Archive of Our Own

There’s a million different voices shouting over one another as the kids all enjoy the freedom of the end of the day. It's a day they have all been looking forward to all week….hell all month, yourself included. The first half of the day had been normal school work but the afternoon consisted of a bunch of different Halloween themed stations for the kids to play at. You decided to have fake pumpkin decorating at yours and the collection of unique creations you've pinned up make your heart soar. A little part of you misses when you had the girls in your class, they always made such insanely creative things. Seeing their smiling faces in the halls would make some of your harder days less painful. 

They were growing up way too fast for your liking. Cassandra is nearly taller than you for crying out loud. It felt like one second they were in your class giggling with each other and the next they were in the 11th grade picking out potential colleges. The ever career focused Bela already had a spreadsheet going for where she wanted to go, details about the school, cost, and application process. Both you and Alcina were blown away at how detailed she was when she showed it to you a few months ago. She did get a little too focused on it for a couple weeks, and you had to help her figure out how to dial it back before she drove herself crazy. 

Cassandra out of the three of them didn’t seem interested in further education. At the current moment she wanted to take a gap year to figure herself out and if college was even right for her. That had been an ongoing talk between her and her mother. Alcina wanted her to go to school, not just for the education but for how important it was to meet people with different backgrounds and learn to work with one another. Something Cassandra was not particularly good at. On her own she never had any issues with work and excelled with individual projects but as soon as the project involved a group, you or Alcina were getting a call from the teacher about her unwillingness to work with the group. Cassandra had made a point that she could still have those learning experiences without going to school, hence why the discussion was still on going. You both appreciated and loved Alcina more for actually hearing her out. Most parents you knew would have shut the idea down before even hearing their child out.  

Daniela surprised you all by falling in love with cooking and possibly wanting to go to culinary school. The kitchen staff was always glad to have the night off whenever she wanted to try out a meal and she was getting pretty damn good. Usually you would help her but the last few meals she wanted to cook on her own and shoo’d you out so, “The chef could focus”. Focus she did because she made a perfect beef wellington. Only issue you ever had was her being a little careless with her knife skills since the whole supernatural healing abilities thing. God thinking about the three of them going off to start new chapters of their lives made you proud but also like you wanted to cry. Is this what parenthood was?  

“Miss! Miss! Do you like my costume?” The toothy smile you get from one of your students makes you grin in return. He’s been painted an odd green checkered color, it honestly looks like it took a lot of work. 

“I do! You’re supposed to be a…minecraft thing, right?” You guess and he beams.

“I’m a creeper!”

“And you’re the best creeper I’ve ever seen.” You say and he smiles impossibly harder. “Are you done decorating your pumpkin?” At your words he nods, handing you the colorful sheet of paper. 

“I gave her angry eyes to scare off the ghouls.”

“Thank you for that. The classroom will be extra safe tonight.” The pumpkin is pinned up to the wall that’s been decorated to look like a pumpkin patch. 

“Right.” He says as if that’s an obvious answer before the sound of popping popcorn catches his attention and he goes darting down the hall to the next station. 

“Walk!” You shout after him. He barely slows to a jog before disappearing around a corner. 

“It's almost 3pm on Halloween, there’s no way anyone is walking for the rest of the day. Do you know how much candy they have had today?” A voice chuckles next to you. You turn and see Octavia leaning in your doorway. They were Kelsey’s replacement and had been nothing but lovely since day one. You stand next to them looking at the barely organized chaos that is your class at the end of the day. 

“I swear we tried to limit the candy but they just keep pulling it from thin air.”  You shake your head with a laugh as the two of you watch your hyper students enjoy their Halloween afternoon. 

“It's a magic trick that only people under the age of 15 have.” They take a sip from an energy drink, checking their watch again. “You got any Halloween plans?”

“I do.” Eagerly you get out your phone showing them your costume for the evening. 

Once all the kids are gone for the day, you move at hyper speed to get your classroom in a somewhat decent state. You were beyond excited for tonight, it was one of your favorite nights of the year. The tradition had started when you and your best friend were in college. Initially the halloween festival had been a small town gathering that was mainly the locals and college students but over the years it's grown into a full fledged event, that people from all over the state came to. And you can’t wait to go this year to see the new additions. Hopefully Alcina will love it as much as you do. 

You barely step a foot into the manor before the sound of buzzing greets you. Daniela comes barreling towards you, a fluffy purple blanket wrapped around her that drags across the floor as she hovers in your direction. 

“Woah woah slow down there, what's wrong?” 

“Tell mom I can still go!” She sniffles, trying her best to not look like she’s sick. Wordlessly you reach out and put a hand to her head. She's still warm to the touch, her nose is running and you watch as she tries to fight the urge to cough. There was a party happening at a boy’s house that Daniela clearly had a crush on. She had been freaking out all week about it, completely panicked about what to wear. You'd laughed when Alcina had rubbed her temple after Daniela left your bedroom for the millionth time to ask if something looked alright. Over the last few years Alcina has gotten less strict on where the girl's went. There had been no issues with any of their outings but this party in particular was going to be outside all night since it was a bonfire. And the fever Dani came down with last night was still very much present. 

You look at her pleading eyes and feel guilty about the choice you're going to have to make. After a few more moments of observation you shake your head. 

“You have to stay home.” The words make her let out a dramatic groan. 

“I’m fine!” A cough wracks its way through her and you wince. 

“You are  absolutely not fine, Daniela. You’re still burning up and with that cough, there's no way you’re going to be at a party outside all night.” As you speak you gently pull her by the blanket she’s wrapped in and turn her towards her bedroom. “I'm so sorry, honey. I know how much tonight meant to you. But you have to go back to bed.”

“I’ve been in bed all day.” She grumbles.

“You can go hangout in the family room then. I'm making you more tea too.” Her face scrunches up at the mention of the drink.

“But it's gross.”

“Did it help you stop coughing?” 

“Yeah….” She deflates before a voice pipes up. 

“Come on, Dani. Let's find something good to watch.” Bela and Cassanrda come down the flight of stairs, not dressed to go out at all. 

“What?” She looks between her sisters, confused. “Aren't you guys supposed to be getting ready?” 

“Nah. Me and Cass decided we won’t go to the party in solidarity. I guess we like you or something.” Bela bumps her shoulder and you see Dani’s eyes light up. 

“Really?”

“Yeah, it would be lame without you.” Cassandra shrugs. Dani always the crier has tears well in her eyes before launching herself at them.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I was gonna be so bored!” She hangs from Bela's neck with an ear to ear grin.  Bela looks to you, rolling her eyes but you see nothing but love in them.

“That's really sweet of you both.” You kiss the top of both of their heads, Cassandra playfully swats your affection away. 

