Work Text:
It was a peaceful Winter evening. Everything was silent, save for the crackling in the fireplace and the occasional crumbling of paper from another room. Bundled up on the couch was the town’s newest farmer, chilly and half asleep. She watched half-lidded as her dog settled himself in front of the fireplace and she smiled. She heard a sigh from the side room as another paper got crumpled and most likely thrown away. She cleared her throat and looked at the doorway.
“Why don’t you take a break, dear?” She waited a few moments for a response, but one never came. The farmer groaned as she rose from her seat, joints cracking. She pulled the blanket tighter around her while she walked, finally catching sight of her husband at his writing desk. His long copper-colored hair was tied into a very loose ponytail, something he only did if he was under immense stress. His going-out ponytails were never that poorly put-together.
“Dear,” she tried again, “you should take a break. It’s getting late.”
He sighed and ran a hand down his face. “I will, my love,” he stated through his fingers, “but I should really finish this chapter before retiring for the night. Problem is, I seem to be stuck.” He frowned at the paper and pushed it aside, resting his elbows on the desk as he supported his head in his hands.
“Would you like another mug of coffee, then?”
He turned around and looked at her, a gentle smile gracing his lips. “That would be very helpful, darling, thank you. And, if I may, you look like the most precious little burrito in that blanket.” She scoffed and left for the kitchen, hearing a small laugh from behind her. Before she made it to the kitchen, she turned to look out the front window and stopped in her tracks. After a pause, and without breaking her gaze, she tilted her head.
“Elliott?”
“Yes, my love?”
“Can you come here please?”
She glanced over just as her husband had entered the room, hair no longer tied and cascading down his shoulders. She smiled and nodded towards the window. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her, resting his chin on her head.
“Oh my, isn’t this just beautiful. What wonders nature bestows upon us.”
The snow outside was falling so gracefully, so softly. The snow on the ground was a whitish-blue and absolutely dazzling in the moon light. The warm glow of the lanterns scattered around the farm were like halos of light, making the descending snowflakes look like glitter. Everything was calm, and the popping of the fireplace made it all the more serene.
Elliott reached his hand gently into the blanket, seeking his wife’s hand. His slender fingertips grazed her arm and she shivered, grabbing his hand and giving it three little squeezes. He closed his eyes and squeezed back just as gently, the simple gesture a way to show their love for one another. Neither knew exactly how it started, but they both knew it meant ‘I love you.’ He hummed and kissed the back of her head. He noticed in the reflection of the window her brows furrow slightly.
“Elliott?”
“Yes, darling?”
“I just realized, I never started the coffee.”
He chuckled. “No matter, I’ve chosen to forego the extra cup. I believe I deserve some respite after all the writing I did today. And you,” he kissed her head again, “look like you could use some company in that terribly cozy wrap of yours.” Before she could respond, he strode over to the couch and flopped down. His deep green eyes met hers and for a split second she was taken back to the very first time she met him, bumping into him on a bridge and almost knocking them both into the creek below.
“Oh, I’m so sorry!” She breathed out an awkward laugh, patting down her clothes in an effort to give her hands something to do.
“No no, it’s quite alright. Are you okay?”
“I’m alright, thank you. I really need to be more careful. I was in a hurry and didn’t notice you.”
“If I may, what’s the cause for such a hurry? You look dreadfully stressed.”
She sighed and looked out at the water. “I just moved here yesterday and I’m trying to meet everybody. It’s tiring, and not everyone’s super friendly.” She recalled with a frown the man from the saloon who rudely told her to fuck off when she approached him.
“Ah, I take it you’re the new farmer. I’m new myself, you know. I moved here only a year before you. I apologize for anybody who has been less than kind to you, but as I cannot change what they may have done, all I can do is offer my own introduction and hope for the best.” He outstretched his arm for her. “My name is Elliott. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
She smiled and shook his hand, introducing herself. She caught sight of his eyes, a rich and vivid green, and she felt her heart pull in his direction. She knew at once it was love.
Love.
“...ove? My dear, is everything alright?” She blinked, shook her head slightly and smiled, walking over and sitting beside him.
“I was just thinking about when we first met is all.”
He chuckled and ran a hand through his hair. “Ah yes, when we almost went for an impromptu swim.” She laughed and removed the blanket from around her. He put his thumb and index finger under her chin and kissed her cheek softly. “My beautiful burrito, now without the tortilla.” She scoffed.
“Elliott.”
“Not a fan of the food comparison? Alright, I will come up with something else if you insist.” Before she could protest, he waved one arm into the air and another over his heart. “My lovely little wife, shedding her blanket as a butterfly sheds their cocoon. While a butterfly enters the wrapping as a caterpillar and exits a stunning and breathtaking creature, my wife already was breathtaking and stunning before her swaddling.”
“Elliott-"
“My love, immeasurable to begin with, has since become even more so-"
“Elliott-"
“-and I am once again stricken with her astounding beauty and majesty.” He leaned down and kissed her tenderly on the lips. “My love,” he whispered, “my darling, my heart hammers in my chest for thee. You set my soul ablaze with your voice and your touch.” He kissed her again, softer and slower. In a voice barely above a breath, his words dripping with what she could only describe as passion, he said slowly, “I love you so much. Words do not do it justice how much I love you. My heart yearns when you are away, it aches when you are near. I love you so deeply, my dear.” He closed his eyes and kissed again, winding an arm around her waist. She kissed back, entangling a hand in his ginger hair. A small groan escaped his throat and rosiness spread across his face. His wife chuckled and broke the kiss, lips still touching.
“I love you.”
“I love you too, darling.”
She smiled and leaned back in, letting him lead once more. She loved evenings like this, peaceful and with the man she loved most. She enjoyed making out and cuddling afterwards, the fire gradually dying as they fell asleep in each others’ arms. It was peaceful and, save for the faint crackle of the fire, it was beautifully silent.