#p;august

She smiled, letting him cuddle in close and enjoyjng the soft touch of his fingertips. She was exhausted, of course, and she knew she would now be hungover and sore tomorrow- not the best combination really. Esme drew in a breath before realizing what she had been about to prattle right back to him before she caught herself. "Goodnight, August," she cooed sweetly instead.

Esme had sent a text to Gus asking a bit meekly if he would come over. She didn't want him to see her in this state, not a trace of makeup and hair a mess, but it was either that or call up her parents. She cuddled into bed with a pitiful sniffle, hoping August knew the door was open already. August had missed Esme. She'd been sick and all he wanted to do was scoop her up and make her feel better. He'd jumped at her text. Of course he would come take care of her. His mother happily said she'd watch the girls. Gus tapped gently at the door, thankful I wasn't as cold as it had been last time. "You can come in,"Esme spoke barely above a whisper, tucking down further as though rethinking asking this of August. He had enough on his plate; taking care of her sickly self was just adding to it. Of course when she finally saw him, it hit her that maybe being around him was something she needed. The girl certainly felt her mood lifting as he neared. August let himself in and grumbled something about the cold. But the moment he saw her he melted. He pulled the thermos from his coat pocket and sat beside her on the bed. "Oh my sweet," He whispered and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Here, hot lemon and honey tea." He held the thermos out to her. Esme was amazed. Not that August didn't always amaze her but the instant switch to care mode was impressive. She accept the thermos and let the tea wash soothingly over her scratchy throat. Despite her hold ups about letting him see her, she seemed drawn to his figure, leaning towards his touch with a soft sigh of,"thank you." "You're welcome, princess." He said softly. He kicked off his shoes and climbed in bed beside her, pulling her in close. "You're cute even when you're sick. How's that possible?" He joked, running fingers through her messy hair, attempting to tame it. "Missed you," "You're just saying that to be sweet, right?" She asked with an attempt at a smile, not bothering with pushing him away to keep him healthy knowing fully well he'd be back regardless. "You did?" She asked, feeling less bad about missing August as much as she had over the course of the week. August laughed. "Nope, it's true." He kissed the top of her head. He trailed his fingers along her forearm, happy to have her in his arms again. "Course I did," I love you, he didn't say it out loud, but it took all his self control not to. Esme meant to lean away, to not breathe on him if he insisted on staying close. But she was tilting into his chest and wrapping arms around his middle. "Too sweet," she mumbled against his collarbone. "I missed you too, y'know," Esme whispered, hoping August took it as casually as she had intended. August peaked a smile when her arms came around him. He wasn't afraid of getting sick, Gus rarely got sick or had time to be sick. "Nuh uh," He hummed. "You deserve sweet," He said, very sure. He grinned. "Did you now?" He teased. Esme nuzzled into August's collarbone with a soft hum. She wasn't sure she agreed with that - what had she done to deserve such sweetness? Still she let him coddle her to his hearts content. "I really did," she answered with a smile. "You're very missable." August pressed little kisses to anywhere he could manage. He wished he could just make her see herself the way he saw her. Maybe if he just kept telling her, it would finally settle. "You're also very missable," He almost whined. He had missed her more than he could explain. Esme reached up to cup Augusts cheek with a soft hand. She could tell from the neediness of his touches and the tone of his voice that he was being honest. "I'm gonna get better really quickly so that I can kiss you properly without fear of sneezing into your mouth or something." She pulled back enough for another swig of tea, already relaxing at having something in her system. August laughed lightly. He moved so he could kiss her palm, then took her hand in his. "I'll take the risk," He teased and kissed her gently. Esme's eyebrows lifted as her hand was taken in his and brought down. She smiled softly at the little kisses and when his mouth was on hers, she leaned into the touch eagerly. Her eyes fluttered closed and she let herself relax into the familiar taste of August's lips. He couldn't help but wear a huge grin. He kissed her again, a bit harder. "You're so cute," He said softly against her mouth. Esme hummed against his mouth, arms wrapping around him. "Even when I'm sick as a dog?" She giggled, brushing their noses together sweetly. "You're the cute one, making me tea and all." August chuckled. "Even then," He wrapped his arms around her waist, wrinkling his nose as they brushed. "It wasn't that hard," He argued. August always looked so carefree when they were together like this. It brought a smile to her lips and she moved a hand up to start petting through his curls. "You still came to visit me, and I know that's not easy when you've got to find someone to watch the little ones." August smiled, enjoying her light touch. He hummed and pulled her in closer. "My mom's good with them. Of course I came to see you, silly." He kissed below her ear then the peak of her shoulder. "Maybe... Next time we can all do something together," He said, almost a whisper against her skin. Meeting his kids felt like a big step and he didn't want to scare her off. Esme's breath caught in her throat at the comment. Despite how long they'd been seeing each othe,r off and on since the divorce, she had yet to meet his kids. The girls meant the world to August and Esme knew he wouldn't have her meet them unless he was serious. So she weighed her options before giving him a slow nod. Her face tucked away in his shoulder and she smiled slightly. "Id like that, I think" she agreed softly. "Really?" He grinned. "That sounds great. I'll try and keep them on their best behavior," He said softly, running fingers through her hair. "Of course not until you're right as rain." Esme laughed a little at that. She may not know a lot about kids but she knew the ages of August's little ones were the rambunctous ones. "Oh, good luck with that." After a little sniffle and a sneeze she was reaching for her tea again with a nod. "Appreciate that. I don't think I'd be entertaining company for the girls while my heads all full of cotton." He scoffed. "What are you trying to say?" He teased, poking her hip. He laughed a little, shaking his head. "They entertain themselves