scorpio writes.

Hearing Akash’s instructions, Lizeth babbled for a bit before picking out three books for him to read. “Good luck.” Cat teased as she saw her daughter hand it to him before climbing into bed and making herself comfortable. Hearing his thoughts, she nodded in agreement and had a feeling as well that once she’s cuddled up with her stuffed toys and a comfy blanket, she’d knock out instantaneously. “Mmmkays…Sweet dreams princess. Don’t give papa a hard time okay?” Lizeth nodded and beamed happily before shaking her head innocently, “No I’m good! Right papa? Um…You pick please!”

Heading back to their room, Catriona took a quick shower and began her nightly routine before changing into her comfy PJs and getting under the covers to decompress as she spent some time on her phone catching up on any emails, messages and social media. After a few moments, she heard Akash enter the room and waited until he joined her. Once he did, she locked her phone and charged it on the night stand before giving him her undivided attention. “Evening handsome.” she greeted with a smile. “Did she knock out without any effort?” Reaching up to caress his cheek, she then murmured, “Sleepy?” 

“We’ll be great,” he told Catriona with a grin before climbing into bed with her and holding the books out, ready to start reading. “You are very good baby, always.” He told their little princess before looking back at Catriona and blowing her a kiss. He’d see her in a little while and so as soon as the door shut, he got right into reading with Lizeth, loving how she was summarizing the story in her own way as well. Her imagination truly blew him away and he was just so happy to be able to witness her growing each and every day, developing that sparkling personality.

Desmond nodded in agreement as he agreed that both Cynthia and Ishika deserved true happiness. Although his girlfriend’s ex was in his eyes, bat shit crazy, she made an impact on Naz’s life and taught her the kind of love she deserves. As for his boss, well they were practically good friends and he only wanted the best for her. “They will…” he murmured as he snapped out of his thoughts and met her gaze. “The fact that they’re valuing each other’s time is more than enough proof that this is going somewhere…positive for the most part.” 

When they went back on the topic of the rings, he listened attentively and assessed her behaviour when she spoke about her preference. “Ours.” he repeated as he took a moment to process the suggestion. “I see…” Desmond understood where Nazli was getting at as he glanced down at his left hand thinking of how his ring finger should be. “I do prefer simplicity, especially since I work a lot with my hands…” Violently at that, but he didn’t want to stress her out with that thought. “We can have a date at the shop and brainstorm ideas if you’d like?” It was an innocent suggestion, but one that he didn’t want to rush if she wasn’t up for it just yet. 

Rings and engagement and all perhaps was a bit far-fetched given their currently standing in their relationship but Nazli knew she was all in. Sure they still had their own hurdles to overcome, and they’d get there together but she wanted him to know that if he felt this way—she was there with him. “Yes,” she smiled as she looked down, following his gaze to look at his hand. She couldn’t wait for a beautiful band to adorn it on the day of their wedding, one he could hide if he needed to at other times. She wouldn’t care—she’d trust him explicitly and knew in his line of work that type of jewellery was a liability at best. “I know…” her hand gently brushed over his with a soft sigh. “I wouldn’t want the ring to be…tarnished or tainted in any way either. Whatever works for you in your line of work..is best,” she nodded before giving him a grin when he expressed having a date at the shop to brainstorm. “That could be fun actually…you know I love playing around with designs.” 

Hearing the other confirm that she liked having her present made Cynthia smile as she nodded in understanding, accepting it to heart. “And I like being here.” she effortlessly replied back. Sitting up, she then adjusted her position so that she could cuddle up against her while they spoke. “Yes, we wanted to.” agreed the brunette. “However, you know those two won’t stop reminding us. Therefore I propose, you ship him off somewhere so that he could drag Nazli with him…A longer time off than usual to be exact. Thoughts?”

Nazli’s question had Desmond laughing as he gave her a look that read ‘Be for real right now’. However, he knew that his girlfriend wanted to hear it straight from the source even though they both knew the answer to that question. “Especially you.” he confidently confirmed as he leaned into her touch. He will always provide his admittance to Nazli as that was how much devotion he had for her.

