep it.
"Okay, one second," Evi smiled, happy to help. She ran over to where the glass doors of the kitchen opened up to a stone balcony, and Evi fixed the doors so they'd stay open. A slight breeze came in, pushing slightly at Murrue's hair.
It was a beautiful day.
Evi's soft whines from near the floor caught Murrue's attention once again. The bucket filled with water hadn't moved, even with all the force Evi was using.
"Oh, is it too heavy for you?" Murrue asked, soft smile to her face.
"No, it isn't," Evi shot back quickly, trying to shift the bucket once more. "It just wont move. . . ."
"Here." Murrue wrapped her arms around her daughter, picking the small girl up from the floor to rest her sitting on the counter. She gave Evi a rag and a wet plate from the side. "I'll do this and you can help dry plates for me, okay?"
"Okay," Evi mumbled, starting on the plate in her hands. She had wanted to help with the water.
But even to Murrue, the bucket was heavy—she hadn't realized. When Mu had carried it in, it seemed so light. But now it was so heavy. If she had known, she wouldn't have asked Evi to do it.
With a bit of a push, Murrue struggled with the water until she finally rested it on the balcony railing outside. With an ease she poured it over, emptying it fully.
Then she heard the scream. It even echoed over the close houses. In confused shock, Murrue leaned over the railing, all the air blushingly leaving her.
Mu was standing there below on the grass drenched head to toe in the cold, dirty water from Murrue's bucket.
"Oh, God, Mu—Sorry!" Mu looked up to her, his usual impeccable hair lying flat against his face, covering up his eyes. With a dripping hand, he moved a bit of hair to see, the uncovered blue eyes swirling with some emotion. Even with her sincere apology, when Mu looked up like that, drenched, to see her blushing, bucket in hand, he just looked so darn funny—Murrue couldn't hold back laughter.
Mu didn't laugh—of what she could see—for soon he was gone from her sight.
By the sound of the slamming front door, Murrue knew Mu was the one trudging up the stairs leaving a trail of water behind him most likely.
He appeared in the kitchen, walking in from the stairs, quiet as ever. The first time Evi saw him, she couldn't keep from giggles, cocking her head in confusion.
"Daddy? Why'd you take a bath with your clothes on?"
Mu forced a grin before slowly making his way into their bedroom, leaving a wet trail on the wood floor. He disappeared behind the door.
Evi didn't understand her father's silence.
"Mama? Is Daddy okay?"
Murrue shook her head lightly.
"Evi, go wake up Matt for lunch while I go help your father," Murrue sighed with a smile, moving towards the closed bedroom door.
"Okay," Evi smiled, sliding her way off the counter and running her way down the stairs.
"Be careful," Murrue warned at Evi's toppling speed, but the girl didn't hear her. Murrue screwed up her face slightly then made her way inside their bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Seeing Mu with his for-the-moment-'angry' face as he searched the room for new clothes, completely drenched . . . Murrue could hold back a smile and soft giggle of her own.
Mu looked up and his face softened, seeing her standing there. The comforted laugh in his face was quickly overrun by a sharp grin.
"Some Valentine's gift," he huffed. "You get roses and I get . . . this." Mu picked disgustedly at his grimy shirt.
"I said I was sorry," Murrue sighed, partly whining for his forgiveness as she moved closer.
"Well, sorry doesn't cut it," Mu shot back, turning to face her. The edge in his tone made Murrue stiffen as well.
"What does then?" She challenged. He was quiet for a moment, fingering his chin as if thinking.
". . . This." Before Murrue could react, she was pulled tightly into his embrace, lending her lips to his.
She slowly pulled herself away, he gently letting her go. Cheeks slightly pink, Murrue gazed up, almost shyly, to his face.
". . . Just that?" She quietly wondered.
"Yeah," he shrugged lightly, subtly licking at his lips. He flashed his rogue of a grin. "—For starters anyway."
Murrue lightly gasped when he fixed his hold on her, bringing her even closer. But he still surprised her with another kiss, one filled with a passion and possession she didn't expect.
Common sense flew from the window, the kisses following easily drugging the soul. It was what they'd been wanting but had kept themselves from having—on this Valentine's of a day.
As their long, heated kiss finally ended, Murrue found herself somehow lying back on their bed, staring up at him, locked tight in his arms. It was then Mu realized that he was the one who put her there and was holding her still lying before him.
And neither wanted to move.