just fine, I just don't want you to get sicker." She squirmed a little closer to him, head resting comfortably on his chest. "There's three of them and only one of you. I'm eager to see how those odds work out in action," she smiled up at him, setting the tea down again. "I suppose that's good. I wouldn't want to get them all sick either. " He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "El on my left hip, holding Anika's hand and Alice holds Anika's hand." He told her. "I got the system worked out a long time ago." He kissed her quickly when she looked to him. "I don't really worry about them getting sick. They drop nummies on the floor and put them right back in their mouth." "Where do I go then?" She teased with a little pout, ignoring that her heart beat just a little bit quicker with anxiety that there was no place for her. "You can tell you've got experience," Esme nodded. "First time parents crack out the disinfectant every time." She cuddled into him a bit more, eyes closing. He smiled. "I'm sure Anika will share as long as you hold her hand because she will wander off and get into trouble," He said playfully, but he meant it, Anika was always up to no good. "Well, at eighteen you're a bit more worried about keeping them alive that germs. Maybe if I'd been older I would've." When she snuggled in close he melted. "What in the world did I do deserve you?' "I wouldn't mind holding her hand if shed let me,' Esme allowed with a little nod. August seemed to have such faith in her, the prospect of this outing not even worrisome. "Eighteen," she hummed thoughtfully. He was her age. She couldnt imagine having a kid of her own at her age. "You were kind," she answered his question instead of deflecting. "You let me get to know a side of you very few get to see, what makes you tick and what makes you shiver. That's what you did... but I wonder what I did to deserve you." August chuckled, imaging such an amazing imagine: the girl he loved bonding with his first born. "She probably would, she's very sociable." He traced patterns along her arms and shoulders, most of it was 'I love you'. "Mhm," He hummed, writing it again. "Apparently my eighteen year old self is not very good with condoms." He laughed. "So you only keep me around for the sex? I'm hurt, Essie, really." He teased and kissed her neck. "Keep going. You're more than you see, I promise." Esme let August doodle on her skin, not paying attention to the design so much as the touch itself. "Sociable is my kind of little lady," she smiled, thinking back to how her parents described her as a child: a social butterfly. "Your eighteen year old self was good at being a parent though, I'd say." She shook her head. "I didn't even say sex specifically, babe, though that part is amazing too. No, I just mean you let yourself go around me, you open up and I like that. Not many people are so comfortable around me." She tilted her head for him. "So long as you think I deserve you, I'm going to stay, you know," she whispered. He smiled. "She's wonderful." He said. "Usually. She's got an attitude," He added. He nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I guess." He gave her hip a little squeeze. "You're mushy. I like it. You do that too, you know." He brushed hair out of her face and kissed her nose. "I'm holding you to that," "A bit of sass keeps things interesting. I would know," she grinned. Her eyes lifted onto his, watching him. She flushed at being called out for her moment of sappiness. "I guess that's true," she shrugged with a little nod. "I trust you..." Esme considered not for the first time enacting that trust by telling of her abduction, of the abuse but she stayed quiet, nose crinkling at the kiss. "So long as you hold me in person as well, I think I'm okay with that," she teased. August laughed. "I suppose you of all people would." He kissed her forehead. "Good. You're so important to me, you understand that right?" He said softly, twirling the ends of her hair around his finger. "That can be arranged." Esme nodded happily, trying not to let her arms wrap around him tighter and tigher though she wanted to cling to him as he said such lovely things. "I know," she agreed with a flush. "I don't understand why but I know." She leaned up to place another kiss to August's lips in gratitude. August smiled. "You better," He noticed her blushing cheeks, but made no comment, not wanting to embarrass her. "Because I lo-" He paused midsentence, letting the word fall. "Because you're you." He told her. He kissed her back, letting the kiss linger longer. He pulled her into his lap. "So, what do you want to do for Valentine's Day?" Esme could swear her heart was going to burst in sudden anxiety at the misspeak. Thankfully, he rephrased his sentence, clearly having not meant whatever was going to leave his lips. "You're wonderful," she hummed, letting herself be perched on his lap. Her cheeks grew a little warmer at the mention of Valentines. It hadn't occurred to her that he might want to do something and she shrugged a bit. "We could hang out if you wanted?" August wrapped his arms around her and kissed under her jaw. He hummed. "I do what I can," He teased. "My parents are going out, all my siblings are going out, I can give my usual sitter a call... We could have dinner at my place? I make a mean parmesan chicken." Her eyes closed automatically. Even though it wasnt nearly as scary as the moment earlier, her pulse was quickening at how official and date like this was. Still, she did like August a lot and disappointing him wasn't an option. "You know the way to my heart with that dish," she praised in a light tone. "Dinner at yours then." On the most romantic night of the year her mind added with an internalized groan. August couldn't contain his grin. He kissed her cheek. He traced circles on the small of her back. "With alfredo and broccoli?" He asked, completely oblivious to her inner turmoil. August was so happy at her approval that Esme knew she'd said the right thing. Having the man so giddy and relaxed was important to her so she indulged in the touches and nodded at the comment. "However you make it that's how I'll eat it," she agreed. She tucked in closer on his lap, kissing the underside of his chin. August gave her hips a squeeze. "Just making sure you're not allergic or something," He mused. He hummed, content, at the little kiss. Esme's breath caught audibly at the squeeze to her hips. With her sickness, it had been far too long since her and August had been intimate and her body was responding to even the slightest touches as a result. "Not allergic," the girl mumbled, hoping to cover up her reaction. Thankfully, August remained oblivious, content to finish out the evening taking care of the sickly girl and talk about their valentines dinner.

