#kews

I chuckled and finally let go off his chubby cheeks. An action which was interpreted by Kal as: I absolutely need to launch myself up at my human to show my excitement. ‘OHHH! No jumping naughty!’ I laughed, steadying myself so I could hold his weight and gently push him back down, giving him another rub. ‘And to answer your question: “It’s..the most wonderful time ..of the year”.’ I flailed out my arms while I sang in a deep Frank Sinatra-esque voice.

Alright, it was ALMOST the most wonderful time of the year. Just one more week ’til Christmas. But a dog wouldn’t know the difference, right?

Kal yipped happily as he followed me back to the corridor where I picked up the big plastic box that I had found upstairs. It had surely not been used for quite some years, as the dust on it was so thick and sticky, you could barely see the blue plastic lid beneath it. I moved the box to the dinner table and cheered. ‘Alright! Let’s do this!’ A cheer that would soon turn into a sneer as my hands found that everything, and I really mean everything, in the box was tangled up. Lights, garlands, a wreath, some wire. Goodness me. This is going to be taking me all morning…

I pulled on some of the wire to find either the beginning or the end. Well. There was definitely no end in sight. I breathed in deeply, my despair soon forgotten as a soothing cinnamon aroma filled my nostrils. Good thing I’m baking cinnamon rolls. I’m gonna need a reward for all this detangling. And..I really, really need to teach Henry how to store these properly. I sighed. Alright. This is going to require some tea..and…suitable music. My fingers swiped through my phone, looking through my Christmas playlist that had been laying low all year. Oh jolly holly Christmas songs! But where to start? I clicked on randomise and let my phone do the picking for me. Happy flutes and a soft jazzy beat started to twinkle through the speakers as I got up to make myself a cup of tea, Kal following me obediently as his big paws tapped lightly on the wooden floor.

‘Oh the weather outside is frightful

But the fire is so delightful..’

My finger pushed the “on” button on the aluminum water cooker in the kitchen as I started to sing along.

‘And since we've no place to go

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow’

I turned to Kal and smiled as he looked at me with pure confusion. Why was his human making all these weird noises? His head turned sideways and I couldn’t help but release a soft chuckle as I stepped towards the oven to take a quick sneak peek at the cinnamon rolls. The hefty smell of cinnamon spice and everything nice wafted through the kitchen air. Almost done.

‘It doesn't show signs of stopping

And I've brought some corn for popping’

I swayed my hips to the music as the water cooker started shaking, the water coming to its boiling point. With practised hands I deftly took the cooker from its standard, pouring the hot water in my ugly unicorn mug as the cinnamon aroma in the air was now mixed with some spikes of fresh mint, the scents tingling happily in my nostrils.

‘And the lights are turned way down low

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..’

My eyes glanced over at the classic black and white clock on the kitchen wall. Eleven o’clock. Just 6 more hours before Henry would get back home and we’d celebrate our 6-month anniversary. I just hoped he hadn’t gone too overboard with his plans. All I really wanted was just to be with him. ‘Or better yet..have him inside me.’ Oh! Did I say that out loud? I chuckled as I saw Kal tilt his head again. ‘Hahaha. Sorry Kal. That wasn’t meant for your ears.’ I petted his head while moving back to the kitchen table, looking at the still very much entangled Christmas decorations. Okay, let’s detangle this bitch.

—

It was 5 o’clock on the dot when the front door opened, an elated Henry calling for me. I had just gussied myself up a bit, wearing a body hugging black dress that flared out at the knees, my lips painted red and my hair pinned back let for a few strands of hair. ‘Honey! I’m home!’ He called. ‘Coming!’ I chanted from the bedroom, taking one last look in the mirror. Damnn. I looked fineeee. I thought as I turned in front of the mirror.