“Are you still going out?” Bela asks, still holding Dani who is dangling from her shoulders. 

“I am but who I'm going with depends on if-.”

“You can drag mom out of her office?” Daniela finishes for you,  looking a little sad. Bela runs a hand through her hair with a sigh.

“Yeah that was actually my next stop.”

“Well good luck.” Cas says.

“Thanks and make sure Dani takes her medicine.” You pat Cas’s cheek before heading back upstairs after receiving another pouting look from Daniela. Upstairs you excitedly rush up to Alcina’s office, where she’s been glued to for the past few weeks. You have been around for a few harvest seasons but this one seemed particularly time consuming. The past week you literally only saw her in the morning when you woke up and as you were drifting off to bed. After being together for so long, you understood that there were busy times in the year and running a business would keep Alcina away from the family sometimes

“Mom would hate this.” Bela had laughed a few days ago while you all watched an awful comedy. 

“Oh she so would.” Dani giggled. 

“Back in my day, movies had standards.” Cas had done a pretty spot on impression of Alcina that made you all laugh harder than any joke in the film. 

There was a look though, in all of their eyes as the laughter died down. Something you'd noticed anytime they brought Alcina up the past month. They were sad. You didn't think they would tell you that directly. Especially since they've entered the ‘I'm too cool for anything’ phase. But you've known them long enough to see what's really going on in their heads most times. Which made this tricky for you because while you still understand how busy Alcina's job is, she still has to put in some effort to not be at work 24/7. It was her business and it wasn’t like she didn’t have people to help take some of the load off; she just wanted to triple check everything on her own.You love this woman with all your heart but this issue drove you up a wall. This weekend you were hoping you both could talk and have a much needed break. You honestly can’t remember the last time you two had a nice night together. 

The door creaks open as you peak your head inside, you're one of the very few people that doesn't have to knock. Alcina is murmuring to herself, typing into her computer before scribbling something down. You realize quickly that she's on the phone, writing down whatever the person on the other end of the line is saying. Quietly you walk to the otherside of the room and close the shade so the sun isn't beaming towards her desk. The change in light makes her eyes finally cut to you. She holds up her hand, mouthing “ Five minutes. ” so you sit in one of the comfy chairs across from the desk. Your legs dangle over the arm while you scroll through your phone when five minutes turns into ten. A sigh leaves her lips, you look up just in time to see her setting the phone down. Her hand comes up to run through her hair. 

“Long day?” You ask. 

“Neverending it seems.” Her fingers nearly reach for her case of cigarettes but she holds back for your sake. Not that you had told her to do so, she'd realized one day that unlike everyone else in her life you actually could be affected by the smoke. You greatly appreciate it though. It honestly can't be easy with how long she's been smoking. 

Instead she rounds the desk, coming over to place a kiss on your temple. With a soft smile you take her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. Some of the tension leaves her when you press a gentle kiss to the palm of her hand. 

“At least you can take a break soon. We have the whole weekend to kick our feet up.” You reply, looking up at her. There's a look she gives you that makes your smile fall. Oh you know that look. It's something akin to a guilty Labrador. Her own version of puppy dog eyes that usually means she's going to be working more than she should. “Alcina, no you promised.” You groan. 

“I know. I know but I just need a few more hours tonight and then I'm all yours.” 

“How many hours is a few?” She slyly tries to avoid your narrowed eyes by checking the time.

“.....Enough that I might not be able to pass out candy with you.” 

It takes a lot of self control to not show how disappointed you are at her words. Halloween was your favorite holiday and you both had matching outfits you were supposed to wear. She knew that. 

“But you promised.” The hurt still seeps into every word against your will. It felt childish to be upset at something like passing out candy but you'd hardly seen her in weeks ... .and she promised.  

“I’ll be down in time for the festival. I just need a little more time.” Guilt flashes in her eyes when you let her hand fall from yours. 

“They’ll be here at 8.” Your friends had confirmed with you earlier that morning.

“I will be there, I swear it.” This wasn't the first time she's done this in the past few weeks so you hold her gaze. 

“You swear.”   

“Yes, my love.” The way she says that always makes you melt, even when you're frustrated with her. 

“Alright then, I need to go get dressed. But I'll see you dressed and ready at 8pm sharp.” A finger taps her chest, punctuating your last two words. 

“Yes, ma'am.” She purrs that and before you can give in to her ridiculously alluring self you back away.

“Nun uh, you can have me at 8.” You smirk, pulling the door open. 

“Till then.” She winks.

The room you initially lived in when you first moved here was still technically yours. Rarely did you sleep here, it was mostly a comfortable private space for yourself. Which you were very grateful to have. Some days you did really just need some alone time. There was only one person allowed in when you felt like that. You weren't surprised to find them there as soon as you enter the room. On the bed when you walk in is Churro. She stretches her paws out with a yawn at the sight of you.  

“What's up, cat?” A loud purr vibrates out of her when you scratch under her chin. “Where's the other one?” You ask, not seeing Pesto in the windowsill where he normally liked to hang out. The sound of a jingling cat toy rolling down the hall followed by the patterning of four mildly uncoordinated paws is your answer. You give Churro one more scratch before going to the wardrobe and pulling out the dress you planned to wear tonight. 

Was it extremely cliché to dress as Mortica and Gomez Addams? Yes. But did you absolutely fall in love with the idea when you saw the couples costume online. Yes. The thought of Alcina dressed as either may have short circuited your brain momentarily. Unable to agree on who should be who, a coin flip decided your outfits which is how you ended up spending two days trying to find the perfect dress. You'd spent a lot more on it than you would have in previous years. What can you say? Alcina was filthy rich and you've gotten a bit more comfortable allowing yourself to spend her money. 

“ You're the love of my life, there is no need for you to worry about your finances .” She's said that to you a million times but you'd been stubborn and didn’t want to feel like a gold digger. Especially when she offered to pay off your student loans. That felt too far, eventually though you agreed to split it, and it truly was a weight off both you and your parents shoulders. Dante to this day couldn't believe you didn't let her just pay for all of it. Maybe you were stupid for not letting her, maybe you weren't but at the end of the day you no longer have any debt so you were happy. 

The dress thankfully was much easier to let her purchase for you. Said dress was perfect besides being cut way too low to pass out candy in. Nothing a few safety pins couldn't fix until the festival. The festival was free game to dress however you'd like since there was a much less chance of running into one of your students. It takes a bit of fussing to get the make up just right and the wig placed correctly but the finished product is better than you thought it would be. You feel both hot and powerful as you look at yourself in the floor length mirror. The sound of the doorbell ringing has you rushing back downstairs to greet the first round of trick or treaters. For a couple hours, you, Bela and Cas handed out candy to all the kids that came by. Daniela had to see all the costumes from the spot she claimed by the windows, still wrapped in her blanket. With her sisters staying with her for the evening she was in much better spirits than she had been earlier. Once the flow of kids begins to die down, you leave the girls to go finish getting ready to leave. The dress covers your feet so you get to skip wearing heels, not wanting your feet to ache by the end of the night. 