August had Esme curled into his chest. He traced lazy patterns on her arm and shoulder. Both were bare naked and warm and sated from yet another round of good sex. August wasn't a man to take sex lightly. He'd always had a complicated relationship with it. As a child he had masculinity shoved down his throat, but he never quite swallowed. His father had pushed sex to be masculine. Then when he finally found someone he felt comfortable enough to do it with, they'd gotten pregnant. But even then, he knew sex came with an unconditional promise of a tighter bond. He wasn't taking sex with Esme lightly, either. He had a question he couldn't seem to swallow. He wanted to ease slowly into their relationship, seeing as August already felt guilty for their age gap. "Are you sleeping with other people?" He finally blurted out. Though, the moment he said it he regretted it. He looked away from her. Esme was content. They had finally made the decision to hookup in the morning so he could spend more time here with her afterwards. It was nice to be all tangled in one another with no immediate need for moving or taking care of toddlers in August's case. She was so focused on the doodles of his fingertips that she nearly missed his question. When it did register, her once pliant body when rigid and she pressed her lips together in a tight line. She looked up at him, noticing he was looking elsewhere. Truth was, in the few weeks since her return,he was her only but that didn't mean she would have said no to someone else. It wasn't in her nature. "Why?" She answered perhaps a bit more sharply than she intended, feeling accused though he had every right given her history. August shrugged, rustling the sheets. "Was just wondering..." He sounded cowed. Her sharpness put him on edge, he dropped his hand from her shoulder. He bit at his.lip, considering further explaining, but he decided against it, knowing he'd say the wrong thing. The loss of contact made her feel cold, the dynamic between them shifting. Esme kept her eyes trained on him, trying to get a feel for why he was asking suddenly. "August..." she whispered, tone lighter than before. "It doesn't really matter, does it?" She didn't want it to matter was probably the better answer. If it mattered who she was sleeping with, they were closer to being more than the safe fling Esme knew. If they were more than a fling, it meant she had to address the fluttering in her stomach when she thought of the young man laid beside her. August felt like he might turn green. "I," He began, but closed his mouth again. He wanted to choose his words carefully. "It kind of does," He said stupidly. "I mean, yeah it does matter." He said firmly. He pitched himself up on an elbow. "Esme, it does matter. If," he licked his lips, heart speeding like a hummingbird. "We want this to work out eventually, them yeah it does matter," August concluded, getting what he needed to say off his chest. The way he was speaking and the fact he was finally looking at her told Esme that he wasn't messing around. What he was saying scared her and thrilled her all at once. He wanted... to work out with her? Eventually? What did that even mean? "You... why do you want that?" She reponded after a moment, tugging the sheets up further and feeling, for the first time with him, very young and inexerienced. Quickly, so he didn't get the wrong idea, she tacked on. "You can do so much better, August." He laughed, full on and hardy. "Don't even try that, Esme. I can't because I want you and only you." He sat up and crossed his legs, sheets still over his bare lap. "I haven't felt like this in years and you make me so happy. Why can't you just accept that?" He questioned, meeting her gaze. Now it was her turn to look away, unable to handle the force of his genuine, caring expression. She swallowed thickly, fighting against the teenager within her that wanted to squeal and jump into his arms. "You make me happy too," she blurted out but still didn't look. She sat up, taking a quick glance around so she wouldn't be completely topless while making her point. Grabbing Augusts shirt to slide over her figure, she met his gaze. "You obviously know my reputation if you even asked that question, right? I'm the girl who sleeps around, aren't I?" August smiled, looking into his lap. He made her happy, it was music to his ears. August got warm and fuzzy watching her slip his shirt on, it was such a simple act but so intimate. She looked perfect in it, he took a moment to marvel. "Hmm?" He hummed coming back to reality. "Well, yeah, but that's the past isn't it? This is different, right?" He asked, afraid to hear the answer. Esme toyed with the sleeves of his shirt where they fell over her hands, covering them. She knew the weight of his question and if she just lied and said it was no different. He would be free of her and her baggage. But Esme was both selfish and horribly invested in August's well being. Splitting off completely wasn't an option. "This... you and I... it wasn't supposed to be different. You were supposed to be just another guy." She shook her head voice rising in slight panic. "But no, you're not. I... I mean... " Esme looked over at August. "To answer your question, since that first night we reconnected, I haven't slept with anyone else... but what does that mean?" He nodded, understanding. She was never supposed to be just a hook up, August didn't do hook ups. She was practically his sister, always running around with Fidji. He was protective. It wasn't supposed to happen this way, he knew that. But it had and it had been shredding him apart with regret and worry and self hate. He couldn't look at her. He played with his fingers in his lap, picking at his nails. "'M not a toy," He mumbled. "I don't want to be just another notch on your bed post, Esme." He said finally looking up at her. His throat was thick and he swallowed. "I dunno, Essie, does it mean something? You tell me," He grumbled, dropping his gaze again. Esme met his gaze, trying to work out just what he wanted and how much of that she could actually offer. Dealing with feelings had never been an issue before. Then again, most men she slept with only wanted the thrill of hooking up with someone as young and willing as she. It had never been this way nor felt this natural and good. Maybe there was something to be done here but right now, all Esme knew was that she wanted to get that broken, used look off August's face. She reached over to slide her hand into one of his. "You really want me? Of all the people you could have in the world, you want to try and work something out with someone like me?" There was an underlying self hatred to her tone that she hoped he didn't notice. August took her hand without any hesitation. "Of course I do, Essie," He said softly, looking at their laced fingers. "Would I be here if I didn't?" August thought this was all obvious. He didn't see her the way she saw herself. He saw the way her smile melted him and how easy he could be around, moving around one another in synchronicity. He kissed the back of her hand, not sure he could ever string together the right words.  