“Whatever you say baby…” He’ll leave it at that, but it won’t prevent him from showering her with too much love. Desmond then smiled proudly as he nodded in understanding and promised, “You have me and if there are days where I’m not there, just know that you’re always on my mind.” Because everything he did, he did it for her as she was his life now. A person that is his whole world. “I feel like it’s a fuckton more than a Christmas miracle.” replied Desmond while shaking his head in disbelief. 

At Nazli’s reassurance when it came to guessing the ring she wanted, he braced himself for the results on how he did and nodded carefully as she continued speaking up about his choices. “A part of me would prefer to have our rings made under your business, so that just proves great minds think alike.” He then smiled and leaned down to kiss her gently as he approved of her idea. “That sounds perfect to me, we get to have a piece of each other wherever we go.”

Smiling into the kiss, Cynthia was glad to see how Ishika was becoming comfortable in her own skin during vulnerable moments such as this. “Good girl.” she murmured before pulling away and emitting a laugh. “That’s probably one of the only things that I don’t have time to think about.” The admittance had her shrugging as if it wasn’t a big deal before continuing planting kisses along her neck and heading down her chest. However, when Ishika pulled away, the assassin met her gaze and nodded along to her response as she listened attentively to her take. 

“From the sounds of it, I feel like you do want to keep me around. Am I right?” It didn’t hurt to test the waters and push her limits, especially since they were behind closed doors. Accepting her phone into her hands, she began scrolling through the menu items she immediately went for her staple iced latte and then an order of lox eggs benedict with a parfait on the side as she couldn’t decide between sweet and savoury. Therefore, she opted for a compromise. “Thanks babe.” she mused before handing it back to her so that she could order as well. She then dipped back down into the bed and cuddled closely as she craved her warmth, “So…What made you agree to do all this?” Her curiosity got the best of her and she thought it wouldn't be a bad idea to ask.

It was becoming more and more evident as time went on between them that Ishika had a bit of praise kink. Because hearing that endearment from Cynthia had her grinning back at the other woman, her dimple showing brightly. “I think you’re going to have to make time,” Ishika murmured while the other continuing her kisses down her neck, causing the woman to throw her head back, eager to feel more from the other before she reluctantly pulled away. 

“I do,” Ishika never beat around the bush. It was what developed her unspoken name in the entire city and one she wore with pride. She was who she was and being an ice queen came with its own set of perks. “I like having you here,” she’d always really enjoyed the other’s company in matters of business but this one night proved that she enjoyed her company in a few other ways as well. “You’re welcome,” she grinned at the other before taking the phone back and ordering herself a quiche lorraine with a side of fruit and pastries along with some coffee. Because sure they could use the machine in her home but freshly delivered coffee just tasted better.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she then went over to kiss the top of Liz’s head and then Akash’s cheek, “I’ll go get ready for bed…” she murmured before wishing their daughter a good night and sweet dreams. “If she’s still awake by the time I’m done with my night time routine, I’ll tap you out and continue…”

It was pretty incredible seeing how his parents had gotten this guest room furnished for little Lizeth and how the little girl also looked so enamoured and excited to be spending the night in here. “I know, they really did go all out. I only told them some of the stuff she likes so this…this is all them,” he said with a glance around the room before he watched the little one tug him over to the books, he happily went along with her and watched as she picked out the different books she wanted to be read tonight before bed. “How about three stories tonight and then we’ll leave some for tomorrow? Sound good princess?”

However, duty calls as they had to care for their little princess. Lizeth was certainly in a bright and happy mood, but she could tell by the way she was blinking, that the warmth of the bath was starting to make her sleepy. “Aww, babe that’s so sweet of you.” cooed Cat after hearing what he would do if she wanted to be a swimmer. This was one of the many proofs that he would be a great father in the long run. Hearing Lizeth’s squeal and giggles as her boyfriend began drying her off, she saw her reaching for the PJs she was holding and Catriona immediately went ahead and changed her into them. “There, all squeaky clean.” she announced as she placed her down. 

Cat began to drain the tub and clean up the area, but heard Lizeth still talking out loud to the both of them. Taking a look, she saw her twirling around before taking both her parents’ hand and dragging them to the bed. “Mama, papa, sleepy time!” she exclaimed excitedly before looking around. “Where my room?”

