Wildflowers

Here Comes the Sun

The next morning, Kat was up bright and early, her cottage alive with the sound of music and the usual mayhem that accompanied her morning routine. 

The air smelled faintly of coffee and whatever she had indulged in earlier, a subtle haze hanging around her eyes as she moved about the space with her usual energy. Boo, ever the loyal companion, trotted after her with a jaunty yellow bandana tied around his neck, looking as enthusiastic as ever.

With plans for a picnic lunch at her secret lake spot, Kat decided to make a quick run to the store. But first, she stopped by Severus's cottage, knocking lightly on the door before leaning against the frame, a relaxed grin playing on her lips.

When Severus opened the door, his dark eyes flickered with mild surprise, though he didn't comment on her slightly hazy appearance. Instead, his gaze briefly moved to Boo, who sat proudly at her side, bandana and all, before returning to Kat.

"Morning," she greeted, her tone bright. "I'm heading to the shop to pick up some things for a picnic. I was wondering if you needed anything while I'm out."

Severus looked at her, eyebrow slightly raised as she stood there with her usual playful grin. "You don't have to go to all that trouble," he said smoothly, folding his arms. "At least let me come with you to carry the bags."

Kat shook her head firmly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Absolutely not. It's all surprises today," she teased, giving him a playful wink. "Besides, I've got my boyfriend here to help." She gestured to Boo, who wagged his tail happily, clearly proud of his role.

Severus glanced down at the dog, his expression a mix of amusement and skepticism. "Your boyfriend carries the bags?"

Kat nodded, grinning wide. "Yep! He loves it. I handle the wine, though, because—" she paused, her eyes twinkling with laughter, "we made that mistake once, and trust me, it wasn't pretty. Boo's great at a lot of things, but carrying bottles of wine safely isn't one of them."

Severus's lips quirked into a faint smirk. "I see. I'll have to make note of that."

Kat grinned, eyes gleaming as she watched Severus's faint smirk deepen. "Exactly," she teased. "Make your little note. 'Boo is not a wine carrier.'"

Severus shook his head lightly, amused by her energy, though his expression remained measured. Before he could respond, Kat continued, her tone light but with a touch of playfulness. "I do hope you'll swim with me, though. It's going to be a nice warm day, and I'd hate for you to be a stick in the mud, sitting at the water's edge while Boo and I have all the fun."

Severus raised an eyebrow at her, his voice calm as ever. "I wasn't aware that swimming was part of the day's agenda."

Kat crossed her arms, a mock-serious expression on her face. "Well, now you know. So no excuses, Snape. I expect you in the water." Her grin softened, and she added more sincerely, "It'll be fun. And who knows, you might even enjoy it."

Severus gave a small nod, his dark eyes flickering with something unreadable. "I'll consider it."

"Good," Kat said, pleased with his answer. "Because trust me, Boo and I know how to have a good time. You wouldn't want to miss out."

With that, she turned to leave, throwing a playful look over her shoulder as she and Boo headed off. Severus watched her go, slightly bemused but undeniably intrigued, knowing full well he wouldn't be sitting on the shore that day.

Kat was strolling through the small downtown area, her long boho dress swaying with each step, the fabric revealing hints of her bikini straps underneath. 

Boo trotted beside her, tail wagging, as they wandered leisurely toward the shop. She moved with a lightness in her step, her mood lifted by the thought of the picnic she was planning with Severus.