A/N: Hi! Please remember the M rating.
Enjoy!!!
-- Mel and Chuck
OCTOBER 2540
I've learned a lot over the past ten months. For example: Dani likes going to sleep on the left side of the bed, but waking up in the middle. She brushes her hair twice a day, one hundred strokes each time. And when I put my tongue to her clit, she buckles her back and screams beneath her breath.
I've learned other things too, like the fact that Ketra keeps files on every single person we've ever brought in, as well as people she suspects may be of use in the future. I've been poring over these files for months; I consider myself an expert in the gifted these days. And it's not just the ones in Manhattan either, Ketra has files on people from all over the continent. I wonder how long it will take her to notice they've been tampered with.
As I set the latest file back down on her desk, I look about the small office. All four walls are lined with filing cabinets, making the already sparse space seem that much more cramped. It's difficult to breathe in this place.
From the hallway, Dani calls to me. "You done yet?" she asks, shifting her weight from sandal clad foot to sandal clad foot. She'd insisted on coming with me tonight to raid the offices for information. She'd said she was sick of me 'going off and being a bad ass' without her. And that's a direct quote. Even when we were children she had trouble handling it when I got to do something she didn't. The way she handled my training was a shining example of that. I guess some things will never change.
"Yes," I say softly, stepping out of the office and facing her in the dark corridor. This place always seems so much more official in the dark. During the day it's just a place we kick back between pick-ups, but at night… at night it's foreign, menacing even with its thousands of files and endless opportunity.
"Ready to go?" she breathes, rubbing her hands over bare arms. She wore the most ridiculous dress tonight. Miles of pale flesh is exposed to the October chill, and she didn't even remember to bring a jacket. I would offer her mine, but there's a reason we're so perfect for one another; the fact that we both tend to forget little things like physical comfort when it conflicts with looking good is just one of them.
"In a second." I cross to the other side of the office. The blinds are shut, but I remedy that in short order, pulling them up so that anyone looking in can plainly see the rows upon rows of shelves and the stacks of files.
"Let's have some fun," I suggest quietly, turning my back to the window to face her. At first she looks surprised, but I see her expression change very quickly to one of eager anticipation.
"Okay," she says before reaching back deftly and unzipping the checked sundress. The fabric slithers to the ground, rustling as it goes. She's left wearing nothing but a canary yellow lace bra with matching panties, and the color that would look garish on anyone else seems to bring out the colors in her hair.
I'm out of my own clothes in short order, and I pull her next to the window so she can look out. I'm behind her, hands toying with lace covered nipples as her breath makes fog on the window.
Her breath hitches as I move her panties to the side, pushing past them with my cock until I'm so deep inside her I can't go any further. The feel of her pulsing and clenching around me is delicious. She's so fucking tight.
She laughs as I groan but quickly loses her breath again when I withdraw and then sink into her once more. I'm unhooking her bra now and pushing against the window. Those pert nipples press against cold glass and she draws in a gasping breath, biting her lower lip and tossing her hair back over my shoulder.
We continue like that for a few minutes until we're both panting and lightheaded from coming so intensely…
I draw her away from the window and lower the blinds over the deserted street once more.
"Now I think I'm ready," I say, putting my clothes back on and helping her back into that checked dress.
"Okay," she says simply, buttoning my jeans and kissing me on the lips before she turns towards the door.
On the way out, the blinds by the window catch my eyes. I have to grin when I realize the next time those windows fog there were be a pair of Dani sized breast prints on the glass.
I stand smiling, ridiculously proud for a few seconds before I follow her out of the room.
NOVEMBER 2540
We're sitting around the table, lingering even though the dishes have been cleared. Mr. Gray doesn't see the need to 'discuss' his plan for the world as a group, but Dani pouted and he relented. Choosing his battles, I guess.
"I'm still not sure what the point is," Dani says petulantly. "Why are we doing this?"