Already I heard him come up the stairs - no patience today huh? - the steps creaking heavily under his weight. I looked over my shoulder at the stairs, trying my best to pull my face in a sexy pout. However it wasn’t Henry’s face I saw. Nope. Instead it was a huge tropical plant I saw appearing. What in the..? I turned on my heels, gasping as I noticed Henry’s far-to-excited face, half-hidden behind the large green leaves as he moved into the bedroom. ‘Hey babe.’ He smiled from ear to ear, turning his body so he could lay a quick kiss on my slightly gasping lips. ‘What is…’ I started, but he halted me. ‘Why buy you flowers that only last a week, when I can buy you something that can last you ..years? Besides..I don’t really own any plants ..and you had all these plants in your LA home..I thought I..’ 

I stopped him mid-sentence, silencing his adorkable rambling with a loving kiss, squealing happily. ‘This is so cute. It’s perfect. Such a beautiful Strelitzia.’ I smiled, my fingers tracing one of the leaves in admiration. Henry looked satisfied, albeit clear he had no idea what “Strelitzia” meant. I gave him another kiss, gesturing him to put it down. He nodded, moving to the window and carefully squatting down to place it next to the curtains. ‘They told me it best be put in a sunny place, so I guess this is probably the best spot in the house.’ He shrugged, turning back towards me and raising up to full height. His eyes gave me an appreciative look up-and-down.

‘Hmmm.’ He nodded, lust twinkling in his eyes. ‘You like it?’ I smiled, turning slightly and looking enticingly over my shoulder. He tilted his head slightly, studying me with that hungry smile curling up on his lips. ‘A lot.’ He purred, closing the distance between us and folding his hand around the back of my neck, pulling me in for a passionate kiss. I instantly felt the need to get very, very naked again, my hands starting to tug on his belt. ‘Wait, baby, wait. Let’s save that..’ He gave me a knowing look. ‘..for later.’ He gave me another kiss, this one more chaste and sweet. 

I groaned in dismay. ‘Oh come on you have the stamina of a wild boar. Surely we can do a..quicky?’ I said, gingerly tracing my finger over his crisp white blouse. He let out an amused laugh, but his head was shaking “no”. ‘Though I’d love to indulge you, I’m going to ask you to be patient, because our ride is going to be here any minute now.’ He placed another sweet kiss on my lips before stepping back a bit, his hands starting to unbutton his blouse.

My hungry eyes couldn’t help but stare as the small strip of skin in view grew larger, the smooth white material of his blouse pulling back as his chest hair poked out. ‘The striptease ain’t helping Hen.’ I croaked, letting myself fall down on the bed as my eyes kept lingering on his slowly undressing form. ‘Don’t want me to get dressed for our date night?’ He said, giving me a challenging smile, before turning around and looking over his shoulder cheekily, his hands unbuckling his belt. Oh, being a tease now huh? 

I couldn’t help but sit up a bit, propping myself on an elbow to look at him. His back muscles rippled beneath the thin, smooth fabric as his arms flexed slightly while his hands moved to unzip his jeans. I sighed at the sound, making him chuckle darkly, his hips swaying slightly as he slowly pulled off his blouse. ‘You’re killing me!’ I protested, pouting at him as he looked at me again. ‘Patience.’ He said in that deep smooth voice, throwing his phone on the bed before bending over and pulling down his jeans. Oh come on, this is unfair. He’s absolutely teasing me right now. I sighed again, rubbing my thighs together in the silent hope it would offer me some relief.

Henry had moved to his overloaded closet, gingerly scanning through his clothes, wearing nothing but his briefs. God what a view. His broad, well sculpted shoulders, his muscles moving sharply beneath smooth skin as he finally reached for a fresh blouse and some dress pants. He looked over his shoulder, seeing my hungry stare, my legs rubbing together. ‘Very impatient today huh, love?’ He grinned, putting the clothes on the edge of the bed before moving towards me, his legs brushing against mine. I sighed again. ‘Very.’ I agreed, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks as he looked down at my wriggling body. I stilled for a moment, trying my best to calm down, our eyes interlocking. ‘And I noticed you made the house all cosy.’ He smiled sweetly, absolutely ignoring my slight tremble as he brushed against my leg again, now sitting down next to me on the bed. ‘Mhm.’ I hummed, strain in my voice. ‘I like it.’ He stated, his eyes darkening slowly as his eyes wandered down my eager body. ‘Good.’ I breathed. ‘You know what. We could be a LITTLE bit late.’ He smiled, quickly crawling on top of me.