As soon as she took hold of their hands and began leading them to the bedroom though, Akash chuckled and finally picked her up. “I’m going to miss when you don’t like being carried everywhere,” he told her with a pout before leading her into the guest room. His parents had shockingly gone all out. He could see video monitors set up, their matching camera handhelds right next to it, a sound machine as well and a cute little stuffie in the crib in case Lizeth wanted it. Sure the walls were missing some fun decals but if they made the trip up to Naperville more often—perhaps they would add those touches as well, “this is your big girl room at Dada and Dadi’s house Lizzie, do you like it? Should Mama read you a book or Papa?” he asked her as he took a look at the bookshelves with some children’s books along with a very nice looking rocker on the side. This was their way of showing him once more how much they accepted this new and meaningful relationship in his life. 

On the topic of Ishika and Cynthia, the bodyguard was certainly intrigued at the developments happening. “I’m pretty sure they're working towards that babe. I took a peek at Ishika’s calendar and boy was it closed off just for her. Business meeting my ass…” He then waited for her to confirm if she wanted to check out the rings and while he could tell that she’d been eyeing it, he didn’t want to put too much pressure on the matter and so he continued to play along. “Yet, but we’re already here. Might as well know the right size and even know what style you love…” However, Naz pulled a fast one on him as her curiosity was getting the best of her. “Wow, that’s a lot of pressure on me as I don’t want to get this wrong…As cliche as it sounds I would research what you want and get that for you. However, if I had to choose right here, right now…Probably one that's a gold band, with an elegant, yet simple diamond that shines bright on its own—just like our love, you know? If I'm wrong, feel free to correct me baby. I want to make sure I get it right in future.” 

“Oh wow what—Ishika Mehra closed off time on her calendar and didn’t tell you? It’s a Christmas miracle I tell you,” she said happily as they spoke before he asked her about the rings. It was a tempting offer for sure but she had to throw it back at him. Eager to see her boyfriend’s choice based on how well he knew her. Nazli had faith in him because they’d shared gifts here and there and almost always Desmond got her something she’d been wanting and never even realized. “Baby…there’s no right or wrong here, just go with your gut,” she re-assured him as he spoke about how whenever it happened, he’d put some research in it. When he mentioned it though, she found a ring almost identical to his description and asked to see it. “Simple…but showstoppingly bright,” she grinned before looking back at him. “I love that, I also though—would love a band with a few smaller stones, maybe both our birthstones, to really make it ours, you know?” she murmured, the jewellery designer in her making an appearance. 

At her admittance, her expression shifted into a more serious one as she didn’t want her to perceive that she was making fun of her. If anything, she appreciated her honesty. “I couldn’t tell,” she complimented with a reassuring smile and squeezing her waist. “Don’t overthink it Ishika, you were great.” She didn’t run away, not this time, even if she knew this would be a bit of a problem in the long run, but that was something they could both tackle if they choose to be serious with each other. As of right now, companionship was all she wanted and she was pretty sure that Ishika wanted the same. 

“What’s a break?” joked the CEO as a laugh escaped her lips. “Brunch sounds good…” Cynthia continued admiring her, already distracted as she leaned in to trail kisses along her jawline and down her neck, “Mmm…I don’t think I want to get up.” she admitted with a low hum. “We could stay in. Pick whatever you want and it’ll be on me. As a thank you for letting me stay the night. You provided me with shelter, let me provide the food.”

A little laugh fell from Ishika’s lips when Cynthia mentioned that she couldn’t tell that it had been a long time for Ishika since she’d been intimate with a woman before. But damn it if she wasn’t thrilled at the other’s words. “Okay I won’t,” she replied with a haughty smile before leaning in and kissing the woman herself once more. Ishika’s last relationship had been quite a while ago and while it had been intense, it hadn’t felt quite like this. She hadn’t been as needy for physical affection with them as she was with Cynthia after just the one night. 