Why? Because we can change the world. Because we're going to live forever, and we might as well do something with our limitless time. Because when the world is united under Mr. Gray's rule, it will put this family where it belongs—in total power.
Mr. Gray smiles and asks, "Can you think of a single reason why not?" Dani looks to her mother now.
"Mama?" I'm not sure what she's looking for—advice, support, comfort? Maybe she just wants her mother's opinion.
"It's not a matter of if we can take over the world," Mrs. Gray says frankly. "Your father's done it before, under harder circumstances. The question is whether he can use his power to do as he promises and improve the world." She looks to her husband. "Instead of fucking things up and then leaving them to fall apart when he tires of the game."
I look to Dani; her hands are twisting in her lap uncomfortably. We both know that her parents' relationship is…unique, to say the least. But sometimes the power struggle bothers Dani more than usual.
Mr. Gray tilts his head slightly, eyes intent on his tiny, fearless wife. She stares right back at him, refusing to back down. I get the feeling they've had this argument many times before.
"O ye of little faith," he says softly. Out of nowhere, I'm assaulted by a mental image: Mrs. Gray, sitting alone in a small and squalid apartment, crying. Her hair is tangled and she has blood on her clothes. I've never seen her look so…lost. Hopeless.
Mr. Gray rounds on me in anger. "Out," he hisses.
"I'm sorry," I mutter. Mrs. Gray rolls her eyes at the show of possessiveness, and I blush. It was an accident.
We talk about a few more details then. Starting this week, I'm going out to recruit soldiers for our army. Mr. Gray mentions something about assessing the global population. I guess there used to be a lot more people on the earth, and now he wants to get a better idea of how many subjects he'll have. Finally Dani and I head out.
"Let's don't fly," she says impulsively. "Let's just walk together." I don't argue. It gives me a chance to hold her hand and just think.
Once we're inside our living room, though, her attitude changes rapidly. "Sit," she orders. I cock an eyebrow and sprawl across the couch.
"You're taking me with you on these recruiting things," she says, as though it's obvious.
I rub my eyes. Why do I feel like an argument's coming up? "I don't think that's a good idea."
"And why the hell not?"
"Your dad didn't say anything about that. And if both of us are taking time out during work, Ketra's going to get suspicious."
Dani laughs as she kicks off her shoes near the door. "Well, if we're planning on world domination, then it doesn't really matter, does it?" She pulls her hair out from the ponytail it's been in and shakes her head. "So you're going to take me with you." Because I said so.
"Sure thing, princess. As soon as your father tells me so."
"Daddy doesn't care, as long as it gets done. All I need to do," she says as she straddles me, "is persuade you."
"And how," my throat is dry, "are you going to do that?" I lick my lips and she smiles naughtily.
"Oh, I don't know…" Her hands travel down to the button of my jeans as she speaks, "Why don't you just read my mind?" I do, and I'm blown away by the erotic images she's feeding me: Dani crouched over me, my hands on her breasts. My body jerks involuntarily as her fingers find their way inside my boxers.
"If I say yes, are you going to stop because you got your way?" She drags my jeans off me in response, and kisses me, sliding her tongue deep into my mouth. My hands reach for her ass, but she pulls away.
"No, don't," she whispers. I drop my head back in frustration as she kisses my neck, my chest, my stomach. Oh my God. Oh my God. She pauses before me, stretching this agonizing moment out.
"What do you taste like, Kale?" she asks me. I groan as she leans forward and kisses my head gently. She looks up at me and grins. "You taste nice."
She starts teasing me then, kissing and licking until I'm so hard it hurts. "Jesus, Dani, please." She giggles before taking all of me in her mouth, sliding her lips right to the base of my cock. Oh my God. I watch wide-eyed as she blows me. I've never seen anything so fucking sexy in my life.
The slight graze of her teeth sends me over the edge; I arch up and thrust myself as deep as I can into her mouth. She takes it and swallows before letting me go to look up at me through the curtain of her hair. She tosses it out of the way to let me watch her lick her lips slowly. Jesus God, this woman. She moves up to cuddle against my heaving chest, hitching her leg up to rest on top of me.
