A/N: Hey, y'all! Sorry for the basic MIA status. When I say my life is...interestin', I mean it. I'm currently livin' out of a hotel (A pretty nice one so no complaints at all!) and slowly but surely workin' on a book. I'm also slowly (Like SUPER slowly) workin' on buildin' a writin' business from the ground up. This is my first time ever writin' for this pairin' and it was a commissioned piece. Please let me know what you think in the reviews, and as always thank you so much for readin'! I hope y'all enjoy!
I still remember clear as day the way that I felt the first time that I ever set eyes on her, like it was just yesterday really. I was exhausted from dealin' with Peaches' bullshit for seven hours straight (you'd think that the twins would be the issue here but noooo. Of course not), I'd had a fight that morning with Robbie and we didn't have time to properly 'make up' from it, and to top it all off I was pissed at Han, I mean Bryce Lee, for firing yet another waitress. But…I mean I guess to be fair to him I also still hadn't fully forgiven him for firing that meth addict Molly either, because man did I miss her. She made my life super easy in the short timespan that she was there with the simple fact that she took care of all of the mundane things like cleaning and restocking while I focused on just waiting tables. Oh, how I still miss those seemingly simpler times…
I wouldn't change how everything ended up playing out in the end for the world though. Who knew that my life would end up here? That the ditzy blonde who walked out from the bathroom that fateful day while holding onto Paulina's old uniform by the collar in disgust would worm her way into my life, much less my heart? There's no trying to deny it anymore. None. I'd lost that specific war a long time ago and I'm finally woman enough to admit it. I tried countless times to push her away from me and yet she kept coming back like a bad case of crabs.
Well…maybe not crabs, but you get my point. I didn't want her. Didn't want to need her, but I guess that's just life for ya. It apparently doesn't always turn out like a complete pile of hot steaming crap like one would expect it to. She took my breath away that day and I still find myself struggling to properly regain it back at times. The normally quick witted and sarcastic remarks that I throw around for my own (and I guess others) amusement failed me in those moments as she rambled on nervously about her new uniform, and I wanted to slap myself at all of the missed opportunities that I let slip me by. I also wanted to slap myself at the-the-...ugh!-the feelings that were trying to wriggle their way into my consciousness, and at that specific moment in time were beginning to make me feel nauseous. Especiallythe particular feelings that almost broke through the void that is my heart as she adorably (ick!) yanked her apron out from underneath the pile of STDs that was currently her uniform and pranced off to wait on her first table. And I remember how entranced I became as I watched her thin, long, pale, nimble fingers fumble with tying said apron around her waist. Thankfully though it didn't take me long before I was able to gain back enough control of myself to shake out of it and snark to Bryce Lee about her belonging on the Bravo! network and not in our diner, and then for good measure I made sure to let him know again about my thoughts on Molly and her absence. I tried to calm down as I walked into the back by telling myself that I was just imagining things, and as I went into the walk-in to grab what was needed for my shift I kept trying to reassure myself that I was just thrown off of my game thanks to the newness of actually having met Malibu Barbie live and in the flesh. I was even feeling a bit better about everything and was ready to just finish out my day with only minimal casualties when I finally emerged from the walk-in with my arms full of crap.
Then she just had to follow me into the kitchen later on in the shift, again with her rambling that I was supposed to find annoying, and my knees almost gave out when she said my name for the first time. I mean, who the huck knew that a simple three letter name could sound so sensuous coming from someone's mouth? My breath ended up catching momentarily and I almost panicked as I swiftly slapped my hand over my nametag in fear of not being able to control myself if she happened to say it again, and at the last second I somehow managed to regain my cool so with a forced smile I told her the only sentence that had been on repeat in my mind since the second that I saw her earlier, "Don't get attached." This caused her face to fall but only for a moment, because not even a full second later she was beaming back at me again with that smile that I had to keep reminding myself was supposed to be irritating. It was like nothing could keep her down, and that was just another thing that unintentionally made me fall harder for her.
Then at the end of the night it almost physically pained me to let her walk away with her suitcase rolling pathetically along behind her. Something in me screamed that I was an absolute idiot for just letting her walk away, but in my mind the majority ruled. There was simply no waythat I could let the blonde get too close. It was a unanimous agreement of the voices in my mind that it'd be way too dangerous. Too great of a risk. Hell, she was already pulling out thoughts and feelings from me that Robbie still couldn't even dream of producing in our almost full year of dating! And because of this when I went home to Robbie that night I was waging an internal war with myself. On one hand I kinda, sorta, just a little bit already knew that I was only using him for my personal pleasure and issues. On the other hand he really knew how to take my mind off of things, if ya know what I mean…
I can't help but smile lightly to myself and roll my eyes at the thought of finding her asleep on the subway that very next morning. She looked so small and fragile, which aren't words that are normally associated with Caroline of all people; the woman is a freaking self-assured, bulldozing, giant! And that's without her heels and morning coffee! I have to hold back a small chuckle as I remember her horrified shout of, "Oh my God! You've been robbed!" the very first time that she stepped foot into our apartment. Then despite my best efforts I can't stop the next chuckle that manages to slip out as I replay her backtracking from her 'You've been robbed' statement, but I quickly still my movements and quiet myself as I hear a small groan from beside me. I hold my breath for a moment until I'm sure that she's still asleep before slowly moving my right hand out to carefully push some bright blonde strands of hair out of her peacefully sleeping face.
