Chapter Text
You were practically buzzing with excitement; the urge to break out into a full on sprint was nearly irresistible. Nearly.
The weather inside the loop was idyllic; clear blue skies allowed the sun to shine brightly as you all made your way towards the house, bathing everything in a nice warmth that seemed to only add to the dream-like haze you were looking through. Had you not been holding the twins’ hands, your arm would have surely been black and blue from pinching yourself over and over.
Much to your surprise, the children had taken to you and Jake rather quickly, something which eased your apprehension about how the rest of your visit would go. Meeting new people, in general, made you nervous, and this definitely brought things to a whole new level.
Jake and the others led the way through the thick trees a few paces ahead while Claire and the twins stuck to your side. You listened intently as she excitedly listed the various things the two of you could play; you had immediately, of course, already agreed to multiple tea parties and hide-n-seek games. Like you were going to pass up an opportunity like that. Pfft .
What felt like an hour, but was probably only a mere few minutes, passed. The thick lining of trees that nearly suffocated the trail thinned out the further the path went, until suddenly, disappearing when you found yourself in a large clearing. Your breath hitched in your throat as your eyes landed on a massive structure; there, looming in front of you, was the house.
“Woah,” you let out under your breath, pausing slightly to just simply gaze up at it; your eyes followed along the numerous vines that climbed the red brick walls, wrapping themselves around even the tallest spindle.
At least, you did until Claire took your hand and began pulling you towards the others who were making their way up the front steps. She exclaimed in her tiny voice, “Come on, Miss Y/N!”
“Alright, alright. I’m coming,” you laugh, though allowing her to continue dragging you.
Just as your foot climbed the last step, the doors were swiftly pulled open, creaking, revealing a woman dressed in dark clothing.
Woah.
With high cheekbones, pale skin, and striking blue eyes, the woman was the epitome of beauty and elegance. A welcoming smile graced her features, brown smoke pipe caught between her teeth. You couldn’t help but stare; she was absolutely stunning . Literally.
She glanced down at the pocket watch in her hand, “Right on time.” Taking the pipe out of her mouth, a hand outstretched to you and Jake. “Miss Peregrine. Delighted to meet you!”
It wasn’t until her hand reached out to you did you realize you were staring. Shit. Trying to cover it up in hopes of not embarrassing yourself further, you quickly grasped her hand and offered a timid, “Uh, hi.”
Jake's poorly concealed snort didn’t help; your cheeks grew even redder.
Way to go, loser.
Her smile seemed to grow wider, eyes lingering on you for a split second longer. Smoke curled out of her mouth as she spoke, “My how the two of you have grown. Last time Abe sent me a photograph, the two of you were merely children.” After a moment of silence, you and Jake not knowing what to say next, she thankfully continued, “Well, don’t just stand there. Come in.”
Miss Peregrine ushered the group in, promptly shutting the door behind us. You heard the thudding of footsteps as, what you assumed were the rest of the children, rushed down the staircase in front of you. Almost immediately after their feet hit the bottom step, they were spouting out excited greetings and questions. From Abe’s photographs, you were able to guess that the girl with the Shirly Temple curls was Bronwyn, the one with the gloves was Olive, and the one with the braids and grass-stained pants was Fiona. All at once, the children crowded around you and Jake, and little voices started to overlap one another.
“Children, remember your manners, please,” Miss Peregrine admonished gently, giving them each a pointed look from where she stood. They were quick to settle down, mumbling sheepish apologies.
You, shaking your head and shooting them the kindest smile you could, reassured them, “Oh, no, guys. It’s fine, I promise.” If anything, their eagerness was endearing.
Maybe it was just your wishful imagination, but Miss Peregrine’s gaze seemed to linger on you once again before she directed her attention to her children, “Still. We do not want to overwhelm our guests; there will be plenty of time for your questions at dinner.” Her eyes turned back up to you and Jake. “You will be dining with us, correct?”
Though it was phrased as a question, it was obvious she wasn’t really asking. You looked over to Jake for an answer. When all he offered back was the same lost look, you lamely managed, “We wouldn’t want to intru-”
“Nonsense,” she briskly cut in with a wave of her hand; any movement she made practically enchanted you. Oh , were you in trouble .
“Oh, uh,” Jake said slowly, hesitantly, “...then I guess we’re staying.”
That seemed to please Miss Peregrine. “Wonderful! Dinner is at 5:30. In the meantime, I think a tour is in order.¨
The children took this as their que and made their way to what you assume was another part of the house to do their own thing.
Miss Peregrine gracefully made her way after them, hips slightly swaying with each step - even her walk mesmerized you. “Come. Your tea is getting cold.”
You watched her walk away for a second before jokingly murmuring into Jake's ear, “Who's gonna tell her I'm more of a coffee person?”