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Using the broom to clean the floor from the powder that spilled on the floor. Pierce glances over at Ava who was making this delicious treat that she calls pancakes that have protein. It's been a while since someone has made something like this. Plus, this time he didn't have to draw his sword out and force their part in making it quick. He just had to sit there and watch her make those perfectly round pancakes. The others were busy watching the television to not see her making this wonderful meal. Pierce can see the television most of the time during the day. What he can't see every moment in the day, is Ava cooking something that makes his nostrils feel blessed. He hasn't felt this much joy in someone making food for them before. He was sitting down beside the counter as he watched her continue to make more of the pancakes. She is amazing at making these sweet treats that by the seconds, he is already dreading waiting to try them.
The others were too busy studying the television to even notice what Ava was making in the kitchen. He finds himself staring as she continues to make them breakfast. She has her hair tied in a ponytail to keep her hair from getting loose and into the food. He finds that a hilarious reason to have it up and out of the face. But he can't judge her for wanting to keep their food safe and edible to eat. Watching as she moves effortlessly in the little space she has to use. He finds her more intriguing than before. Her shirt is stain free and that is more impressive than anything. Usually by now, she would have either small dots or stains trailing from the sleeves or chest area. Pierce found himself asking more questions in his head over things he did not want to know with the others in the way.
"Do you want to try one?" Snapping out of his thoughts, he glances over at the pink plate that Ava has in her hands. It had a max of three of those pancakes along with a red liquid that dripped down from one pancake to the other. Glancing back at her, she finds her grinning, it is like she is pleased to have someone to cook for.
"Yes," taking the plate in his hands and placing it on the counter, he is given a fork to use for the food. Is this how Noi felt when he was taken to go meet her parents? Wanted? Seen? Loved? Pierce gazed over at Ava preparing a couple of more plates. Tsk, for the others. Of course she is going to prepare them a plate instead of telling them to come get them for themselves. Shaking his head as he looks down at the plate he had. He grins, taking a small bite out of the pancake. His eyes lit up with pure pleasure as he continued to bite the first pancake off his plate. Pierce was going to speak up when he heard Rhys beat him to his question.
"Ava, these pancakes are wonderful. How did you make them?" Pierce's gaze could snap one's neck if they weren't careful in how they tread in front of him. He watches as Ava smiles at Rhys before beginning her story on how she made these pancakes, apparently from scratch. But there was a box? What does she mean when she says it's from scratch? Pierce continues to watch Rhys and Ava get comfortable in their space at the other side of the counter. It should be me, talking to her. He sighs before unconsciously pouting and munching silently on the rest of the pancakes. Unaware of the special treatment he got from Ava on his plate. Pierce was too focused on Ava's giving the others a plate to realize the difference in his plate from the others. The other had a max of two pancakes and an original syrup to go along with their food. He however, received Ava's favorite jam to go along with the pancakes as she has it on her plate.
"Pierce," he glances over at who said his name to find his princess standing beside him. Although he was sitting down, he still towers over her. He slightly turned his body to face her as she stood beside him with her plate and drink.
"Do you like them?" He would be lying if he said he didn't like them, he loved them. He doesn't know how this managed to make all of the points of food hitting different. It has only been one week of eating whatever Ava conjured inside of the small space she has to make these meals. With every new one that she comes out with, it automatically becomes better than the last one. He glances over at her to find Ava licking the fork, surely she isn't doing that with purpose in front of him. He finds himself in a trance as he gazes at how her lips moved to clean every inch of that lucky fork.
He glances back down at his plate to find himself picking at the last pancake. He loves them, yet why does it feel horrible to want to declare it with full chest and no regrets. Pierce's palms were sweating without him noticing as he continued to fidget under the counter. It's been a long time since someone has given him food that left him shocked and wanting more of it. The helpless feeling of wanting to have it all to himself and not dare anyone else to touch what he wants to be his. To declare his love of this unbelievable emotion that decided to conquer his heart without him even having to open the door again. It bursted open the locks and forced him out of the shell that once divided him from the other daemos. He felt naked and seen from the others at that moment.
"Pierce?" Ava shakes her right hand in front of his face as he snaps out of his thoughts to move his eyes against the movement of her hand. His eyes trail over hers to then land on her face, the object of his desires at that moment. It's been a while since he felt like claiming something completely as his own. He might just break four hearts while capturing this one forever as his.
