~The Shy and The Stubborn~ (the santa clause)

Chapter 15: lost button

In the morning light, Justice stirred, her eyes fluttering open to the unfamiliar surroundings. It took a moment for the events of the previous night to flood back, and as she shifted, she found herself wrapped up in a fluffy blanket on a cream coloured sofa, albeit she was alone. 

She rubbed her eyes, then the bridge of her nose, and her brow bones. She could feel a headache incoming, an obvious result of her drinking from the night before.

The night before. 

In her chest, she felt a pang of hurt echo throughout, and disperse into her body. She could remember, not too vividly, though enough, that she had a fight with Max and Jaime - not just about Bernard, but about her questionable ability to make decisions for herself. She knew they were right, that she wasn't great at judging others or even herself, but Bernard wasn't a bad guy, he was struggling just as much as everyone else. She just wished they could see that, that they could see beneath his tough exterior. Though, that was just that - wishful thinking. 

The gentle clinking of kitchen pans and appliances alerted Justice that someone was awake, and as she noticed that, only then did she also notice the aroma which filled the air...pancakes? Her stomach grumbled, and with that, she unravelled herself from the blanket and got up. She walked across the room, wincing a little when her bare foot touched the wooden part of the floor, since it was cold compared to the carpet.

That was odd...she didn't remember taking her shoes off last night. 

As her feet got used to the sudden coldness which was the wooden floor, she let out a quiet sigh and progressed. She'd never been to Bernard's home before, so she didn't exactly know her way around. So, naturally, she followed the sounds which had alerted her just before, and with time, walking around and observing the neat surroundings, she made it to the kitchen. 

She peeked around the corner, seeing exactly what she'd pictured, though she wasn't nearly as ready as she thought she'd be for the sight.

There, Bernard stood, at his stove. He was tending to his pancakes, hair tied back and away from his face, revealing his pointed ears and his gorgeous jawline. His grey t-shirt toned his body well, as did his sweatpants, and he looked like a husband happily making a meal for his wife. 

Justice felt her face heat up - what a silly thought to have. 

She cleared her throat softly, trying to regain her composure. 

"Morning," she said, her voice coming out slightly raspy from sleep.

Bernard turned around, a warm smile lighting up his face. 

"Good morning," he greeted, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I hope you slept well."

"Yeah, thank you," Justice replied, her cheeks still tinged with pink. She moved closer, her eyes flickering to the pancakes. "Those smell amazing."

Bernard chuckled, a sound that sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. 

"I'm no chef, but I can manage pancakes," he said modestly.

As he plated the pancakes and handed her a stack, their fingers brushed against each other. It was a simple touch, but it sent a jolt of electricity through both of them. Justice quickly withdrew her hand, feeling her heart race.

"Thank you," she said, trying to ignore the sudden flutter in her chest.

They sat down at the small kitchen table, and for a few moments, there was a comfortable silence as they ate. The pancakes were delicious, light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness. Justice couldn't help but let out a contented sigh.