Esme nodded slowly, her heart rate slowing from its jackhammer pace. Only sleeping with August wasn't a giant commitment. She wouldn't feel too trapped and it wasn't too far out of her comfort zone. Sure, she'd still have some trouble with it - flirting got her into lots of trouble - but it was manageable. "Okay..." she agreed slowly, finally glancing up at him. "But if you change your mind about this... let me know, please," she added. "Okay?" He grinned, meeting her gaze. "Really?" He cupped her cheeks and kissed her. "I'm not changing my mind anytime soon, princess." He knew this would change things for her, and he wasn't sure she'd agree at all. But she did and August couldn't contain it. Esme was a bit startled by his exuberant reaction and the kiss suddenly on her lips but she leaned into it softly. That's what you think, she thought to herself, a knot of conflicting feeling formulating in her chest. She wanted this; that surprised her the most. But she knew she didn't deserve it. She was damaged goods and had bad history and she could only hope to keep to her word. There was still a question August had. He'd asked her before, but it felt prominent again now. He pulled her into his lap, arms around the small of her back. August was practically beaming. She didn't even have to try and he was smitten. He peppered her bare skin in celebratory kisses: Jaw and throat and collarbone and shoulder. "Princess," He hummed happily against her skin. "Why do you do it?" The question bubbled out and he turned red, realizing he'd said it out loud.  Esme settled into his lap easily, continuing to settle from her slightly anxious mood. She relished in the touches of his mouth, biting into her lower lip. There was the question again. He had asked it once, after they had hooked up a few days back. Then she had told him to wait but now felt different. He wanted to choose her to try things with and so he deserved to know at least a little. "It makes me feel good," she shrugged, his shirt on her too large and slipping off her shoulder. "Why?" He egged on, whispering against her skin. "I'm never going to judge you for it or your feelings okay, princess?" He murmured against her bare shoulder. He wanted to know everything about her: all the good and all the bad. Esme watched him carefully, wishing she could know for certain he'd still mean that if she told him everything. "Its just something I'm good at. Its a challenge, sometimes, and the end result you feel wanted even for a little while so I never really saw it as a bad thing." Talking about even this much felt weird and she pressed her face into his neck. "Why did you sleep with me that first time ?" She asked, hoping to make her point. August nodded, understanding. "You know it's because of your age right?" He said softly. He wasn't sure she knew that, but thought she might have an idea. "There's some disgusting men out there, Esme." He said pulling her in closer. "I just want to take every bad memory away and make them my burden. I just," He sighed. August rose an eyebrow, not expecting the question. "Cause I'm not very good at saying no to people " He confessed. "You wanted it so bad and kept at it I couldn't hurt your feelings," Esme let herself be coddled for a few moments. She liked the protective edge to August's voice and though he had plenty of burdens on his shoulders already, the offer was sweet. His answer to her question; however, made her frown in confusion. "You only slept with me so you wouldn't hurt my feelings?" She asked on a little whine, trying to cover it up with a tease to marginal success. "You can say no whenever you'd like. You can always say no." August sighed. He couldn't describe the way be felt right then, wrapped around Esme. She was so solid, but petite. She wasn't the type of girl August would usually go for, young and spontaneous. August always thought he needed steady, and settled. But maybe she would be just what he didn't know he needed. "Yeah..." He said. "I mean, of course I was consenting and all that, but I probably wasn't going to instigate.." He told her. "Though, I will now." He cracked a smirk against her skin. Esme nosed his bare collarbone softly, eyes staying closed with a thoughtful hum. "I guess I am a bit overly persuasive," she shrugged, letting dark eyes flutter open. "You wanted me though, right?" She asked, looking up at him. "Thought I was... desirable right?" Her lips curled up in a smirk. "I like it when you instigate," she purred. August hummed peacefully at her soft touch. "I couldn't let you think you weren't beautiful or worth something, I could tell it wounded you when I tried to turn you down." He whispered and gave her a soft kiss. "Not the way you're thinking. I wanted to make you happy, Esme. That's always been the goal." August chuckled. He wasn't sure he wad quite ready for round two yet, but he loved seeing Esme all seductive. "You're very desirable, beautiful," He kissed her throat, making his point. The further explanation sated Esme. She would have hated to have felt like she had forced August into something or coerced him against his desires. She indulged in the kiss with a pleased smile against his lips. "And you wonder why I think you're too good for me," she huffed, shaking her head. "Just listen to yourself for a moment. You could sweep any girl off her feet," she smiled. August snorted. "I'm not as good as everyone seems to think." He grumbled. August sighed, dropping his gaze. "No, I can't. Trust me, I've tried. It usually backfires." He tells her. He nuzzles into her hair. "But not this time. I got so lucky with you," "You are pretty good though," she pointed out, tapping him on the nose. "Better than I deserve." Esme giggled as he pressed his face into her hair but held onto him closer. "How could your charm backfire?" She gasped, running fingers up the back of his neck. "I'm the lucky one " "I'm alright I suppose," He turned a bit pink. "I dont know about all that, though." He retorted. She smelled nice and she was soft and warm and felt so real and human and August was grinning. "Dunno, but she's dating the other person I was pining after so." He laughed. August shivered at the touch. "Maybe, I'm way luckier," He purred. Esme let her senses be enveloped by everything August, draping herself on his neck. At his explanation, she drew in a gasp of surprise and tried to stifle a giggle. "That's so unfortunate, you poor babe," she cooed, cupping his face and holding it down near to her own. She nudged their noses together sweetly. "Id beg to differ," Esme breathed against his lips, shifting closer in his lap. August shrugged, but was still