𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 | ✓

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩 𝟏𝟗

I find myself watching her from behind from the island stool, as she cooks us dinner on the stove.

The way she moved was mesmerising, each motion fluid and graceful. I found myself entranced by the way her long hair swayed with each turn, and the gentle curve of her back as she leant over to check on the simmering pot. It was as if time had slowed down, and all that mattered in that moment was the simple pleasure of watching her cook.

She insisted on cooking a meal I mentioned I didn't like on the drive home, "I grew up being a stubborn picky eater," she explains, her back still turned towards me. "So trust me, my recipes are always better." she says confidently, before suddenly turning around and heading towards me with a spoon, leaning over the counter. I hesitate, pulling my face back a little, "Just try it." she urged.

With a hesitant sigh, I parted my lips and allowed her to dip the spoon into my mouth. Her face is full of hope as she eagerly waits for a reaction. The initial taste was minimal but as I began to chew, a wave of flavour formed in my mouth. But to my surprise, it's actually the best thing I've ever tasted.

Her lips turn into a wide smile as she watches my face, "You like it," her voice full of excitement and pride, "I told you." I felt a flutter in my chest, a sudden rush of warmth that spread through my body. I couldn't help but return her smile, my own lips curving upwards in response.

With a graceful hand, she began to plate the food, setting the dishes down on the table with a gentle thud. I take a seat across from her, our eyes meeting as we settle in. "it's my turn to cook next." I state before lifting the fork and taking a bite. She nods with a gentle smile. I never knew she was a good cook, but of course, I didn't know much about her in general.

As we sat across from each other, the conversation flowed naturally between us. I found myself learning more about her with each passing moment, though we've never delved into deep, personal questions.

After a moment of silence and eating, she eventually brings up my meeting abroad. Her eyes fixated on the fork pushing her food around her plate. "It's only for a couple of days," I reassure, with a mouthful of food, swallowing it before I continue, "and It's only a few hours away, so hopefully it goes by quickly, that is if they don't drag it on," I add.

I know I can't leave her alone for too long, not with everything that was happening. She stays quiet, her head low and still playing with her food. "Gonna miss me?" With a playful glint in my eye, I playfully tease her, hoping to bring a smile to her face and lighten her mood. She paused for a moment, her eyes fixed on her plate. When she finally looked up at me, I could see the hesitation in her expression. "No," she said softly, "I just— hate being here alone." A frown crept onto my face as I processed her words, I didn't know that she appreciated me being here at all.

With a sly grin, I leaned back in my chair and looked at her. "It's still a few days away," I reassure, "We can still live it up until then." That seems to bring a small smile to her face, but I'm not a hundred percent convinced that she's okay with the idea, "And not only do you get to spend time with me, but you also have an event to attend tomorrow night as my lovely wife." I add, a hint of tease in my tone.

As I observed her, a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. With a playful grin, she rose from her seat and reached across the table for my plate. "Okay, that's fun," she said, but before she could grab my plate, I stop her with a shake of my head. "I got it," I say gently, dismissing her, "Thank you for dinner." I add. She gives me a soft smile in return, before heading down the hallway.

I take the time to organise some type of protection over Vivienne for a few days while I'm gone, she's already worried about being alone, what's the harm in extra protection? Eventually, With a deep sigh, I rose from the table and gathered the dirty dishes, carefully balancing them in my hands as I made my way to the kitchen. Once the kitchen was tidy, I began to make my way down the dimly lit hallway towards my bedroom myself.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

I've showered and climbed into bed, but I can't seem to fall asleep. I toss and turn, shuffling around the bed. My brain won't let me sleep, imagining her being upset in the other room again.

Reluctantly, I climb out of bed, my feet moving against the floor as I walked down the hallway, My mind preoccupied with thoughts of her. I reached her door and hesitated for a moment before slowly pushing it open, careful not to make a sound.

The sight of her lying down, sleeping peacefully, instantly relieves me. My ears strain to hear any noise, but it's silent. My eyes scan her room before I eventually pull the door closed quietly.

I release a deep sigh, feeling somewhat relieved. It pains me that she suffers, I feel the urge to take away any pain and suffering away from her.

I turn back towards my bedroom, returning back inside and into my bed, successfully falling asleep, knowing that she's okay.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───
AN/ word count - 1000