“A break is something you need to think about,” she told her before moaning softly at the way the other was kissing her, Ishika’s own hand was rubbing up the other’s bare arm, almost trying to draw her closer, while still holding onto the conversation they’d been having. “Okay…order in it is,” she murmured before looking back at the other finally, only pulling away when the other thanked her for letting her stay. “Shut up Cynthia, you live in the same building, it’s not something that needs a thank you. Besides…if anyone should be thanking someone right now, it should be me…God knows I haven’t had a night like that in a long time, you reminded me what a good time should feel like.” Even as she admitted the same, Ishika had her phone out, pulling up her favourite brunch place and handing Cynthia the phone, “pick whatever you want.”

“Good…Good…I wasn’t too rough on you, was I?” she curiously asked. It was more so for her own reassurance to see if she should continue to keep doing what she’s doing or switch it up. Cynthia laughed at Ishika’s question and nodded, “I’m still here, so that says a lot.” she pointed out at first. “Should I head out? Did you already have plans for the day?”

“I..it’s been a long time since I’ve been with a woman,” she admitted, the first time feeling her cheeks flaming a bit before she looked back at her when she admitted that she was still there. “I’d actually prefer if you didn’t head out. It’s the holidays and so I’m taking a much needed break, and dare I say--you could benefit from the same Miss. Zhang.” She declared before looking back at the other. “We could…do brunch? Order in, or go out.” She needed to add that second part so Cynthia knew she wasn’t trying to hide their newfound fondness for one another, but really—she’d prefer to stay in, almost letting them figure themselves out in private before dealing with the outside world. Not that luckily either of them ever gave a damn about what others thought.

“I didn’t either, but I guess they found what they were looking for in each other.” he pointed out with a shrug. The body guard then grinned as he reached over to pinch her cheek lightly, “And this was all thanks to you and your bright mind.” Desmond then took a glance around the store before meeting Nazli’s gaze again, “Alright, let’s take a look.” He then flagged a sales person down and asked to view the key necklaces for both sexes. While they waited at the counter, he noticed they were by the ring display and casually asked, “Want to try any of these on?” They were already here, so they might as well take advantage of browsing around and service.  

When they began talking about Ishika and Cynthia, Nazli’s eyes lit up in excitement and she nodded, “honestly I love it. I cannot wait for the day Cynthia tells me it’s official. Wait—that’s rushing it, isn’t it? I don’t want to curse it or something,” she quickly shook her head and laughed as he pinched her cheek, a cute gesture that she really had not anticipated at all. As they began waiting at the counter for the key necklaces, her eyes had darted over to the rings a few times, but she’d kept quiet. This was way out budget and she didn’t need to put pressure on their situation. She’d already done that once before and it hadn’t ended well. 

A laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head at how good he was at his come backs. “I guess I’ve gone completely mad for you—madly in love that is.” His response about their potential child had her softening up as she realized how much thought he had put into it. Somehow, he still managed to acknowledge her and she wasn’t sure how long she could keep this act up in front of their daughter as she simply wanted to shower him with her endless love. “God, I like really love you so much.” she blurted out before him in for another kiss. 

In the midst of their emotional hug, she could hear Lizeth’s voice break through as she looked over and returned back into Akash’s lap, “Yes cutie, that’s right and you’ll get lots of hugs once you’re changed and all dried up.” The toddler happily clapped and nodded at the lawyer’s question, “Papa, fun!!! Water fun! Bubblessss too!” Chuckling softly, she then glanced up at her boyfriend and said, “Maybe she’ll become a swimmer.” As much as she would love for her daughter to get into horseback riding, all Catriona wanted was for her to find a passion that she genuinely loves to do and with that, she’ll support her till the very end. “Alright, ready for sleepy time princess?” Lizeth giggled and held hands out as she was ready for the uppies to get out of the tub. “Let me get her towel.” she said to Akash before patting his thigh and getting up from where she sat to get her pink unicorn towel with the hood on it. Handing it to the lawyer, she then reached into her bag and already had a pair of strawberry pattern pajamas ready for her. “Dress up time.”

“Completely mad for me? Wow—I’m impressed,” he chuckled before he heard her declaration and shook his head, “you keep telling me that and I’m going to hope my parents invested in some sound proof walls or something,” he murmured before kissing her again as she pulled him in for another kiss. He’d never tire from this feeling, despite how tired he’d been from driving but never from this feeling. 

