Thankfully the flight felt like it passed in a blink, although I wasn't surprised. A full eight hours of uninterrupted cuddle time with Maximus had made the time fly. When we left the plane, it was still dark out but I would recognise the two figures waiting for us anywhere.
I waved at Leila and Vlad, more happy to see them than I had expected. Then again, after the drama with my mother it probably shouldn't surprise me that I was happy to see the only family member I had that actually liked me.
Leila wasted no time in wrapping me into a hug, thankfully I had time on the plane to calm down so it didn't bother me as much as it would have otherwise. It still made my skin crawl after a few seconds though, at which point I squirmed to be let go. Leila didn't try to make me stay, despite her ability to do so.
She went back to Vlad's side, her worry was clear on her face though. "Are you doing alright?" Maximus must have called to update them and told them about my mother. With a forced smile, I answered.
"As much as I can be." My tone made it obvious just how I was feeling, but I didn't care enough to fix it. Leila nodded, completely understanding family drama, before linking her arm with Vlad. "Well you're home now and you don't have to worry about them anytime soon. If you want I'll bite them for you, although by the look on Maximus's face he is going to have first dibs on that."
I looked back and mentally agreed with Leila, his face was set into a particularly bitey look. I reached back to grip his hand that was clenched at his side. "Yeah, I already called my mother off limits for the dungeon but if you want Lance you can have him."
I threw the last part of the sentence to Vlad, who grinned at me. "It will be my pleasure, it has been many years since a human has earned a spot in my dungeon. While I would like for Hugh to join him, I shall settle for Lance."
Briefly I considered asking why our father had earned a spot in there, but after the last day of emotions I really didn't want to get into any more family drama. If Leila felt like talking about it, I would be here to listen.
Vlad nodded, reminding me that he could read minds, before speaking. "I'm sure your visit was draining on both of you. I already ordered the staff to bring your things to your room if you wish to stop by the kitchen to eat something to refresh your energy."
Had Maximus mentioned our plan to do another date or was Vlad just a really good wingman? The man in question flashed me a grin, "Both." I felt my face flush, I really needed to work on getting a mental filter in place, before the poor man had to hear my brain when it went on a long babble. No one else should have to suffer through that, but me.
Vlad scoffed, "I've heard worse, I assure you." At this point both Leila and Maximus were staring in confusion at our somewhat conversation. Before I could say or think any more embarrassing statements, I looked back to Maximus.
"Do you feel like hitting the kitchen or do you have something you need to do first?" He had mentioned before we got off the plane that he felt well enough for the date, but if he had something to do then I could wait.
He shook his head, responding while moving forward to stand to my side instead of behind me. "I have nothing urgent that needs to be done, unless the voivode needs me?"
Vlad shook his head in the negative, "Nothing that has to be done now. I will have to meet with you to get details on Lance, but otherwise no. You're free to enjoy your evening." He finished his sentence with a sly smirk, making my cheeks warm at the insinuation.
We're not doing anything like that… This time I meant for him to hear it, and by the grin he shot me he knew that. But he didn't comment further, to my relief. He simply stepped to the side and led us back into the house.
Maximus's arm retook its place around my shoulders as we walked. A pang of longing hit as I wheeled myself down the hallway. I wish I could hold his hand…
Usually I didn't mind my disability, it made things difficult sometimes but there was nothing to be gained from railing at it or drowning in self pity. But times like this where I can't even hold my boyfriend's hand because I need both of mine to steer…it made me wish for something that was pointless to consider.
Feeling the self pity start to take hold, I booted it out before it could set roots. Get a grip, Zelda. If you want to hold his hand, do it when you stop moving. It's not that hard. With that thought, I shook off my foul mood and powered forward. The faster we got to the kitchen, the faster we could do our date.
We separated ways with Vlad and Leila at the entrance to the kitchen. Leila gave me another hug before offering to listen should I need it. It almost brought tears to my eyes, after my mother's unexpected betrayal having Leila's genuine care was enough to make me want to cry.
I refocused myself on the present as Maximus moved to the fridge, his voice carried over the distance to me. "What are you feeling like? We have the ingredients for most things on hand, but if we need anything I can send someone to get it."
Just as I opened my mouth to object to making someone go out of their way, he raised a hand to stop me. "And before you say it, this is normal. This wouldn't be the first time we've sent staff members to the store at odd hours. They just pick up anything we happen to need while they're there. So what sounds good? If I don't know how to make it I can find a recipe."
