Layla surprises Steven with a date at a bookshop, much to his delight. Steven gets flustered at the prospect of being flirted with by a girl, Marc supporting him. Just cuteness between all 3. If you have any chapter ideas please let me know.
Steven tried to ease his racing mind, anxiety pooling in his stomach as he allowed Layla to lead him along the busy London streets. Since losing his previous employment, he never really left the house much and just tried to find new hobbies. He was so used to living anonymously, just another face in the crowd, but since he developed his friendship with Marc, since he began dating Layla, he'd seen that he got so much more attention. But then Layla was beautiful, her dark brown curls that bounced as she walked, her intense brown eyes, that smile that just made you melt inside. He had never met a woman like her before, she was one in a million, when she slipped into her native arabic tongue it sent chills down his spine. The way her tone changed, her accent, her personality. She had him wrapped around her finger. A bright smile on her lips, excitement filling her like a small child on an adventure, they had been through so much together, fighting Harrow, defeating Ammit. He had entered all new kinds of words, seen all sorts of things, met all kinds of people, growing and learning along the way. But gaining so much more attention wasn't something he was used to, the gaze of strangers burning into him. He'd found his own sense of courage, finding that his intellect was in fact helpful, realising he was stronger than he believed, sealing them both away, saving the world and protecting the gods. And yet somehow he still had anxiety, some things never changed.
"She's got a surprise for you buddy" Marc teased, Layla loved showing gestures of affection and surprising people, she was unpredictable. But then that was one of the reasons he fell in love with her.
Steven swallowed nervously, he knew Marc would be in on this but he was shielding his thoughts from him, intentionally being secretive. He hated being left in the dark by his other alter. Sometimes Marc was present but just watched, observing, as was Steven in return, but they always supported one another. But he sensed nothing malicious about this, he didn't sense something cruel, they would never do that to him. He and Layla had been planning something, at least his intuition told him they were in on this together. He licked his lips, finding his courage "Um... pet? Do you mind telling me where exactly we are headed?" Steven mumbled. They'd been walking a while, though he'd passed so many streets in London before, being friendless he needed to find ways to pass the time. He'd explored all sorts of places, but this was not an area he was familiar with whatsoever, he had to admit he felt rather lost.
Layla turned her head to face him, her eyes shining with mischief, she loved adventure, she was loving every second of this. She knew Steven was still stepping out of his comfort Zone, becoming braver. So she tried to encourage him by doing small gestures, new things that would help him come out of his shell. "Don't like surprises Steven?" she smiled playfully.
Steven blushed, he felt like an arse saying this, he knew she would never intentionally hurt him, they'd worked as a team before, saving the world. When Harrow killed them, she had hunted him down to get revenge on him for killing her husband. Layla had a heart as big as his own, she was gentle and friendly, but she had a temper much like Marc. She was intellectual, patient and resourceful. Layla was their most loyal ally and protector, she would do anything for them both to ensure they were safe; even more so now that she was an Avatar for Tawaret.
"No...no pet I... that's not it, I just... personal experience of being pranked is all..." he protested, none of his coworkers at the museum liked him, they barely tolerated him. They never even remembered his name, they never remembered anything about him, he was just another face in the crowd. Stevie; he still hated that nickname. He was shunned, bullied, mocked, forgotten, undermined; told to shut up, do his job and not to get in the way. He could never speak out and he could never have an opinion of anything. Forced to work in the gift shop, overworked, underpaid and always ignored. He could be a tour guide, more qualified, better position, better pay and actually enjoying his job, instead he was given the worst job at the museum. Nobody cared about how smart he was, how capable he was, how passionate he was about Ancient Egypt, leaving that job had been the best thing to ever happen to him.
Marc growled angrily in their mind, rage filling him, he knew all too well how badly Steven was treated at that job, how lonely he was. The way they never remembered his name, how his boss bullied him and undermined him. How he had so much potential to be a tour guide or more, he had more credentials than anyone on that job. Leaving had been hard for Steven back then, but it was the best choice he ever made.
