Chapter Text
3 years later
The fresh mountain air filled their lungs, and the harmonious sounds of birds chirping in the distance created a tranquil atmosphere around Beatrice and Ava. As they wandered through the picturesque scenery of the Alps, Ava couldn't contain her joy. She walked freely, arms swaying, embracing the beauty of the moment. Beatrice, on the other hand, admired the familiar landscape that had been the backdrop to the beginning of their love story.
"Love, let’s go back to the coffee shop," Ava suggested, her gaze dancing between the surroundings and Beatrice. She hooked their arms together, a gesture that never failed to make Beatrice's heart skip a beat.
Checking the time on her wrist, Beatrice contemplated the idea. "Now? We might miss the sunset at this time," she replied calmly, not wanting to miss the chance to witness the magical hues of twilight paint the sky.
Ava pouted playfully, her expressive face conveying a sense of exaggerated disappointment. She remained silent for a moment, her mind clearly working on something mischievous.
Ava's eyes sparkled mischievously as she suddenly came up with a plan. They halted by a long flight of stairs, and she turned to Beatrice with an impish grin. "Race you up?" she proposed, her voice filled with excitement, before taking off.
For a moment, Beatrice was left stunned, but she quickly recovered. With a hearty laugh, she decided to join in the fun. With her knowledge of Aikido and her sporty nature, catching up to Ava was a breeze.
Ava and Beatrice’s laughter rang out as the wind whipped around them, and they ascended the stairs side by side, chasing after the thrill of the race.
As they reached the door of the coffee shop, both of them panting heavily, their hands almost simultaneously touched the handle. They exchanged a look, tired yet exhilarated, and shared a brief laugh. "Racing with you feels like I'm being chased by a robot," Ava joked between breaths.
Beatrice chuckled, her laughter musical. "You run slow, my Love."
Ava playfully rolled her eyes, her smile never fading. "Hey! We both got here at the same time," she retorted as she opened the door for both of them.
"Yeah? You had at least 10 steps of a headstart," Beatrice teases with a grin, guiding Ava by the waist to their favorite spot, where they had shared countless memories in the past. The baristas greeted them with warm smiles, and the familiar surroundings brought back a rush of nostalgia.
Though everything in the coffee shop seemed the same, the atmosphere it held had an everlasting charm. The breathtaking view from the Alps continued to steal their hearts, just as it had all those years ago.
As the sun began its descent, casting warm hues across the sky, they sat together, both with steaming cups of coffee in hand. Beatrice wrapped her arms around Ava, drawing her close in a loving embrace. Ava nestled against her, finding comfort in the curve of Beatrice's neck. She kissed it tenderly, feeling the gentle pulse of Beatrice's heartbeat.
Caught in a moment of intimacy, Ava looked into Beatrice's eyes, curious about the expression that had spread across her face. Beatrice wore a wide grin, a smile that seemed to radiate warmth and affection.
Ava couldn't help but ask, "What?"
Beatrice shook her head gently and brushed her fingers along Ava's cheek, her touch as gentle as a breeze. "Nothing," she whispered, her voice filled with a tender sincerity. "I just can't believe we're back here."
Ava leaned into Beatrice's touch, closing her eyes momentarily to savor the sensation. "Me too," she admitted softly, her heart fluttering as she recalled their past. "You fell in love with me here."
Beatrice laughed, a sweet, melodic sound that filled the air around them. "I did," she agreed, her eyes filled with love as she gazed at Ava. "And I still am."
Ava couldn't resist the affectionate words that flowed so naturally from Beatrice's lips. She playfully pursed her lips, her signature downward smile, a sign that she was utterly charmed. "All you British people are such sweet talkers, I swear," she teased, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of amusement and adoration.
Beatrice couldn't help but laugh at their playful banter. "I guess we do have our way with words, Darling," she said, emphasizing the endearment. Ava playfully slapped her arm, unable to resist Beatrice's flirting and forwardness.
Beatrice grinned and looked around. "I'll be back in a moment, wait," she said before gracefully standing up to leave. Ava took a sip of her coffee, gazing out at the beautiful view.
As Ava sat there, she couldn't help but think about how much time had passed since they first met. Their life together had evolved in so many wonderful ways. They had recently purchased their own place and decided to live together, had figured out how to manage the coffee shop together, and even adopted two cats, Aves and Tris. They had become like children to them, adding a new layer of joy to their lives.
Their love story had its share of ups and downs, but they always knew how to work through their differences. Beatrice, in particular, was always gentle and soft-spoken when it came to Ava.
Ava smiled as she reminisced about their new memories and the love she felt for Beatrice. She had no doubt that they would be together forever.
Suddenly, the music in the café changed to a slow, romantic tune, and Beatrice returned, standing behind Ava and softly touching her shoulder. "I'm back, my Love," Beatrice said. Ava looked up with a soft smile. "Hey."