"I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to have you in my life. That it was my run down, dingy, and dirty diner that you decided to walk into all of those years ago," I whisper out almost inaudible as I gently cup her cheek once the strands of hair are safely back in their place. I then melt at the content smile that spreads across her lips as she burrows her face lovingly into my hand with a soft sigh. "I love you," I mumble out tiredly as I softly kiss her forehead before finally turning over to try and get some rest. I have a big day planned for us tomorrow, and I won't be worth crap if I can't manage to snag at least a few hours of sleep.
I growl softly in agitation before abruptly sitting up and throwing my legs over the side of our bed. I've been tossing and turning for what feels like hours now, and I just can't do it anymore. I'm too wound up and ready for action, but unfortunately for me the only person who can currently help me with that is peacefully snoring away all comfy cozy and I refuse to wake her up. She'll be able to tell immediately that something's up and she'll call me on it in a heartbeat, which is exactly what's already happened multiple times earlier in the day. I roll my eyes in annoyance at myself and my stupid anxiety before shoving off the bed and staggering blearily out into the kitchen. I grab my phone off the charger on the kitchen counter and scowl at the clock on it (3:25am) before tossing it carelessly towards the direction that the couch should be in, and then I rub my eyes fiercely as I try to clear away the lingering tiredness. After a rough shake of my head and body I slowly walk over to our purple oven and gently pull out the little teal box that I have stashed away inside it that's causing all of the uneasy feelings to endlessly turn in my head. Still, even with all of the feelings I can't stop the stupid smile that overtakes my face as I carefully open it, staring at it in complete and utter awe. It's the nicest thing that I've EVER owned in my entire life, and the ironic thing about it is that I never thought I'd ever receive one of these, like ever, much less be the type of person to actually GIVE ONE AWAY!
I straighten up and basically blindly make my way over to the couch with my idiotic grin still firmly in place as my eyes drink in the moderately sized lab grown diamond set into a 5 carat white gold band that shines even in the low light filtering into the apartment from the busted street lamps and full moon hanging around outside. Still entranced I plop down carelessly on the couch before springing back up with a shriek, which is only just slightly louder than the yell of fright that's released from whoever was just underneath me. I hurry to spin around while clutching my chest with one hand as I snap the ring box closed and then hold it in a death grip with the other one. Then I scowl darkly at the out of control 'fro and dark eyes now staring wearily back up at me with the rest of his body covered under the blanket.
"What the actual hell, Deke?!" I shout at him in a whisper, quickly chucking the ring box in my hand at him forcefully and ignoring his groan of pain as I lightly jog back over to our room to check on Caroline. Thankfully she's still snoring away on her side with Nancy now curled up in the space that I had previously vacated.
"Sorry, Max. I didn't think that you'd be up at all until later in the morning," Deke mumbles out sheepishly as I stalk my way back over to him in annoyance when I'm one hundred percent certain that Caroline's not gonna be up anytime soon. I just simply glare at him with my hip cocked out as I impatiently twirl the hand that's not on my hip in the air for him to hurry up and continue. "It's cold outside?" is the only other thing he pathetically offers up and I have to forcefully stop my shriek of disbelief.
"Seriously, dude?! 'It's cold outside' is your answer to sneaking in and sleeping on my couch tonight of all nights?!" I bark out quietly with my glare still firmly in place as I abruptly turn on my heel and make my way back into the kitchen. I need a damn drink…
"Hey, bro! Be glad that it was tonight and not tomorrow night," he jokes with a wink as he waves the now opened ring box around while waggling his eyebrows at me suggestively.
"And if I had decided to just say 'Fuck it' and ask her early? Then what, genius?" I counter back as I grab a bottle of Vodka from the freezer and pour a generous amount into two glasses. I then splash a little cranberry juice into each glass before grabbing them both and making my way back over to the couch. Without warning I plop myself down onto his legs as hard as I can, and I can't help but let loose a pleased smirk when I hear his yelp of pain and feel him jerk his legs out from under me. I see him open his mouth to most likely whine out a protest, but before he gets the chance to I yank my ring away from him and shove one of the glasses into his now empty hand to take its place.
"But you didn't," is what he responds with instead while pointing his finger holding the glass at me knowingly before trying to take a smooth gulp from his glass and having to hold back the cough that I know he wants to release at the strength of the drink.