“Look at you!” Dante’s excited voice bounces off the tall ceilings. He claps his hands together letting out a happy sound as you come back downstairs.

“You like?” You give him a twirl, matching his grin. 

“I love it!” He runs his fingers over the fabric. “Hands down has got to be the best costume I’ve seen you in.” 

“You guys look great too.” You gesture to the Lestat and Louis costumes they were in. The day Dante told you, you had to fight back a laugh. If only he knew he basically knew a real vampire for the past six years. Him and Francis had gotten really into Interview with a Vampire this year and spent a decent chunk of the summer hand making these costumes. The three of you chatter amongst one another until Francis looks at his phone for the time. 

“Where’s your lady by the way?” He asks, his fake vampire teeth make him talk a little funny. 

“Upstairs but she should be down soon.”

Alcina was not down soon. 

It’s already twenty five minutes past eight and she’s yet to show. With each passing minute your sadness and frustration with her morphs into anger. She knew how much you wanted to spend tonight with her and she was still late. Eventually, “We can go.” comes exploding out of you as you angrily pick up your purse. 

“What?” Dante and Francis reply at the same time. 

“She can catch up if she actually wants to go.” It's nearing 8:30 at this point and you're done waiting. Sensing your anger neither one of your friends pry and Dante simply holds the front door open for you. 

“Let's go have some fun.” He gives your shoulder a gentle squeeze and you sigh, trying to give him a smile in return. 

The door clicks shut, another 15 minutes pass before dress shoes come rushing down the hall just as Bela comes from the direction of the kitchen. She's balancing three cups of hot chocolate, each overflowing with marshmallows and whipped cream.  

“Woah.” She gapes at the sight of her mother. 

“Where are they?” Alcina asks, looking around for you. 

“Woah.” Bela says again her mind not processing the question. “Mom, you look…awesome.” 

“Thank you, dear.” She gives her daughter a soft smile but Bela grimaces when she remembers her mother’s question.

 “Oh! And-...They left.”

“They left??” Alcina gasps, checking the time, seeing that she much much much later than she intended. 

“Yeah you were like twenty minutes late and she may have gotten a little pissed and stormed out.” Bela watches a few different emotions flash past her mother's face before Alcina lets out a defeated sigh. 

“Where's the hot chocolate, dude? “ Daniela's sickly voice comes floating over and she stops in her tracks. “Woah.” She says just like her sister when she sees her mother. 

“I do appreciate the compliments darlings but it seems I have some apologies to make.” She pulls on the suit jacket that had been hanging over her arm, shaking her head at the expressions on her daughters faces. 

“Yeah you do.” Dani nods and Alcina looks at her for a moment. 

“Not just to her but to you all as well. I'm sorry I've been absent.” 

“I mean you're busy-” 

“That doesn't mean I should neglect my family. I'll make it up to you all. Maybe we'll do a little traveling during your break? Spend some time with just the four of us?” That offer has both girls vibrating with excitement.

“Mom, you have to follow through with that. I'll literally die if you don't.” Bela attempts to remain calm at the prospect of a little vacation.

“I will. Why don't you three brainstorm some places while I'm gone?” Before either one of them can start listing something absurd she quickly follows it with, “Within reason. We can't go out of the country.” 

“Sooo, Italy isn't an option.” Cassandra appears in a swarm of insects next to her sisters, looking equally excited. 

“Not this time, maybe the summer but I do need to be on my way before I end up in more trouble than I already am. Be good.” Each of her daughters gets a kiss to their cheek before Alcina buttons the black jacket and steps out into the night.

Trying. You’re really trying to have a good time but it's difficult with your mind still elsewhere. Dante and Fracis have been doing their best to help you get into better spirits but it's hard. Especially when the festival has so many happy couples wandering around in their matching costumes. It makes you want to just call the evening a quits but you’ve only been here for a half hour and would never make your friends leave early on a day you all were looking forward to. 

“Wanna try out the haunted house? I heard they added some pretty wild shit this year.” Dante offers. 

“No you guys go in, I’m not really in the mood to get spooked.” You take another sip of the warm cider, staring off at the night sky. 

“Come on man, you look like you're in the sad part of a hallmark movie.” Dante says, bumping your shoulder. You can't help but laugh at the burn but it still sucked Alcina wasn't here. 

“Be nice.” Francis swats at him before looking back at you. “Seriously though, you should-” Francis stops speaking, his eyes going wide as dinner plates. 

“What?” Your brows knit together when the same expression washes over Dante’s face. 

“Dude.” Dante gapes. 

“What? Why are you guys looking like that?” Neither reply. Francis reaches out, turning your head to the right. The sight before you makes your mouth fall open and your pulse immediately spikes.

“Holy fucking shit.”

It's all your mind can manage at the sight. Golden eyes stare back with an amused expression playing on her lips. 

"Good evening, my love." The purr of Alcina’s voice shoots a shiver down your spine. She  looms over you in a perfectly fitted pinstripe suit. The slacks hug her curves perfectly. Her hair has been slicked back, pocket square folded perfectly in the jacket pocket. She even had the nerve to put on a fake pencil mustache and still managed to look absolutely stunning. An unlit cigar hangs from between her smirking lips and you have to blink a few times to make sure you're seeing things correctly. You blink once. Twice. A third time. Part of you is certain you're hallucinating. Both of you kept your outfits hidden from one another, wanting it to be a surprise. Nothing you'd imagined could compare to her right now. Your hand reaches out, seemingly on its own to toy with the tie pinned against her crisp white button up.  

No, she is definitely real.

“I-....you're—holy shit.” It's not the most intelligent sentence but all sense has gone out of your mind. Replaced by something mildly feral. 

“Left you speechless again?” She tilts her head to the side with a knowing look. You nod dumbly and Alcina laughs softly, her cool hand tilts your head up to meet those golden eyes again. 

"You look breathtaking." She whispers before kissing your cheek. Somehow you manage to get out a stuttered, 

"You're one to talk." The shake in your voice makes her lips curl into a smile. A flash of sharp fangs makes need tug low in your belly. 

“Hello boys, sorry for my tardiness.” She nods to Dante and Francis who are still staring, along with a few people who pass by. Alcina truly is a wonder to look at, she looks powerful, standing tall over the crowd like this. 

“It's…it's all good.” Dante squeaks out. 

