[Pete gave a sheepish smile, rubbing the back of his neck a moment.] I suppose that was maybe a silly thing to point out.
[He chewed his lip a moment, peering down at the paper on the table in front of him. It was just a simple sketch of the floral arrangement on the dining room table. He'd always had a penchant for tulips.] I am glad we often have flowers around. It is... Comforting.
[Emma pulled the chair out next to his, careful to sit so that she was facing him and able to cross her legs over. The dress she wore put the flawless limbs on display and she smiled a little as she watched his nervous mannerisms.] Perhaps, but luckily you usually make up for your silliness in other ways.
Is it? [Emma's nose scrunched up slightly as she looked at the tulips and then back down at his sketch.] I find more pleasure in your art than the flowers. I can't say I've ever been particularly swayed by floral arrangements.
I HAD TO GO TO YOUR PROFILE TO MAKE SURE IT WAS YOU ILU
[Piotr glanced at her legs briefly, straightening a little in his chair and swallowed gently. She always did have a way of putting him right where she wanted him. Then again, that was their game, wasn't it? She knew he liked it. He gave her a small smile, his eyes bright.] As long as I make up for it.
[He leaned closer as she mentioned her distaste for the flowers, curious now. He rested his elbows on the table and tilted his head to the side a little.] You don't like flowers? I'm glad I didn't get you any for Valentine's day. I thought about it. I have always liked flowers, myself. Though, I prefer them in a garden. My mother had a garden.
You and yours need to join gardensend then I won't have to come find chu
[Emma's smile increased as she continued to watch him. She really didn't need to read his mind to understand the affect she had on him. She tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear before glancing around to see if they were indeed still alone. Their affair still wasn't public knowledge.] Always, darling. I don't think you'll ever hear a complaint from me.
[Emma leaned in as well, her arm resting over her knees as she set her chin in her other hand. To anyone else she might actually appear bored but under the table her heel rubbed against the back of his calf.] I don't think I've ever liked conventional gestures of affection. I've never been a big fan of Valentine's either. Why should you only show me your feelings on one day of the year? However, flowers in general... [She pursed her lips briefly before sighing.] I grew up in the wrong environment to appreciate nature as you do. Tell me about the garden.
[He blushed deeply at the way her leg tangled with his, though he tried to suppress it. He looked around briefly just to make sure they were really alone before he scooted his chair just a little bit further forward.] I would not want to make you complain. [He gave a small smile, bashful but amused.] I would prefer to hear other things from you.
[He watched her intently, his eyes wandering along her face. He had grown very familiar with the lines and curves of it, having admired it frequently over the past few months that they'd spent together. They hadn't done anything particularly special for Valentine's, though they had spent the night together. Really, that was all he could ask for. Anything else was just extra. He had to agree with her on that point. Though her mention of her upbringing piqued his curiosity. They hadn't spoken a great deal about how she'd grown up.] Well, I... I grew up on a farm, so there was a lot of growing things around. It was our life. We didn't get to have a lot of flower seeds because it was a collective farm, we didn't have a lot of money for nice things. But my mother had a way with plants and she was able to keep a garden. It was one of my favorite things growing up.
[It was true that Emma at least found some thrill in pushing the boundaries. In risking being caught or discovered purely because she could only imagine the reaction of the other X-Men. Kitty and Scott very much included. But mostly it was because for as long as it stayed just between them then she had no one to justify it to. She had no one to constantly defend her feelings to, or feel as if she was corrupting the innocent or doing anything wrong. Piotr made her feel good about herself, and he made her smile. That was more than enough for now. Her foot stayed where it was though and she maintained the contact.] Oh, I know. I know just what you'd prefer to hear from me, dear. All in good time, hm? We might be able to steal a few moments once they're all distracted with the upcoming mission.