"Thanks, Kale."
FEBRUARY 2541
It's fucking freezing out, and it's just a damn shame that Dani's healing abilities don't give us the power to not feel the frostbite forming in our feet.
Behind me, the spoiled brat I love trudges in the snow, those idiotic high heels she likes so much bogging her down and slowing the entire pace of our trip. I still can't believe she chose stilettos and a knee length black sleeveless dress to visit the new camp. When I'd asked her about it, begged her to change, she'd just given me one of those scathing looks she reserves for when I say something she doesn't even want to dignify with a response, and then finished applying her nail polish.
"Could you hurry it the hell up?" I call over my shoulder, glancing at the light jacket I made her bring, still draped stubbornly over her arm.
Her teeth chatter as she starts to speak. I curse under my breath.
"St-t-top being an-n ass," she says, scowling at me through the whirling snowflakes landing on her eyes lashes. Is it my imagination, or are her lips turning blue?
That's it. I can't take it anymore. I turn around to face her, heavy leather jacket and jeans, mittens, scarf, and boots… they've all gotten so cold I feel like I'm wrapped in ice cubes.
"Come here." I order, holding out my arms and waiting for Dani to reach me. She stops stubbornly just a foot or two out of my reach.
"What?" she asks, looking at me suspiciously. Her arms are practically snow white against the black of her dress, now completely soaked with melted snow.
"You're putting on the jacket, and then we're flying the rest of the way," I say. Dani shakes her head violently.
"N-n-no," she asserts herself, "I can m-make it."
I have to laugh at that, she doesn't much appreciate it. "Yeah, as an icicle," I say.
She frowns and trudges past me, teeth still chattering.
"Oh, come on, Dani. Why spend all that time dressing up if you're going to show up looking like a wet cat anyway?"
"It's not that much farther," she says shrilly. She's right. We flew out to the deserted great lakes where the camp is set, but all the markers I remember were on the ground, so we'd had to land before we reached the camp. I guess that's the price of keeping things secret. Frozen toes and frozen girlfriends. The cow shaped rock to our left told me we were only about a quarter of a mile from the camp now… if we could spot it in this weather.
"Come on, you don't have to prove anything to me," I call, trotting after her until I'm right next to her. I try to take her hand in mine, but she pulls away, giving me the literal cold shoulder. "Christ, Danielle." I mutter under my breath, storming off without her and resuming my usual pace. Behind me she mutters darkly. I can hear her thoughts all the way through the storm as she trips over a snow hidden rock and swears.
Nothing to prove, my ass. They didn't want me tagging along anyway and they're going to use any excuse to send me home. I'll show them. I can walk through a fucking blizzard if he can. I can do anything he can. And I can do it in stilettos, so there, Kale Flint, there. Let's see you do this in heels.
I look back, meet her defiant gaze, and shake my head in disgust.
"You're being an idiot," is all I say before turning my back on her again and heading for the encampment.
By the time we reach the camp, the tips of Dani's fingers have turned black and she can't feel them anymore. I'd bet anything it's going to hurt like a bitch to heal.
The wide circle of barbed wire closes around maybe one hundred tents, each with four sleeping men and women inside of them, trainees who we provide with three meals a day and semi-warm place to sleep as payment. Every single one of them is enormously talented, and every single one of them was starving when we found them. It's amazing what people will do to stay alive, what sorts of jobs they'll take… what sorts of saviors they'll find.
I lead Dani through the camp to the central tent. It's larger than the others, and it belongs to me. Mr. Gray uses it when he visits, but he's across the country at a similar camp on the West Coast right now, training the group there. He's been away for two months now. Soon that group's course of training will be through and they'll be put on standby as this one is trained. It'll take about a year for all of the camps to finish training with their new leader. I've been helping with some of the light training, but As Mr. Gray has an insight into how every single one of the powers works, he's working individually and intensively with each soldier. I can still hardly believe that we were able to set up camps this quickly and find a way to provision five camps with four hundred soldiers each through the year. Hell, I'd even wondered if 2000 would be enough, but Mr. Gray had assured me that they were all we would need on this continent, especially after he was done training them. I believe him. After all, I've been through his brand of training.