“ Everyone is glad you made it.” Francis gives you a knowing look that you barely see because you can't stop staring. “Hey honey, maybe we should go check out the haunted house now?” Francis tugs at Dante’s sleeve. 

“But I want to- ow!” At the jab to his side, he finally catches his husband’s meaning. “Oh! Yeah, that sounds good.” He gives you a wink as they walk off to give you both some privacy. 

“You came.” The smell of the light cologne she's put on, nearly makes your brain short circuit again. 

“I did. I am so sorry for being late, I lost track of time and you were gone by the time I came downstairs.” 

“You were late and I was really…angry.”

“Was?” Her head tilts slightly.

“I mean I still am but…the circumstances have changed slightly.” 

“They have now?” She loops your arm with hers, keeping a hand on top of your own as the two of you walk deeper into the festival. 

“Absolutely. That doesn't mean we aren't going to have to have a talk later. The girls miss you, I miss you and I’m still really frustrated with you.” She nods solemnly at your words. “That’s later though. We’re going to put a pin in it and enjoy this evening because that’s all I want right now, is to have this night with you.”

“I can do that for you. I haven't followed through on my promises recently and I am truly sorry. I never want you to feel forgotten about. We will talk later. I know it will take some work to show you, but I will be better for us and our family. Speaking of which, I may have told the girls we could take a little vacation during the holiday break. What do you think? Up for a little travel?” 

 She gives your arm a loving squeeze making you lean further into her. “Oh my god that sounds perfect.”

“They felt the same, I'm sure they are still brainstorming locations as we speak.”

“That'll be fun to come home to.” You laugh as she steers you towards a gazebo.

“We’re used to it, aren’t we?” She hums with a soft smile under the twinkling string lights.

“That we are.” You gaze up at her, letting your hands run over the lapels of her suit jacket. Just as you go to lean up on your toes to kiss her a slightly nervous voice calls out. 

“Excuse me.” A kid no older than sixteen comes walking over to you, a camera dangling from his neck. “Don't wanna bother ya but uh– my parents run the festival and they want to get pictures for our socials. You guys’ costumes look sick, mind if I take some shots?” He asks and you look up at Alcina. It's not that she doesn't like taking pictures but at any event someone always wants a shot of her even when she's not dressed up. But as she looks down at you, you see her eyes twinkle before she answers for you. 

“Of course.” Her hand moves down to your waist, pulling you closer. 

“Cool.” He holds up the camera, gesturing for the two of you to move a bit further into the gazebo until the light hits you just right. He spends a few moments snapping photos at a couple different angles until he looks pleased at the camera screen. “Yeah they're gonna love these. Should be posted by tomorrow morning if you wanna see em.” A business card appears in his hands with all their social media pages. Alcina takes it, tucking it into her suit jacket. He thanks you both once more before disappearing into the crowd for more photographs. 

“So can I show you around now?” You wiggle with excitement, a lot more eager to enjoy the festival with her at your side.

“Lead the way, my love.” The pair of you wander off into the crowd. The first place you stop is back over by Dante and Francis where you left them at the haunted house. You’ll never tell a soul this not like anyone would believe you but one of the actors actually managed to jumpscare Alcina at the very end. She glared playfully at you when you couldn’t stop laughing at the look that had been on her face. There were plenty of game booths that you all spent a good chunk of time at. Alcina played a game of darts (that she was absurdly good at) and managed to win you a cat keychain that looked just like Pesto. After failing at darts, you’re determined to win her something in return. What you end up winning her is a pair of fuzzy cat ears at the hammer throw that you desperately want to put on her. They’ll have to be saved for a later date since you wouldn't dare change a thing about her current outfit. A couple hours of wandering the festival with her and your friends have you feeling the most relaxed you’ve been in weeks. A few times you catch people basically eye fucking Alcina but you didn’t care. Only one of you actually got to go home with her. 

The sound of a live band has you immediately looking in the direction of the sound. Sensing your excitement Alcina leans over, 

“Care to dance?” She asks and you squeeze her upper arm with glee.

“I'd love to.” The music here had to be your second favorite thing right after the food. There's already a crowd of people gathered around the band dancing to the upbeat jazz. She twirls you,  spinning you back into her to place a quick kiss against your lips. You're over the moon as she moves with you along the makeshift dance floor. Through the crowd you catch Dante’s eye. He would usually be your dance partner years prior. Alcina gladly switches out with him so the two of you can dance.

Both of your partners watch you with amused eyes while the two of you laugh with one another on the dancefloor to a few songs. Dante unfortunately has work in the morning so they head off as slower music starts to play. You and Alcina stay a bit longer, gently swaying with one another with the other couples still out on the dancefloor. This is exactly what you wanted today, dressed up with the love of your life, in her arms with soft music playing.

“I'm so happy right now.” You murmur against her chest.

“Me too, this place is quite lovely. How is this the first time we've come here?” 

“I don't know? Guess I'd been caught up the last few years with you and the girls.” You shrug. Holidays have been spent bouncing back and forth between her family and your own. One of these years you hope you all could share them together. 

“Well I hope we can come again next year.” 

“Mmm me too.” A shiver chills you when a stiff breeze blows through. You don't have a jacket and this dress leaves a lot of skin exposed. “But we might have to pack it up for the night, it's getting cold and we should be able to beat the traffic if we go now.”

“You're cold?” Before you can answer she's taking her suit jacket off and draping it over your shoulders. 

“Such a gentleman.” You chuckle, tugging the jacket a bit tighter around yourself.

“Anything for you, mon chéri.” Her brows wiggle at you, making you smile brightly. 

“Don't start with the French, you'll kill me.” She certainly would because it was the only other language you could understand well besides English. Speaking wasn't your strong suit but you could read and write well enough. You'd hope one day you could get your Romanian as good. 

“But I would love to see how ravenous my French could get you.” She whispers into your ear, making your teeth sink into your lip. 

“Okay yes, we're absolutely going home now. I have plans for you. ” 

“Do tell.” She walks arm and arm with you towards the exit. 

“No, I don't think you’ve earned that.”

“Oh that’s how you're playing tonight?” A perfect brow arches. 

“Yes, yes I am.” 

Well you tried to play coy. 

Her lips press against your overheated skin, nipping and biting as you claw at the back of her shirt. You hadn't even made it to the car. Halfway there you couldn't take it anymore when she kept whispering more ridiculously hot French in your ears about what she wanted to do to you. As soon as your eyes found somewhere semi private you steered her right there and pounced. 

Hidden amongst the tall bales of hay and corn you pull her down to your lips. You couldn't care about the hay that was probably getting stuck to your hair and dress as she presses you against the makeshift wall. 

“My darling, you are irresistible. But we cannot continue this here.” She says breathlessly between kisses. 

“I don't care.” You groan, knowing you should definitely stop. 