[Spending the night together had been a rarity. Normally one of them would slip from the other's bedroom before the rest of the mansion was awake. She had to admit that not rushing out of his embrace really had been enjoyable. Waking up to the big Russian's face had made her smile and feel content. She arched an eyebrow slightly when she got the curious look. If he asked she would tell him. But her childhood was never something she volunteered freely. She also wasn't going to branch the topic of Sebastian Shaw without ensuring Piotr would remain calm.] Your face changes when you talk about it. You look much more relaxed. Perhaps you could start a garden here. I'm sure the children would help you maintain it. Have something a little more organised in the grounds. It's also why you are a good man, very grounded. You had a wholesome upbringing.
[Piotr found himself getting impatient, at times. He understood why they were hiding and they importance of it, but he had to admit that sometimes he just wanted to lay it all out and tell everyone so he could wake up with her in his arms. It felt unfair that he wasn't allowed to. All they every got were stolen moments and it felt like he was sneaking from a cookie jar that was meant to be his in the first place. Not that Emma was his, he didn't claim ownership over her, but he felt like he was being denied something. Still, if anything, it kept things interesting. Like now, when they had to speak in hushed tones and skirt around the subject of what they wanted.] I shouldn't be so eager for mass destruction to distract them.
[He wasn't sure what kept him from asking about her upbringing. He knew there was darkness in her past, and he didn't want to take her back to that place if it wasn't the right time. He was curious, though. There were few details that he knew of her past.] Perhaps you are right, a garden would be nice. I do not have the talent that my mother had, but I might be able to manage something. And... [His smile grew and he refrained from reaching for her hand.] I am just me. I do what I can.
[It was only for Piotr's sake that she would consider telling anyone. Though he would have a point. Being able to wake up with him every day would be wonderful. Her brow creased slightly as she looked at his hands and then back up at his face. Maybe it was time? Maybe they had been together long enough that they would survive the rest of the mansion knowing. Emma licked her lips and gave a small shake of her head.] Retreival mission, not the end of the world, darling.
[If they had more nights together perhaps she would bring it up of her own volition. The comfort that came with being in his arms and the security she felt in knowing that he would still feel something for her regardless.] You might even be able to teach me a thing or two about gardening. Given that you are just you and you still get me to do quite a bit that you like. [Her smile turned a little more seductive.] And it would be a chance for us to spend some time together. Maybe let the others come to their own conclusions about our relationship.
Oh. [He laughed, giving her a bright smile. He pulled his hand back, holding his pencil in both hands now. If he didn't give his hands enough to do, he grew antsy sometimes. Sometimes his hands forgot much more often that he couldn't hold her in public.] I don't feel as bad about hoping for them to leave, then. I hope they leave early.
[He bit his lip a moment before he looked up at her again, grinning. The idea of keeping a garden and teaching her about it was very appealing to him. It would give them another excuse to be be alone together sometimes. He wouldn't mind that at all. ] I would love to teach you, Emma. You know, I... I think I'll do it. I'll talk to Scott about it. [He leaned in just a little closer, ducking his head. His hair was starting to get a little long in the front and it fell over his brow.] Do you really mean that, Emma? Letting them come to their own conclusions?
[Emma merely shook her head in amusement before she watched him with bright eyes. It was still very refreshing to find herself around someone that could still laugh and smile so easily. That clearly felt it deep down in side and didn't just smile for show. She twisted slightly to touch a fingertip to one of the tulips as her expression softened just a little.] I thought you might change your mind. Naturally we'll have to look in on the students from time to time but we'll still be alone for the most part.
[Emma returned her focus to him and didn't stop herself as she reached out to brush his hair back from his face. It really was growing long but she saw no reason to complain. She found the way it fell into his eyes really quite attractive. Though if it ever grew to the length that would require a ponytail, then she'd have something to say. She'd probably even take scissors to it herself.] I look forward to being the pupil for once. And yes, I mean it. I've been selfish enough about our relationship. It's only because I get so sick of having to try and make people believe that I'm not out to corrupt their friends and family. I do think we're in a place now where we're comfortable enough with each other that we can stand whatever reactions those conclusions draw out. I'm not ready to let go of you, Piotr. I will fight if I have to. I'm also finding myself wanting more and more time with you.
