𝒐𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒗𝒆.

          “   sounds   like   someone   won’t   be   going   to   paradise   anytime   soon,   ”     he   comments,   voice   lower   enough   to   not   be   caught   by   too   many   ears.     “   maybe   i   won’t   go   at   all,   so   you’ll   have   to   manage   to   bring   that   one   bucket   by   yourself.   ”

          a   smile   appears   on   her   lips   and   he   immediately   reciprocates.     even   after   years   together,   after   the   last   few   months   apart,   her   smile   never   fails   to   absolutely   melt   him.     “   oh,   you’re   in   so   much   trouble,   manoban.      you   just   happen   to   be   the   most   beautiful   girl   here,   all   eyes   are   on   you.   ”     and   his   included,   even   if   they   stray   every   so   often.     “   thanks   baby,   ”     words   slip   past   lips   before   even   realizing,   for   they’ve   been   said   countless   times   before.     “   i   really   believe   in   us,   i   do.     i   wouldn’t   put   you   through   all   of   this   if   i   didn’t   think   we   can   make   it.   ”     he   sighs   dramatically,   bringing   their   jointed   hands   up   to  his   lips,   pressing   a   kiss   to   her   knuckles   as   they   walk .     “   do   i   have   to   ?     i   could   be   tasked   with   getting   water   every   day   and   i’d   be   fine,   but   the   kitchen   is   a   scary   place.     knowing   how   to   peel   potatoes  or   not.   ”

         he   laughs,   and   it’s   the   reason   he   lingers   a   few   steps   behind.     though   soon   he   follows.     “   a   lot   of   protein.     i   really   am   craving   for   steak   right   now,   but   i   usually   eat   just    about   anything.     how   about   you,   anything   you   really   wish   you   could   eat   right   now   ?   ”

          “   listen,   i   believe   you,   i   do.     i   just   know   myself   longer.   ”     though   he   nods,   positioning   himself   near   them   to   copy   her   actions.     gaze   meet   as   he   waits   for   further   instructions.     “   well,   it’s   nice   to   not   stab   you   rose.     so,   we’ve   been   here   for   a   few   hours.     anyone   caught   your   eye   yet   ?   ”

          “   the   hotel   isn’t   paradise   if   you’re   not   there,   so   trust   me,   i’m   in   no   hurry   at   all,   ”     he   tells,    a   smile   curling   at   the   edges   of   lips.     “   i’m   not.     i’m   just   being   friendly,   getting   to   know   everyone.     we’re   supposed   to,   it’s   part   of   the   show,   right   ?   ”     free   hand   lifts   in   feigned   surrender,   and   the   previously   charming   smile   soon   turns   apologetic.     it’s   not   a   lie,   but   it’s   not   the   absolute   truth   either.     the   line   between   friendly   and   flirty   is   incredibly   thin   and   easily   blurring.    “   i  know,   i’m   glad   that   you’re   giving   this   a   chance,   that   you   still   love   me   enough   to   try.   ”

          “   do   you   want   to    go   exploring   right   now   ?   ”     he   suggests,   a    small   smiling   curling   upon   lips.     though   he   resists   the   frown   that   threatens   to   take   over   his   features.     she’s   got   a   point;     they   should   be   talking   to   other   people,   test   themselves   in   other   relationships,   relationships   that   could   be   potentially   less   emotionally   exhausting   than   theirs.     and   yet,   there   he   stays,   extending   a   hand   for   her   to   take.     “   we   have   time.     this   is   just   the   first   day,   and   i   wouldn’t   hate   it   so   much   to   stay   in   this   island   instead   of   going   to   paradise   if   i   get   to   spend   time   with   you.   ”

          a   laugh   fails   to   be   held   in.     “   hey,   no,   you’re   good—i’m   going   to   consider   myself   included   in   that   and   i   am   flattered   !     klaus,   ”     he   tells,   offering   a   hand   to   shake.     “   i’m   the   one   who   did    the   dragging.     i   really   needed   time   off   work   to   get   my   shit   together   and   see   if   there’s   still   a   way   to   salvage   my   relationship.    so   why   not   a   deserted   island,   right   ?     how   about   you   ?   ”

           “   it’s   decent   enough,   but   depends   on   the   environment   i’m   in.      like,   in   the   kitchen   ?     i’m   a   recipe   for   disaster,   but   i’ll   try.     just—let   me   know   if   i’m   doing   something   wrong   ?   ”     he   asks,   gaze   lowering   to   meet   theirs.     “   yeah,   and   you’re   rose   ?     uhm,   good,   great,   i’ve   never   stabbed   anyone   with   them.   ”

          “   you   realize   you’re   in   a   dating   show   right   ?     not   that   you   have   to   feed   my   ego,   but   it’s   bound   to   happen.   ”     a   shrug   of   shoulders   punctuates   his   words.     “   you   can   guide   us    there,   then.     chances   are   i’ll   get   lost,   so   both   of   us   could   use   some   teamwork.   ”

          “   okaaaaaay,   i’m   offended,   ”     he   tells,   palm   coming   up   to   rest   against   chest.     “   i   could   easily   throw   you   over   my   shoulder   and   still   carry   two   buckets   filled   to   the   brim.   ”

          a   faint   smile   appears   along   lips,   light   chuckle   soon   follows.     “   alright,   i’m   sold.     maybe   they’ll   let   us   choose   what   we’ll   make   for   dinner   tonight.   ”

          “   french   fries   has   my   vote   !     though   i’m   not   much   help   in   the   kitchen   so   i’m   not   sure   if   my   vote   counts.   ”