"So this is it?" Dani's voice distracts me from my thoughts. She's standing by the door way. The jacket she carried all the way here but refused to wear is in a heap at her feet.
"Yeah," I say. I shoot fire from my hands to the logs at the center of the tent and watch as the smoke rises up and through the tiny hole at the top. The tent isn't the most opulent thing in the world, but its cozy enough. A mattress with about a thousand blankets piled on top of it sits in the corner. A dresser with some of our things from home to keep us comfortable is opposite the mattress, and a tiny table with two chairs is over by the door.
Dani takes a tentative step into the quickly warming space and then pauses by the fire. Before I know what's what, she's screaming and then kicking off her heels to dash to the mattress. She throws herself down on top of it, burrowing under the mountain of blankets so quickly I wonder if she learned to teleport.
"Holy shit, Dani," I say, rushing over to sit on the bed beside her. She's sniffling beneath he blankets and I force them down so I can see her face. She's crying, but of course, she always looks beautiful when she cries, all glistening cheeks and brimming blue eyes. I grab one of her hands, pulling it up to inspect. It's pink and perfect beneath my fingers.
"It hurt," she says sniffling and shivering in her still soaked dress.
"Christ," I feel so guilty I could kill myself. I shouldn't have gotten mad. I shouldn't have let her be so stubborn. I should have made her put on the fucking jacket. "It's okay, Baby," I croon, stripping of my own wet clothes and burrowing under the covers with her, pulling her out of the black dress and under thing's and pressing her lovely body to mine. She's still so cold.
"Should we—do we have to go see the people?" she wants to know. She still can't stop shivering, and now, neither can I.
"They're all sleeping. We'll see them in the morning," I tell her. She breathes a relieved sigh and then lets herself settle against me, twining her legs with mine as I brush through her damp and tangled hair with my fingers, fanning it out beneath the covers to dry while we sleep.
"I'm sorry you got hurt," my voice cracks a little as I speak.
"I'm sorry I was so stubborn," she sniffles.
We hold each other a little longer before we both burst into breathless giggles and laugh ourselves childishly to sleep.
APRIL 2541
Mr. Gray's coming sometime this week, but I don't know what day, and it's making me really nervous. I've been working with the trainees for a couple of months, and even though I know that he's going to take them to the real work, I still want him to be pleased with the work that I've done. I've been pretty stressed out, to say the least.
I walk out to the main yard to oversee the sparring. The trainees have been taking turns against each other, to improve their simple fighting skills. I reach the circle to stand among the other watchers. Dani's sparring with a young man: Devlin, who can turn his voice into a sonic boom. Dani makes a move so fast I can barely see it, and Devlin goes down. "Hah!"
The people watching clap as Dani wipes her forehead with her arm and offers her hand to Devlin. He takes it and says something to her. She laughs and lifts her hair from her neck, fanning herself. She's wearing sensible clothes, having somewhat learned her lesson. She's wearing one of my older shirts and some shorts, with tights underneath and tennis shoes. Even in practical clothes, she's still smoking hot. I can see Devlin appreciating her form from here.
I sidle closer to hear what's being said, managing to avoid being seen. "You're not bad," Dani says, "You just have to keep practicing."
"Maybe you and I can continue this," Devlin grins, "and you can show me how you move."
My eyes narrow. Seriously? But Dani laughs and replies, "Yeah, you'd like that." Of course he would. Any man alive would. What the hell is she thinking?
Devlin reaches out to tug playfully on the end of her loosening braid and she laughs again. I'm starting to see red. That bastard can stay the hell away from her or I'll kill him. He actually takes off his shirt and flexes for her.