smiling. He tightened his grip around her. "But I got you, and that's a million times better." He said low in her ear. August flushed at the rub off their noses. "Yeah, I know, but it's still the truth," He cupped her cheeks in his hands and began peppering her face in quick little kisses. Esme flushed at his comment, leaning into the tiny kisses he was leaving all over her face. "Their loss," she.sing-songed. "Now I get your affection all to myself." Being exclusive wasn't a bad thing in that sense. She felt protected by August, something her sleeping around had been in search of. August chuckled, a plan rolling in his head. "Your gain," He sang back. He wrapped his hands around her wrists and pushed her back into the mattress, arms pined. "My sweet little Esme can't escape affection now," He sang. He kept her hands above her head and nuzzles her anywhere he could reach. Esme's smile could not grow any larger and her heart was doing little skips of happiness. She briefly wondered if this was what it was like to really like someone. Then August was pinning her to the bed and drawing a surprised sound from her lips. "I rather like that," she hummed, trying to squirm away from his tickling nose. Peals of laughter wracked her frame but she made no real move to escape. August laughed, smothering her in kisses and nuzzles. The world felt right. All of his past and all of his burdens seemed so far away. August hummed, letting up on her. He kissed her deeply, grin still in tact. "'M glad," He cooed. Esme kissed him back, feeling the way their lips melded so well together. It was like they were made for hers and she was going to do that justice by kissing him as often as possible. And if he was going to be her exclusive hookup; he was going to have to deal with plenty of needy kisses. "I'm glad you asked what you did," she confessed softly into his mouth. August took a moment to relish in the kiss. She was more than he could have ever asked for. "Me too," He grinned. "Now you're all mine," He said in her ear. Esme shivered at his low voice in his ear, eyes closing. "All yours," she agreed. It was almost like some sort of alternate universe where she got to be this girl, one where she had no backstory or fear. She smiled a genuine, sparkling smile at August, happy to be right where she was. "Mmm," He hummed, snuggling down beside her, no longer keeping her prison. He played with a strand of her hair. "You're so wonderful," He mused, slightly twinkly eyed. August still couldn't believe he'd managed to reel her in. Esme curled into his warmth, toying with the end of his sleeve again before glancing up at him. "I'm gonna have to think of a way to get you to stop overcomplimenting me," she observed with a wry look. His hand in her hair was lulling her towards a nap and she nuzzled into it automatically. August gave her a little smile, twirling her soft hair around his finger. "Not until you believe every single one of them." He told her firmly. He curled her in close. "You obviously have no clue how much you mean to me," She flushed at his words combined with his sweet words. Her legs tangled with his and she laid her head on his chest with a soft sound of acknowledgement. Esme's instincts wanted her to argue as to why she shouldn't mean so much to him but she fought it down. "You're very special to me," she whispered. August traced lazy patterns on her back and shoulders, occasionally slipping down past the too large tee shirt. He started with writing out his name in slow, languid cursive script. Then mine, then soon, then love you. He wasn't going to say it out loud, but he meant it. He couldn't tell if she was making sense of his soft scribbles on her spine, but he hopes she didn't. "I was hoping so," He whispered back. Esme liked being touched so delicately, with no sexual aim. August just seemed to crave the contact and Esme responded the same. She had noticed him writing his name but as the words went on, she lost track of the letters and curled more into him. She pressed a kiss to his collarbone softly and then slowly up his neck. August blushed lightly at the kiss. He wished he could make Esme see herself the way he saw her. "You hungry?" He asked, pressing a light kiss to her hair "Very, actually." Esme acknowledged as though just realizing her stomach felt empty. "Now that you mention it." She tipped her head back, resting her chin against August's chest. "You?" "Starving," He answered, running his fingers through her hair. "Want me to make something?" Esme's eyebrows rose in curiosity and she nodded slowly. "I'd like that a lot, yeah" she smiled. "Can I watch you?" She asked, unable to keep from pressing little kisses all over his torso. August laughed. "Sure," He ran his fingers along her spine, not making a point to get up yet. "What do you want?" Esme's smile turnes coy. "You, but I'm guessing you meant food-wise, right?" She giggled, shivering just slightly at his touch. "Ha ha ha," He mused, but gave her a hearty kiss nonetheless. "Maybe later," He said beside her ear. "But yes, food, what do you want? I'm a pretty good chef." She kissed him back, tucking a stray hair behind his ear. "I'll always want you," she whispered against his lips, not even meaning it entirely sexually. Even before they had ever hooked up, back when Esme was younger, she had thought him the pinnacle of what a girl should want in a guy. The same held true and she dotted another happy kiss to his lower lip before answering. "Pancakes?" August couldn't help himself, he kissed her again with a big grin. "Careful there, princess, you might make me fall in love with you if you keeping talking like that," He already loved her, but he wasn't planning on telling her any time soon. August warmed at the kiss. "Agreed," He answered, sitting up Esme laughed, moving into the kiss before pulling back to look for August's boxers. "I'll be sure to take extra care with my words, gorgeous," she chuckled lightly, not even considering the very real possibility he was telling the truth. She found his boxers by her side of the bed, tossing them to him before stretching and sitting up herself. "I hope you know you aren't getting this back anytime soon" she gestured to his shirt draped over her petite form. August chuckled. Esme honestly seemed to have no idea. August tumbled out of bed with his boxers in hand, then slipped them on. "Hm?" He turned his attention back to Esme. "Oh, I don't mind you look nice, ravishing, even," He mused. Esme pushed her long, slightly tangled hair back behind her shoulder with a smile. "I'm glad you like it on me," she hummed, getting to her feet as well. The shirt fell to a little below the tops of her thighs, enough so that she didn't feel the need to slip on her pajama shorts. Her hand reached out for his, nodding toward the kitchen. "Come then Chef Sandoval." She grinned, squeezing his hand when it was wrapped around hers. 