Their hearts ran rapid, the heat ever rising between them. Mu's soaking attire and still dripping hair was forgotten, the only thing mattering was they way their eyes met and never let go. The steaming desire in her rich brown, the hungry flash in his crystal blue. . . .
Murrue's fingers idly ran into his thick, wet hair, passing the time by until their gazes would unlock, allowing the kisses to start once more. She didn't have to wait long.
Mu bent forward, down went to kiss her again, taking his time.
This . . . This is what Valentine's should be like. . . .
"Mama? Daddy? Where'd you go?"
Evi's wondering voice calling from inside the kitchen shattered it all.
Mu nearly collapsed on top Murrue—part in exasperation and part in surprise. For that moment with her, he'd forgotten about the children. It seemed like he wasn't the only one—Murrue had, too.
Evi's voice came again:
"Mama, Mattie woke up but he doesn't wanna get up. You should get him. Mama? . . . Daddy?"
"Be right there," Mu called in response, trying hard to strangle the annoyance from his voice. He glanced back down to Murrue, still lying so invitingly in his arms. Unable to resist, Mu ducked down to plant another kiss on her lips.
Bad choice.
That kiss reignited everything from before, dragging on despite their minds' rational protests. Stolen away were all senses, leaving only need and the hot feel of the other's lips.
Somewhere along the line, at least one sense returned.
"No. . . . Evi . . ." One softly murmured in realization. Their daughter was waiting for them, but neither wanted to go.
Another kiss. Another unwontedly pushed away. Another idea.
". . . Later?"
"Mm." Sounded good.
One more kiss to seal the deal and Mu forcibly pulled himself away, obviously wishing he wasn't. With a low clearing of his throat, he pushed his way towards the bedroom door.
"Wait," Murrue softly called out.—not loud enough for Evi to hear, but perfect for Mu.
He slowly turned to her. She was sitting neatly up in the bed, a sigh to her eyes, yet a smile to her full lips.
"You should at least change your shirt," she mused, looking him over from the different angle. He wasn't dripping wet anymore, but his shirt was completely drenched in cleaning water. His pants were wet too, but nothing like his shirt.
"Huh, you're right," Mu muttered to himself, looking over in a mirror. Without hesitation he pulled off his shirt and tossed the wet top to the floor. Murrue slightly looked away.
"Daddy . . . ? Mama . . . ?" Evi's voice came again, quivering slightly from the still missing figures of her parents.
"One second, Evi," Murrue called as Mu finally found a replacement for his soaked shirt. As he pulled it on, he looked over at Murrue and couldn't help his own laugh.
"Maybe you should change your shirt too, Murrue," he grinned knowingly. Suddenly blushing, Murrue glanced down. Her clothes, too, were wet. That's what she got for being with Mu's while he was still soaked from his unexpected 'shower'.
With a grin, Mu finally left the bedroom, tidy as he could be and closing the door behind him.
Murrue could easily hear what went on outside.
"Daddy!" Evi bounded up to her father from her seat beside the door.
"Yeah, sorry I took so long, Kiddo," Mu smiled, ruffling her long dirt-blonde hair—today in braids.
"Daddy? Where'd Mama go?" Evi cocked her head, looking around. "Didn't she go in there with you?"
"Oh," Mu smiled in faint surprise before lightly clearing his throat. "Mama got her shirt wet too when she was cleaning, so she's changing."
"Oh," Evi understood. The daughter looked up at her father towering above her, his grinning face, loving eyes and . . . His quickly drying hair fell across his face, parts of it flattened down, other parts poofy and sticking up. He just looked so odd, Evi couldn't stop smiling . . . then grinning . . . then laughing.
"Hey," Mu pouted slightly. "What's so funny?"
"Daddy," Evi got out between her giggles, "you look so weird."
"Do I?"
"Yep, just like a clown."
Anything said after that was drowned out by the screams of tickling laughter coming from Evi as Mu swept the young girl off her feet and into his arms, over his head.
"Do I look like a clown now?" He mused, still twirling his little girl around.
"Put me down, Daddy," she laughed, screaming in fun. "Put me down!"
"Fine," he huffed, but bringing her down far enough to rest her on his hip, but still holding her off the ground. "That's what you get for calling me a clown."
Evi smiled.
It was the first moment since Mu had stepped inside that he had nothing pressing on his mind. And that calming freedom brought a wondrous scent.
"Mmmm, that smells good.—What's burning?"
The door behind them slammed open. The pair turned around to see Murrue's playful, scolding self in the doorway, clothes changed, hands on hips.
