Guinevere Auclair

greyson holds onto the moment, snagging each second with desperate fervor. even as the air in his lungs scream for release, he doesn't. he feels alive for the first time in ages as he savors the kiss. electricity pulses through him and his heart threatens to burst.

still, he wouldn't be the one to let go.

not this time.

Gwen is the first to pause, giggling awkwardly, but happily, as she leans away to brush her nose and cheek against his chin. She doesn't quite look him in the eye, perhaps too embarrassed at her forwardness and courage to even consider it.

Even though he had been the first to encourage it. Even though the fire in her lungs and the drum of her heart proved to her that it had been her idea, too. That this had been something she wanted.

"That was.."

Greyson Connors

Guinevere Auclair

"amazing."

he finishes her sentence, taking measured, control breaths. where she looks away, he can't. he takes her in, his hands reluctantly pulling away.

he can't help but laugh as another thought comes to mind.

"the steak."

greyson says it teasingly, and softly; prodding the woman's earlier confidence with amusement.

And just like that, what waning, nervous energy she had fluttering at her surface like an anxious bird by the window is renewed. He finishes her thought with the same one she'd been thinking and it brings her relief and comfort.

He might pull away but where his hands fall Gwen reaches for one of them. The woman's grip is still delicate, but she feels surer this time, less afraid of being out of line.

The moment she'd laid eyes on him at the festival, with his chin in the dirt near her boot she'd known.

"And the potatoes. You're awfully tardy, Greyson."

With her hand wrapped up in his, Gwen leads him into the kitchen with a teasing smile pressing grooves in her cheeks.

Greyson Connors

Guinevere Auclair

his gaze falls downwards. it's a comforting surprise as gwen reaches for his hand. he felt the sore burn in his cheeks. how long as he been smiling?

"well, in my defense — i was distracted."

he follows, catching sight of her dimples.

"something about a certain, pretty girl standing in front of me..."

he trails off, but begins to mentally prepare what he needs for the steak.

"Were you? I would never have guessed. Is that how you fumbled your feet at the festival as well?"

Slowly, the reserved and stiffly polite young woman warms, her core qualities and confidence unearthed by his kindness and encouragement. It feels nice to hold his hand, even if its unfamiliar.

She glances up at him, holding her attention to him this time rather than look away.

"What would you like me to do?"

Greyson Connors

Guinevere Auclair

greyson's eyes widen, his cheeks twitching.

"hey now! that was a deliberate attempt at my life. i was lucky to survive."

he places a hand against his chest, emphasizing the end of his sentence.

when she turns to hold his gaze, he smiles softly.

"you stand here and keep me company while i make the steaks."


and prepare, he does.

Gwen laughs, this time it is loud and barking. She shakes her head, greatly amused by his emphasis and the severity of his inflection. In the process of her laugh, she squeezes his hand and they step into the kitchen.

"Are you sure?"

But he is, because he sets to work right away. The woman is left to watch and wait, encouraging the brush of elbows and shared glances whenever he might turn around. Over and over again, Gwen finds his gaze which encourages another smile.

He was sweet and genuine, and she gravitated to that with ease.

Greyson Connors

Guinevere Auclair

"yes my dear, i'm sure."

he laughs, but gathers the necessary items. salt, pepper, thyme, onions. greyson turns around to catch her eyes, his heart racing naturally.

"now tell me how you like your steak, and why i hope it's not well-done."