August stood before Esme's door, shivering. His fingers wouldn't keep still and his mind raced a mile a minute. He breathed out, his warm breath visible in the cold afternoon. He knocked on her door waiting to greet her. Esme was all dolled up but for a different purpose this time. It was just dinner out with August but she still liked to look nice, for herself, for him. She tucked her coat and scarf around her, adjusting her earmuffs atop loose curls as she answered her door. "Hey there handsome," she beamed, looking up into his eyes. August grinned. "You look adorable," He said meeting her eyes. He thought about kissing her. He thought about giving her a little push back through the door and kissing her for hours. But he didn't. "You ready?" He asked her. She flushed instantly, shaking her head a little and stepping out the door before turning to lock it. "And you look gorgeous as always. Really, give the others a chance to catch up," she teased falling back into their banter. "All set! Where are we headed?" He laid a hand softly on her hip for a short moment as she fiddled with the door. He scoffed. "Oh please, have you looked in a mirror lately? You look delicious enough to eat." He dropped his hand abruptly, turning pink at his own words. He tried to laugh off his moment of stupidity. "Surprise." He told her. She liked the casual contact. It felt nice, warm even through her layers of clothes. "If you'd like me to unlock this door right now so you can have a taste by all means, let me know now," she trilled with a lewd look. The flush to his cheeks had her smile softening and her eyebrows rose with interest. "You're taking me to a surprise destination, hm? I'm intrigued " August's cheeks burned red. "I, uh," He spluttered. Get a grip, he scolded himself. "Maybe later," He said softly and pressed a quick kiss to her temple. It had taken all his courage and willpower to do so. "That's the point. Even if its just burgers you'll love it more, just because it was a surprise." He said, trying nonchalantly to brush the back of his hand against hers in hopes she'd take her hand in his.  "But no it's not burgers." He added. Esme's grin grew and she nodded. "I can do later," she hummed, closing her eyes briefly at the kiss. She liked listening to August ramble, she decided. His voice was slow and methodical and it brought a fondness to the girls face she couldn't explain. His hand brushed hers and it seemed only natural to slide her small hand into his larger one. "I'm just glad were able to go anywhere at all. Being landlocked in that hotel got to me" she sighed, giving his hand a squeeze. August chuckled. "I'm sure you can, princess." He breathed relief when she took his hand. He slipped his fingers between hers and gave it a light squeeze. "Snow let up a day or so ago," He said. "They finally managed to plow the roads last night. We didn't notice because we were a bit..... preoccupied." He said. He walked out to his car with her hand in his. He thought about how nicely they fit together. He swallowed, opening the passenger door for her.  She swung their hands a little as they walked, looking up at him in amusement though it was her turn to blush at his explanation. "God, really?" She giggled, stepping a bit closer towards August's side. "Should I apologize for keeping you trapped inside?" She let him lead her to the car, a bit sad to have to drop his hand but climbing into the car and smoothing out the skirt of her dress as she sat. August laughed. "No, was definitely more fun than watching them plow snow off the roads." He teased, a sparkle in his eyes said he meant. He couldn't take I anymore, he cupped her cheek in one hand and pulled her attention from her skirt and kissed her full on the lips. "Sorry," He murmured, letting go of her cheek. "Good," she agreed. "I had a lot of fun, too." Esme liked the look August was giving her, how relaxed he was around her. The touch lifted her gaze onto his and she let out a pleased sound against his lips. Her smile was significantly brighter as he pulled away. "Feel free to do that any time; no apology required, babe," she purred, leaning in to brush their lips together again. August grinned and kissed her again. He kissed her cheek and closed the car door. He trudged through the snow to the driver's side and sat himself down. He turned on the car, then the heater. "Pardon the car seats and crayon bits," He said, blushing. He pulled out of the hotel's parking lot and onto the street. "Take a guess at where we're going." He said with a light a smirk. Esme hoped she could pass of the continued tint to her cheeks as a nip of the cold weather, smiling as they parted. She glanced into the backseat, noting the signs of Augusts daughters. "Don't worry," she shrugged. "The remnants of daddy duty doesn't bother me any " Her gaze cast forward, watching the white landscape start to move past. "Not burgers eliminates McDonalds and company. Maybe... chinese? Thai?" She guessed, having honestly no clue and leaning forward to try and see. August smiled. "I'm glad. I've got daddy written all over me." He teased. "Hmm, Thai does sound good, but no. I was thinking pizza and ski ball. You game?" "You could say that again," she mumbled, more to herself than to anyone in particular. Esme's grin was wry as she turned a little in her seat. "If you're game to have your ass kicked, I'm more than up for it," she agreed, clapping her hands together excitedly. August rose an eyebrow at her. "What's that supposed to mean? You don't enjoy the smell of baby wipes in the morning?" He teased, obviously not getting the joke. August laughed. "You're on, princess." "Not quite but something like that," she dismissed quickly, not wanting to open up that potential trainwreck of a subject. She smiled all the same, moving to rest her hand on his thigh lightly. "Excellent," she smirked "So what do I get when I win?" He hummed, letting the subject drop. He swallowed at her touch. "/If/ you win," He corrected. "What do you want?" "Hmmm," she pondered, tongue swiping across her lips. It was strange, thinking everything she could possibly ask for, he'd likely let her have anyways. "I'll let you know," she decided with a wink, giving his thigh a pointed squeeze. August shook his head over a fond smile and a light chuckle. "You're gonna be the death of me, Essie." He pulled into the parking lot and nestled his car between two others. He switched the car off and hurried over to her side to open the door for her. She smiled coyly, resisting the urge to repeat the squeeze. When they arrived her heart jumped excitedly at the prospect and she unhooked her seatbelt before noticing August had opened her door again. She tried not to blush, getting out of the car and looping her arms through his. "You're very impressive, you know," she observed, tucking into his side. August happily took her into his side and pressed a quick kiss into her hair. "'M trying to be a gentlemen," He said, pulling her in close. She nuzzled in close, smiling softly. "You're definitely succeeding, I'll agree to that," she murmured, letting him open the door once again and slipping off her earmuffs when they were finally in the warmth of the building. August held back a laugh. "I'm trying to make up for sleeping with you before I even took you out..... Multiple times," He said into her ear. "What kind of pizza do you want?" He greeted the hostess and followed her to the table for them. She hummed in acknowledgement, tipping her head so he could better reach her ear. "Sometimes multiple times in the same night," she reminded him with a bat of her eyelashes before pulling away to sit in her seat. "Hmmm maybe Hawaiian? Or if they have some sort of chicken pizza..." her tongue stuck out the corner of her mouth as she pored over the menu. August flushed red, swallowing. He sat across from her looking over the menu as well. "You're a fancy pizza eater," He said, glancing to her. "I'm more of an extra cheese kind of guy." The waitress came over, she seemed friendly enough. She asked what they wanted to drink. "Dr. Pepper," He answered. "Is that a nice way of saying fussy?" She asked with a giggle, deciding on chicken and mozarella. Esme rested her chin in her palm, just watching August with a little smile before realizing she had been asked a question by their waitress. "Oh, what he's having, thank you." She nodded. August shook his head. "No, princess." He assured her. He'd noticed her moment of staring and chuckled when Esme was pulled back. He waited until the waitress left to lean across the table and give Esme a quick peck. Esme smiled, sated. She tried to ignore the tint of pink at the chuckle and leaned into the light touch of August's lips. "Good. I wouldn't want you thinking I'm high maintenence," she drawled when they parted. August smiled, settling into his seat. "I don't mind high maintenance," He said. "Means you give a damn," The waitress came back and set their drinks down. August ordered extra cheese pizza and looked back to Esme with a soft smile. Esme wasn't sure how August always knew just what to say but he did and she was flattered for it. She ordered her fancy chicken pizza unabashedly and moved her hand over the top of the table to trace little shapes with her fingers against the back of his hand. "Well I do give a damn, that's for sure," she responded., He let her trace his hand for a few moments before taking her hand in his. He was tempted to reach out and kiss her again, but he stayed put. "I'm glad," He said. "How about a round of ski ball while we wait?" Esme watched their hands, liking how hers looked in his - small and protected. She gave his hand a squeeze, nodding. "So eager to lose, are you?" She teased, getting to her feet and slipping off her coat to drape it on her seat. August laughed. "Depends, have you decided on what you want if you win?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. He pulled himself to his feet and wrapped an arm around her waist, leading to one of the ski ball machines. Esme nodded, crinkling her nose in amusement. "I have a few ideas," she responded with a teasing glitter in her eyes. She leaned into the touch, eyeing the machines. Truth was, she was all talk and almost sure to lose but she'd give it her best effort. "Do you now?" August mused. "Like what?" He asked, a smirk playing across his lips. He pressed the start button on the game, the hard plastic balls released. He handed the first ball to Esme. "Ladies first," "You'll find out soon won't you?" She smirked. Her teeth worried her lower lip as she accepted the ball. She took a deep breath, assessing the few others around them playing. Esme wound her arm back slightly, released and... it only barely moved into the lowest point value above zero. She giggled a bit, turning to August with a pointed look. August hummed his approval, smiling tugging on his lips. August was genuinely surprised when her score didn't measure up to all her talk. "Thought you were going to show me up?" He questioned, taking the next ball. He winded, much like she did and tossed the ball down the alley. It made it only a pocket above her toss. "I may have been fibbing just a little," she said with a wink, reaching for another ball. "Or I might just be trying to get you comfortable before I strike. You never know." Esme brushed the fingers of her free hand up his arm, giving it another shot and managing to get it in the pocket August just had. "Did you see that?" She asked, breaking her ruse. "Oh no, I've got a liar on my hands." August teased. He laughed, "And a strategist," He warmed under her soft touch. "Good job, princess!" He grinned. He plucked the last ball and aimed for the small 100 pot in the right corner. The ball snagged at the rim, and rolled pitifully down into the zero pot at the bottom. Esme had held her breath as he nearly hit the high numbered cup in the corner, teeth clamped down on her