"Are you trying to tempt me, Devlin?"
Then Dani looks up and sees me. She doesn't act guilty; on the contrary, her face breaks into a huge smile and she waves. I stalk over and impulsively kiss her hard.
"Hey," she says, hands on my chest. "What's up?" I growl in response.
"Kale, you want to spar me?" Devlin asks good-naturedly. No. I want to kill you, you grinning prick.
"Probably not a good idea," I tell him. "I want to demonstrate some more advanced moves for you guys."
"So you want me," Dani says with a half-smile.
I grimace. "I'm not taking it easy this time."
Wrong words. She pouts and folds her arms. "Good thing I can't get hurt, then." She walks up, within inches of my face. "What's the matter, Kale? Afraid I'll win? Afraid you'll get beat by a girl?"
Screw it. I've got my pride, damn it, and her flirting with this guy has pissed me off. "Don't say I didn't warn you, sweetheart."
Her eyes are laughing, but I can see her respond to my challenge. "Don't worry, Kale. I won't mess you up too bad."
She starts dancing around as I call out things for my trainees to watch for and learn from. Once we start, I won't have breath for much else.
We face off and Dani makes the first move, impatient as always. She jabs at my eyes but I knock her hand away and feint towards her throat, pulling back at the last second. She scowls. "Thought you weren't going to pull any punches." She steps back. "Don't patronize—fight me."
Fine. That's just fine. We start again and she kicks at me, catching me in the thigh. I deal her a palm strike to the chest and immediately feel like an asshole. Dani takes that opportunity to break my nose. As soon as I can see again, I rush her and twist her arm behind her back, effectively forcing her to the dirt, where I plant my knee in her back and call it done.
"Okay, guys, let's go ahead and break for the day. We'll eat in an hour," I decide, letting Dani up. She brushes herself off as the trainees disperse and turns to face me. She's panting slightly.
"You win," she admits. "Are you done being weird now?"
"I'm not being weird."
"You were. You were pissed when you were talking to Devlin and I."
I start walking toward our tent. "Maybe that's because I watched one of my subordinates flirting with my girlfriend, and then watched her flirt right back. I don't really get a kick out of that kind of thing."
Her hand reaches out to grab my shoulder. "Whoa, stop. Are you seriously jealous?" Her face is incredulous. "We were just talking and having fun. I didn't realize that qualified as flirting."
I can feel the flush creeping up from my neck. God damn it. "I'm not jealous."
She smiles. "You're totally jealous. It's kind of adorable, actually."
"Shut up, Dani. I said I wasn't jealous." I stand in the middle of the tent, wishing we weren't having this conversation.
"Oh Kale." She goes and sits on the bed. "I think you just need to relax for a little bit. Loosen up."
I sit next to her and she scoots so she can kneel behind me and work on my shoulders. "I can't relax. Your dad is coming and I want things to be ready for him."
Her thumbs dig deep between my shoulders blades and I groan. "Daddy is going to appreciate all the work you've been doing. He'll be proud." I sit and bask in that idea for a few minutes. Dani's incredible hands massage the muscles in my neck and shoulders, and I start to think that maybe it's all going to be okay, despite the worry and the stress of all this. Her lips press to the base of my neck and I sigh in contentment.
"Hey," she says softly, leaning against me for only a second before returning to her ministrations, "You're the one that matters to me. You don't have to be jealous. I like to talk to people, but…" she pauses as she runs her fingers up my spine, "I love you."
It feels like something is swelling in my chest, and I swallow before speaking. "I love you too, Dani."
Our tender moment is interrupted by a shout: "He's here!"
Dani and I rush out to the yard, where Mr. Gray has just touched down. He looks with affection at his daughter before turning his attention to me.
"Let's get started."
JUNE 2541
I've been at this camp for nearly half a year, and the work has finally paid off. The week long absences from home, the loss of a good job, and the many sleepless nights without Dani prove now to be worth something. Mr. Gray has declared our soldiers ready. In celebration, we're letting the soldiers have extra rations for the night and leaving them to be supervised by the highest officers beneath us. As for me, I'm going back to New York, but first… I need to talk to Mr. Gray.