"But you didn't know that," I counter back with another scowl that immediately falls away into a small but pleased smile at the familiar burn of the liquid as I take my own decently sized gulp.
"But I did, though," he counters back again with that knowing smile plastered back on his face and again my scowl's instantly back in place.
"Please, do tell me how you would just so happen to know whether or not I'd decided to pop the question early? Cause it's not like I'm a spontaneous person or anything," I snap back sarcastically but also playfully. I was originally super pissed to find him sleeping on my couch, but I can't deny that his familiarity and our usual banter back and forth is calming for my nerves. Tomorrow's going to be one of the (if not the) biggest day(s) of my life. For the first time ever I'm going to truly lay myself emotionally bare for another person. I'm going to put my entire (until now completely uncertain) future completely in their hands and I've honestly never been more terrified.
"Because you're you, Max," is what he responds back with and I can't stop the snort of disbelief and amusement. Which ends up hurting like a bitch thanks to the fact that I'm mid-drink. When I'm finally able to recover from my as-silent-as-I-can-make-it coughing fit Deke quickly scrambles to elaborate at the murderous look now overtaking my features. Tonight of all nights is no time for wasting alcohol! "What I mean is that when you take the time to really plan something out, ya know like really put in the effort- which by the way we all know is insanely rare for you- to get something done, you don't stop until it's perfect. Which means that there's no way that you'd blow over a month of constant neurotic prep for some spontaneous moment," he finishes proudly and I'm a little shell-shocked.
"See!" I start loudly now that the vodka is starting to run its course before remembering that Caroline's hopefully still sleeping peacefully only a hundred feet away, and I have to take a deep breath to try and calm myself down. Deke just watches me calmly over the rim of his glass with his eyebrow casually raised and a small smirk playing on his lips. "This!" I exclaim quieter now as I point accusingly at him, "This is exactly why I don't have any friends! You people are more difficult than you're worth," I huff out before draining the rest of my drink in one gulp and hurrying back into the kitchen.
"Ah c'mon, Max! Is it reallythat bad finally having people in your life that care for you? Who were able to break past all of your barbed wire and poison to really get to know you? Who'll do anything that they can to help you out in life?" He questions me smugly as he watches me pour another drink (This time sans cranberry juice) and snatch the bottle off of the counter before stomping my way back over to the couch and proceeding to shove the bottle roughly into his person. "Owww," he breathes out while gently rubbing his (now hopefully now bruised) chest.
"What is my rule when it comes to talking and emotions?" I snap out as I bring the glass to my lips to again down the contents of it with a grimace.
"Max," he sighs out softly with an expression covering his face that I don't like so I snap my burning eyes to lock on his own.
"What is it, Deke?!" I demand hotly and he just rolls his eyes before pouring me another drink, downing his own, and then again refilling his own glass.
"The rule is that the only time we're allowed to mix emotions and talking is if we're both already at least four drinks in," he repeats sarcastically with another roll of his eyes for good measure to try and show me that he thinks my rule is shit. I relax at this with a small smirk and a nod, pleased that I'm only on my third drink and he's only on his second. "Seriously though…Max," he begins again after a long moment so I turn my face into the back of the couch in complete exasperation and release a tortured groan.
"Uggghhhh! Why are you such a freaking girl sometimes Deke?! Why?!" I yell out dramatically into the back of the couch before taking a (what's supposed to be) calming deep breath and turning back to face him with a blank expression.
"Call me what you wish, but this is a big step for you Max. A huge one, really. I just wanna know that it's the right one for you, and I wanna make sure that you're ok," he tells me softly with the most serious look I think I've ever seen on his face. It only lasts a few seconds though before he's turning away from me to pour us both another drink.
"I guess this is technically my fourth drink, so fuck it," I mutter to myself as I studt the newly filled glass for a moment, downing the drink again and steeling myself for what I'm about to try and say. "I'm great, Deke. Really, I promise I am," I begin before pausing to giggle at his disbelieving stare. He goes to voice his disbelief but I cut him off before he can. "Look, dude. Is this something that I ever saw for myself?" I ask him, and at his confused stare I just answer my own question. "Hell no! It's most definitely not! Just like if you would've told me almost five years ago before I met her that I'd also meet you, in a freaking pastry school no less, and that I'd actually be a partial owner of a cupcake shop then I would've laughed in your face as well as called you a few choice names. But…it actually happened, Deke. All of it. It doesn't matter anymore how I saw my life going in the past, because I didn't have a future back then. I didn't think that I deserved a future back then. Back before Caroline…," I trail off with a dreamy smile overtaking my face as I randomly remember the time that she made us audition for CupCake Wars. Man this vodka is strong! Thanks Oleg hehe.