Chewing my lip, I tried to think if anything sounded good in particular. When nothing came to mind, I shrugged sheepishly. "Honestly I have no idea, I'm hungry but nothing jumps out as a craving."
Maximus hummed in thought, "Do you have any allergies? Or foods you don't like?"
I shook my head, "I don't have any allergies that I'm aware of, but I don't care for most fish and cucumbers." I watched as his mind worked with the information before nodding, apparently having come to a decision.
"It should be done in half an hour, in the meantime we can talk here. If you want to?" I didn't even need to think about it before my head was nodding.
His hands were a blur of motion as they chopped the veggies, putting them into a pot with what looked to be spaghetti sauce. I waited patiently until he had the prep work done before making my move. Once he set it on the stove, he stepped back and sat next to me.
I didn't waste a minute, the second his hand was free I clasped it in mine. The calluses that coated his hands rubbed against my skin, reminding me again that he was a trained warrior. The thought that this almost thousand year old templar was making me dinner brought a smile to my lips.
He turned his hand over until our palms faced each other before interlocking our fingers. His thumb stroked the back of my hand as he chuckled. "How long had you wanted to do that?"
I flushed, shifting awkwardly in my chair. "Since we came off the plane. I wanted to grab your hand on the walk here, but I need both hands to stop a painful collision with the wall." I gave a sheepish shrug at the end, but he pulled my hand to his lips in reassurance.
Putting out joined hands back down to the table, he spoke. "There's nothing wrong with wanting as much contact as possible, don't be ashamed of it." I relaxed at his words, glad that he didn't think I was being clingy.
I wasn't used to wanting someone's touch and now that I had him it felt like I never wanted to stop. Even if it was as small as holding hands, it felt nice. Shaking myself out of my own thoughts, I curled partially into his side.
"If you ever want me to back off a bit, feel free to tell me. I don't want to be clingy or make things difficult for you. I promise my feelings won't be hurt." Considering how often he had to back off when I got overwhelmed it was only right that he had the same option.
Maximus chuckled, his thumbs stroking my hand as he replied. "I don't see that being a worry, but if it is I will be sure to tell you."
I relaxed into my chair, with how affectionate we are I didn't see it becoming a problem either. But I couldn't not offer him it, just in case.
As we chatted we migrated closer until my chair was pulled up alongside his at the table, making it easier for me to lean into his side. If the arm around my waist was any indication, he had no problems with our new position.
The timer's shrill beep broke us from our little bubble. Maximus rose to pull the food off the stove, ladling a bowlful before placing it in front of me. Whatever it was, it smelled divine and after I tasted it I instantly knew it was going to be my new favorite.
"It's delicious, what's in it?" Maximus smiled at my obvious enjoyment as he took his seat again.
"It's an old vegetable soup that my mother taught me to make in my childhood. It has carrots, tomatoes, green beans, and various other vegetables in it." His voice was wistful as he remembered his mother, the far off look in his eyes tugging on my heart.
What must it be like, not having anything from your own time to turn to? I reached my unoccupied hand over to grasp his again. The action pulling a smaller version of his previous smile from him. He squeezed my fingers in reassurance, "It's fine. I've had a long time to come to terms with her death and it doesn't hurt as much as it used to."
While I was glad it didn't actively hurt, I wished I could help with it in some way. Even though I knew that was a useless thought, since it was almost a millennium ago. Since I couldn't fix what hurt him, I did what I could in the present.
Remembering how he had made me feel all aflutter earlier, I copied his action. I brought our hands up to my mouth and kissed him, the scar tissue under my lips feeling foreign but not unpleasant.
He unwound our fingers as his eyes flashed green. In the next second his hand rested against my cheek as he leaned over the table to kiss me.
He kept his mouth closed, giving me the option of taking it deeper or keeping it at our current chaste level. Although I briefly considered furthering it, I ultimately decided against it. I was still feeling off and there was plenty of time for that later.
He didn't push for more, just pulling back when he knew I needed air. He smiled radiantly at me, before scooting back to his place at the table. "If I don't put some distance between us you're never going to finish eating. Finish your food, then we can do more of that."
Well, he certainly knew how to motivate me! I turned my focus back to my food and devoured it at the fastest pace possible while still being safe. I heard his chuckle at my enthusiasm but I didn't care. There were cuddles and kisses at that finish line and nothing would stop me from getting there as quickly as possible.