"Ava?" He responded to her as she smiled before glancing down at his plate. Did he do something? He looked down to see what she was looking at, to find her staring at the last pancake on his plate. The pancake was butchered like a pig with its pieces scattered across the plate. A massacre is something one would describe at how it looked.
"Did you not like it? Was it too much?" She started to panic as she stood up from her chair as she made rushed movements in front of him. Alarmed at the movement she was making, he stood up to hold her still with both of his hands. This move alone made everyone stop their conversations to stare at them.
"Is everything alright?" Rhys was the first one to speak as he pushed his glasses up.
"Yes," he spoke as he glanced down at Ava to find her frozen in place and with some of her hair falling from her bun she had. "Are you okay?"
It almost sounded like a lie to his own self, was he checking in on her? Did he care for her feelings? What is going on! Pierce could feel the thousand mile stares burning into his skull as he held his hands on her. Trying to stop her from doing the most classic move she had done every time something had gone from zero to a hundred, her fainting would one hundred percent not make this any better.
"I'm okay."
It sounded like a lie to his ears as he stared at her. He knew that she was not okay, although she looked to be. He did something that she didn't like. Oh , no! He looks down at the plate before grabbing a forkful of it and shoving it in his mouth. With a mouthful of pancakes, he smiled at Ava. Hoping this was the only thing that bothered her as he continued to clean his plate. Wishing it was the one thing he did wrong today. He disliked, no... he hated making her feel like this. Although it was one thing that he didn't speak up about, he gazes over at Ava to find her holding back a giggle. A piece of pancake hung for dear life on his cheek as he tilted his head to stare down at her.
Was he becoming sentimental again? Did the smallest bit of unhappiness from his Princess make him feel like a fool? To the point that making her happy again felt rewarding and satisfying to the heart and mind. Pierce watched as Ava ripped a napkin from the roll to gently dab it on his face. She has to be on her tippy toes. It is nearly impossible for her to be able to do this due to their height difference. Wait, why am I acknowledging this? Is this how it feels to have someone care for you? Although she shouldn't care about me due to the circumstances that were there before meeting her? Pierce felt like he was doubting himself again. The last time love was even an option, he was used for a sick trick that instead made him shelter away. Those days are over, Pierce. He glanced over at Ava to find her smiling and laughing a bit as she walked over to the sink to begin cleaning dishes. He doesn't have to hide this side of him anymore. There is someone who is willing to take things slow and not jump to conclusions. Glancing back at the four men who were scattered around her apartment, could Pierce do this to them?
Could he pull the rug under them and steal the girl from them? Is he strong enough to do that to them? Would it ruin their friendship for good? Pierce's mind starts to wander as he ponders on the table. He could say he the most suitable one for Ava but the others would debate him to the death. Pierce sighs as he lays his head down on his palm as he continues to think about solutions to his issue at hands. Seemingly forgetting about the present situation at hand as he felt someone rest their body on the chair. Glancing around, he finds Ava staring at him.
"Are you okay?"
Oh, god. I am not okay! Nothing about this is physically and mentally okay. Especially being in love with her. She isn't someone I should be falling in love with. Pierce's mind is racing as Ava just stands there casually talking to the other guys in the room. Oblivious to the circumstances she placed Pierce in by standing mere inches away from him. Deep down this should just mean nothing to both of them, especially with how one couldn't love the other if they tried.
Pierce gazes down at the clean table before realizing how long he has been sitting there thinking about the future. Knowing damn well he never before had one ounce of thought on how the future was going to unfold for him when coming to Earth. The Daemos words of how he would end comes running back to him as he fades out again. No love is ever greater than serving the royal family. There was nothing superior on Daemos that could ever top the affection and respect he earned from protecting those who didn't value his time and or life properly. He went blindly with the Prince into a world unknown to them yet he came out with someone that words could never describe how much they have shattered and gave a new meaning to his world.
"Yes," is all Pierce could say to his Princess as he looks away from her gaze.
"Yes, isn't a feeling nor an explanation, Pierce."
Oh, god damn. He can't fit all this stuff into one sentence especially with the other guys in this room. The flaw that has left him forever doomed in this moment. He takes a quick look at the door to find Asch and Rhys in a deep conversation about something that he couldn't care less about.
"Yes," he starts again as he realized what he said. Mentally hitting himself, he quickly thinks of another word. "I'm feeling trapped in here. Do you think I can go out?"