[Piotr found himself immediately leaning into her hand a little, just as soon as she'd reached out for him. Contact with her was far too rare to take for granted. If anyone were to walk in just then, it would garner a lot of explaining, but he didn't especially care right now. If she wanted to touch him, he wasn't going to stop her.] I like the sound of that. 'Alone.'
[He closed his eyes a moment and breathed a gentle sigh before he reached to cover her hand on his cheek, his fingers lacing with hers. It was all he needed, just for a moment. There was a promise of more, underneath the surface, but he didn't dare while they were so exposed. Not unless he knew she was alright with it.] Then don't let go of me, Emma. I am ready for whatever you would like. If you wanted to walk out of this room holding hands right now, I would be right by your side. Ya gotov. I'm ready.
I do too. Our time together has been cut short of late. [Emma honestly could have cared less in that moment if someone had walked in on them. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted them to find out. She just wasn't going to do it in her usual scandalous fashion. There may, however, have been a small part of her that wanted to do it purely so everyone knew that Piotr was hers. That she could be worthy of a good man's attentions.]
It really is tempting, darling. I would gladly hold your hand in this moment. I would happily let everyone stare and figure it out. Piotr, I-- [Emma stopped. Her brow furrowed as she tried to latch onto the words she knew he deserved to hear. She kept her hand against his cheek and shifted further forward so that there was even less of a gap between them.] I've well and truly fallen for you.
[Piotr leaned into her hand more, his own almost completely engulfing hers. He breathed in deep again, letting her scent fill him. The were almost close enough that he could kiss her, or at least touch his forehead to her. All he wanted was to feel her skin against his and her arms around him. Exposure be damned.
She was speaking again, and as she paused a moment his eyes snapped open so he could catch her eyes. Her words fell on him and everything around him seemed to stop. The entire mansion could have wandered in at that moment and Piotr wouldn't have cared a bit. She was saying things that he had been aching to hear from her. As far as he was concerned, nothing else really mattered right now.] Emma, I love you. [He didn't hesitate, he didn't have to think about it. He'd known how he'd felt this way for a while now.]
[Emma closed their gap between their mouths and kissed Piotr. It was as chaste as the White Queen was ever going to be capable of. Especially given the physical attraction she had felt for him since their very first encounter. A little was never enough but she had trained herself in patience and moderation for the sake of making this work.
She ran her tongue over her lips in the wake of the kiss and offered Piotr a warm smile as her free hand found his thigh and she rest it there. She knew he could say the words she wanted to. She was trying. She really was. Emma might have been older, but that didn't necessarily mean she was experienced in matters of the heart. She knew how to manipulate and seduce. She knew how to love. She just didn't know how to say it.] You really do, don't you, dear? [She pressed another kiss to his lips before opening up her mind and reaching out to seek the telepathic connection she had slowly been nurturing inside Piotr. It allowed them to communicate around the students and the team without them hearing a word. It also allowed her to think the words she couldn't say. I love you, too.] One day I'll get there. I'll be able to give you everything.
[Piotr released a small hum of appreciation, taking in a deep breath once their lips had parted again, his eyes still closed. They fluttered open as they landed on her face, and he took a moment to study her. He wanted much more, but was patient enough to be able to wait for later. There would be a later, if he had any say.
He had no need to hear those words back from her, that wasn't why he'd said it. He wasn't fishing for anything, he just wanted her to know. She would get there or she wouldn't, and Piotr had no intention of pressuring that out of her. It would come if it was meant to. In the meantime he only wanted her to know. He gave her a small nod, his hand still covering hers. He wasn't ready to let go quite yet. It was all he could get in before she was kissing him again and letting her mind brush with his. He felt the increasingly familiar influx of her thoughts and feelings, a small gasp escaping him. It was always a little overwhelming, but this time he knew exactly what she was sharing with him. He wouldn't have to wait, and it didn't matter to him if she ever really said it. This was all he'd ever need.] lyubov, Emma, it is okay. [His eyes were a little red around the rims and a little more moist than usual.] I will never want you to go faster than you are ready. I am happy.