I nodded excitedly, gasping softly as he pulled me further up on the bed so it was just my feet dangling off the edge, before pressing me down into the mattress as his hands finally touched me where I needed them. ‘Henry..’ I moaned as his hands hiked up the hemline of my dress, his head bending down to kiss me. ‘Cinnamon rolls.’ He smiled, still tasting the sweet stickiness on my tongue. I chuckled as he happily licked his lips, his fingers brushing over the insides of my thighs. ‘So sweet for me.’ He mused in my ear, his hands now reaching up higher and higher. I let out a laboured, shaky breath. 

‘Fuck me Henry.’ I purred, eagerly reaching for the waistband of his briefs. He looked intently in my eyes, his eyes dark and stormy as he moved my panties to the side, a lone finger stroking my slit. He studied my face as we slowly circled his finger. Fuck this teasing. ‘Please.’ I begged, rolling my eyes in annoyance as he raised a playful eyebrow. ‘Please.’ I said with more urgency, grabbing his chin and pulling him closer. He chuckled against my lips. ‘As my lady wishes.’ He whispered huskily, his body folding over mine as he kissed me more demandingly, his tongue rolling over my bottom lip as his hand moved down to lower his briefs. In one smooth strike of his hips he filled me, his erection hot and heavy. We both gasped.

‘Fuck baby.’ He groaned against the corner of my mouth. ‘So fucking sweet.’

I let out a sigh, trying to relax around his girth as I wrapped my arms around his large back. He was so fucking big. Fuck.  

‘Ai Henry.’ I moaned, my nails clawing pink marks on the skin of his back. He hummed and started to push into me, filling me up completely, his hips soon finding a punishing pace. ‘Gods!’ I exclaimed. Henry smiled. ‘I should buy you plants more often huh?’ He panted, grasping my hips to get better leverage and angle my hip in such a way that he hit that delicious spot inside me. Soon enough that all familiar tingle started to spread through my limbs, my core coiling up tighter and tighter.

His phone rang.

‘No..’ I protested, but thankfully Henry didn’t stop. Instead he propped himself up on one arm, his free hand gesturing me to shush as his hips kept at it. I bit my lip and nodded quietly, my body still shaking violently by his pounding. He reached for his phone and he swiped the screen to answer. ‘Yes?’ Our eyes met as the deep baritone rolled off his tongue. ‘Mhm. Good.’ He breathed out, his voice slightly laboured. He licked his lips as he saw me reach down for my nub, our eyes remaining interlocked. ‘We will probably..run a little..late. Ten minutes or so..’ He tried with all his might to keep his voice level. I just hope the soft slapping of skin on skin isn’t heard on the other side of the phone line. ‘Okay. Thanks.’ He hung up and immediately threw his phone to the side, leaning down for another heated kiss. Without question I let him replace my hand with his own as his much stronger fingers made light work of getting me undone.

‘Frisky little thing.’ He breathed, a tone of amusement in his voice. ‘Now come for me.’ He commanded, a bit more sternly, his fingers and hips working feverishly. I nodded, my body still shaking with every thrust as I let myself be swallowed by the electric feeling, my coil about to snap, my blood now rushing through my veins and my mouth forming an erotic “o”. And just like that..I came. My back lifting off the bed, my legs wriggling helplessly, Henry’s eyes staring hungrily down on me.

When I came back around, I noticed he had slowed down his pace, his eyes now slowly traveling down my black dress. Our eyes met and I let out a satisfied sigh, a soft smile appearing on his lips. ‘Good.’ He smiled, pulling out and climbing off the bed. He didn’t even cum. He did not even…cum. I studied him, slightly confused and breathing harshly, as he stood at the edge of the bed, struggling to get his erection back in his briefs. He let out an amused chuckle, before looking back at me. ‘See what you do to me, love?’ He said. I smiled and shrugged, offering him my most innocent look.