Oh, god, I did it again! Why in the world would that make—
"You want to go for a run?" Ava split his thoughts in half as she spoke over him. Interrupting the one he had in his mind, more began to flow into his head as he tilted his head to look at her. What does she mean by that?
"A run? What are we running from?" Pierce gazes at her dumbfounded as he tilted his head the other way a bit.
"Come on, I could use the steps," Ava spoke as she went to her to grab her phone and keys. On the way past him, she grabs his hand in her free hand as she starts walking towards the door. Ignoring what everyone else spoke, they were out the door and going to the stairs. Walking down the steps, they were both going outside without anyone else. It was just the two of them. Going outside to the human world, with nothing but a feeling in his heart that wants to leap out of his chest. For her to know how he feels at this current moment.
Pierce stopped walking as he watches Ava looking in her bag for something. He is taken aback when Ava quickly taps him, yelling out, "tag," and starts running out of the apartment complex. Frozen in place as he looks at the empty spot that once held her, he looks out the window to find her waving at him.
Is she playing a game with him? He tilts his head before realization sets in. Grinning as he walks towards the door, he notices as every moment he makes, her eyes followed him. The second he reached the door, he sprinted towards her, which in turned made her start jogging away from where she was at. This isn't what she meant when she said she wanted to run, is it? She wanted an excuse to led me away from here, no? A chase, but what is the catch in the end of this...
"Ava!" Pierce yells out as he continues to chase after her. Smiling after the first turn as he realized the familiar path to the park she must be leading him to. This wasn't a chase anymore, it was a follow the leader. He locks in immediately and starts to match his pace to hers. Not to alert her of how fast he could go, he stayed a distance away from her. He loves this, being behind her and watching her every step. If this is how going for a run is, he wouldn't mind doing this for the rest of his life. Suddenly, the air that once occupied his lungs left him stunned as he crashed into someone. Sending the both of them to the ground with a thud. A small yelp was heard as he groans.
"Pierce!" Looking up from where he landed, he spotted Ava with an annoyed expression, staring back at him.
"Uh, oh..."
"Were you not paying attention?" How could he pay attention if all his focus was placed on her and not onto the surroundings. He could lie to her and say something else caught his eyes for that split moment. But then again, he isn't one to lie to her. How could he lie to her? With those eyes and that love that he has earn without even needing to prove his worthy for it. How could he lie to her of all people?
"No, I-"
"Come on silly, we still have a couple of more to go-" Ava got up to her feet as she brushes the dirt that accumulated on her leggings. She glances back at him to find him staring and frozen in place. She reaches out to him as she was about to playfully hit his arm when.
"Ava- wait- I," Pierce grabs ahold of her hands as he stood up in front of her. Would it be too greedy of him to want all of Ava's attention to himself? He doesn't want anyone else to have this side of her but him. Pierce is willing to fight blood if it meant he could keep her forever beside him. He wants her to himself and he isn't letting his friends have her back anymore. Sure they would be able to talk and enjoy her company but at the end of the day, he wants her to always come back to him. With the intention that one day, it would be just the two of them alone and living life. Something that Pierce wouldn't think he would find himself talking to himself about again.
"I don't think I can do this for any longer, Ava."
"Did I do something... wrong?"
"No, no, no. Quite the opposite... actually..." Pierce spoke as he took a small gulp. Gosh, why does he feel like jumping out of a building right now? Why can't he just be honest and speak his mind? Why does it always have to come out in confusing puzzles that Ava won't possibly understand. He wants to confess and be himself for once without having to keep his guard up.
"Pierce, we don't have to talk about it here, we can do it back at my home if you want." Ava was ready to start walking away when Pierce cleared his throat.
"I highly doubt I'll get a clearer mind there." It's true to some extent but he doesn't want the boys to interrupt his way to Ava's heart. He knows he shouldn't be this greedy when it comes to conquering Ava and her heart, but if he is being real in sense that he truly desires to have her for the rest of his life. Whether that is two hours or for the next century, he wants her to be apart of it. Pierce can't stand seeing her slip out of his hands, knowing well enough there is a way for him to resolve the issue without harming others.
"Then, what is it?"
"I," how could he say what is on his mind without sounding possessive and or sounding needy to her. Pierce doesn't want to scare her away with how he says things. He rarely had the chance to speak what was on his mind back on Daemos, most of the girls there wouldn't care for his feelings. Now that he is here and spots a lover for himself, he finds himself slipping on his words. Something he has never done before. He always spoke with authority and purpose. That in front of Ava, he finds himself acting differently.