"Do you really believe that you don't deserve to have a future?" Deke questions me in shock which breaks me from my daydream, and there's a deep sadness radiating from him. I can't help the self deprecating chuckle that comes out because of it.
"I do now, but honestly no. Not back then," I answer him after a brief pause and it looks like he's gearing up to say something else sappy so I plow on ahead before he can. "But Caroline…She didn't give me much of a choice in the matter. She found me where I was and demanded that I do more; be more. She barged her way into my work, my home, and then like the pale, uncoordinated, emotional ninja that she is, my heart," I say with my cheeks now burning from embarrassment as the sap. Thankfully Deke now seems too drunk to really notice or care as his eyes widen in adoration at my words.
"Awwweee, bro! That's so freaking cute! You should totally use that in your vows since she's obviously gonna say yes," Deke squeals out while clapping his hands together and accidentally spilling vodka from the glass still held precariously in his hands.
"I might," I laugh out with a small eye roll as I grab the vodka bottle away from him as he grabs it to try and pour himself some more. "If she really does say yes, anyways," I mumble out while glancing over to the empty doorway of our room as the insecurities that have been plaguing me all night return to the forefront of my mind.
"She is! I know she is…Y-you guys are like…super perfect for each other, ya know? You balance each other out an-and stuff," he slurs as he places his now empty glass on the coffee table and stretches back out on the couch with a happy groan. I patiently let him throw his legs over my lap as he snuggles back down with a content sigh as my mind starts to turn.
"I like to believe we are," I say softly as I watch him slowly pass back out with a small grin on his face. I stay there for about another twenty or so minutes while nursing another drink until I feel like I might actually be able to grab some sleep, and then I reluctantly stand to put everything away before making my way back to the woman who stole my heart long before she stole my bed.
—-
I'm slowly brought back into consciousness by the delicious feeling of perfect lips skimming along my neck and shoulders while occasionally dropping addicting kisses along their way, and I can't help the loud moan that slips out as she expertly finds my pulse point and bites down hard.
"Mmmm…And good morning to you too, beautiful," I murmur out happily as I slowly turn over to face her in our bed. My heart skips a beat like it always does when I see her blue eyes gazing at me like I'm the only important thing in her world, and it's this. This right here that lets me know that all of my hard work leading up to today has definitely been worth it. "How'd you sleep?" I question with a lazy grin as I rake my eyes up and down her mostly exposed body. Mmmmmmm. Soooo sexy. Look at those legs…
"I slept ok. I kept having this weird dream where Nancy was hiding something from me. I tried and tried but I seriously couldn't figure it out. Then I was complaining about it in the diner one day and Han overheard me, so I just decided to get his and Oleg's help to try and spy on her. We had this huge plan all figured out and we were in the process of executing it, but I can't remember the ending," she tells me seriously with a puzzled look on her face that includes a small pout and I can't help but lose it. I laugh so hard that tears begin to roll down my face and I can't stop myself as I automatically reach out to pull her as close to me as I can get us with our clothes still on.
"That damned Nancy! I've already lost track of the amount of times I've told her to stop conspiring against you," I joke with a failed serious look before smashing our lips together hungrily. We stay in bed for a bit just fooling around, and right when I'm about to throw all of my carefully laid plans for today out of the window to get some there's a loud banging on our bedroom door that scares the absolute shit out of both of us.
"Oh my God! Max! Who's here?!" Caroline screeches out in fear as she yanks my pillow knife out from its spot and jumps into a kneeling position on the bed.
"Whoa there killer!" I shout out in surprised amusement as I quickly shoot my hand out to grab her wrist. "It's just Deke, baby. WHO I'M GOING TO PERSONALLY MURDER, DISMEMBER, AND FEED HIS BODY TO THE PIGEONS IF HE DOESN'T BEAT IT!" I say calmly to her before raising my voice loud enough to be heard clearly through the door.
"Wait, what? Why is-" she tries to question with an adorable head tilt in confusion as I gently pry the knife from her hand and put it back under my pillow where it goes, but she trails off once I use my free hand to cup her ass and pull her to straddle me.
"Because he's Deke, babe," is all that I tell her before pulling us into another heated make-out session. Or, at least I try to make it a session before Deke is again banging loudly on the bedroom door. "DEKE!" I roar out while silently preparing myself to murder my best friend.
"WHAT?! YOU TOLD ME TO BEAT IT!" He laughs back jovially through the door as he then begins to play out Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' against the still closed door. This causes me to lose all of my steam, and I just end up throwing myself backwards with a pained groan while trying to pinpoint the exact moment when I willingly surrounded myself with dweebs.
—-
"Wait, Max? What are we doing here?" Caroline questions me uncertainly as we turn onto the block where Tiffany's is located hand in hand.