"Sir?" I'm standing just outside his tent, hands in the pockets of my jeans.
"Come in, Kale," he calls. He's sitting in an arm chair, on ankle propped on his knee and a book open on his lap. "What is it?" he asks.
I look down at my feet. This is harder than I thought it was going to be.
"I'd like to ask you…" my voice trails off. I can't seem to make it work anymore.
"Spit it out," he says, impatiently. I know he can hear my thoughts, but he's just the type of man to make me stutter over it.
"I've come to ask your permission to make Danielle my wife." After the incident with Devlin, I'd known it was time. If the way she'd reassured me afterwards hadn't been enough indication, my irrational jealousy certainly had been.
Mr. Gray raises an eyebrow and closes the book in his lap. "Is that so?" I hope the question is rhetorical.
"Umm… Yes." I fidget where I stand as he watches me, those dark eyes studying me. I know he's listening into my thoughts, and something that normally wouldn't faze me suddenly makes me want to die.
"Well, it's about time," is all he says before he reopens his book, propping it against his knees again and turning his face down to study it. I'm being dismissed, but I'm not through yet.
"Sir?"
He sighs, exasperated as he looks back up at me. "What is it, Kale?"
"I was wondering… about the bracelets." Mr. Gray arches a brow and I mentally kick myself. I knew this was a stupid idea. Now he's going to think I'm an idiot. I should have just let it go. Having her for my wife will be enough…
"Ah, yes," he says softly, "That is a custom these days, isn't it?" I can't tell whether he's being derisive or pensive.
"Yes, sir," I mumbled, eyes downcast. Stupid, stupid, stupid idea.
"What is it that you'd like to know, Kale?" I look back up at him, trying hard not to backtrack and forget about the whole thing. If there's one thing Mr. Gray doesn't like, its indecisiveness, followed closely by disobedience.
"It's just… it's custom. My parents had them… and I'd like to give them to Danielle."
"You mean you'd like to claim her publicly so that other people know to stay away?"
I meet his gaze, startled, but I nod. There's no use lying about it. The bracelets are a public declaration, and most people know to stay far away from a married woman.
"If I recall, it's also tradition that the bride's parents provide the rings, as a sign of consent?"
"Yes sir." I'm barely able to breathe now. What if he says no? What if he thinks it's just a stupid custom? He's centuries old. He's bound to have a different take on this sort of thing. What if he doesn't approve? What if he doesn't actually want me to marry Dani.? What if—"
"I'll take care of it," he says. My head jerks up and I look him in the eye.
"Thank you sir," I say quickly before he can change his mind.
He nods and looks back at his book. I turn to go. Before I can make it out the tent, he speaks again.
"When do you need them by?" He asks.
"I was hoping for tomorrow, after dinner. I'd like to take her back to the tree house…"
Mr. Gray chuckles and I feel instantly self conscious, but his words put me at ease.
"Good choice," he says, laughter on his voice. I think he's remembering all of Dani and I's childhood antics, but I wouldn't dare read his mind. "I'll have them for you by then."
I nod my thanks and then make my way out of the tent and into the camp.
I don't realize I was shaking until I'm in the air and on my way back home.
The next day…
I feel like I'm going to throw up. I came home last night and just lay there next to Dani, looking at the ceiling and thinking. I haven't had enough to do today, and every hour has felt agonizingly long. Thank God it's time for us to head to her parents' house for dinner.
"Why don't we just go to the camp for dinner?" Dani had suggested. "That way Daddy doesn't have to go back in the morning."
"Your father would rather have family dinner at their home. He doesn't want your mom to spend much time at the camps." My answer made her frown, but she knows that Mr. Gray is protective of his wife—possessive, really. Once he assumes control, though, he wants her by his side.
