DD's // SAUDADE

- TWO -

James' family had a huge garden just behind their house in Italy, and it was filled with various flowers and always dipped in different smells. James didn't remember it, though, and only could see it through some old photos. He was too young when he migrated to Great Britain and can barely remember Italy, unlike his sister. Sometimes, he felt jealous of her as she remembered until this day their beautiful house and pretty garden while his memories were empty.

James still remembers the first day he stepped into the twins' mansion. He wasn't fascinated by the expensive leather and gold that was covering the pieces of furniture nor by the marble floor. His teenage eyes lit up the moment he faced the garden in the backyard. He was always really close to Damon, but he wanted to spend more time with Deetra when he found out that she loved flowers as much as him and had ordered the gardener to plant all of them.

James was sitting in the garden, among the flowers, while Deetra was in her room. His body was against the fresh-cut grass when she went to find him. She saw him lying there with closed eyes; she knew he would be there.

Deetra stood over her boyfriend, hiding the sun. James opened his eyes and lifted his body the moment he faced his girlfriend. She sighed and sat by his side; he brought his knees to his chest and continued glaring at her with worried eyes. His eyes had a darker blue than usual; Deetra swore she could see storms and thunders and a restless ocean in them.

He moved his fingers closer to her shyly, slowly intertwining his with hers. She wasn't looking him in the eyes; Deetra was starring down. She looked calmer than before, but James couldn't understand what was wrong.

"I need you to know that whatever's happening, I am by your side... I can't understand if I have made a mistake and you avoid me but... I don't want to lose you. I am so sorry for whatever I... did."

A gentle smile took over her lips as she exhaled hearing him. Deetra turned her head and glared at him anxiously.

"I... well... my period was late, and I was worried I was pregnant, but it seems I am not...."

James looked at her with wide eyes before bringing her to his chest and hugging her. She stayed there, frozen in her position, liking his body's warmth.

"You bloody idiot, you should have told me..! I could go and buy one for you- You shouldn't just go around avoiding me, Deetra...!"

"I know, I know, and I am sorry, it's just... I don't know what I would do if I were pregnant...."

James moved his hands to her cheeks, cupping them softly before giving her a kiss on the lips. He had missed his Deetra dearly, even if it was a couple of days where she held that attitude.

"If you were pregnant and wanted to abort it, I'd be by your side. If you wanted to keep it, I'd accept my duties as a father and continue staying with you. You wouldn't get rid of me that easily...."

Deetra giggled at the last sentence and looked away. James pulled away and grabbed her hand, giving it a soft kiss, soon receiving her attention back.

"All I want is to make you feel happy and loved, Deetra."

"You make me happy, James."

She smiled wide as he sighed and glared down with a sad smile.

"You could have anyone; you're a strong independent woman who runs the business around even if Damon gives the orders, and for some reason, you chose to love me. I don't understand...."

Deetra laughed and closed the gap between them. She brought her hands on her knees, and soon her eyes were on his silhouette.

"James, I love you; it's simple as that. You don't have to fill your brain with nasty thoughts...."