"I know you used to come here all the time before everything happened with your dad and stuff…" I start nervously as I slowly start to rub my free hand up and down my leg as we walk. I take a deep breath and force myself to match her bright blue gaze as we slowly walk up on our destination and I clear the lump from my throat to hesitantly continue. "So, ya know…I just kinda wanted to come back here with you, now that it's been all these years and stuff, and now that you're in a better place. I figured we could do the cheesy tourist trap thing and have breakfast, and just talk and stuff," I finish lamely with a weak smile as we finally come to a stop at the corner of the store.
"Oh, Max," she starts quietly before pausing with a slight laugh to wipe carefully under her eyes.
"Is it stupid? It is, isn't it? I knew it," I ramble out while trying and almost failing to keep my emotions in check as I look everywhere but at her. Way to fail so early in the day Black!
"No! Max, no!" She tells me sincerely, snatching up both of my hands from where they're nervously twisting themselves over and over each other and bending down to try and catch my eyes. She doesn't speak so I reluctantly raise my eyes to meet her own knowing that's what she's waiting on. "Max. Max this…This is absolutely amazing. It's so thoughtful. I really haven't been back here since everything happened even though I've definitely thought about it over the years. I never really felt ready for it though. I'm in such a better place now mentally and emotionally and that's all because of you, so it's perfect that you're the one with me the first time I come back here. Do you know that even though I used to visit this building at least once a week, I've never had breakfast here?"
"Seriously?" I ask in surprise. Hell even I've had breakfast here before.
"Seriously. I don't even know why, either. It's just something that I never thought to stop and do. I guess I felt that since I was from the city I never needed to experience any of the touristy things," she answers with her smile that she reserves only for me and a small shrug. This causes me to gain some of my bravado back, so I shoot her a playful grin before spinning her around by our still linked hands a few times and reveling in the music that is her laughter.
"Wait here," I instruct her, slightly out of breath as I safely deposit her against the wall of the building and sneak around the corner to meet Han.
"Max! Pssst! Max!" I hear from behind the dumpster up ahead and I can't control the smirk that spreads across my lips as I see the little man peeking around it carefully.
"I see you, Han!" I snap out in slight irritation as he continues to wave and 'psst' at me. "I see that you've finally decided to upgrade from your shoebox to a mansion," I snark out with a grin that turns into a quiet laugh at the disgruntled look now settling on his face.
"Hey! I don't have to help you, you know! I could have easily just-" he begins in a high pitched voice and I sigh impatiently as I hurriedly place my hand over his mouth.
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, or whatever. Do you have the food, or not? She's gonna get suspicious if I stay back here any longer," I rush out, and then throw him a small smile to take out the harshness of my words.
"Yes. Here," he says after yanking away from my hand. He then shoves a fully loaded picnic basket into my arms and I almost lose my balance at the weight of it.
"Oh, snap! Thanks Bryce Lee," I tell him honestly with a real smile before turning around and hurrying back to Caroline without a backwards glance.
—-
"A walk in Central Park too, Max? What's gotten into you today?" Caroline jokes as she leans further into me as we're walking up to one of the many entrances of the normally crowded park arm in arm. Thanks to the currently colder weather there are significantly less people around than normal.
"What do you-," I stop to clear my throat nervously, "what do you mean? We're just on a walk babe. You're making it out to be bigger than it is," I say nonchalantly, and I have to hold back my smirk at the look of utter disbelief on her face right now.
"Just on a…Just on a walk?!" She shrieks out incredulously and it takes every ounce of willpower that I possess to keep my expression casual.
"Yeah," I answer with a small shrug of my shoulder and she yanks me to a halt.
"Max, darling…," she starts in slight exasperation while batting her eyelashes at me, "You know I love you, but c'mon! I've begged you for years! Years, Max! To come on a walk with me in Central Park and every time I do it's some excuse or snarky comment from you. So seriously, what's up?" She demands while trying to stare deep into my eyes. I, of course, don't let her because she'll see right through me if I try to lie while looking her in the eye. So, instead I use our still linked arms to get us moving again while I do my best to answer her well enough to get her to drop her suspicion.
"There's nothing up, babe. I just…" I trail off with a frustrated sigh as I easily find the words I'm looking for but struggle to say them out loud. This is Caroline though; the woman who's patiently strolling along with a thrilled smile trying to overtake her face from something as simple as a freaking walk in the park, so here goes I guess. "I just…I've been thinking a lot recently, about everything-,"
"Everything?" She jumps in to question me in surprise.
"Yeah, everything. Me, the diner, our cupcake business, our friends…You."
"Me?" Again with the surprise and now an adorably confused look.
"Yeah, of course you! Always you," I tell her sappily, and I'll happily take whatever cavities I just created in my mouth for the loving kiss and beaming smile that I receive for that line. "And in my thinking of you I realized that I can be kinda difficult-"
"Kinda?!" She laughs out in amusement and I try to scowl at her for a second before dissolving into my own fit of giggles.