“If I knew dressing like this got you this wound up,  I would have shown you the pictures of me when I was younger. I did a little drag back when I lived in-” Her sentence cuts off abruptly when you tug her down to your eye level by her tie. 

“You. Did. What?” 

She's a little shocked at the feral look in your eyes, somehow managing to get out. “I did some shows when I was a bit more care free.” 

The mental image of her dressed like this putting on a performance is what is going to make you come right here in this corn maze. 

“Car. We have to go to the car now.” You untangle yourself from her making a beeline to the parking lot but as you trot down the row of vehicles you suddenly realize you didn't come here together and have no earthly idea where she's parked. Your lizard brain really was taking over. 

“Care for me to lead now?” She hums out once she notices your confused expression. 

“Yes…sir.”  As soon as the word is out your mouth you see her pupils dilate like a cat that's just found its prey. 

“Darling, we are never going to get home at this rate.” 

“I don't think I'm going to make it anyways.” It's an honest answer, you think you might combust at any moment. Somehow the two of you always manage to drive one another insane before getting home. It seems to be a running thing with you, part of you likes the cat and mouse game you play, the denial. Maybe not so much today because she looks so goddamn good, you want to rip the buttons of her shirt off with your teeth. Instead you let yourself be led through the parking lot to her SUV. Good lord she shouldn't have brought this one because there's definitely enough room in the backseat for her to have her way with you. Your mind is all over the place as you give her a ‘ Thank you ’ for holding the door open for you. 

“Have a good night!” The parking lot attendant gives you both a wave when the car rolls past the booth. 

“Oh, we shall.” She says to them with an innocent smile, but fire lights in your veins when bright eyes look you up and down before she pulls out onto the street. It takes all of you not to wiggle in the seat to try and ease some of the building pressure between your thighs. Less than ten minutes into the drive you finally break, unable to keep your hands to yourself. Slowly, your hand wanders from where you were gripping the seat belt to her side. For a split moment you hesitate, cutting your eyes to hers. She follows where your hand hovers, with a wordless answer she puts her right hand on the steering wheel. It gives you room to run your hand up her thigh. As you draw your hand up, the feeling of her strong muscles have your mind already imagining where this night is going.

A sharp inhale fills the space when your fingers come in contact with the bulge in her pants. 

“You've been wearing this all night?” You breathe, giving the strap in her pants a slow stroke. The ridiculously sexy outfit she was in had been so distracting you hadn't noticed what she was packing.

“I'd been planning to and nearly decided not to given how I disappointed you. Although, I'm getting the feeling I made the correct choice.” She sounds more breathless with each stroke. 

“Pull over.” Making it home was no longer an option. 

“We can’t.” It comes out in something eerily close to a whine. Alcina Dimitrescu was much too posh to fuck in the backseat of a car but tonight under the flashes of streetlights you can see her deeply considering it. The need is practically radiating off of her and it bolsters you to continue. 

“Yes, yes we can Alcina. Because I’m going to lose my mind if you don’t touch me soon.” 

“It's only another thirty minutes.” Her antsy hands change position on the steering wheel again.  

“And as soon as we walk in the door, there are going to be a million different destinations our girls are going to be shouting at us. We won't get to bed for probably an hour, if that. Do you really want to make either of us wait that long?” You punctuate the last word with another teasing stroke, making sure the strap presses against her clit. 

Her fingers grip the steering wheel hard enough that you hear the material creak under her strength. 

“You make a good case.”

An agreeing hum leaves you as you lean over to whisper in her ear. “Don't I?” Your teeth tug at her earlobe, a moan slipping out from her. It's a dirty trick but you would do anything to get her inside of you right now. A growl was not what you expected from her when you keep stroking her over her pants, the sound makes you the exact opposite of frightened. After being with her for this many years, you've gotten pretty good at interpreting her more…inhuman noises. That sound in particular was usually made before she fucked you senseless and God you wanted it. 

Without another word she pulls off the highway, your pulse thrums in your ears as she takes a few turns. The road you drive down is pitch black, only lit by the high beams. After what feels like hours but in reality was only five minutes at most, you finally come to a stop. You don't have the sense at the moment to care where she'd managed to hide you both because she's putting the car in park and you nearly crawl over the center console to get to the back seat. Thankfully some decorum is kept and you get out, the cool autumn air chilling your heated skin. Before you can even shiver at the nip in the air, she’s next to you blocking the wind. A hand at the small of your back ushers you into the backseat. By the time you crawl in and roll onto your back, she’s already climbing in after you. Her alluring eyes shine brighter when the lights slowly dim after the door clicks shut. Before she does a thing to you,  she folds her suit jacket and places it as a makeshift pillow under your head. 

“Comfortable?” She hums, lips gliding up the column of your throat. 

“Mmmhmm.” Your fingers sink into her silky hair, pulling lightly on the locks when teeth nip at your collarbone. Her forearm rests just above your head, the other pushing up your dress to get a handful of your ass. The touch is nearly enough to make you groan but you bite the noise back. 

Always hyper aware of your body, Alcina lets out a low chuckle at your attempt to hold back the sound. 

“Don't hide from me now. You were so mouthy a few moments ago.” 

“You weren't touching me a few moments ago.” You mimic her tone, trying to focus on speaking while she continues to toy with you. 

“Feeling bratty today?” The heat of her breath ghosts over the shell of your ear. 

“Your fault.” You moan when her fingers finally run over your needy core. The sounds of how wet you are make your face heat. It's mind blowing how turned on she can get you before even laying a hand on you. Slow deliberate circles over your clit have you bucking into her. Every time you try to seek out more pressure she pulls her hand back slightly. It's agonizing and you sink your teeth into her shoulder in retaliation, biting down harder than you normally would since she's still wearing the button up. The throaty moan from her is followed by a hand gripping your jaw, the other pulls out from you, pinning your hip down. You can feel the wetness of her fingers coating your skin. 

“Please fuck me.” The weight of her on top of you prevents you from grinding your hips into her. 

“I shouldn't reward you for that.” 

“But I've missed you…I've missed this.” Perhaps part of the reason you were so feral is that you two haven't had time to really do this in a few weeks. You would always be asleep or she would be leaving early in the morning. A few nights you'd tried to take care of yourself and it was nice but you were not able to make yourself feel the way she does. 

“I've missed you too. That's why you're getting this, brat.” Two fingers push inside of you and you cry out, uncaring of wherever she's parked the car. It has to be somewhere a little private because she doesn't make you keep quiet. In fact you think it's her goal to see how loud she can get you. 

