Fall Into Me

~.XXII.~

Everyone who had attended for Christmas had left, except for Diana and Vivienne. During a conversation, Vivienne had been distressed to learn that there was going to be a huge firework show in the park twenty minutes from her house. Apparently, Diana couldn't handle fireworks very well, quickly becoming overstimulated at the loud noises. She hated the anticipation, the anxiety that came with every faint high pitched noise, waiting for the inevitable bang!.

Minerva had immediately suggested they spend New Year with them, as the North Wing was so heavily soundproofed that a bomb could go off and it wouldn't be heard. Last minute, she'd had a guest room made up for them. Diana was skeptical about how quiet it would be, and Mona had assured her numerous times that it would be fine. The North Wing was dead silent at all times, because outside noise irritated Minerva beyond belief. She only wanted noise if she allowed it to happen.

This New Year, Mona had someone to celebrate it with. Someone who was mildly tipsy but exceptionally beautiful. The jumper dress Minerva wore was designed to hug her body, to show off her curves and frame her breasts. Mona knew she'd chosen it specifically for that reason, so Mona would be fixated on her.

The courtyard was alive with music and people dancing, singing away to cheerful songs, small groups breaking out into jigs and dances. A large tree took up most of the space in the middle, a safety ring set up around it. The poor thing looked dismal, with all its dry branches reaching towards the sky. Mona had no idea why it was there, and thought it was a miserable looking Christmas tree. It wasn't long before her gaze drifted back to Minerva. Around her throat sat the present Mona had made her for New Years; a small elephant necklace crafted out of the same crystal as her bracelet. Elephants were Minerva's favourite animal, and she'd been delighted with the gift, kissing Mona senseless afterwards.

Mona was wearing Minerva's Christmas present to her; the comfiest jumper she'd ever worn and a pair of ripped jeans. Minerva had yet to give Mona her New Years present, but assured her it would be coming later that evening. Minerva caught her watching and beckoned her over, placing her whisky glass down. She wrapped her arms around Mona's shoulders and Mona nudged her arms up to her neck, slipping her own hands around the delightful dip of Minerva's waist, one hand squeezing her hip and the other moving around to the small of her back.

Minerva used one hand to stroke Mona's face adoringly, pushing some hair behind her ear as the crowd began to countdown from ten in excitement.

"I think," Minerva paused, pupils blown as she searched Mona's face, "my darling, I think I'm falling in love with you."

Mona took in a sharp breath, eyes wide. Desperately, she searched Minerva's face for any sign of deceit. There was a softness to her tonight that Mona hadn't seen before, a genuine smile tilting the corners of her mouth, a slight crinkle around her eyes. God, her eyes were so easy to get lost in, and they gave such a depth to Minerva's words.

"You mean that?" Mona whispered, heart rate increasing. Minerva pressed closer, humming, bumping and rubbing their noses together.

"No," she breathed, holding Mona more securely, eyes wide. Pulling back to look at Mona. "I've already fallen," her hand stroked Mona's cheek.

"You've had a drink," Mona deflected weakly, earning a two fingered tap to her cheek.

"Don't you imply I'm drunk," Minerva said sternly, "I know what I'm saying, Mona."

"Do you? Really?" Mona was hopeful, too hopeful. It couldn't be possible, surely. Minerva was too good for Mona, too beautiful and kind and heart achingly affectionate and warm.

"Yes," Minerva pulled her in tighter as the countdown hit seconds. "I love you, Mona. So very much."

The sky above them came alive with fireworks. Minerva grasped Mona's face in her hands and kissed her lovingly, slow and deep. There were cheers and whoops all around them, but Mona knew it was for the New Year, not for their kiss.