"They are Mama's Valentine's Day cookies and they are not burning," she huffed, daggers flashing from her dark amber eyes.
"Well, you never know," Mu shot back with a grin as Murrue made way her over to the stove—the source of the enchanting smell. Mu watched Evi follow her mother with hungry eyes and it made him smile.
After preparing her hands for the stove, Murrue bent down to pull out the large pan dotted in expertly shaped pink hearts.
"See? Perfect." Murrue couldn't resist a gloating smirk, eyes flashing towards Mu. His eyes narrowed in return. She'd won that round.
Murrue, hot tray in hand, walked over to their table and set it down beside the crystal vases filled to the brim with roses.
Mu went to sneak one of the pink hearts, but Murrue swatted at his hand first.
"Don't take it yet, Mu! They're too hot," she warned quietly, Evi in his other arm still giggling at the playfully hurt expression on Mu's face.
"Aw, but I want one," he mumbled, setting Evi down to sit on the table—far enough away from the hot tray to keep her safe.
"You have to wait, Daddy," Evi grinned. "Mama has to put the frosting on them first."
Mu blinked in realization. There was more? Murrue had appeared beside him again, big bowl of pink frosting in her arms. He was surprised—he didn't notice her leave.
"We'll take a short break from our cleaning, okay?" Mu and Evi hurriedly nodded in return.
One by one Murrue carefully topped off each cookie, each one becoming all the more delectable. Mu couldn't wait anymore. His hand touched hers lightly.
Murrue sighed, rolling her eyes. "Yes, you can take one now, Mu.—Really, you're such a child." But Mu didn't hear her, he was too busy eating—same with Evi, she'd gotten her small hands on one of the fresh treats as well.
Giving in to her own temptations, Murrue set aside a pink heart for herself before walking off. She went back into the kitchen to search for something to put the rest of the treats in, but by the time she found it, three more cookies were missing from the tray.
Murrue paused, arching her eyebrow a bit. Evi had another one and she was breaking apart and Mu was grinning, chewing and holding a whole heart in his hand.
Knowing that she'd get no where with him arguing, Murrue just sighed and began to put the remaining cookies away before they, too, fell prey to him.
"Poor, Mattie," Evi grinned, swinging her legs from her spot on the table. "Mattie doesn't get one of these cookies while they're really, really good!"
"I'm sure it'll be okay," Murrue smiled. Evi may haveliked the treats warm and soft but Matt liked them best when they had had a chance to cool.
"So Matt didn't want to get out of bed, huh?" Mu wondered aloud, finally clearing his mouth.
"Yep, that's right," Evi smiled, happily eating another piece to her pink heart. Mu followed her example, practically swallowing the cookie in his hand. Murrue though, having not even touched her set aside treat, looked down, slight worry to her eyes.
"Maybe I should get him then," she muttered thinking about her son downstairs.
"Oh, let's not force him," Mu smiled reassuringly, wrapping his arms around his wife. "He's been getting a bit of a cold lately after all. . . . Don't want him getting sick, now, do we?"
"No," Murrue muttered, leaning into him. "I guess not."
Their moment together gave way to such silence, Mu and Murrue would have welcomed it—if not for their young daughter staring at them from across the table.
Everything suddenly felt awkward.
Mu cleared his throat, pulling away from Murrue as she suddenly walked towards the sink, pink to her cheeks.
"Mu, we should get back to work on that cleaning," she noted, seeing all the silver plates they were never going to use just soaking in the sink. "That stuff for tomorrow isn't going to wash itself after all . . ."
Evi cocked her head, quietly finishing off her cookie, still staring intently at her parents.
"Yeah, I should get to work on that old chair outside . . ." Mu realized, quickly making his way away from the table.
"Evi, mind if—" Murrue turned around just in time to see her pink frosted cookie missing from its place. Turning a bit more brought her face-to-face with Mu, happily chomping on the sweet.
"Mu!" She playfully scolded, hands finding hips. "You took my heart!"
"Ahh, but you stole mine," Mu smoothly shot back, eyes twinkling as he swallowed.
Murrue lightly took in her breath in surprise, face reddening at his retort.
Evi cocked her head looking between her grinning father and blushing mother. She didn't get it.
"When'd she do that, Daddy? You already ate your cookies."
Mu and Murrue stared back at the girl, russet eyes questioning the two. After a few moments of silence, Mu burst into deep laugher followed closely behind by Murrue's soft giggles.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Sweetheart," Mu mused quietly, planting a soft kiss to his confused daughter's cheek in response, and then stealing one from his wife.
