Soft
Author's Note: This is a bit of a continuation of Peace. Hope you guys enjoy and please feel free to leave any and all feedback!
Disclaimer: I do not own Alfie Solomons or any other characters within the franchise.
The warmer months came and went. Far too quickly for Lillie's liking, though she didn't mind the cold much. She would just miss the time she and Alfie spent sitting in the sand.
She remembered the dread that filled her once wondering what would happen when summer was over. Thinking back, she suddenly felt silly for it. How could she think Alfie would suddenly stop spending time with her just because the location would have to change?
To say she was happy would be an understatement. Since the two declared their feelings to one another not much had changed except for the location of their time spent together. They continued meeting in their spot and sitting on Lillie's blanket in the sand until they no longer could. And yes, Alfie still complained about the sand every time he sat down, but Lillie knew. She knew he wouldn't trade it for anything else.
Alfie was the first to mention that the warmer days were dwindling.
"Ya know pet, I think we need ta start considerin' some a new spot to meet, right? Not too bad now, no, but this old man is startin' to feel the chill in his bones." He said while running his fingers through Lillie's hair as she laid her head in his lap with her eyes closed just enjoying his presence and the sound of the waves crashing.
She knew the cooler weather had started bothering him more as he was using his cane much more frequently.
"Where would you want to go, Fie?" Lillie spoke softly while looking up at him. The only other options seemed to be her home or his. This thought filled her with warmth because it meant allowing one or the other into the sanctuary of their home. A milestone their relationship hadn't come to just yet.
Alfie looked at her and smiled. She noticed him doing that a lot more now. Despite his grumpiness which Lillie had come to love, but she wouldn't tell him that, he seemed happier. Or lighter. Her grumpy bear.
"Don't ya think we should spend some time in a warm home for once, yeah? Yours or mine, don't really matter, right? Though Cyril would probably love you comin' to our home at least once or twice, right pet?" And by Cyril, Alfie meant himself but didn't dare voice that thought.
It was now the middle of October and they had developed a routine. Not too different from before only having dinner together instead of lunch. Sometimes Lillie would lay with her head in Alfie's lap as he read to her or they would talk about any and everything that came to mind about the things that happened in their time apart or really just things about the world. Just enjoying the time spent together.
One thing Lillie never tired of was listening to Alfie talk. He could read a grocery list to her and she would be content. Her Fie just had a way about himself that caused a person to listen to him. Want to listen to him. She could understand how he was the leader he was in his old life. It's like he was born to lead. But, he didn't have to anymore and she could tell this caused him some relief.
They switched off who's home they would spend the night at until Alfie left or walked Lillie home with Cyril.
She hated when he was gone.
Tonight was one of the night's spent at her home. She loved the little cottage she owned by the beach. It was her sanctuary. But, when Alfie left Lillie always felt like something was missing from it.
She could have hated him for how much he turned everything upside down for her but she couldn't imagine not having him in her life now. He was that warmth Lillie never realized she was missing. And she loved him. So much.
Putting the apple pie on the counter for later, she waited for Alfie to arrive. she smiled softly remembering how much he loved that pie the first time he tried it all those weeks ago.
"Fuck, love. And you said me bread was good? This, fuckin' delicious, innit?" He said as he took another bite.
Lillie loved how expressive he could always be. And she realized he never failed to put a smile on her face.
Ever since, she would supply the dessert giving him any leftovers to take home. And he of course gave her some of his delicious homemade bread to have at her home until the next time.
"Oi, love, it's me." Lillie heard as Alfie walked in through the front door. Standing from her chair, she hugged him tight and gave him a kiss on the cheek once he put his belongings down. "Hi, Fie."
With his hands on her lower back, he squeezed back burying his face in her hair. Inhaling Lillie's scent of lavender and rosewater, he couldn't believe how much he missed her even though it had only been two days. "How are ya, love?"
"Same as always really. Nothing new at the library besides another new girl starting. This one seems sweet. How about you, Fie? How are you feeling?" She asked knowing his body had been even achier with the colder weather.
She placed plates for them on the table as Alfie started telling Lillie about whatever she may have missed. "Still rather sore ain't I? Could be worse, yeah." He paused taking a bite of his dinner, "I did go into town the other day, right? Got me self a job at the jewellery shop I told you 'bout. Just a few days a week."
He looked up at her to see her reaction. She smiled knowing the rest had been very much needed for him but he recently started getting rather itchy not doing anything with his hands like he used to. "That's great, Fie. When will you start?"