"Hey! Do you wanna hear what I've gotta say, or not?!" I bark out with fake annoyance as I try to get myself together.
"Always, Max. Always," she tells me softly with such love shining in her eyes that I almost slip and tell her everything. Not yet Black. Soon. At this thought I glance at my phone quickly before smiling slightly at the time.
"Well, anyways, I was thinking about it and I realized that I could stand to be a little more romantic. Ya know, take you out on some real dates here and there, do some of the sappy and kinda dumb things that I know you love doing, and just overall be more attentive to you and your needs," I say, finishing lamely with a shrug and an uncertain grin up at her.
"How did I get so lucky?" She whispers out in a weird voice as she again stops our movement.
"What do you-?" I try to ask as I turn to face her, but she cuts me off with a bruising kiss as she carefully backs me into the nearest tree. This causes me to forget everything but her and her tasty lips and tongue as we meld together in a dance that we know all too well at this point. A dance that I know deep down that I'll never tire of and now never be able to live without.
"What I mean," she pants out after we finally come up for air and she gently places her forehead against mine while locking our eyes, "is how did I manage to find my everything in a time when I had thought that I'd managed to lose it all?" She finishes in an awed whisper and I can only just shrug my shoulders again with a watery smile as a response, because I know that the moment I try and form a sentence the waterworks are gonna start and possibly not stop for hours. I don't have to verbally respond to her though because she gives me a knowing look before placing one last gentle kiss against my lips, wipes away the errant tears that still somehow managed to escape, and then grabs my hand to coax me back into our stroll.
—-
"Max! We're going to be late!" Caroline whines out as she glances back at me from her place in front of me. She's currently dragging me along behind her as we make our way back to our apartment, and I'm doing everything in my power to try and stall her until I get the go ahead from Sophie.
"Will you calm down please?! You're about to yank my arm off and we both know that you'll be devastated if I lose this particular appendage," I joke as I plant my feet firmly into the sidewalk to halt her forward progress. We're getting too close to the apartment for my liking seeing as Sophie's text is running late. I then laugh loudly at the blush now covering Caroline's normally pale features as she glances between my right hand linked with her left one and my face with an unreadable look covering her own.
"But-," she tries as she looks in the direction of our apartment again and then back at me while shifting from foot to foot.
"But nothing," I laugh out as I use our still intertwined hands to pull her to me, wrapping my arms tightly around her before just casually resting my head in between her neck and shoulder like I've done thousands of times before.
"The shop, though," she still tries half-heartedly and I chuckle lightly for a second before lazily beginning to plant barely there kisses along the pale expanse beneath me as she automatically wraps her own arms around me.
"The shop will still be there tomorrow. We're having an 'us' day, remember?" I remind her happily.
"Mmmm, we are. The best 'us' day that I think we've ever had," she answers back and I feel my stomach erupt in giddy butterflies. Only this woman…
"Only the best for my gal," I reply only partially joking.
"If you keep this up Ms. Black you're going to get me used to being spoiled again," she jokes with a tight squeeze. She then drops a lingering kiss on my head, that transfers over to my lips as I quickly look up to her with a pout, and then she breaks our embrace but still keeps one arm tightly around my shoulders.
"What can I say? You deserve every bit of it," I say honestly as I lightly shrug the shoulder that her arm's over, and then I laugh as she groans. "What?" I ask in amusement as she uses her free hand to pinch the bridge of her nose.
"You're going to tell everyone how I took out that group of seniors at the ice rink, aren't you?" She questions me while eying me sideways. This causes me to double over in laughter as I picture Caroline's flailing limbs and panicked screeching as she barrels straight towards a bunch of old people and their safety devices. She ended up taking them out like bowling pins, and even though I'm supposed to be wooing her today I couldn't help the instant teasing.
"Oh God," I manage to choke out as I try to stand and wipe the tears from my eyes.
"It's not funny Max! I think I really hurt some of those people," she pouts out as she removes her arm from me to cross them defensively over her chest. She then stomps her foot with a small growl before turning away from me and storming back towards the apartment again when I fail to control myself.
"Wait! Caroline, wait!" I yell out breathlessly as I take off after her, sliding my arm through hers as I match her stride with a playful grin. "Well I wasn't gonna say anything to anyone, but since you just decided to leave meback there I think I will," I tease her with a wink, and she throws me a seductive look that makes my throat dry up and my grin falter.
"Are you sure you really wanna do that, Max?" She purrs out as she uses her free hand to slowly trail up and down my arm that's linked with her own. I go to answer her but she cuts me off before I can as she blatantly rakes her eyes lustfully up and down my body. "Because I'm sure that we can make a deal that…benefits the both of us," she whispers into my ear while lustfully elongating the word 'benefits'. Her breath is warm against my skin and it sends a violent shiver down my spine as I imagine all of the deals that we could make.