Leaning her forehead against his, she silently nodded and took in his words to heart. He’d done more than reminding, if not demonstrating and always giving. Some days, she accepts them whole heartedly, other times she feels guilty or undeserving. No matter what type of day it is, he still didn’t change course and kept her grounded in that ideology and she appreciated his patience more than he could ever know. “Maybe I’ll add that again to my constant unfinished resolutions list for this new year.” she jokingly replied with a grin. She was horrible at resolutions, but she was willing to do anything at this point to help improve her mindset. 

“Ah, is that so? I see, there is a method to your madness Mr. Bedi.” Catriona teased as she patted his thigh. “No I don’t think you’re holding back, you just leave me wanting more.” She then turned her attention back to Lizeth as she wondered what kind of sister she would be if Akash and her were to try for another addition to their family. “In a heartbeat, yes I would bear your babies.” she bluntly replied with a playful smirk. “You’re too sweet, I feel like I’m in good hands already.” Without a doubt, the vet trusted Akash and believed every word that was said. “What do you think? Did you want another girl or boy?” 

Breaking her gaze away from their daughter, she glanced up at Akash and felt herself softening under his hold. She hated how easily emotional she could get as she felt a prick of tears forming in her eyes, therefore she immediately sat up and embraced him tightly to show how much she appreciated him. “I’m grateful…” she whispered. “You and me for life, I love that and everything about you.”

When he felt her forehead against his, he couldn’t help the smile on his lips as he held her closer, pretty much pulling her into his lap as they both sat there on the floor watching over their little girl. “I think you should try working on it however it feels right to you. I just need you to know and remember that whatever you need, I’m always here.” He told her with another smile before pulling her close and kissing her cheek. “Just trust that.” 

He nodded with a laugh as she patted his thigh. “I’ve got to keep it hidden right? But if it leaves you always wanting more, then there’s absolutely a method to my madness,” he commented using her words proudly. When she spoke about wanting his babies, he couldn’t help the grin that appeared on his lips as she asked him what he wanted—a boy or a girl. He’d always been of the mindset of wanting one of each, so if they already had Lizeth, a little boy would be ideal. “Honestly, I’d love either but more than anything—I want a happy, healthy baby and a very happy and healthy you after the whole ordeal because the amount of changes you’re willing to go through again for this…that’s not a small thing Cat,” he told her with a smile before looking at her truly with all the love he felt in his heart for her.

Honestly at this point, he was beginning to wonder if that love of his was even going to fit in his chest anymore because it seemed to grow more and more each and every day. “You don’t have to be grateful,” he whispered as he held her close before nodding at her words. “I love you too and everything that we’ve both envisioned for our future.” He whispered to her softly, gently his hand rubbing her back to keep her grounded in that moment. “Mumma Papa hug!” Lizeth’s cry had him looking back at her with a smile and nodding. “That’s right princess, you enjoying your bubble bath?” He loved these moments of just being with them without another care in the world, he just hoped he could prove to Catriona why he’d be a great life partner for her too. 

“I know baby and I’m glad that I’m able to have moments like this with you because I wouldn’t have it any other way.” In fact, he was beyond blessed to even work under Ishika specifically than anyone else in her family. They worked great as a team and more importantly they understood and trusted each other. It took a lot of work to get there, but if he had the option of doing it all over again, he would. 

Stopping in front of the Tiffany store, he watched his girlfriend take a glance at the display window, wondering what she had in mind. However, his attention went back to the conversation at hand as he shook his head and remained in denial that they needed acting lessons. “Well practice makes perfect, I’m sure there are plenty of galas and other events to fuck around and improve our skills.” Once Naz filled her in about Cynthia, the bodyguard took a moment to compare her notes with his when it came to his boss and nodded in agreement, “Ishika’s been…less tense and surprisingly less bitchy. So I’m assuming it’s all thanks to her. However, all jokes aside, I hope it leads to something good, she deserves that much after everything she’d been through.” 

When Nazli suggested heading into the store, Desmond nodded and squeezed her hand gently while holding  open the door for her to head inside. Once they were in the establishment and greeted by the sales reps, he glanced down at his girlfriend and asked, “Are we browsing or did you already have something in mind?”