[Emma looked at his eyes when they had parted once more and sighed softly as she saw the unshed tears. Her fingers stroked against his cheek and she ran her thumb over his brow before she stretched up to kiss his forehead. Honestly, in that moment, she wouldn't have even bothered to blink if someone walked in on them. It felt like she'd taken a huge step forward emotionally. Sex she could do easily. Sex could give advice on. Emotions still left her clueless from time to time but she knew with Piotr they didn't feel wrong. They weren't forced. They weren't tainted. It was one of the purest things she had ever known.]
You are, and so am I. I can't even begin to tell you, but I think you know. I think you know better than I do some days. Even without my powers you know. [She dropped her hand to cover his and rubbed her fingertips over his skin. She wanted the more now to seal the moment. To make it what it should be but they would both have to be patient.] I don't know what I did to deserve you other than corrupt you with a rather inspiring piece of student work, but I'm glad it happened. I'm glad you decided you could trust me enough to even start something.
[Piotr wanted nothing better than to lean into her and wrap himself in her arms. He wanted to stay in this moment and forget about the rest of the world for a little while. Unfortunately he had not been blessed with any abilities to allow him such. He would have to be content with what he was given and it would be greedy of him not to be. He really was happy.
He had to grin up at her when she mentioned the drawing, pink tinting his cheeks slightly. He had not forgotten the drawing, nor the night it had inspired. If it wouldn't be completely inappropriate, he might have had half a mind to thank the student. His life had certainly taken a particular turn for the better because of it.] I like it when you corrupt me. I trust you, Emma. Implicitly.
[It was a curse and a blessing to have found the man she loved within the team. There was little escape from prying eyes and curious students. She was convinced her Cuckoos were onto her and Piotr but smartly, they hadn't revealed anything. Emma thought they would hold into the information until it benefitted them to sell her out. They really were telepaths after her own mind.
She laughed a little when she saw the pink appear in his cheeks, her hand giving his thigh a brief squeeze. It was hard to forget such a drawing or the gift that it had brought her. She never could have imagined that Piotr would ever feel for her as he did.] My puppy, hm? I am truly lucky that you feel that way. And honestly? If I sit here thinking about corrupting you then later really isn't going to come soon enough.
[In all honesty, Piotr had also got the feeling that Emma's trio of telepaths had caught onto their goings-on. More than once he found them giving him a certain kind of look, and while it creeped him out a little, he was just glad that they weren't saying anything. He wasn't sure if Emma had spoken to them on the matter, but he hoped that they would continue to keep their secret until he and Emma agreed it was time to come out with it.
He gave a small cough into his fist, his cheeks still rather pink. She was good at making him blush. She was also terrifyingly good at placing certain kinds of images and thoughts in his mind, all without using an ounce of her telepathic abilities.] I find I am already impatient. [He bit his lip, his eyes lingering on her own.] I can wear the collar.
Maddie/AJ have missed Pete something terrible. <3
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[He chewed his lip a moment, peering down at the paper on the table in front of him. It was just a simple sketch of the floral arrangement on the dining room table. He'd always had a penchant for tulips.] I am glad we often have flowers around. It is... Comforting.
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Is it? [Emma's nose scrunched up slightly as she looked at the tulips and then back down at his sketch.] I find more pleasure in your art than the flowers. I can't say I've ever been particularly swayed by floral arrangements.
I HAD TO GO TO YOUR PROFILE TO MAKE SURE IT WAS YOU ILU
[He leaned closer as she mentioned her distaste for the flowers, curious now. He rested his elbows on the table and tilted his head to the side a little.] You don't like flowers? I'm glad I didn't get you any for Valentine's day. I thought about it. I have always liked flowers, myself. Though, I prefer them in a garden. My mother had a garden.