Lillie smirked noticing he started getting up so he could get himself a slice of pie already. "Owner said I could start the beginnin' of next week, yeah. Said it would give me a few more days to me self before startin' up work again." He chuckled because really he would've started tomorrow. He was tired of resting.
Clearing up the mess from dinner, they made their way into the living room with some pie. Before sitting Lillie stopped to put one of her records on to play softly tonight.
She listened to the beautiful, soft tunes as Alfie read the newspaper he brought with him. He grumbled every now and then at something that displeased him.
The idea came to her so fast. Lillie couldn't believe it even crossed her mind because she had never danced a day in your life. Okay maybe she had, but she wasn't very good at it. Not even a little bit.
She turned slightly looking at Alfie wondering if he would even consider such a thing. He didn't look like the type who danced in his free time but he continued to surprise her with the things he did like so maybe there was a chance. Placing her empty plate on the table next to the couch they were sat on Lillie stood up.
So engrossed with his newspaper, Alfie barely noticed her get up. She fidgeted a bit not knowing why she was so nervous about asking such a silly question really. "Fie?" Lillie said softly.
"Hmm?"
"Could I ask you something?" She asked hoping he would look up.
When he did he looked at her waiting for her question. "What is it love? You alright?"
"I was wondering, uhm, if you would you know. I love this record and I just." Lillie could kick herself because of how bad she was stuttering. What's the worst he could say? No? She was acting like he was going to leave because of such a request.
Alfie couldn't hide the smirk at how flustered Lillie was trying to ask him whatever it was she wanted to ask.
"Will you dance with me?" She blurted out.
That caused a look of shock to cross his face. Dance? Alfie Solomons never danced. Not a day in his life.
"Right pet, I don't know the sort of dancin' you're expectin', yeah? Not got a dancin' bone in me body."
Relief crossed her face because she could see he wasn't going to say no because he didn't want to. Only because he didn't think he could dance. "Fie, I have about as much rhythm as a rock. I'd just really like to be close to you. And we can be terrible together?" She asked hopefully.
If he said no she wouldn't push him. Lillie just really wanted to try something different. And to be close to him.
Alfie started mumbling to himself and as he pushed himself up from the couch. "You and that dog will be the death of me, you know that?"
She couldn't stop the giggle she let out simply because she loved this bear of a man.
The night couldn't have been more perfect for Lillie. Alfie stood in front of her awkwardly not really knowing what to do. She grabbed his hands placing one on the small of her back and holding the other with her hand.
Alfie grumbled as he stepped on her foot for a third time. "You're not gonna have a foot left when we're done 'ere, pet. Are you sure you were wantin' to dance with me?"
Lillie pulled him closer as they gently swayed to the music and placed her head on his shoulder. "This is perfect, Fie. Just perfect." She smiled happily not wanting this moment to end.
"Still don't think I'm meant to be doin' this, right. More stompin' than dancin' ain't I? Fuckin' hell." He said as he sighed and leaned his head back slightly to place a kiss on the top of hers. She snuggled her face into his shoulder even more wanting to be closer. She had missed his warmth.
The record continued as they held each other knowing the night was ending and Lillie would have to part until next time as Alfie went home. She whispered so softly Alfie didn't even hear her.
"What's at, love?" He asked.
"Stay."
He pulled back looking at her softly asking, "stay?"
"I hate it when you're gone, Fie." Lillie said softly. "My home feels empty when you're gone."
He sighed and pulled her back into him for a hug, "love, I'd love to stay here with you right?"
She could hear the but before he even said it. Understanding that staying wasn't a part of their plans she was about to tell him maybe he could the next time instead despite the pang she felt in her chest at the thought of him leaving tonight.
"I think the bugger at home will be upset if I don't make it home in time to feed him, yeah?"
How could she forget about Cyril? "Oh Alfie, I don't know ho-"
But he interrupted her, "If you're up for it, love. Could always stay with us?" He asked shyly. "I know Cyril misses you and would love some of your attention." 'I mean me. I miss you all of the time and could use some more of your attention and warmth.' Alfie thought to himself.
Lillie nodded her head so fast she almost gave yourself whiplash. Alfie laughed as she ran to pack a few things to take with her.
Walking hand and hand toward his home, Alfie pulled Lillie closer as he wrapped an arm around her waist. She smiled to herself thinking about how she would finally be waking up to the man who took up residence in her heart.
Finally.