Winter [Completed]

TWENTY EIGHT

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December 30th
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"Please give away the end. Tell me it's us."

—Perry poetry

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Imani POV

I wake up to the distinct smell of bacon and smile, snuggling into the sheets for a moment before rolling out of bed and tying up my hair. Stretching Ethan's t-shirt to cover my thighs, I shuffle into the kitchen area in pursuit of the sizzling pork. I smile when I see him.

Standing at the stove, in boxers with a towel draped over his shoulder, is Ethan, casually humming to himself as he flips a pancake. I lean against the island in the center of the kitchen and clear my throat. "Smells good," I say, smirking as Ethan turns around.

"Good morning, baby." He smirks, walking over to me and planting a quick kiss on my cheek. "I wanted this to be a surprise, but I guess since you're up..." Ethan shrugs, focusing back on the stove and I chuckle.

"Well consider me thoroughly surprised, Ethan. I like a man who can cook—"

"Well, then you won't like me. I can't cook. This is breakfast, and to be honest I'm not totally sure it's gonna turn out too well—ow, dammit!" Ethan jumps backwards as bacon grease undoubtedly pops his bare chest.

"Aww, baby," I frown, suppressing a laugh as come behind him and give him a quick hug. "I'm gonna let you focus on-" I motion to the runny eggs and crispy pancakes on the counter. "-whatever this is you have going on, and I'm gonna go freshen up." I laugh when he rolls his eyes and shrugs me away. "Good luck," I add, before disappearing into our bedroom.

I chuckle to myself as I make my way to the bathroom. It was a sweet gesture, but if he cooks anything like his mother, I won't be eating very much this morning.

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Things have been really nice since Ethan and I arrived at the Airbnb yesterday. The cabin style house has really given us the illusion of seclusion and privacy that we desperately needed. It's refreshing to be surrounded by nature and wildlife for once, and it's a well welcomed change that we both embrace. It feels as if all of our drama and problems from the outside world have vanished and the only thing that matters is him and I. It's just me and Ethan, and I couldn't have asked for anything better. Ethan and I really needed this alone time, and I think it's done wonders for our relationship. With less stress from the whole Kelly situation, Ethan and I have really been able to focus on one another and rekindle that spark that we had when we first met.

I yawn softly as I lay on the soft couch in the living area. Today has been a dream. After Ethan made breakfast, we went on a nature walk where we found a quaint little lake and went skinny dipping amongst other things.

I smile, touching my lips softly as I remember how his kisses felt. It's like Ethan's a different person here. He's wild and spontaneous and carefree, and I'm loving every second of it.

"Hey, Mani," Ethan says, pulling me from my reverie as he emerges from the bedroom. "You pick a movie yet?" He pulls his shirt over his head, before running a hand through his wet curls.

I nod, picking up the remote. "Yeah, go make the popcorn so we can watch it."

"I like it when you're bossy."Ethan smirks before disappearing into the kitchen.

I was so caught up reminiscing about our day that I completely forgot about my only task for the night: picking the movie. So, as soon as he leaves, I rush to find something decent to watch. After searching Netflix for a while, I settle on a random action movie. Ethan walks in the same moment I click on it, hopping over the couch, and settling in beside me.

He smiles at me briefly before draping an arm lazily around me. "Love you, Mani," he says, popping a piece of popcorn into his mouth.

I smile up at him and gently caress his cheek. "I love you too," I say meaning it wholeheartedly. Even though he hasn't been honest with me, I'd be lying if I said I didn't still love this man with everything in my being. I can't help it. The way I feel about him. Loving him feels as natural as breathing.

When I kiss his lips and he pulls me closer to him, in his arms feels like the only right place to be. "Forever?" he asks like I knew he would and I smile, pecking his lips once more.

"Forever, baby."

I mean it when I say those words and nuzzle close to his chest. However, long after the movie starts, I'm still left thinking about that word and what it means. Forever. For all future time; for always...

I wonder if this is what our forever would be like. If for all future time we would know a peace like this one that we've created together now.

Ethan's laugh reverberates through me and I hug him tighter, hoping that if I don't let go, this moment won't end.

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A/N: Thoughts?
I hope everyone's having a spectacular day!
Until next time,

—Kay♡