Mr. & Mrs Meropide

Chapter Thirty-Four: Unspoken Truths

The next morning, Vire was up early, heading to the office to pick up the gift. With the package in hand, he made his way to Maria's house. As he approached, he could see her through the window, dancing in the kitchen and flipping pancakes in the air. He paused for a moment, watching with a huge grin on his face, before deciding to ring the bell. But she didn't hear him over the loud music, so he let himself in, leaning against the doorframe and enjoying the scene for a bit longer.

"Maria!" Vire called out over the music as soon as she put the hot pan down. She spun around quickly, a flustered look on her face, and hurried to turn down the music.

"I didn't hear you come in," she said, untying the apron from her waist.

"Your house has changed a lot," Vire noted, gesturing to the colorful decor and utensils scattered around.

"Yeah, I picked up a bunch of stuff. After all, it's a new start, so it should look accordingly," she said proudly. "What brings you here?" Maria asked, making him a plate of pancakes.

Vire chuckled as he walked further into the kitchen, setting the gift down on the table. "I wanted to bring you something," he said, watching as Maria expertly plated the pancakes. "Consider it a housewarming present."

Maria raised an eyebrow, curious. "For me?" she asked, a bit surprised as she put the plate on the table.

"Yes, for you," Vire replied, his tone casual but with a hint of something more. "I figured with all the changes you're making, this might fit in nicely."

She eyed the wrapped package, her curiosity piqued. "You didn't have to do that, but thank you," she said, genuinely touched. "What is it?"

"Open it and find out," Vire said, leaning back against the counter with a grin, clearly enjoying the moment.

Maria untied the ribbon and carefully removed the wrapping paper. Inside, she found a pair of beautifully crafted one-handed axes, their handles intricately engraved with a flower pattern and perfectly balanced. Her eyes widened in surprise, unable to contain herself, she jumped in excitement. Still caught up in the moment, she grabbed Vire by the collar and pulled him in for a kiss.
A second later, they separated. "Oh my, I am so sorry, I don't know what got into me," Maria stammered, her face flushing a deep red as she placed the axes on the table. She couldn't bring herself to look up at Vire, certain he would be furious.

"Relax," Vire said with a loose posture, not a hint of anger in his voice. Maria dared to look up at him, surprised to see him grinning. He then leaned forward, pulling her in by her waist. "You're adorable when you're flustered," he teased, holding eye contact with her. Maria's bright smile returned, her hands resting against his chest. He placed a hand under her chin, lifting it up as he leaned in for another kiss.

Her heart raced as she melted into the kiss. When they separated a second time, Vire still held her tight, their connection lingering in the air.

"How about you take a closer look at your axes now?" Vire suggested, his gaze still locked on hers, though his grip loosened slightly. Maria just nodded, sure that her face was still bright red. She picked up one of the axes, everything still feeling surreal, like she was in a dream. Meanwhile, Vire turned back to the stove, flipping a somewhat burned pancake with a casual ease, the moment between them still fresh and sweet.

"I saw the way you looked at those axes in the catalog," Vire said, his grin widening. "Thought you might like to have a pair of your own."

Maria looked up at him, a mix of emotions in her eyes. "Vire, these are... incredible. I don't even know what to say."