Layla softened, Marc had told her how bad Steven's life had been, how he tried to give him some semblance of a normal life. How he had no friends, nobody ever spoke to him or cared about him. Forced to work a demeaning job where nobody actually liked him. Hearing it had broken her heart and made her realise why Marc was so protective over Steven. She tried her hardest to find him a new job where he would be happier, where he would be valued. Trying to find him hobbies and protected him whenever someone bullied or mistreated him. She closed the gap, squeezing Steven's hand in her own reassuringly, she had become good at communicating with Steven via gestures and physical touch to show affection. A silent message of "I'm here". She hated how much both he and Marc had suffered together or alone, the way that Khonshu saw Steven as a parasite, an eyesore. How the world had been so cruel to them, Steven was such a sweetheart. He made her feel like the luckiest woman alive. Steven stared into her eyes, intense brown orbs, endless and gentle, like he could lose himself in them, he could smell her perfume, filling his senses and blinding him. She was the smartest person he had ever met. She was cheeky, free spirited, kind and beautiful, everyday he fell deeper in love with her. "Steven, I promise you, it's not a prank, it's not a cruel joke, I wouldn't do that to you. You'll love it, trust me" she soothed. Her smile returning to her face, she knew how much this would mean to him, a special place they could bond over together.
Steven blushed, the sincerity in her voice and her smile eased his worries, the way her hand squeezed his to keep him grounded. She never pressured him to speak, she always waited so patiently, smiling shyly "Ok love". Layla's smile brightened, wrapping her other hand around his arm as she continued to hold his hand tightly, comforting him.
Steven stood in silent awe, shock, happiness and excitement filling him, he wanted to pinch himself just to make sure he wasn't dreaming. This was the best day ever, this was worth being dragged around London like a clueless idiot. This felt like a dream come true, he never knew this place even existed, he could feel himself shaking from excitement. He had no idea how Layla had found this place, but this was the best surprise of his life, he could kiss her right now he was so excited. It was an old ornately vintage bookshop, tucked away from the busier streets, but still public enough to get regular customers. It was a hidden gem, one of those rare finds that felt special, a secret only you knew about. The building was Edwardian, carvings formed into the stone, stained glass windows, he was in love with it already, he couldn't believe Layla had found such a place. He wondered what treasures he would find in this place, he'd end up buying all their stock, he would need to memorise the address so he could come here again. "Layla... pet..." he babbled, he couldn't find the words to show his gratitude. The term blown away didn't even begin to express what he was feeling.
Layla watched his expression fondly, Steven looked like a small child at Christmas, he looked so blissfully happy it warmed her heart. Steven was often in his own world, daydreaming, lost, when he did smile it was always bashful and dorky. But this was a different side of him, another form of happiness. He deserved to be spoiled, he deserved to be valued. "I knew you'd love it, I had to do some snooping, but I had to bring you here. If Marc knew about this he'd just end up spoiling the surprise" she smiled. She'd done research on old bookshops in London and given up, but by chance had stumbled across this place and fell in love, it was perfect for Steven. Marc had a habit of being nosy and getting information, she knew he may accidentally spill the beans which she couldn't risk. So she had to be clever to ensure the surprise wasn't spoiled.
"Touche" Marc agreed, this had been clever planning on her behalf, she had her reasons to keep her secrets, just as he had. She had done this to make Steven happy, to show her love for him. It was a lovely touch.
Steven blushed, this was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for him, he felt his eyes stinging with tears, nobody had put this much thought into him before. Not since Marc replaced their goldfish, he was treated like a child, the voice that always needed to be silenced. He was always seen as the worm, the eyesore, the unwanted one, Khonshu making it known he was incompetent. "You... did this for me?" he questioned in disbelief. Layla had certainly gone all out, making it like an easter egg hunt which was amusing upon reflection.
Layla chuckled, Steven had so many books but they were all about one subject, he could do with some new ones "You can never have too many in the collection" she reminded him. Books were a neverending treasure, varied genre's, authors, often intertwined, a whole world at your fingertips. Steven found comfort in books, they had been his one constant before he realised he was an alter. Sometimes they would cuddle and she would listen to him read her a story, his voice sending her to sleep.
Steven felt his heart flutter, his stomach in knots, he felt like the luckiest man alive. She put so much thought into this, she had wanted to have a day with him. He'd been so focused on expecting the worst that he couldn't appreciate how it could be a nice surprise. She was so good to him, no wonder Tawaret chose her as an avatar, she was always thinking of others, naturally maternal. She was so kind to both of them, she was their family and always would be, he was so in love with this woman it hurt. "I...Thank you" he pressed.