Another finger joins the first two, fucking you hard into the seat. Your eyes roll back in your skull, desperate fingers digging harder into the sleeve of her button up. The pad of her thumb rubs circles over your clit in tandem with the slow, deep pumps of her fingers. She’s whispering more French in your ear, your brain only able to catch every other word or so. It’s difficult to translate when she curls her fingers up, dragging them over that perfect spot inside of you that drives you wild. Her mouth moves away from your lips, ghosting over your throat and down to your chest. Teeth bite down on your nipple, the pleasant zap of pain is what finally sends you over the edge. Her fingers keep sliding into you dragging it out for long seconds  until you fall limp against the seats.

“Oh my god.” Your breath comes out in short pants, stuttering when she pulls out of you. 

“That was all me, darling.” She says smugly against your throat, leaving little marks on your skin. You let out a snort at her cockiness. Your hands scratch along the back of her shirt, unable to get enough of touching her while you try to catch your breath. Eventually she sits up slightly and runs a cool hand over your cheek. “Have I worn you out already?” 

“No, I’m not going anywhere until you fuck me with this.” Your eager fingers find her belt buckle, quickly undoing the buttons so you can finally tug down the zipper. She looks so damn smug at your desperation to get into her pants but you’re going to wipe that look off her gorgeous face.  

“Lay down for me, please.” Unable to deny you she switches places. It takes a bit of work to do so in the small space but you manage. Large hands slide up your sides, pushing your dress up as soon as you're settled on top of her. They grope your breast, the feeling of her toying with your sensitive flesh have your hips rolling into the strap pressing against you. Both of you moan at how easily your soaked cunt slides over the silicone. Alcina’s nails dig into your hips, helping you grind harder into her. 

“Inside, please. I need you in me.” Somehow she understands your garbled mess of a sentence and lifts you slightly. Frantically you reach between the two of you and guide the length inside of you. The stretch has your thighs quaking as you try to adjust to the sensation. Alcina stays perfectly still besides her hands that are rubbing soothing patterns up the back of your thighs. 

“Are you ready for me?” She asks, raking her nails back down your things, leaving a wave of goosebumps in their wake.

“Please.” For once she doesn’t make you beg. Her hips thrust upwards and you gasp, hands shooting out to steady yourself against her shoulders. 

The fact that you are still partially clothed in the backseat of her car while she fucks you has got to be one of the hottest things you’ve done together. She’s still fully clothed under you, the buttons of her shirt have been undone, pants pulled down just enough to get the strap out. You had certainly fantasized about this before but you never thought either of you would give in. Sure you'd come close a couple times, never like this. No fantasy could compare to this. A particularly strong thrust has you falling forward. As soon as you do those wonderfully strong arms wrap around you, her feet plant on the seat cushion to get more leverage. Her breath puffs against your cheek, soft curses and growls between her moans make your mind go blank. Nails dig deeper into your hip as she picks up the pace, the force of it has the car creaking and you moaning in tandem. 

A guttural moan hisses out from between her teeth in response, her whole body going rigid beneath you. She holds you tightly, grinding into you a few more times before all her muscles go limp.  

“That was fast.” You give her a smirk, running your hand over her now messy hair. Never the one to give you the upper hand she rolls her hips. “Shit.” The high pitched curse escapes you.

“I told you, you were irresistible.” She pants, looking up at you through lidded eyes. No other witty response is able to cross your lips because she's bucking into you again like she didn't just come. You're right back on the edge in seconds and you let out a breathless laugh at her smug look. Cockiness never really did it for you until her, because she has every damn reason to be when she fucks you this good. Heat pulses through your veins, her name rolling off your lips as you fall again. She only slows but doesn't come to a complete stop. The languid thrusts fill the small space with more filthy slick noises and soft pants. You think you might float away and lose yourself to the pleasure. 

Something touching your calf keeps you grounded. It's a sensation you'd felt a handful of times when Alcina was especially riled up. Dating someone who was not human came with many surprises. One of them being the partial transformation that could occur when she lost herself in you. The pale tentacle that grips your calf, slides further up your leg as if it has a mind of its own. Not wanting to freak you out, Alcina would always apologize quickly and make them disappear the past few times this happened. But if anything you were beyond curious about what they would feel like against your skin. Through your lust filled haze you look down at her, seeing her eyes are still shut, hips rolling, unaware of what she's doing. With some slight nerves, you reach behind yourself and let your fingers run over the smooth flesh of the tentacle. As soon as your fingers touch it, her eyes snap open. 

“Don’t make them go away.” You blurt hastily before she can say anything.

“You want them to stay?” She looks disbelieving but you give her an enthusiastic nod. 

“If you’re comfortable with it. I’ve been-” A deep blush erupts across your skin, eyes darting away from the intensity of her gaze. “Since the first time it happened I’ve been curious about how they would feel against me or…in me.” 

“Really now?” Curiosity piqued, she lets another tentacle join the first and coils it around your upper thigh. “I thought they might frighten you, my sweet human.”

“Nothing about you scares me. I love every part of you.” You smile softly at her, feeling another wrap around your middle. They are warmer than she normally runs. More spring from the central spot along her spine, running over your body. It feels like there are hands touching every part of you besides where you really want them. “I love you so much.” Your voice shakes with anticipation. 

“I love you too.” Her hand wraps around your jaw, gently tugging you down so she can kiss you properly. Tentacles writhe between you both, seeming unable to get enough of finally being able to get a feel of you. The feeling is mutual. She's everywhere. Her touch is all consuming. 

You're lifted slightly and the strap slips out. A disappointed sound leaves you immediately but she shushes you, smoothing a hand up your back. 

“Patience my love. You'll have me again in a moment. I recall you saying you wanted them inside of you?” The feeling of more tentacles teasing your entrance fills you with excitement. You can't believe this is happening.

“Y-yes.” It's the only coherent word you've gotten out in minutes. Your head falls forward, eyes looking down at the glistening strap still waiting right below you. They go wider when you see two of the tendrils coil around the shaft. Her intentions to use both on you suddenly dawn.

“Oh fuck.” It leaves you in a disbelieving breath. Your fingers twist tighter into the fabric of her shirt.

“Ready?” She husks, you nod once before she slides inside again. Something new, foreign and beyond pleasure happens. The tentacles coil even further around the strap inside of you. Feeling their movements from the inside is a bizarre sensation that makes a strangled noise escape your lips. 

“I'm okay.” You gasp out before she can ask. 

“Are you sure?” 

“Yes—fuck yes. This is just new. Very new and I don't think I can find the words to describe how this feels. It's…” You trail off into a shuddering gasp when she moves slightly. 

“If it's too much I can stop.” Her hands continue to run soothing  motions up your back.