However that mention of consequences had her raising a brow. “Oh—do tell Des, what are these consequences I’ll be given? I might even do more damage to ensure appropriate punishment,” she told him with a smirk before grinning at him a lot wider and holding his hand as they continued their walk. “Honestly this wasn’t something I thought we’d get with your schedule but it’s super important to me…travelling so I’m glad you’re able to make it happen.” Yet another reason she’d have to probably thank Ishika Mehra because the other woman was doing wonders for hers and Des’ relationship.

“I think so too, but I don’t know how much we’re going to have to even orchestrate if the two of them already hit it off…I didn’t think it’d be that fast if I’m honest,” she told him with a grin before hearing what he said about Ishika and nodded along with him. “I hope so too—they both deserve to be with the best people and if they turn out to be that for one another, I’m here for it.” She grinned as they headed into the store. When he asked if she had something in mind, she hesitated for a moment, wondering what his reaction would be if she opted to see the engagement rings before speaking up. “The key necklaces for men and women? I’ve seen them online but I’d like to see them in person if we can.” She kept her grip in his hand, loving the way he continued looking down at her with the most adoration that it made her wonder how on earth she got this lucky to have someone like him in her life. 

Stirring in her sleep, Cynthia slowly blinked her eyes and came to a realization that she wasn’t home. Glancing down at her chest, she realized that she was still in bed that was clearly not hers and it suddenly clicked the events of last night. Pulling the sheets up closer, she laid there taking it all in as she was in the process of waking up and listened to the sound of Ishika’s bathroom sink going off, along with her movements. Eventually, the assassin followed her gaze to where she came out and watched her in silence as she returned back under the sheets. 

“Not all,” she softly replied while propping her arm up and leaning against her hand. Cynthia slowly leaned in and pressed her lips against hers as she murmured, “Good Morning,” before pulling away and breaking out into a warm smile. Her other arm went under the sheets as she gently wrapped it around Ishika’s waist, before rubbing comforting circles on her hips, preferring the warmth of their skins touching rather than being apart. “Everything alright? Did you sleep okay?”

The kiss was surprising but Ishika melted into it with a smile against the other’s lips. “Good morning,” she murmured before feeling the other hold her close. It felt good and it felt like something she could get used to. That was a very dangerous feeling but she found herself wanting to just throw caution to the wind. She’d spent the better part of her last relationship on eggshells and that hadn’t helped anyone. So maybe she needed to stop being so worried about the outcome and enjoy the now.

“Everything is more than okay,” she told the other in a soft voice, turning properly to face her. The way her eyelashes fluttered over her cheeks, the look in Cynthia’s eyes as she asked her if she slept okay. It was something Ishika wanted to commit to memory. “I did—what about you? My bed comfy enough for your taste?” She asked with a grin, knowing that just like her—Cynthia was used to the much finer things in life. 

As they continued their trek, Desmond shook his head and said, “Not really, especially since I didn’t feel the need to. The most I would do is two weeks, but that’s just me doing errands and mostly at the fight club. Work is all I know and I was okay with that.” He paused and nodded in agreement, they both had the same reaction. “I mean she sees how serious I am with you, so I feel like she understands how important this is for us…On top of that I don’t normally ask for these types of requests and privileges.” 

When Nazli spoke about what she found out from Cynthia, Desmond groaned as if he was disappointed in himself before breaking out into fits of laughter, “Damn., I thought we had it in the bag baby.” he mused. “So they are…continuing to see each other?”

She asked him about his normal holidays and listened as he spoke about not really feeling the need to take too much time away. And whenever he did it was working at the fight club. “I think that makes sense, for your life before me…but now I am greedy for your time and I’m glad she gets it.” She told him before looking at the store window of the Tiffany store. One of her favourite places, not only for it’s picture perfect blue boxes, but also the fact that it was a landmark jewelry store. 

“Nah sorry babe, we need to go and get some lessons on subtly but it looks like they are. I’ve heard from Cyn that she’s been enjoying herself and I’m reading a lot between the lines because she’s not going to tell me everything, obviously but it seems like she’s happy and that usually means something good romantically,” Nazli told him with a chuckle before looking back at the store in front of them, “let’s head in here for a bit?”