Pierce glances over at Ava to find her smiling with her dimples showing. Wait, why is he paying mind to these things? He is becoming sentimental! Pierce breathes in before staring back out towards the park, "Ava. You've showed me something that I didn't think I had in me. Something I thought to have been forever gone to the cosmos, never to be seen again. Yet, you've shown me what it is like to believe in someone. To believe love was hiding out there for me. This might sound crazy but I think I'm in love with you."
Ava glanced up at him before nodding her head, "so this entire time that we were talking about something on your mind... you've been wanting to tell me you are in love with me?"
"Yes," he spoke as his smile reached from cheek to cheek. His face flustered and hands fidgeting with his shirt as he looks at her.
"Pierce, you know you could've just said that at the beginning." Ava starts off as she inches closer to him. "I had an idea you were struggling with something. Just didn't think it was that..."
"You don't have to tell me—"
"I love you too, Pierce." Ava cuts him off as he started back, mouth agape as his mind official broke at that moment. He gets the girl? How is that possible! He looks back at her to find her flustered and breaking eye contact every so often.
"What!"
"Yes," Ava spoke as she looks at him. "You get the chance to love someone here, with someone who'll love you back 100% more than you could ever imagine."
Pierce doesn't know whether he feels sick or he is experiencing what they call the butterflies in the stomach. He glanced back at Ava to find her smiling and at that moment, he realized he had fallen too deep to back out of his feelings now.
"You love me? Why?"
"Why not?" Ava spoke as she sat down by the park bench, keeping a close eye on Pierce and his every action.
"I, what? Ava, why me?"
"You understand me and actually know what I'm like. You follow every move and keep an eye on me. Everyone else just keeps their attention to different points in me instead of everything. You check everything from me, even the ones I didn't think I needed." Ava said as she looks at him.
"I would like to express my needs, then."
"Go on," Ava moved on the bench to then pat the wood, signaling for Pierce to sit next to her. "Tell me what you would like."
He glances over at her before smiling and walking towards her, taking the spot next her. Pierce looks straight at her before looking down at the concrete path. The birds were chirping a melody as they sat in silence for a while. Lives were being lived as they gazed at the countless kids and adults around the park. Some of them were playing football amongst themselves, others were playing frisbee with dogs, while some kids were sat under the slide. Probably playing imaginary games and living their lives with zero care of fear. Yet, there is Pierce, afraid of falling and believing in love again.
"Can I kiss you?" Those words exited his mouth and sent Ava into a panic, internally. She has given them a kiss on the cheek yet kissing someone on the lips! It's been a long time she has really been in that boat of having the need to express herself. Yet, here is Pierce, tripping all over the place and somehow, he fell right into her life at the right moment.
"Yes."
Was it a full blown circle at that moment that her response to him matched his energy as they left her apartment. Yes. Did she love every moment after that. Yes. Was her running away necessary? Especially the second he realized the game she plotted onto him was to led them away from her apartment. Just for them to be alone and have a moment to themselves to just let go and express their emotions without the rest of the boys plotting against them. This entire time, everything fell right into their hands and landed right.
"So do I—"
Ava grabbed hold of Pierce's shirt before tugging him towards her. It was an assertive gesture that sent Pierce blushing at her movement. Certainly was one he wasn't expecting from her at that moment. Ava looks at him before leaning in. They were mere inches away from each, eyes gazing into each other. She could see the star shining in his eyes as he stared in astonishment. A moment he believed would never happen in his life again. Pierce's right hand place a barrier between them, stopping her from falling onto him on the bench. A fuzzy feeling overtook him as he grinned in between the glances. Almost giggling at how she was making him feel like a teenager experiencing love for the first time. Ava leaned in to press a tender kiss onto his lips before melting into his chest. Pierce's hands automatically wrapped around her, shielding her from the wind at that moment.
Was this how Ava loved someone? Pierce felt like his world was rocked at that moment. The kiss has left him yearning for more of Ava's love yet at this moment, having her in his arms is more than enough. At that moment, he realized, love is something that doesn't just automatically end when someone he has loved, stopped loving him. Love has no ending even if the one who said it first, stopped. Love is all around and it just begins again, waiting in silence for the right moment to shine and bring life to a new beginning. Glancing down at Ava, he lays a kiss on her forehead as they watched the sun setting in the near distance.