“No, please no. Just go slow.” She obliges and gives another experimental thrust, both of you moaning at the feeling. Part of you wonders how this feels for her. You desperately want to watch her but it feels too good. The tendrils inside of you continue to twist and curl around the strap with each thrust, pressing against your g spot over and over. Two more caress your breast, teasing your nipples relentlessly. Another thinner one works between your legs, wrapped around your clit and stroking it like a small cock. If you aren't crying out at each stroke, you’re moaning her name when she slams her hips up into you. More tentacles tangle themselves around your body, holding you upright. You definitely couldn't do that on your own right now. The mind numbing pleasure has you drooling. All you can do is take what she gives you, chanting her name like a mantra. 

“We should have…done this sooner.” Alcina growls out, the skin of her thighs clapping against the back of yours. You can't really reply right now, all you can offer is a dazed agreeing nod, leaning down to capture her lips. The kiss is sloppy, both of you panting and moaning into one another. The tendril against your clit starts moving faster. You tear your mouth away from her, a scream clawing its way out of your throat when you come. White hot pleasure radiates through every fiber of your being. Surely you've died and gone to heaven when a nearly animalistic growl comes from Alcina, your name weaved in between the sounds. The tentacles inside of you pulse through her orgasm. Your toes curl, another less intense wave of pleasure washing over you. 

Gently she pulls out, your whole body still shakes slightly. She continues to hold you close, whispering sweet nothings into your ear while you both come down. After a few minutes your body relaxes, melting into putty against her chest. The tentacles that had been wrapped all over you slowly release and disappear back into her body. As you lay on top of her trying to remember your own name you feel her sit up slightly. Gently she rolls you back on the seat. You lay there limp, staring at the ceiling. The sound of some compartment opening follows suit before you feel the familiar fabric of a towel brushing against your inner thigh. She had to know you'd end up doing this eventually and it makes you snort out a laugh. 

“Something funny?” She hums playfully. 

“You knew this would happen.” 

“Tonight? I didn't think so but I figured one of these days we would drive each other crazy enough to fuck in one of my vehicles. I'm glad it was this one, much more room.” She gives your ass a quick slap.

“Stop talking, I'll pass out if you make me come again.” 

“You say that like it's a bad thing?” 

“Alcina.” You moan, burying your face against her shoulder.

“Yes I believe you couldn't stop saying that about eight minutes ago.” 

“You’re awful.” Another laugh bubbles out of you, more giggles escaping even as she kisses you. 

“Just for you.” She nips your bottom lip. You moan against her, letting her help you put your dress back on. It's wrinkled to hell but it'll do. She keeps her suit jacket off and stops you while you're buttoning her shirt so the first three remain open. You aren't sure where the hell her tie went in the commotion…

Both of you let out unpleasant noises when you crawl out the backseat. 

“The last time I fucked in the back seat of a car I was a lot more agile.” Your joints pop as you stretch your arms over your head.

“It was very enjoyable but let's not make it a habit, hum?” Her suit jacket is draped over your shoulders once more. 

“Stop looking so good all the time and it won't become one.” 

“Charmer.” She grins, kissing you again before you get into the car. Watching her pull away from the place she'd parked you, with her open button up shirt, tousled hair and rolled up sleeves still makes you hungry. You'll never get over how stunning she is. The ogling is disrupted by a very loud gurgling from your stomach. She looks at you out of the corner of her eye, huffing out a laugh. “Quite the workout you had?” 

After a quick pit stop for food you're finally headed back home. Alcina's watch reads 12:58am as you unlock the side door. As soon as you're both inside your statement from earlier is proven right.

“Don't listen to them, my idea is the best!” Cassandra comes buzzing down the hall. The girls are very much wide awake and eager to prove to you both why you should pick the place they want to go. 

The sun beams high in the sky, sparkling over the endless ocean. With winter rolling in back home, you were beyond happy to be enjoying a warm sunny day on the other side of the country. The trip was only for a few days since you wanted to be back for Thanksgiving but the next three days were for complete relaxation. At least that had been your plan until Bela, Cas and Dani had all begged to try out surfing. It took some decent convincing but after a crash course you somehow ended up on a board in the water.

Alcina was smart and stayed on the beach in a comfy lounge chair under a large umbrella. A sun hat on her head with tinted glasses perched on her nose. She was buried in a book but you knew her eyes were on all four of you every few moments. The girls made it look so easy whenever they got to their feet, riding the wave with relaxed grace. You on the other hand felt like a newborn foal every time you even attempted to get to your feet. Keeping upright made you use muscles you didn't even know existed, you were definitely going to feel it tomorrow. 

The wave you're currently attempting to catch immediately ends with you splashing into the ocean. 

“You almost had it!” Bela shouts at you from a little ways away when you pop up. 

“Yeah sure.” You roll your eyes playfully attempting to get back on your board. Feeling eyes on you, you look back to the shore and see Alcina looking at you. The two thumbs up you give her makes her smile. Since Halloween three weeks ago she has been better with managing her time. An early morning weeks ago the two of you went out for a walk while dew still covered the grass and talked. A nice long talk that made you both feel lighter by the end of it. It was still going to take some work on everyone's part to balance all your schedules but a shared calendar on your phones was definitely helping. Unlike previous partners you could tell she genuinely wanted to be better for you all. Not like she already wasn't the woman of your dreams but no one is perfect. 

You're so caught up in your musing, you break one of the rules you were taught a few hours ago. Always pay attention. 

Bela is about two seconds too late warning you about the sneaky incoming wave. 

The last thing you hear is “Look ou–!” Before you're thrown underwater. The power of the ocean is terrifying and you're tossed around for a few seconds before you can claw your way back to the surface. Just as you pop back up, another wave is already cresting over you.  

“Well shit.” You curse right before you're blasted back underwater. The tide tugs you down, your shoulder roughly colliding with the ocean floor. Thankfully the ocean decides to spit you back out where you came from and not drag you further out to sea. 

Warm sand greets your back, the now calmer waves tickle the soles of your feet. 

A cough has sea water exiting your lungs. More hacks out of you as you sit up, hearing a concerned voice call out. 

“You okay!?” Cassandra is the first to get to your side, falling into the sand next to you.  

“I think so.” You cough again, feeling the deep ache in your shoulder. 

“That was a hell of a spill.” Dani appears on your otherside. 

“Did I look cool for a second at least?” You ask, wincing when you try to move your arm.

“Maybe like the first ten.” Cas lets out a relieved laugh but her mother looks the furthest from it when she finally gets to you.

“I think I'm done with outdoor recreation for today.” You give her a weak smile and watch her shoulders sag as she kneels next to you.

“Are you alright?” Her eyes scan over you worriedly. “I looked away for two seconds and you were gone.” 

“I think I just banged my shoulder but I don't think anything is broken.” She helps you back to your feet, the pain in your shoulder isn't the worst but it definitely hurts. When you take a single step, your right knee immediately protests. Alcina is watching you like a hawk, shaking her head. 

