Fighting hearts

Seventeen

Roth half growled, half sighed. "Well, it's time for me to join the others."

The lovebirds were cherishing their last private moments together in Evie's room before the work day would start.

Evie stood on her toes and rubbed the tip of her nose against Roth's. "Train well."

"I will."

"But be careful with that ear of yours. It's still healing."

"Yes, ma'am."

"And please tell the others to avoid hitting you there. One punch may open the wound again."

"Don't worry, my darling."

Evie blushed at the last word. "Darling," she giggled. "I like that."

"Me too. And you, darling..." Roth smiled, running his fingers through her hair. "...don't forget your promise to me."

Evie shook her head. "I won't." She grabbed her nurse's cap from her desk and put it on her head. "I'll take a look in my jewelry boxes tonight. I know I have a few pendants that I'm not using."

She knew Roth wasn't as privileged as she was. He shouldn't spend his money on things that weren't needed. "I have them lying around anyway. Heirlooms from an aunt—"

"Evie, that's too much—"

"Hush, please." She placed her finger against his lips. "I know what you want to say. But I really want to give it to you."

She would cut a lock from her hair tonight and make a little artwork for Roth. A keepsake, just for him, locked in a piece of jewelry he could always wear close to his heart.

He groaned but was clearly amused. "Do I even have any say in this?"

"No," she answered, smiling. "You might be the champion here in the Pits, but you will not win a fight against me that easily."

"Why do I immediately believe that?" Roth wrapped his hands around Evie's waist and pulled her in. "Fine. I'll accept, but only because you're so very adorable."

Evie's knees turned weak. The orc was so handsome and sweet. "As are you," she answered.

"Adorable? Me?" Roth asked. "Hm... Maybe I should come by tonight after your brother leaves and show you how adorable I can be..."

"If only... but we can't do that," Evie replied, sighing. She would love to spend another evening with Roth, repeating the last one they'd shared, but it wasn't going to happen today, for they had both obligations. "Your mother is making fish soup, specially for you."

"Technically, it's for you."

"I know," Evie groaned. "So, if we were to meet tonight, I should be the one to visit you. I fear I'll be too late, though."

Maybe she could ditch her brother quickly?

"Let's just do this another day," Roth replied. "My mother is fine with it, really. She was just curious. And she said she was going to make it anyway."

"But I will still miss you." Evie pouted.

"I'll miss you too." Another peck on her lips. "But now, I must leave before Shura comes looking for me again." Roth growled in frustration. "Give me one more kiss."

"Gladly," Evie said, pulling the orc by his hair so his lips fell against hers.

They kissed until they were breathless. "Okay go," Evie mumbled, her chin still tingling from his beard.

"If Carlisle is acting weird again, come and get me, okay?" Roth asked, walking to the door but waiting for her answer before he opened it.

"Okay," Evie answered, although she didn't know if she was speaking the truth. "I'll see you later."