Innocence

D A I N T Y

"That was his gift, he caught her imagination, and that, was all she ever wanted."

~Atticus~

~🎀~

F A L C O N  K E P T  his promise.

Lunch had finally rolled around and upon walking into the cafeteria, Falcon suddenly tore himself away from Freya as he stormed towards a wide-eyed Penn. Falcon wasted no time swinging a fist towards Penn's face. The contact made a harsh cracking sound and Penn stumbled backwards, almost tripping over his own feet.

Freya couldn't hold in her gasp as she ran up to two boys, quickly wrapped her small hands around Falcon's bicep. "F-Falcon," she said as forcefully as she could. "No."

Falcon didn't move his eyes from Penn who was cupping his jaw while glaring daggers at the man. Falcon's entire body was tense; fists clenched and a scowl etched across his handsome features. 

Freya tugged on his arm slightly, trying to gain his attention. He tensed his jaw for a second, closing his eyes before settling them on her small form. He stared down at her big brown eyes for a moment before wrapping an arm around her shoulders and heaving out a breath. "I'm sorry, sweetheart," he said softly before shooting a fierce look at Penn. "But he deserved it." 

Freya mustered up the most no-nonsense expression she could; raised eyebrow, crossed arms, surly scowl. She received an amused smirk in response. She huffed, stamping her foot slightly as her eyebrows furrowed causing Falcon's lips to tremble with the temptation of a laugh. "Stop," Freya whined, her arms falling to hang at her sides as her expression melted into a pout.

Falcon raised his hands in surrender, keeping an arm around her. "I didn't say anything," he grinned.

Freya could barely believe this smiling man was the same person who had thrown a punch in her honour less than a minute ago. She glanced up at Penn worriedly. "Are you okay?" she asked.

Falcon's smile was gone in seconds. "He'll be fine," he growled, holding Freya closer to his side.

Freya frowned at Falcon. He lasted barely a second before dropping his shoulders in defeat with an eye roll.  "What do you want me to do?" he grumbled sarcastically. "Hold his fucking hand and baby him?"

Falcon knew full well that if his little angel asked it of him, he would.

Freya swatted at his arm. "That's a bad word," Freya scolded.

He sighed, apologising to Freya while eyeing Penn warily. He knew what would make his princess happy, but he really didn't want to do it.

He crossed his arms over his chest.

Fuck it.

"I'm sorry," Falcon muttered distastefully. 

With the grin those two stupid words placed on Freya's face, Falcon felt all his hurt pride and humiliation wash away. Anything and everything was worth that precious expression. 

Choosing to ignore the amused snort that erupted from Penn, Falcon led his angel away to a free table. With the thought of food, Freya completely forgot the events of a few moments ago and changed directions, racing off towards the cafeteria line.

She didn't get very far when strong arms pulled her back into a chest. "Sit down," Falcon ordered softly, leaving no room for arguing. "I'm getting your food."

Freya pouted for a moment but quickly complied, a bright smile taking over her face once again. Falcon shook his head in amusement and leisurely walked towards the front of the cafeteria. Freya couldn't help but bounce in her seat; she loved food. That much was obvious. She tucked her legs under her little body, folding her arms on the table as she laid her head on top of them. She busied herself with staring at the wisps of her hair that fell around her head.