“We're going to the hospital.” She easily scoops you up into her arms, walking back to where all of your stuff is. 

“I'm sure it's just bruised, we don't need to mess up beach day.” It doesn't sound very convincing because you know she's right. Better safe than sorry. 

“We have three more days here, there'll be more time.” A kiss is pressed against your head as the girls quickly pack up all your things, looking equally worried. 

After a visit to urgent care, some poking and prodding, and finally an x-ray, you're given a clean bill of health. Nothing is broken, just a bit of bruising that should clear up in a few weeks. You sit and wait outside the pharmacy lobby for the pain medication you'd been prescribed, still feeling Alcina eyeing you. 

“I'm alright, I swear.” Your hand finds hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. 

“You're sure you're fine? Perhaps we should get another opinion.” Her teeth nervously dig into her lip as she continues to scan your body. The deep fear harbored in her that you would get hurt one day never went away. Your human body was much more fragile than hers or the girls. One year you fell off a ladder trying to fix some decorations in your bedroom and you swore she was going to have a heart attack when you came into her office with a knot on your head. 

“Alcina, multiple people looked at me. We can make a follow up once the trip is over but I promise you I'm alright.” Her nervous hands stop when you give them another reassuring squeeze. 

“If you're certain.” She cups your cheek. 

“I am. I'm honestly just ready to have dinner.” When you meet her eyes you feel

 your heart do that familiar little flutter it does whenever she looks at you with so much love in her eyes. 

“Get a room.” Daniela coughs from where she's poking through an old magazine, making her sisters laugh. 

“We have one don't we?” You hum to Alcina who shoots you a smirk, immediately matching your tone. 

“Mmm yes, I think we do.” Her fingers run gently over your cheek.

“Okay okay! Gross, too far!!” Cassandra gags, putting her earbuds back in.

All of you head back to the hotel to take a much needed shower. The girls had their own room, you and Alcina were a few doors down the hall. Just far enough to not hear whatever antics each other got up to. A soft sigh escapes your lips as you lower into the bath after a quick rinse off. You hadn't intended to get in but your dinner reservations weren't for another hour and a half, and boy did your body need this. Strong arms delicately hold you close, your head resting against Alcina’s front. The large floor to ceiling windows still offer the perfect view of the pristine ocean. The late afternoon sky is explosive with color, shades of reds, oranges and purple contrast the deep blue ocean. It's gorgeous and you let out a happy hum as you snuggle closer, tangling your fingers with her own. 

“The stars will probably be lovely again tonight.” She says softly your ear, soft hands caressing up and down your thighs. 

“I'd love to stay up and watch the stars with you again but after what my body has been through today I doubt I'll make it past nine.” You laugh. 

“We still have all weekend, my love.” Lips kiss just behind your ear.

“That we do…I'm glad we did this.” 

“Me too.” She holds you a bit tighter against her. “I hope you know that what I'm doing isn't a passing phase. I'm going to be better. I know we've talked but I really want to show you I'll be better.” 

“I know you will, I trust you.” 

“Thank you for trusting me.” She presses another kiss against your uninjured shoulder. 

“Of course…” Your hands toy with her fingers just above the bubbles. “Mistakes are a part of being in a relationship. We're bound to make more but—” You kiss her knuckles. “...we have the rest of our lives together to fix them.” It comes out casually until the words that just fell out your mouth really process in your brain. Both of you are silent for a long moment. It's too late to take them back and you wouldn't dare because you mean them. 

“I want…I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” It leaves you in a quiet breath. You do. You absolutely want to. There's no question about it. Since you met her nearly six years ago, you knew. 

“I-” The rest of the sentence gets caught in her throat. It takes a little effort and hurts slightly but you turn to face her fully in the tub. Her eyes are watery as she holds you steady, careful of the bruise on your shoulder. You hold her gaze while trying to keep it together. So many times you'd recited some grand speech for this moment with only Churro and Pesto as your audience. But as you stare wistfully into those beautiful eyes, no lengthy declaration of love comes out of you. It's simple really.  

“Alcina Dimitrescu…will you marry me?” More tears slip from her eyes, a soft watery laugh bubbling out of her. 

“Oh how I love you.” She buries her face against your neck, with another soft chuckle. 

“That’s not a no but what's so funny?” You ask somehow not feeling an ounce of worry about her answer, just curious about her laughter. 

“No, it's not a no, my love. It's just…”  She shakes her head in disbelief with a smile. “I have been carrying around your ring with me for nearly three months waiting for the right time. And you, you precious thing. Not only do you manage to beat me to it,  you've caught me during one of the few times I don't have the damned thing on me.” One of her hands squeezes your bare hip, making you giggle. The other wipes away a stray tear that slipped down your cheek. 

“Well sorry for the timing but not sorry I asked first.” You grin. “I'm still lacking an answer by the way.” 

Her hands slide up your body, cupping both of your cheeks as she looks back at you. It's nearly overwhelming to hold her intense gaze. The way she looks at you feels too much for a mere mortal like yourself but she's chosen you. You've chosen her and by God you can't wait to spend the years you have left on this planet with her.

“Yes.” She kisses one of your cheeks. “Yes.” Then the other. “Yes.” Lips press against your sternum as you gently card your fingers through her damp hair. “Yes.” Those devoted golden eyes look up at you. She leans up slightly, lips brushing against yours. “Yes.” It whispers into the air once more before her lips claim yours.

After a private celebration in the tub, the two of you quickly have to get ready for dinner. Judging by the couple of missed texts and calls you both may have gotten a little lost in one another. You're only 10 minutes late to the reservation, receiving a glare from Daniela when you sit down.

“Oh my god, what took you two so long?” She groans,  smacking her hands on the table dramatically.

“Do you want an answer to that?” Bela makes a disgusted face. 

“Well I'll have you three know, I had an important question to ask your mother.” 

“Yeah, what?” Cassandra mumbles, already scanning the menu. Without a word you hold your hand up, the ring on your finger glinting under the chandelier. 

The shrieks that followed from the three of them should have gotten you all kicked out of the restaurant. 

Your sweet Daniela bursts into joyful tears. More spring to your own as you wipe away hers. A small part of you was worried about their reaction but you never should have been. On a few occasions they've called you their other mom and it took a lot of work not to sob every  time it happened. The three of them squish you and Alcina in a group hug. 

“We have to get champagne to celebrate.” Bela mumbles into your shirt. 

“You can't drink.” Alcina chuckles. 

“It was worth a shot.” She squeezes you both tightly. Alcina catches your eye in the hug pile with a smile that makes your soul feel complete. You hug your daughters back, feeling like all is right in your life finally.