His phone buzzed again. ‘Our ride.’ He groaned, finally having managed to get his briefs back on. He quickly pulled on his dress pants and his blouse. I also moved, crawling to the edge of the bed to help him button up, his fingers working from the top, mine from the bottom. I looked up at him, a cheeky smile gracing my lips. ‘Thank you.’ I cooed. He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement before bending down and kissing me. ‘You’re welcome.’

——

After a 30 minute drive we arrived at our destination. And what a destination it was. Thousands of little lights glittered around us in what appeared to be some kind of a large park or garden. The sun was painting its last few strokes of yellow hues, making the mix of well tended plantation with the small lights all the more fantastical. I plastered my face against the car window, looking out with childish curiosity. ‘Now for our date night. I thought I could extend the plant theme a little further, by taking you out for some wining, dining..and..well.. plants. Lots of plants.’ Henry said. I heard his deep voice as he had leaned over, but couldn’t take my eyes off the park as my eyes now noticed an entrance sign. ‘Kews royal botanical gardens.’ I gasped, excitedly wiggling in my seat before looking back at Henry, his face but mere inches away from mine. ‘This is so cool! Oh bear!’ I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him eagerly, my eyes still enchanted.

-

We were let in through the back entrance by a small, but overly enthused park ranger who walked us through some small pathways to reach the beautifully lit greenhouses. ‘That’s so pretty!’ I smiled, leaning closer into Henry’s arm as our eyes looked in amazement at the large glass structure as it lit up in a variety of pink and green hues, the plants inside creating hauntingly beautiful silhouettes.

The park ranger clicked open a glass door and waved us in. ‘Now, I bid you a wonderful night. Please stay on the paths and don’t pick any of the plants. If you walk straight ahead you’ll surely not miss my colleague Richard.’ He said, smiling to show a row of crooked teeth, his moustache curling scruffily over his thin lips. Henry thanked him kindly, elegantly moving his arm to bid me first entrance. I blushed a bit before stepping inside, feeling my body tingle as I was welcomed by that pleasant mix of heady and wild exotic scents. The air wasn’t as humid as I had expected, but everything else surely oozed “jungle”. My eyes instantly travelled down the softly lit path that stretched out before us, tiny garden lights stuck in the ground to lead the way. All around us were plants, their thick foliage reaching up meters high above our heads. It made you feel like you had stepped right into some wild adventure in the amazons.

I felt Henry hook his arm back around mine as he also stepped inside. ‘Wow.’ He whispered, equally impressed by the scenery. I looked at him, my excitement evidently etched on my face. He smiled one of those handsome, tender smiles, before leading us ahead as someone walked up to us, bowing in greeting. ‘Madam, sir. I bid you a good evening. My name is Richard and I’ll be your host for tonight. If you please follow me.’ The man said, turning elegantly on his heels and taking a sharp turn, leading us further into the jungle, the lights around us now slowly growing brighter. I trusted Henry to keep me safely on the pathway, while my eyes eagerly looked up and around us, studying the mysterious plants. Some leaves were about human size, whilst others were so thin and fickle you could barely see them. It sure was mesmerising.

We arrived in a much larger greenhouse and my mouth fell open in amazement. The trees reached way high here, and in the midst of it all was a little square, neatly tiled off in brown hued mosaic which glittered under the lights of hundreds of small light bulbs floating down from the trees. At the bottom, there was a quaint table for two, neatly set out with a white table cover and cutlery and wine glasses for multiple courses. I looked over at Henry in pure astonishment. My eyes probably were the size of saucers by now. I couldn’t even truly form words, my mouth just gasping “what..?!”. He chuckled, obviously very proud of having this all planned out.