lower lip in mild distress. She let out a sigh of relief as he missed and her arms instantly wrapped around his middle. "Does that mean I win? Or is there more?" She asked with a giggle of genuine mirth. August nodded over a smile. "Yeah, you win. Turns out, we both suck at ski ball." He laced his fingers through hers. "We should head back to the table. The pizza should come out soon." Esme laughed again, not able to remember feeling this relaxed with anyone before, this at ease. As they sat back at the table, she didn't have to look over her shoulder to see if anyone was watching or check to make sure her coat wasn't tampered with. It was just her and August. "Its fun to be bad at something sometimes. You learn a little." August slid back into the booth and flashed Esme a small smile. He still couldn't believe he'd reeled her in, even if it was nothing official. She was a notorious man eater, and he knew that. But sitting in front of him was the most spectacular girl he'd ever met. "I second that," He told her promptly. "So, have you decided on your prize, princess?" Esme slid her foot over to brush against his, mulling over her mental list of things she wanted as a prize. 99% of her list had been sexual, unsurprisingly. So it surprised her when she was saying, "another night like this. Just us - maybe watch a movie or something?" Esme scolded herself for getting wrapped up in the warm feelings of this... outing. She refused to call it a date because it /wasn't/. If it were she would have noticed. Surely. August tapped at her foot with his toe. "I can make that happen," He said with a smile. The waitress came over and set the pies down on the table. August picked up a slice and bit off the end. "You surprised me with that request," He told her after swallowing his bite. Esme shrugged, aiming for nonchalance while nibbling at her own pizza slice. A smile was on her lips and she raised her gaze onto August. "I'm just trying to monopolize your time, obviously," she joked, pushing her hair behind her shoulder. Anything to avoid thinking of how much she genuinely enjoyed their time together and how much she didn't deserve it. August rose an eyebrow. "Monopolize away," He smiled, and took another bite out of his pizza. "I like being with you," He said softly, looking down to his plate and away from her gaze. Esme giggled and watched Augusts reaction, plesantly surprised with how agreeable he was. The statement caught her a bit off guard but she didn't find anything wrong with responding, "I like being with you too." She almost added that she liked being his princess because it did make her feel amazing but that was too far. She settled for another touch of their feet. It took every bit of August's willpower to not lean over and kiss her with everything he wanted to say to her. "I'm glad," He beamed, taking a second slice. "Otherwise I would have to kidnap you for pizza and ski ball," He teased. She finished off her own pizza slice, ignoring the soft flush to her cheeks. "Like a very wise man once said to me, I wouldn't object," Esme allowed with a smirk. "Do you do this often? I can't imagine the little ones leave you with much free time ." August gasped playfully. "Esmeralda, are you mocking me?" He leaned over the table and kissed her nose. He shook his head. "No, they're a bit young yet to enjoy the Chuck E. Cheese scene." He told her with a smile. "Yeah, they're time suckers but I wouldn't have it any other way," "Maybe just a little, darling," Esme hummed in amusement, eyes closing at the kiss to her nose. "Maybe a few years from now then," she smiled with a quick nod. "I'm glad you can make time for me, you know. That makes me feel nice." August sniffled. "I'm hurt, Essie." He teased. "Yeah, I'll do a birthday party there is something. Everyone should experience a Chuck E. Cheese birthday, right?" He laughed. "I like being with you. I like making time for you," He cracked a small smirk. "And I most definitely enjoy making you feel nice," His words were smooth and well executed, but his cheeks flushed crimson. "I'm sorry," she cooed, brushing her foot up a bit further up his leg soothingly. "If it makes you feel better, I'm only doing it because I like you." She smiled at the idea of him having his little girls at Chuck E Cheese. He loved his daughters so much, Esme couldnt help but get fond. She dropped her gaze to her food, grabbing a slice absently. "You can make me feel nice with just a look, August," she confessed. August blushed, feeling a bit childish. "I was hoping so," He said, almost a wheeze. August blinked a moment. "Really....?" He asked, slightly in awe Esme nodded with a bashful smile, not wanting to lift her gaze and betray her slightly embarrassing reaction. She didn't do sappy; she hardly did feelings. "Its really good pizza, by the way." Anything to distract from the mess of warmth that was her heart. August chuckled, noting her obvious distraction. "Mhm," He hummed in agreement, finishing off his second slice. "Am I just dropping you off after this?" He asked. Esme nibbled on her pizza and finally risked looking up at August through her lashes. "You owe me hot chocolate, I think," she offered with a shrug. "And I'd really like for you to stay, at least for a little while. If the girlies don't need your right away." August grinned. "That I do," He agreed. "Where do you want to get it from?" He asked. "Nah, my mom took them out for a girl day or whatever. You've got me for a few more hours." The waitress came back with the check and the to go boxes. August promptly settled the right amount and a tip in the pocket of the little book. Esme thought about it for a moment. "The little shop on the corner would be nice," she suggested. Her eyes lit up at the prospect of a few more hours with August. "I'm glad - I don't think I'll be quite ready to give you up yet." She placed her hand back in his as he paid, squeezing it gratefully. "Shall we?" She prompted with a grin.