She grinned at him, giving him a loving hug before going to pour two bowls, putting the flowers in the vase distractedly. "You could a trophy boyfriend, you know," she said casually, using the ladle to transfer the soup. "You're, like, perfect."
He came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist and kissing her shoulder gently. "Which part do you like the most?" he asked playfully. "The living in poverty, the crime background, or the fact that we met when I stole from you?"
She flushed slightly, looking back at him with a small, playful smile. "Mm. Maybe the fact that you remove spiders for me, bring me flowers, and you're just super handsome. Those are just some of the perks, but there are way more."
He laughed out loud, settling his chin on her shoulder and looking up at her, his smile boylike as he considered her. "You realize that a standing order to a florist shop placed by a broomstick with a top hat would satisfy all those perks, and the broomstick wouldn't have stolen from you and gotten you involved with a crime boss who is obsessed with your grandmother."
"You're also sweet, really funny, and incredibly clever and charming. I don't think a broomstick could top that."
He smirked, resting his temple against hers for a moment as he closed his eyes. He seemed tired, with dark circles under his eyes, but he seemed genuinely content to be with her, his stubble brushing her jaw. "You'd be surprised what some of the newer broomstick models can do."
She didn't seem to want to disturb him, keeping still as she worked, a gentle expression on her face. "They don't compare to you," she said quietly.
"Hm. Maybe," he replied, his voice smooth and low. His arms were around his waist and he dipped his head a little, turning his face into her neck for a moment, enjoying her presence before he seemed to remember himself, straightening up and opening his eyes. "But wait until you see the new vacuums."
Her brows furrowed and she looked back at him almost as if he had taken something she liked away from her. "Hey, get back here. I liked having you so close."
He looked at her, and for a moment, his shoulders slumped and his head tilted and his expression shifted in a way that looked like he might burst into tears. He didn't, though, but returned to his previous position, his hands snaking around her waist. "I'm... I'm so crazy about you, Fleur."
She blushed at the compliment, and eased back into his touch. She fell silent for a moment, standing still will the two full bowls. She didn't want to disrupt this moment. "I'm crazy about you, Fer. I love you."
"I love you too," he replied, his hands leaving her waist and cupping under the bowls as he took them from her. He planted a kiss on her head and pulled away, setting the bowls on the dining room table. "Tell me what you did while I was gone."
She huffed slightly at the broken moment, but didn't seem to mind too much, more pleased at the fact that she could simply spend time with him. "Well.. I got home and then went on a jog before coming home, making lunch and taking a shower. Then I just kinda relaxed. What about you?"
He considered this, going over to the kitchen to pour water into two glasses. "Most of the work was just a logistic thing," he said, bringing the glasses over to her and leaning down to kiss her cheek before sitting in his chair. "So I was able to leave after about two hours, which was a relief."
She gave him a smile, picking up her spoon. "Ah. Well, that's good. It wasn't too much," she said conversationally as she ate, before glancing up at him. "Are you just staying for dinner?"
His head was resting on his hand tiredly, but he laughed a little, looking up at her. "Do you want me to stay for more than just dinner?" he replied, raising one eyebrow.
She paused, looking a little embarrassed as she remembered her manners, clearing her throat awkwardly. "Well.. Of course. I really missed sleeping next to you, is all.."
That smile returned to his face and he reached over, taking her small hand in his large one and pressing it to his lips. "God, I love you," he murmured. "Of course, Fleur. I would love to stay the night. As long as you'll have me, remember?"
She rolled her eyes, but there was that smile on her face as she shifted her hand to rest on his jaw. "I'll always have you, Fer."
Something might have shifted slightly in his face, but it was so hard to read him, and he turned his head quickly to kiss the palm of her hand, the moment already fading. "Absence really does make the heart go stronger, doesn't it?" he murmured, glancing up at her with those bright eyes, their color reminiscent of the mist on a cool October morning.