So now we're flying to their apartment, Dani holding me tighter than really necessary. The times when I'm with the trainees while she's at home make her anxious. It means that when I do get to come home, she's more affectionate than usual. It's like she needs to physically remind herself that I'm here. I can't say that I mind, to be honest.
"How do I look?" Dani asks when we reach the ground. I roll my eyes but smile. Her hair is piled on top of her head; she's wearing a lacy blue top, black capri pants, and high heels with ribbons that lace around her ankles. Of course she looks perfect. She's just fishing for compliments.
"Since when do you need to dress up for your parents?" I tease, pinching her arm lightly. She shrieks and laughs, slapping my hand away.
"You're just jealous 'cause I look better than you."
I snort. "Right. Sounds like you need glasses."
Mrs. Gray's cooking is delicious as usual, but I can barely swallow the food. I don't eat much at all, but Mrs. Gray doesn't seem surprised; she actually smiles at me sympathetically. Calm down, Kale. You'll do fine.
"Thanks, Mrs. Gray," I say gratefully.
She calls Dani into the kitchen to help her wash up, and Mr. Gray motions for me to join him. I stand in the doorway of his bedroom as he walks to the dresser and opens it. I absentmindedly note the bloodstains on the carpet as he approaches me. The bracelets in his hands are not quite circles; there is room to adjust the size before soldering the metal shut. They are both brushed metal with an odd shining quality to them; the effect is understated elegance.
He hands them to me and looks pensively at me. "You're doing the right thing, Kale."
"Thank you, sir. I think so too."
He smiles. "I don't generally approve of great shows of feeling. But making Claire mine was the best decision I have ever made. Even Danielle…was a gift for my wife."
I'm amazed by this out-of-character personal revelation, coming from him. "Your daughter is the most important thing in my world, sir. I can promise you, that's never going to change."
He smirks, but there's no mocking behind it. "No, it won't."
I slip the bracelets into my back pocket and we return to the living room, where we find Dani and her mother talking on the couch. Mr. Gray kisses his daughter, I hug Mrs. Gray, and we leave.
"Hey Dani," I say, trying to be offhand as my arm rests around her shoulders, "Let's go visit the old neighborhood. Just for a minute."
"Okay," she says after giving me a weird look. I scoop her up and we take off. We're 'home' in just a few minutes. I set Dani down in the middle of the street and we look from her old house to mine. It's different now that we're older, but the tree-house is still there. She looks to me.
"Can we go up?" she asks with a tiny smile. This is easier than I thought it'd be…
"Sure we can."
I follow her up the ladder and marvel at the size of my old tree-house. We can stand upright, but only just. My hands are actually shaking now.
"Do you remember when we used to play up here?" she asks idly. I nod dumbly before taking a breath.
"Dani? I—I need to ask you something. Something important." God damn, why can't I talk right?
"Okay," she says, "so ask."
"God, I'm trying." I grab her hand like I'm drowning. She looks bemused; she must think I'm a total spaz. If I open my head to her thoughts now though, I'll never get this out.
"Danielle, I love you. I've loved you since I was ten years old." She doesn't laugh, so I keep going. "I want to spend forever with you." I reach back with my free hand and pull out the matching bracelets to show her.
"Dani, please marry me. Be mine for always."
She bites her lower lip and tears spill out. Her lips press together, and she nods rapidly.
"Yes, Kale. Yes!" I breathe a sigh of relief and embrace her. She's laughing now, wiping tears from her face.
She holds her hand out and I slip the first circlet around her wrist, bending it to the right size.
"Normally you hire someone with the proper equipment to do this part," I mutter, "So I apologize in advance if I burn you." That said, I focus a narrow beam of heat from my finger, being as careful as possible not to hurt her or mar the gift.
"Done," she says in satisfaction, lifting her arm to inspect my handiwork. I finish my own bracelet, and she takes my hand. I admire the matching symbols of commitment, and how good they look on us, before lifting my eyes to meet Dani's. She's beaming incandescently, and I wonder