right person, wrong time.

teddy 2.0

Chapter Fifteen

Jo

Last night was odd. Nothing really happened that was insanely dramatic, the atmosphere was just off. Especially after Teddy left Bhaer and I to ourselves.

He seemed so cold when he first came and then out of nowhere, he seemed... at a loss? It was as if all the fight he had come with had burned and diminished in that one short conversation. I didn't know what sort of revelation he had but I just knew something had happened. And it wasn't good.

I needed to talk to him.

But it was just that this morning... I was having a walk with Friedrich. He was staying nearby and so I was planning to meet him there.

With haste, I got ready for the day and made my way to Bhaer's temporary residence. It seemed everyone was too exhausted after last night hence, the March house was eerily quiet after the hectic nature of the night before.

Bhaer was staying in quaint little lodging set up for travellers and so, it was perfect for his current situation. I waited outside on the porch until he popped out of the estate.

If it were possible, he looked even better today than he did yesterday. And judging by his reaction of me right now... I guess I did too?

"Mornings may be my favourite time of the day Josephine," he smiled at me before offering me his arm. I took it as we started towards the pathway that lead towards the local market.

"Oh really?" I mused. "I never was a morning person but recently I'm always awake in the early hours."

"Well mornings look good on you." He said quietly, gazing down at me. I had to look away. "Thanks." I mumbled, hoping he didn't notice the heat rising in my cheeks.

I coughed trying to move the conversation along. "So, what did you want to talk about?"

This seemed to grab his attention, and a gleam was plastered on his face. I couldn't help the smile from rising from my own lips.

"You see Jo I was hoping I could ask..." He hesitated momentarily, yet the glint in his gaze remained. "I was hoping if I could formally ask to court you."

My jaw dropped before I burst into laughter. I broke off from him, stooping low, bracing my hands on my knees.

"Court me?" I gasped in between laughs. "Bhaer you are a funny one."

His form shifted above me, surprisingly quiet. I paused and calmly collected myself before raising my head up to look at the lumbering man. I cocked my head to side as the sudden realisation dawned upon me.

Good God. He was dead serious.

"It seems I got the wrong impression these past few months," he mumbled, shifting awkwardly. "My apologies, ma chérie if I'd had known you didn't-"

"No no!" I broke him off, fumbling over my words. "Don't be silly Friedrich! I just didn't expect this!" My eyes widened. "And for you to ask! I mean wow. I didn't realise people had half the decency these days," I breathed. His eyes flared with a new emotion and I felt my chest clench.

Oh no no no.

"But that doesn't mean I accept," I blurted out. His face contorted into a mixture of immense bewilderment and heavy disorientation before settling into a deep frown.

Oh God, please not again! Not a Teddy 2.0!

"But that also doesn't mean I decline!" I babbled on. If it were possible he looked even more confused. Same buddy, same. What the hell was I doing?

I audibly groaned, at a loss with myself. For a writer, I seriously lacked the ability to actually articulate the English language. "I don't know what to say to you Bhaer. You must know I care for you, deeply. But I just don't know about anything like this- You know?" I pleaded with him, holding onto his arm and squeezing gently.

"I see," he sighed, running his fingers through his straggly brown hair.

"Can we just take a breather? You know just to let us both think things over before I can give a definitive answer?" I sighed.

I didn't want to drag him along my indecisiveness. He didn't deserve to pine after a girl who could barely manage her emotions on a good day, but I also didn't want to let something that could be wonderful slip past me. Not again.

He peered up at me, his eyes clearing as through a fog. He cleared his throat. "Yes of course ma chérie but please, don't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do, okay?" 

He attempted a smile. He failed.

My heart warmed at his concern. Oh, how the bar was set so low for the male species. "Trust me Bhaer," I laughed briskly, "No one is forcing me to do anything, and certainly not a man."

He actually smiled at this before offering me his arm. "Well then, I think this would be a good time to show you some of these new books I think the girls at the school would love to read. Shall we?"

"Who could refuse an offer like that?" I smiled back, accepting his arm as we made our way back to his estate.

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A/N: It's ok... you guys can beat me up. I accept it.

I am so sorry for the lack of updates and for this incredibly short chapter. Uni is very hectic right now. Regardless, I appreciate your patience and I hope you're all well. 

TPWK.

- NN xo