"Will you dance with me, M'lady?" Beatrice asked, playfully bowing and extending her hand to Ava. Ava giggled, setting her coffee cup down and taking Beatrice's hand as she rose from her seat.
Their eyes never left each other as they assumed the waltz position for a slow dance. "This is so royal of you," Ava teased, laughing.
Beatrice playfully rolled her eyes, a mischievous glint in them, before her gaze softened as she looked lovingly at Ava. "Ava," she whispered tenderly.
Ava hummed in response, her arms wrapped snugly around Beatrice as they swayed to the romantic music. "You're so beautiful," Beatrice whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Beatrice wrapped her arms around Ava from behind, resting her cheek on Ava's shoulder as they both admired the view. Ava's breath caught in her throat as she took in the beauty of the moment.
A feeling of warmth, peace, and security washed over her. Their love was unique and unbreakable. Beatrice never failed to show Ava how much she loved her, both in words and through physical affection.
Beatrice leaned in, whispering in Ava's ear, "I love you." Ava closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of Beatrice's breath against her skin. She smiled, her heart full. "I love you, Bea."
Moments later, the warmth behind Ava disappeared, replaced by a cold breeze. She turned around to find Beatrice on one knee, a ring in her trembling hand, a nervous yet hopeful smile on her face. Tears welled up in Beatrice's eyes as she took deep breaths, patiently waiting for Ava's response.
Ava covered her mouth in shock, her heart pounding. Her eyes grew watery and blurry as she bowed down, not yet finding the words to speak.
"Ava, loving you has been the most unexpected and amazing, ongoing experience of my life," Beatrice began, tears rolling down her cheeks. Ava listened intently, feeling her heart swell with happiness.
"I want to spend the rest of my life with you, even in the next," Beatrice continued, her voice brimming with emotion. Her eyes sparkled with sincerity as she added, "Even if it means we'll be sexy nuns with guns, my love for you will remain just as strong, or perhaps even stronger if that's even possible." Beatrice couldn't help but chuckle at the playful image.
"From the moment our paths crossed, you've filled my world with laughter, understanding, and a profound sense of belonging that I've never experienced before," she continued, her words carrying the weight of their shared journey and the depth of her feelings for Ava.
Beatrice took a deep, shaky breath, her eyes locked onto Ava's with unwavering determination. "So here I am, on my knees, asking you, Ava Silva, to marry me," she said, her voice filled with a mix of confidence and vulnerability. Deep inside, Beatrice's heart quivered with emotions, but she knew in her soul that this was the moment she had been waiting for.
Ava couldn't hold back her tears any longer. "Yes," she said repeatedly, holding out her hand to Beatrice. Beatrice slipped the ring onto Ava's finger, her own hands trembling.
Beatrice stood up, embracing Ava tightly and kissing her passionately. The café staff erupted in cheers and screams, with one of them capturing the magical moment on video. It was all a beautiful surprise orchestrated by Beatrice, a testament to the depth of her love for Ava.
The cheers and applause from the staff around them seemed to fade into the background. In this little corner of the world, amidst the Swiss Alps, it was just the two of them, lost in the magic of their love story.
From that day forward, their journey would continue, hand in hand, as they faced the adventures and challenges life had in store. With Beatrice by her side, Ava knew she was ready to take on anything that came their way. Their love was a force that would carry them through it all.
"Fuck, I love you, Bea," Ava laughed, gazing up into Beatrice's eyes. Beatrice hugged her tightly, a soft smile on her lips. "I love you, Ava," she whispered, then playfully added, "My fiancée," teasingly emphasizing the word.
Beatrice then surprised Ava by sweeping her off her feet and twirling them around with a joyful laugh, their love radiating in every moment of their dance.
"I'm engaged!!" Ava screamed with sheer happiness, her voice ringing through the air. Beatrice joined in the excitement, screaming from the balcony, "We're getting married!" Her joy was palpable as she shared in Ava's excitement.
In the midst of their jubilation, Beatrice pulled Ava close, and their lips met in a long, passionate kiss, sealing their love and commitment to each other. After the kiss, Ava gently pressed her lips to Beatrice's forehead, a tender and affectionate gesture that spoke volumes about their love and the beautiful journey that lay ahead.
And so, they continued to dance in each other's arms, their hearts beating in sync with the music and the rhythm of their love story. The sun set behind them, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold, creating a perfect backdrop for this new and beautiful chapter in their lives.
Their love was a testament to the power of connection, the beauty of vulnerability, and the strength that comes from finding your forever person. As they held each other, Ava knew that this was where she was meant to be, with the person she was meant to spend her life with.
And so, under the fading light of the sun, amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Alps, they held onto this moment, knowing it was just the beginning of their forever.