Richard took our coats as we seated ourselves, my eyes still mostly peering up and around us. ‘Yeuss Henry. You didn’t have to do THIS. This is crazy!’ I whispered. He laughed, looking at me with those twinkling eyes, his hands unfolding his napkin which he laid out over his lap. ‘I didn’t have to. But.. I wanted to.’ He said, his hand now reaching out for mine. ‘I really, really wanted to dine here sometime, but it felt weird to bring like..friends or something.’ He shrugged, looking at the romantic lights that were sparkling around us. I giggled. ‘Yea..that would be kinda weird.’ We both laughed.

-

Dinner ran smoothly. The wine rolled over our tongues as we discussed the food on our plates. The herbs, the cooking techniques, what we liked and disliked and how the food paired with the wine. I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. Had I ever met someone with whom I could talk about food and cooking like this? I think not.

‘I saw you posted a throwback Thursday picture on your Instagram today. Care to tell me that story?’ Henry raised a handsome eyebrow as his lips hovered over his glass of red wine. I chuckled. Ah. Yes. I had posted a picture of one of my Christmas dinners, a few years back. Let’s just say..some people on that picture were wearing EVERYTHING (santa hats, ugly sweaters, garlands as necklaces), whilst others were wearing naught but their underwear and socks. The text I had written with it was simple: “Trust me when I say our Christmas parties never have been boring. Sorry to be missing out this year guys! #tbt #friendsfordinner #prechristmasdinner #uglysweatermadness #2017”

I chuckled as Henry looked at me curiously. ‘Ah, yes. The notorious pre-Christmas dinner party.’ I smiled as I took a sip from my wine before continuing. ‘It kind of started in my college years. I cooked practically every week for my friends and since everyone would be gone, visiting their families, over the Christmas holidays.. I decided to cook them a pre-Christmas dinner. It was super fun, but, as you know with big dinner parties, some people try to slack and not help. I don’t like that. I mean, I worked my butt off to cook you amazing food so don’t be a sissy and just help me clean these plates.’ I shrugged, rolling my wineglass in between my finger tips. ‘And then..?’ Henry asked.  ‘Well, one of the guys absolutely refused, so I dared him; “You either help, or you strip. Then you are at least some entertainment to us!” Apparently I should not have said that. Because….he..stripped. And from there on some weird tradition was born. If you didn’t feel like helping out during the pre-Christmas dinner party, you stripped down to your underwear. Talking about it now, I’m still not sure how it ever became a thing. But..yea..my friends are kinda weird.’ I laughed, finally taking another sip of my wine.

Henry smiled. ‘Did he like you? The guy who stripped at your party?’ I looked up from my wine glass. ‘What do you mean? Like..in a friendly way..or?’ ‘The other way of course.’ Henry rolled his eyes, chuckling. ‘I don’t know. Maybe yes, maybe no. Men don’t always come clean about their feelings and we sure never got down and dirty haha.’ I looked back at Henry, seeing that all familiar glitter in his eyes. It was this mix of admiration, lust and love. ‘What?’ I asked softly. ‘I guess I got real lucky, that’s all.’ ‘How so?’ ‘Well, you surround yourselves by nerdy men. All the time. That’s some stiff competition for me, okay?’ He shrugged. I burst out laughing, giving him a playful kick against the leg. ‘Silly! Well just so you know. You are my favourite nerd of them all okay?’ We both laughed. ‘Good. I don’t like sharing.’ He winked.

‘Oh ..and please don’t strip when we’re at my parents. You can just say “no” when my mom is luring in help to cook her Christmas dinner, okay?’ Henry said, leaning forward while keeping his face in a mock-serious expression. I burst out laughing. ‘Gotcha, gotcha. Hahahah. Oh Henry. I’d never…’ I shook my head, laughing heartily. He chuckled as he folded his hand over mine, looking at me intently as I slowly caught my breath. His lips turned into an enamoured smile as my eyes looked back into his. I let out one last, amused huff, smiling back at him. He gently squeezed my fingers before pulling them to his lips, laying a sweet kiss on them.  

‘Happy half year anniversary dear. I love you.’

‘I love you too Henry.’

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