What's this? Tooth-rotting fluff? No angst? That's a new one.
Written as a result of a sentence prompt challenge on tumblr; this one specifically was prompted by spanishinfluenza. I had a surprising amount of fun writing this, they're just so sweet and if I could properly draw plants, I would draw something for this because the visual image I have in my head for this is just too pleasant.
This fic is not beta-read. I don't have a beta reader currently and never quite beta my drabbles as they are a sit down and go thing for me personally. Spelling errors might occur, though I try not to make them.
Trigger warning(s): None apply
This fanfiction is cross-posted from my AO3 account, where it was originally published on April 7th 2021
Unique, is certainly one way to describe it.
The tall structure made of glass and curled iron painted white reaching up into the heavens, housing hundreds of plant and insect species alike. From delicate flowers to exquisite trees and exotic birds.
It is truly marvelous.
What else is worthy of these grande descriptions is his petite wife, walking in front of him with her sketchbook cradled in her arms on a blank page as she looks about their surroundings with nothing but intrigue in her eyes.
Gardening is one of her past times and she spends many of her waking hours outside, in the small seven by seven patch of land behind their current residence, tending to all sorts of flowers. As such taking her to a botanical garden had been an excellent choice.
Her most recent addition to her own garden had been a smaller apple tree.
Naturally, they had no need for human food but the tree looked in need of care when she'd seen it at the local botanic store. When she'd brought it home and given it's very own space in the garden, it had dry leaves and had been on the brink of dying.
About a month later the leaves had turned green and the tree had grown at least 7 inches in height. Esme had proudly nurtured it back to full health and then some. Her love runs deep, for all living things. It is truly quite amazing.
Sure, the gardens are beautiful but to Carlisle, all the beauty of the world is right in front of him, contained in the form of his beloved wife.
In his musings he loses sight of her for only a moment and looking around him, it is just him and the greenery; many of which he does not know the name but is certain that Esme might.
Setting off down the pathway in front of him, he listens to the sounds around him. The flapping of a butterfly's wings, the buzzing of bees, the rush of water-
It's by the hexagon pond at the end of the path that he finds her, seated on the white and gray marble fencing around it. Her legs are drawn together, and her sketchbook is lying abandoned in her lap. Her torso is turned toward the water and she's leaning slightly forward, hand extended outward toward the water but not quite touching the cool reflective surface.
He steps closer but far enough out of the way to let her enjoy her privacy as she sits there, it's endearing to watch her in her element. Though, he wonders what it is exactly that she might be up to. She is in high-spirits today.
It is then that he becomes aware of what is happening.
Beneath her hand, in the water, there's fish swimming in circles as if to get a glimpse at her. There's red, white, black and a shimmer of gold. There are several Koi in the pond and where they should be afraid of her presence alone, they are not.
Esme exudes calmth and friendliness as she watches the fish appear and disappear beneath the Lily pads floating on the surface, a beaming smile across her fair features. For a moment, she almost looks human.
He doesn't want to break the spell that seems to have fallen over the scene in front of him by startling her, so he slowly steps closer, dragging his feet a little so that she is aware of his presence as he's coming over.
"I would almost let you keep Koi at the house, but alas, I do not think they would fare well with so many of us around."
As he comes to stand behind her, the Koi scatter, suddenly aware of the danger as they dive away into the safety of the waters. Esme laughs merrily, retracting her hand and standing.
"It would be quite the adventure, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, quite," Carlisle agrees, nothing but fondness in the way he looks down on her, placing a hand on the small of her back. "Where to next?"
For a split second Esme looks thoughtful, but then she turns and reaches out, delicate fingers wrapping around the light blue cotton of his scarf. She grins mischievously before giving a light tug.
He dips forward and right before she moves to step backward he manages to place a light peck against her rosy lips, already disliking the distance she's now put between them even though she isn't far away from him at all.
Noticing this, Esme is quick to reach out, encasing his right hand with her left. The touch of their hands together, of skin on skin, of fingers entwining, always feels like coming home. They are the north to each other's compass, their hearts always leading them toward one another, together.
She tugs him after her down another path and into a different wing of the greenhouse. It's far away and in the back, there is no one there but them. For a moment he is certain that she must have previously seen this wing on a map for the entrance had been completely hidden by plants, away from view.
The room they are in is circular with one central pillar to support the high ceiling that is shaped like a dome. The walls are covered in vines that reach all the way up toward the iron beams and glass panes, light filtering in through the canopy.
Esme walks in front of him, left hand letting go of him to rest against the pillar. She tilts her head back and admires the structure for a moment before playfully swinging around the pillar, and looking at him with an expression he can only describe as excitement.
"Close the door," she says, voice light and airy with a playful lilt to its tune. Her golden eyes are looking at him in earnest and he can not help but comply.
Once the door softly clicks into the lock, they are well and truly alone, save for a few birds that have made a nest up in the canopy and are chirping their tune.
Feeling safe, Esme snickers as she reaches up and takes off her sunhat, soon followed by her peach coloured bolero. She folds it neatly and places it down at the foot of the pillar, together with her sketchbook and pencil.
The sunlight plays brilliantly off of her pale skin, millions of light shimmering in every single place the sun comes into contact with her form. She's reflecting a rainbow against the pillar that moves with her as she holds her arms out to him in invitation.
Carlisle inclines his head and it is all the confirmation that she needs, skipping toward him in a fun-loving manner. Her caramel curls bounce around her face and her hands come to rest on his shoulders. He places his hands on her hips when she's near enough and lifts her off the ground momentarily as he twirls her around.
She giggles and dips her head forward, capturing his lips with hers for the hundredth time that day. Much like gardening, and painting and feeling as alive as is possible, she will never tire of doing just that; kissing him.
He smiles into the kiss and slowly lets her glide down so that she is standing with two feet on the tile floor again, front pressed against his chest. She tilts her head like a cat might when curious, eyes wide and pupils blown.
One of his hands remains on her waist, the other reaches for one of her hands, holding it gently in his own. He doesn't even need to ask because Esme knows him, knows exactly what he's implying.
All she can do is smile that besotted smile at him that is returned to her in equal measures as they dance about the wing, her heels clicking softly against the tile being the only indication that they are there.
She looks so alive, so young, in his arms; being herself without the restraint of appearances. There's a happiness in her eyes that is reserved for rare moments such as these.
As he swirls her around in circles about the room, one thing he knows for certain.
He loves her with every fibre of his being, and he always will.
You'd be surprised at how much Carlisle is like me in this, honestly. If you've ever wondered what it is like to be on a date with me and how I look at you through pink lenses, this is very much it.
Anywaaaaaaaay-
As always, any comments, kudos and thoughts would be welcome, they motivate greatly! Hope you enjoyed this! If you want to support me, there is links to where you can on the pinned post on my tumblr profile. My tumblr is Meluisart, so feel free to hit me up there, drop me a request if it strikes you fancy!