Layla softened, she knew Steven had a hard time accepting kindness and compliments, but he was getting better. Cupping his cheek as she leaned forward to kiss him tenderly, her eyes affectionate, her lips pressing against his, sweet and addictive. Steven leaned into her kiss, enjoying the taste of her lip gloss, he remembered when she gave him kissing lessons after their disastrous first one. She slowly pulled away, still caressing his cheek "Surprise Steven" she hummed. She loved how cute he was when he was embarrassed, wearing his heart on his sleeve, all bashful. Steven felt his cheeks darken, sometimes silence was a good thing, just enjoying the moment and knowing you didn't need words to express yourself. He was so in love with Layla it hurt, he'd never felt this way about anyone before. This was the sort of love he's pined for all his life, this kind of connection with another person. Marc was a lucky man, but so was he, they each had their own relationship with her. Books were one of the special things Layla and he shared together, something they could talk about for hours endlessly.
Steven's eyes lit up as he poured over another book, running his fingers delicately across the shelves, finding title after title of literature. He was holding himself back immensely, he was so spoiled for choice, he made notes of books he would seek out at a later point. His basket full of so many copies, he couldn't wait to take them home, that new book smell. He was truly like a child in a sweet shop, spoiled for choice. Marc remained quiet, allowing him to enjoy the moment, but pleased Steven was so happy. He could sense his happiness, how content he was, losing himself in the moment. He would be here for hours, pouring over the pages. But this would become a positive memory for Steven, one he would treasure.
Layla watched him with fondness from nearby, admiring a few copies of some books herself, her eyes watching him, her heart aching with fondness for him. Watching him hold the books so delicately, caressing the pages, she had to admit it was rather attractive. Giving her the mental image of a teacher, remind her to use that as role-play material later. She'd never seen Steven so focused on anything before, so obsessed with something, she could see how utterly happy he was, practically beaming with joy. So different from Marc, while her husband had never been a reader, he knew how much it meant to her. But being able to speak about this with Steven, it felt special, he even had good recommendations of books she had never heard of. He truly understood her, he respected her. The small things that mattered, he was so adorable.
"She's watching you" Marc smirked, her eyes had been roaming him ever since they entered the shop. She was like a blushing schoolgirl with a crush, admittedly watching her fawn over Steven reminded him of when he first met Layla. This was like a first date, her truly getting to know Steven and courting him as lovers would, but he was happy for them. She was going to be part of both of their lives for the foreseeable future. Steven could be himself without being awkward or nervous, knowing Layla wouldn't tease him or be put off, he could enjoy the moment and actually flirt with a girl. Steven blushed, he had been so lost in the moment he wasn't even aware of it, he briefly peered over his shoulder to see Layla smile at him coyly over a book. He had to admit it felt nice, to be wanted by another person. "She thinks you're cute" Marc chuckled.
"I'm not a kid mate" Steven scoffed under his breath, something about Marc's tone felt like he was making fun of him here. He was having a nice time, he was making memories with Layla. He didn't appreciate Marc making jokes and making him uncomfortable, it soured his mood.
"No, but she finds you endearing, that can equal cute to some people" Marc reminded him, he wasn't making fun of Steven, but he couldn't help but observe. Steven had a good heart and he was painfully himself. Steven had no idea that when he wasn't being awkward, he had an innate sense of charm that drew people to him.
Steven softened, he'd never thought he would see the day where a woman found him attractive. Someone found him cute, a girl found him cute, it was a good feeling and he never wanted it to end. This wasn't an experience he had ever felt before, this feeling of being wanted, yearned for, desired. Layla knew about his shifting, she knew about when they took turns taking control, about the memory gaps in-between. It was rather exciting, her brown eyes peering into his soul, hungry, curious and playful. 'Um Layla..." he stammered, he needed to take the initiative and speak what was on his mind, Layla raised her head from her book. He swallowed, he couldn't back down now, he needed to take the leap "Am I... do you think I'm cute?" he babbled.
Layla blinked in surprise, stunned into temporary speechlessness, wondering what brought this on. She had an idea, possibly Marc teasing him. But yes, she was indeed attracted to Steven, in a different way than she was her husband, she smiled "Very" she winked. There was a boyish, innocent charm to Steven, he wore his heart on his sleeve, he was effortlessly selfless. So different from Marc. Her reasons for being attracted to them were very different things.
Steven felt his face flush, he felt like a deer in headlights, like a small rabbit that Layla the wolf was about to eat. He'd never been called cute by anyone before, the word echoing in his brain, making him squeal internally with excitement. He hid his face in his book shyly, at a loss for words as of what to say, aware he looked like an idiot but he didn't care. Layla giggling in the background fondly.
"Told you" Marc teased