You and yours need to join gardensend then I won't have to come find chu
[Emma leaned in as well, her arm resting over her knees as she set her chin in her other hand. To anyone else she might actually appear bored but under the table her heel rubbed against the back of his calf.] I don't think I've ever liked conventional gestures of affection. I've never been a big fan of Valentine's either. Why should you only show me your feelings on one day of the year? However, flowers in general... [She pursed her lips briefly before sighing.] I grew up in the wrong environment to appreciate nature as you do. Tell me about the garden.
what's gardensend? show me I will come
[He watched her intently, his eyes wandering along her face. He had grown very familiar with the lines and curves of it, having admired it frequently over the past few months that they'd spent together. They hadn't done anything particularly special for Valentine's, though they had spent the night together. Really, that was all he could ask for. Anything else was just extra. He had to agree with her on that point. Though her mention of her upbringing piqued his curiosity. They hadn't spoken a great deal about how she'd grown up.] Well, I... I grew up on a farm, so there was a lot of growing things around. It was our life. We didn't get to have a lot of flower seeds because it was a collective farm, we didn't have a lot of money for nice things. But my mother had a way with plants and she was able to keep a garden. It was one of my favorite things growing up.
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[Spending the night together had been a rarity. Normally one of them would slip from the other's bedroom before the rest of the mansion was awake. She had to admit that not rushing out of his embrace really had been enjoyable. Waking up to the big Russian's face had made her smile and feel content. She arched an eyebrow slightly when she got the curious look. If he asked she would tell him. But her childhood was never something she volunteered freely. She also wasn't going to branch the topic of Sebastian Shaw without ensuring Piotr would remain calm.] Your face changes when you talk about it. You look much more relaxed. Perhaps you could start a garden here. I'm sure the children would help you maintain it. Have something a little more organised in the grounds. It's also why you are a good man, very grounded. You had a wholesome upbringing.
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[He wasn't sure what kept him from asking about her upbringing. He knew there was darkness in her past, and he didn't want to take her back to that place if it wasn't the right time. He was curious, though. There were few details that he knew of her past.] Perhaps you are right, a garden would be nice. I do not have the talent that my mother had, but I might be able to manage something. And... [His smile grew and he refrained from reaching for her hand.] I am just me. I do what I can.
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[If they had more nights together perhaps she would bring it up of her own volition. The comfort that came with being in his arms and the security she felt in knowing that he would still feel something for her regardless.] You might even be able to teach me a thing or two about gardening. Given that you are just you and you still get me to do quite a bit that you like. [Her smile turned a little more seductive.] And it would be a chance for us to spend some time together. Maybe let the others come to their own conclusions about our relationship.
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[He bit his lip a moment before he looked up at her again, grinning. The idea of keeping a garden and teaching her about it was very appealing to him. It would give them another excuse to be be alone together sometimes. He wouldn't mind that at all. ] I would love to teach you, Emma. You know, I... I think I'll do it. I'll talk to Scott about it. [He leaned in just a little closer, ducking his head. His hair was starting to get a little long in the front and it fell over his brow.] Do you really mean that, Emma? Letting them come to their own conclusions?
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[Emma returned her focus to him and didn't stop herself as she reached out to brush his hair back from his face. It really was growing long but she saw no reason to complain. She found the way it fell into his eyes really quite attractive. Though if it ever grew to the length that would require a ponytail, then she'd have something to say. She'd probably even take scissors to it herself.] I look forward to being the pupil for once. And yes, I mean it. I've been selfish enough about our relationship. It's only because I get so sick of having to try and make people believe that I'm not out to corrupt their friends and family. I do think we're in a place now where we're comfortable enough with each other that we can stand whatever reactions those conclusions draw out. I'm not ready to let go of you, Piotr. I will fight if I have to. I'm also finding myself wanting more and more time with you.