"Mhmm," is all I manage to force out, and even then it's a few octaves higher than I wanted it to be.
"I thought so," Caroline husks into my ear before slowly using her tongue to trace the shell, then she gently sucks my lobe into her mouth before biting down sharply and grinning at the moan I let slip. Just before I'm about to lose all of my control and drag her into the nearest alley to have my way with her I feel my phone buzz violently in my pocket over and over again, and I can't help but jump away from Caroline as if I'd been doused in ice water. "Max? Are you ok?" She asks me worriedly as she takes a hesitant step towards me.
"Ye-ah!" I blurt out awkwardly as I hurriedly try to discreetly read the messages coming in from Sophie and Oleg. I blush lightly at Oleg's messages after I look at Sophie's before shoving my phone back into my pocket and turning to face Caroline with a nervous grin.
"You're sure?" She questions again while eyeing me wearily.
"I am. I'm fantastic!" I blurt out. I then look away from her with a grimace as I try to get a grip on my nerves.
"Max…?" She begins hesitantly so I gently grab her hand once I turn back to face her hopefully.
"I promise I'm ok. Just tired. Are you ready?" I tell her and she only eyes me for a moment longer before nodding once and then turning so that we can continue on our way home. She keeps throwing me mixed looks the rest of the way back home, and by the time we finally reach our door I'm a giant mess of anxiety and nerves. "Wait!" I accidentally shout as she pulls out her keys to unlock the door.
"Ok, that's it! Seriously, Max! What in the hell is going on?" She demands as she drops her hand holding her keys to her hip when she spins around to stare me down. I open and close my mouth helplessly for a few seconds like a fish out of water before I hesitantly reach out to grab her hand off of her hip and pull her to me again.
"Do you trust me?" I ask her seriously and I feel her try to step back in surprise at my question. I don't relax my grip on her in the slightest though, holding her firmly in place as I stare expectantly up at her. She furrows her eyebrows as she searches my eyes for answers, but I know the only thing that she's currently seeing in them is my own question mirrored back to her.
"Of course I trust you! What kind of question is that?!" She answers in confusion and I smile happily back at her.
"Then just…Trust me please?" I ask as I gently pry the keys from her hand and step in between her and the door. "Close your eyes?" I ask, and she only tilts her head to the side while looking at me expectantly. "Please? You said you'd trust me," I point out with a pleading look and she sighs deeply before closing her eyes tightly.
"You'd better not be up to something dangerous," she remarks wearily as I unlock the door and slowly push it open. I then halt momentarily as my breath catches in my throat.
"Holy shit!" I mutter under my breath as I take in the scene laid out before me. I mean…I know that I'm the one who came up with everything, but the fact that all of the others managed to bring it all together so flawlessly is nothing short of a miracle.
"Max?" Caroline calls out from behind me and I quickly spin around while bringing up my hand to point sternly at her.
"Keep your eyes shut!" I demand through a giant smile before dropping my hand and quickly making my way behind her to place my hands on both of her hips. "Keep them shut until I tell you to open them," I instruct her as I navigate us both through the open door and into the dimly lit living room. I lead her over to our couch that's currently covered in a deep red lace that looks gorgeous in the flickering light of the candles, and I slowly help her sit down with a quickie kiss before I take off into the kitchen.
"Why does it smell so good in here? I honestly never thought that the undertone of sewage and liquor that lingers in the air could ever be replaced…And why does the couch feel weird? Max! Is this lace?" She begins to ramble as she swivels her head back and forth curiously. To her credit she manages to keep her eyes tightly shut, but I know that it takes all of her willpower to do it.
"Just one more second," I promise her as I rush around the kitchen and living room setting up some last minute items. I'm gonna have to get everyone their own individual thank you gifts if everything goes as planned tonight. I still can't believe that everyone pulled it off.
"Maaaaxxxx," Caroline whines as I pull out our dinner from the oven where it was being kept warm and I take a deep breath as I finally make my way over to the couch where she's now impatiently bouncing up and down.
"O-ok," I stutter out lamely, and I don't even have to tell her to open her eyes before her baby blues are slowly taking in the room in amazement.
"Max," she breathes out in disbelief. She keeps bringing her eyes to mine every few seconds before they wander off again to take in the transformation of our living room.
"I just-Like I said earlier…You deserve to have nice things done for you more often," I explain lamely as I watch her eyes mist over. "It's…It's ok, right?" I ask her uncertainly as I play nervously with my hands.
"Ok…? Ok?! Max! This is…It's more than ok. It's beautiful," she breathes out as she again sweeps her eyes over the living room. There are candles covering almost every flat surface, and the surfaces that don't have candles on them are covered in rose petals. There are multiple vases of different colored roses littering the room and kitchen, as well as another vase of orchids and two deep red candles lit on our coffee table. The T.V. is playing our favorite show on mute for a quiet distraction as well as more light, and there's a bottle of Champagne sitting in an ice bucket with two plastic flutes next to it. They're already each mostly full and our dinner of steak, shrimp, asparagus, and baked potatoes are set on either side of them.
