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The low rumble of thunder stirred Beatrice out of a deep and relaxing slumber. She could hear the steady patter of rain against the roof. Her eyes closed again, sleep curling back over her being. Thankfully the cottage bedroom had thick curtains so the gray light couldn’t escape beyond the edges, still leaving the room dark and warm.
Her eyes suddenly shot back open. Wait….cottage bedroom?
It was then Beatrice realized she wasn't in her room, let alone her own bed. She wasn't wearing her usual pajamas, but a large white button up shirt that smelled of sea water and mint, with the slightest trace of apples.
More disconcerting though, in those first few waking moments, was the weight of someone curled behind Beatrice, a long arm slung over her waist. Looking down, she noted the silver ring on her bedmate's third finger. It was then she realized said hand belonged to Benedick. She was in bed with her husband.
As Beatrice softly took his hand, the events of the previous day came rushing back to her: the funeral turned into a double wedding; a reception that went late into the night; and then the two of them locking themselves away in the cottage away from the rest of the world.
Smiling to herself, Beatrice gently twirled the ring around Benedick's finger as smaller details came to mind: when they kissed right before the friar could properly announce them as husband and wife because neither could wait a moment longer; Benedick's off key singing as they slow danced behind a bush, away from the guests. His despondent expression when she answered no, no she did not love him when he first proposed.
Beatrice closed her eyes against the fresh memory, but could still see the hurt she caused him. She didn't want to say no, truly she didn't. Inside, Beatrice had wanted to yes, but to show such vulnerability in front of her family and friends was absolutely terrifying. And unfortunately she had fallen back on her habit of pushing away in such a situation.
Swallowing heavily, she was overcome with the urge to apologize to Benedick. Slowly, Beatrice turned over to face him.
Though she had to take a moment to watch Benedick sleep. Soft snores escaped his partially opened mouth. She stroked his cheek, loving the feel of his stubble beneath her fingertips. Beatrice cursed herself for ever denying she loved him.
Benedick started to awaken, rumbling happily as he nuzzled his face into her hand. As he slowly started to come more fully awake, his soft brown eyes and sleepy smile made the breath in Beatrice's chest catch; no one had ever looked at her with such love before.
The only sound was the rustle of the sheets as Beatrice wrapped her arms around him, burrowing into Benedick's bare chest so she could hear the steady thump of his heartbeat. She felt Benedick rest his cheek on her head as his fingers gently stroked through her hair.
“I didn’t mean it,” she whispered. When he made an inquiring hum, Beatrice went on. “When you asked, ‘do not you love me?’ and I said no.”
Benedick snickered. “I assumed so when you decided to actually marry me.”
Beatrice rolled her eyes, something she was fairly certain was going to happen everyday with him. “Yes...but, I did...I just did not expect to be asked for my hand in front of everyone, but that doesn’t excuse my dismissing you. I was…” she trailed off.
“Afraid?”
“Yes,” she breathed out.
“Me as well.”
Beatrice huffed. “That doesn’t make what I said to you any better. You were brave enough to come forth with your intentions, and I...embarrassed you.”
"But only for a moment," he shrugged.
"Will you just allow me to apologize?"
Benedick's shoulders shook as he laughed lightly, kissing the top of her head. "I accept, but think nothing of it, my love. True, in the moment, I was...taken aback, but all was forgotten the moment I read your letter."
Closing her eyes, Beatrice hugged him a little tighter. "Truly?"
He nodded, his voice carrying a bit of smugness. "You would not have written the inside of your heart on a piece of paper for anyone to possibly see if it wasn’t at all true."
In spite of herself, Beatrice smiled against his chest. It was both sweet and slightly annoying at how well Benedick knew her.
"Then I'm very happy Hero stole it to give to you." And Beatrice truly was, because deep down, she knew she wouldn't have had the courage to give it to Benedick herself.
He tenderly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Me as well," Benedick murmured.
When Beatrice leaned forward, Benedick met her lips for a tender kiss. He sighed contently, wondering how in the world he deserved such bliss.
She pulled back, running her knuckles over his cheek. "Speaking of my pilfering cousin, I never did thank you for standing up for her."
"Of course."
"You not only challenged Claudio, but gave your resignation to the prince. That could not have been easy."
Benedick shook his head. "It was not, but necessary."
Beatrice swallowed heavily. "It could have gone very differently," she whispered.
Silently, he nodded in agreement. Claudio could have immediately taken Benedick up on his challenge and Benedick would have faced his brother in arms. A moment that could have very well led Benedick to his death. Judging from the shudder that ran through Beatrice, she must have been thinking the same as well. He gathered her up in his arms once again, holding her tightly.
"Can I ask why? Was it only because you love me?" Frankly the questions broke Benedick's heart as it was clear Beatrice was not used to men standing up for any woman.
He coaxed her face up to look at him by placing a hand on her cheek. "Yes, there was a part of me that wanted to prove my feelings for you, however Hero was completely devoted to Claudio; she'd never betray him. But you...you were so certain of not only your cousin's innocence but Claudio's villainy. Your fierce loyalty speaks more than words ever could. I was not about to stand by and let you fight alone.
"True, my challenging a fellow comrade and resignation were not easy," he swallowed hard against the memory. Then he stated firmly, "But I could not and will not keep the company of men who treat women so dismissively, so brutally. I will forever hold Claudio to the same standard now that we are kin."
Benedick barely had time to react as Beatrice had grabbed his face between her hands and kissed him. And she kept kissing him so fervently, Benedick could hardly think because of the lack of oxygen. The best he could do was simply roll to his back, and let Beatrice take the lead as she straddled his lap.
It took several moments for Benedick to come back to himself after his wife eventually let him go. He worked his mouth open and closed several times, no sound coming out.
For her part, Beatrice smiled lovingly at him. Her red hair was deliciously rumpled from his wandering hands. Her eyes sparkled with tears, but at least this time they were tears of happiness and could wipe them away, which he did.
"You are a very, very good man, Benedick," she said in a shaky voice, kissing his palm. Beatrice sniffled before chuckling. "And if you ever tell anyone, I will vehemently deny I ever said so."
Shrugging, Benedick smirked up at her. "It matters not to me. Your opinion is the only one I care about."
Beatrice sighed, shaking her head. "Please stop saying all of the right things. It's very disconcerting."
He barked out a laugh. "For me as well, my love." With that, Benedick opened his arms and Beatrice happily accepted his silent invitation, laying back down beside him. She cuddled into his side, her head on his chest as he pulled the blankets properly around them. Once rightly settled, he wrapped his arms around her, pressing his lips to her forehead.
They fell asleep once more to the gentle rhythm of the rain.