Refuge

And Now There's You

When she wakes in the morning, the same hard chest under her cheek, she grins softly, hoping he's not awake. But of course he is, already staring down at her like she hung the moon and the stars.

"Good morning," Archie grins, his soft stubbly cheeks looking so kissable. She can feel the lingering tension between them.

For almost three years she loved him with everything she had, and then she left him behind, but those feelings didn't just stop. She thought about him every day, about the way he would've cared for her and loved her so unconditionally through everything.

"Morning," Veronica snuggles closer, keeping out the rest of the world for just another minute. If she can keep him for just a second longer, she'll be appreciative.

"I'm gonna go make coffee, why don't you sleep for like ten more minutes?" Archie suggests, shuffling from beneath her. She huffs, but she does snuggle back into the covers.

Her ten minute nap quickly turns into thirty, but luckily Archie has kept Charlotte entertained and cooked her eggs and bacon for breakfast.

"Mommy," the little girl says, the second she spots her, running into her arms. "Good morning."

"Good morning angel," Veronica kisses her head, holding her close.

"Archie helped me get breakfast, and he said that after today we can go to the store and get my very own cereal!" she exclaims, an excited smile on her face.

"You're extra nice this morning," Veronica smiles in his direction, securing eye contact. "Tell me that
your generosity will spread just a tiny bit further..."

"What," Archie sighs, pretending to roll his eyes. She giggles softly before standing near him.

"I would really appreciate if you could drop me off at the Town Hall, and watch Charlie for like an hour," Veronica smiles. "Please."

"Okay, okay," he surrenders, and she jumps up before kissing his cheek.

"Thank you, thank you!" Veronica smiles.

Archie pretends to act unaffected but he's blushing the second she walks away.

"Do you think my Mommy is pretty?" Charlie asks, when Archie has sat down with her to eat breakfast and Veronica is still getting ready.

"I do think she's pretty, don't you think your Mommy is beautiful?" Archie explains. "And you're pretty just like her."

"No, silly," Charlie laughs. "I mean you have a crush on Mommy."

"Well," Archie fails are thinking of a lie. "Yes, I do, but you have to pinky promise that you'll keep it between us."

"No," Charlie frowns. "I think Mommy has a crush on you, too."

"Hm," Archie shrugs. "You're pretty smart for a four year old."

"I know," Charlotte giggles. "You should tell Mommy-"

"He should tell Mommy what?" Veronica interrupts, peeking her head into the kitchen. She scoops up Charlie and holds her on her hip, while Archie stares at her like a deer in headlights.

"Oh, just that Charlotte is the smartest four year old in the world," Archie jokes, tickling the little girl's stomach.

Charlie cups her hands to whisper in her Mom's ear, and Archie knows his not-so-secret secret is definitely out.

"Hm," Veronica smiles softly, whispering back in Charlie's ear. "I think I have a crush on him, too."

"You two are silly," Charlotte laughs, looking between her parents.