"Yeah?" I ask with a goofy grin. I'm thrilled with the emotions that are flitting over her face as she tries to comprehend everything, and instead of answering me she just turns and pounces. Before I can register what's happening she's got her thigh pressed high between my legs and her tongue down my throat, and it physically pains me to break up what she's trying to start. Almost. You've got this Black. Just a little longer…
"Mmmmm, noooo!" She whines as I gently push her off of me, and I almost lose the battle as she pushes forward again to begin sucking on my neck.
"C-Caroline!" I moan out as I again reluctantly push her away.
"Maaaxxxx!" She whines out again except this time she settles back in her original place on the couch with an adorable pout.
"We don't want our dinner to get cold," I tell her with a smirk as I gesture towards the food, and her eyes widen in surprise as her stomach releases a monsterous growl. Her cheeks slowly turn pink and I just chuckle as I reach forward to grab both of the champagne flutes.
—-
"You're absolutely amazing, Max," Caroline murmurs out from her position against my shoulder as we lazily watch the soundless T.V. She's gently running her hand up and down my arm as we just enjoy each other's company after such a long day and fulfilling meal.
"Mmmmm, I beg to differ. You're the amazing one," I reply with a pleased smile. I still can't believe that everything came together perfectly, and now there's just one last thing to do.
"No, you are," she argues with me playfully before pouting over at me and clutching my arm tightly as I try to stand. "Noo! Where are you going?!" She demands.
"To get dessert," I answer simply as I try to shake off her death grip.
"There's dessert?" She chirps out excitedly and I can't stop the nerves that again flood my body.
"That there is," I say as she finally lets me go and I try not to run into the kitchen in my excitement/terror. "Ok…Deep breaths, Black. You've got this. She loves you," I mutter to myself as I pull out the homemade cherry cheesecake and cut us two slices.
"What's the dessert?" Caroline calls out curiously from the couch and I almost drop the ring box in surprise.
"Y-you'll see," I call back and then curse myself silently as my voice cracks slightly.
"Is it cupcakes?" She questions and I roll my eyes in amusement at her impatience.
"No," is all I respond with as I finish carefully placing the ring on top of Caroline's slice. I then take another huge deep breath and slowly release it. "Here goes nothing," I breathe out unsteadily as I slowly turn around and nervously begin to make my way back into the living room.
"Oh! Cheesecake! I love cheesecake!" She squeals out happily with her teeth on full display as she catches sight of her dessert, and I can literally see the moment that the cogs in her mind start working overtime. My heart drops down into my stomach while the butterflies that had taken residence in it for the past week decide to make their way to where my heart just was. "M-Max? What is…?" She begins before trailing off at seeing me now kneeling right beside her. She gasps dramatically while flinging her hands up to cover her open mouth, and I can see the hopeful tears welling up in her deep blue eyes.
"Caroline," I begin firmly as I carefully pluck the ring from off the top of the cake that now sits on top of the coffee table and wipe it off nervously on my shirt. "I…I-um…," I stop and clear my throat a few times before finally just going for it. "You make me better. From the moment you stormed into my life you've been pushing me to be a functional member of society and for some odd reason that I just can't seem to explain, you actually make me wantto be. You're everything that I didn't know I wanted or needed, but now that I have you I don't ever want to let you go," I reach up and pull her hands away from her mouth with the hand not currently locked around the ring, and I let Caroline shakily link our fingers together in a death grip. "I know that I'll never be able to give you the type of life that you originally came from, and I'm sorry that this isn't the type of ring that you probably used to imagine getting when your Prince Charming asked you to marry him, but I'm here. I'm here, and I'm trying, and I just…Will you-Caroline, will you marry me?" I finish hopefully.
It's now so silent that I can hear the next door neighbors going at it through the walls, and I feel as if I'm gonna be sick the longer she just stares at me in shock. I'm fixing to stand up and try to play everything off as a giant joke, but before I can she uses our intertwined hands to pull me into the most breathtaking kiss that I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. And let me tell ya, some of our previous kisses seemed hard to top. Not anymore though. Now this is the kiss to top all kisses.
"Yes, Max. God yes," Caroline breathes out as we finally part for air, and I only give us a brief second before I'm pulling her back in. I can't even begin to describe the elation that I'm currently feeling. All I know is that I never thought it was possible to feel like this in life, and I'm smart enough to know that it's only possible now thanks to the ditzy blonde who's currently pulling me up from the couch with a come hither look so intense that my knees almost give out. I muster up all of my strength and just manage to stay upright as I halt her progress towards the bedroom, but only long enough to lovingly slide the ring on her finger where it'll hopefully sit for years to come.
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