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[He closed his eyes a moment and breathed a gentle sigh before he reached to cover her hand on his cheek, his fingers lacing with hers. It was all he needed, just for a moment. There was a promise of more, underneath the surface, but he didn't dare while they were so exposed. Not unless he knew she was alright with it.] Then don't let go of me, Emma. I am ready for whatever you would like. If you wanted to walk out of this room holding hands right now, I would be right by your side. Ya gotov. I'm ready.
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It really is tempting, darling. I would gladly hold your hand in this moment. I would happily let everyone stare and figure it out. Piotr, I-- [Emma stopped. Her brow furrowed as she tried to latch onto the words she knew he deserved to hear. She kept her hand against his cheek and shifted further forward so that there was even less of a gap between them.] I've well and truly fallen for you.
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She was speaking again, and as she paused a moment his eyes snapped open so he could catch her eyes. Her words fell on him and everything around him seemed to stop. The entire mansion could have wandered in at that moment and Piotr wouldn't have cared a bit. She was saying things that he had been aching to hear from her. As far as he was concerned, nothing else really mattered right now.] Emma, I love you. [He didn't hesitate, he didn't have to think about it. He'd known how he'd felt this way for a while now.]
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She ran her tongue over her lips in the wake of the kiss and offered Piotr a warm smile as her free hand found his thigh and she rest it there. She knew he could say the words she wanted to. She was trying. She really was. Emma might have been older, but that didn't necessarily mean she was experienced in matters of the heart. She knew how to manipulate and seduce. She knew how to love. She just didn't know how to say it.] You really do, don't you, dear? [She pressed another kiss to his lips before opening up her mind and reaching out to seek the telepathic connection she had slowly been nurturing inside Piotr. It allowed them to communicate around the students and the team without them hearing a word. It also allowed her to think the words she couldn't say. I love you, too.] One day I'll get there. I'll be able to give you everything.
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He had no need to hear those words back from her, that wasn't why he'd said it. He wasn't fishing for anything, he just wanted her to know. She would get there or she wouldn't, and Piotr had no intention of pressuring that out of her. It would come if it was meant to. In the meantime he only wanted her to know. He gave her a small nod, his hand still covering hers. He wasn't ready to let go quite yet. It was all he could get in before she was kissing him again and letting her mind brush with his. He felt the increasingly familiar influx of her thoughts and feelings, a small gasp escaping him. It was always a little overwhelming, but this time he knew exactly what she was sharing with him. He wouldn't have to wait, and it didn't matter to him if she ever really said it. This was all he'd ever need.] lyubov, Emma, it is okay. [His eyes were a little red around the rims and a little more moist than usual.] I will never want you to go faster than you are ready. I am happy.
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You are, and so am I. I can't even begin to tell you, but I think you know. I think you know better than I do some days. Even without my powers you know. [She dropped her hand to cover his and rubbed her fingertips over his skin. She wanted the more now to seal the moment. To make it what it should be but they would both have to be patient.] I don't know what I did to deserve you other than corrupt you with a rather inspiring piece of student work, but I'm glad it happened. I'm glad you decided you could trust me enough to even start something.
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He had to grin up at her when she mentioned the drawing, pink tinting his cheeks slightly. He had not forgotten the drawing, nor the night it had inspired. If it wouldn't be completely inappropriate, he might have had half a mind to thank the student. His life had certainly taken a particular turn for the better because of it.] I like it when you corrupt me. I trust you, Emma. Implicitly.
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She laughed a little when she saw the pink appear in his cheeks, her hand giving his thigh a brief squeeze. It was hard to forget such a drawing or the gift that it had brought her. She never could have imagined that Piotr would ever feel for her as he did.] My puppy, hm? I am truly lucky that you feel that way. And honestly? If I sit here thinking about corrupting you then later really isn't going to come soon enough.
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He gave a small cough into his fist, his cheeks still rather pink. She was good at making him blush. She was also terrifyingly good at placing certain kinds of images and thoughts in his mind, all without using an ounce of her telepathic abilities.] I find I am already impatient. [He bit his lip, his eyes lingering on her own.] I can wear the collar.