For A Brief Moment

Chapter 26: When you least expect it

A while later, Elijah and Cassie decided to leave the fair, with Cassie buckling up the elephant in the back seat, causing Elijah to shack his head in amusement. They had talked the whole journey home, getting to know more about one another, many facts being personal and intimate, something that they didn't expect to share. They eventually pulled up to Cassie's house, Sebastian still not being home meant that Elijah could park as close as he wanted. He stepped out of the car, before walking around towards Cassie's side, opening the door for her, only to be greeted with her back, as she reached behind her to unbuckle the elephant. She pulled the sunshine cloud of fluff out from its seat, turning to grab Elijah's hand as she got out. She held it around the neck, tucking it under her arm gently, being sure not to apply too much pressure to it. Elijah gently closed the door, to ensure that he didn't wake anyone up, before guiding Cassie to the curb.

"Thank you for tonight, Elijah," Cassie expressed her gratitude. She was genuine and pleased, she really did enjoy her night with him, a fair was something she was never allowed to attend when she was younger, something that made sense once Elijah had heard, remembering her expression to all the lights and rides when they had first entered.

"Don't you want your other teddies'," he explained, reaching towards his car door before being pulled back by Cassie's hand.

"Keep them," she spoke softly, her hand dancing around his, forming small circles on his palm. "I have mister Sunshine now." This received yet another chuckle from Elijah, him being utterly baffled by her odd choice of names.

"If you insist princess," he teased, pulling her into his arms, their bodies colliding, sending chills down both their backs. They held each other tightly, their heartbeats beating in sync as their nerves grew. When they pulled away, their hands rested on one another, eyes devouring each other's sight, which they had both become aware of a while ago. Slowly, their hands slipped down each other, now interlocking once again. Although silent, they both mutually agreed that they enjoyed their evening, something they both wished they could have more nights to share. Cassie pulled away first, her body moving away from Elijah's before she lifted herself up on her toes, her body leaning forward to whisper in his ear. "Good night," she spoke softly before hesitating. She didn't know what she was meant to do next, her gentle breath hitting against his neck, something that made him unimaginably enchanted by her, his body fluttering, just as hers was. She had many thoughts, the loudest telling her to walk into her house, but behind that was a smaller voice, a voice that began to increase in volume, and with that voice she followed it. She turned her head, placing a small kiss on his cheek. This was similar to the one she had granted him just hours ago, but it was more intermate, slow, and meaningful this time. When she finally pulled away, her body shrank again, shooting him a small smile before turning around, and walking slowly away. Elijah needed her, he needed more of her, a voice in his head telling him to bite the bullet, so he did. "Princess," he called her head turning back towards him as she evaluated his stance and face. He rushed over to her, something that confused her greatly before he cupped her in his hands, his face inches away from hers. He leaned forward quickly as if rushing before something could stop him, placing a small kiss on her lips. If a moment felt like it could be stolen, this would be it. A most treasured possession that they had finally claimed for themselves. 

Once he had pulled away, he rested his forehead on hers, his eyes swimming in hers. "For your travels," he whispered.

"Elijah," she whispered back, her voice weak as if shocked by something. He hummed at her, to allow her to continue while she pulled her head away, slightly, giving her more room to analysis his features. "What was the rest of the deal?" He knew exactly what she was talking about pulling away from her slightly and smirking widely at her.

"A second date," he suggested watching her closely to gain a better understanding of her emotions.

"Oh," she began as her eyes wandered around his face, them resting lightly on his eyes but most often his lips, "I would have agreed to that without the deal you know," she teased, as she watched him move around her face with his eyes, one of his hands, moving towards her cheek, whilst the other slipped towards her waist.

"Good," he whispered, his eyes now unmoving from her lips.

"Good," she repeated in a similar tone, as her hand raised towards his cheek, the other gently placing the elephant on the floor before snaking up and around his neck.

"Good," he didn't even whisper this, he simply just breathed it, only a few syllables being audible. With that he pulled her into him, her lips crashing against his while her hand made its way to his hair, its soft strands getting tangled in her fingers. It felt as though fireworks were made for this very moment. They held each other close as they bathed in each other's embrace, sharing a long-awaited moment that left them hungry for each other's taste. When they eventually pulled away, they simply rested on each other, her head falling to his chest, listening to his heart pound against his chest, locked within its cage, while he rested his chin on her head, her soft curls tangling around his finger as he twisted it. They simply enveloped themselves in one another, not wanting the moment to end, but as the saying goes, 'all good things must come to an end,' and so Elijah pulled away first, still looking at Cassie, as if she was a work of art hanging in a gallery, she was picturesque and he could stare at her for days, studying her like a painting. He walked towards his car door before turning around to see her standing frozen in her place, paralysed in complete shock, nervousness, fear? Whatever she was feeling she soon broke free from, shouting towards him as he got into his car, "I'm free tomorrow," a smile lacing her face as he smiled back.

"I'll be here at 12," he stated, starting his engine, and staring out at her, his arm resting on the door.

"Perfect," she spoke back her voice sounding dreamy, her eyes staring at him, whilst she replayed the last few moments in her mind.

"See you, tomorrow princess," he spoke, taking her in one last time before waving, receiving a small wave back.

"Night Elijah." She called as he began to drive off, his engine roaring as he did, a small trail of black clouds left behind. She picked up the elephant from the floor and brought it close to her chest, taking in its scent, that smelt like him, his cigarettes and old leather gracing the elephant with its presence. Her face remained shocked, the expression unable to be shifted, as she spun to face her front door. She couldn't believe it, she and Elijah Montgomery had just kissed, and had her first-ever kiss. 

Finally.