Chapter Text
"Don't you think 13 days is enough of the silent treatment! How ridiculous and pigheaded are you going be with this?" Esteban scowled, banging at the locked office door.
The anger and frustration he had been feeling the past couple of days faded as he sighed, his chest clenching with anticipation and nervousness at what he was about to admit.
"Doña, please just listen to me. I swear that kiss had nothing to do with being better than you or being ashamed. Really, it wasn't. I thought that that kiss was just a fluke because you are unusually affectionate when you're drunk. But I was also scared of things going further. That maybe if we became too close it would affect our work, or Shuriki would be displeased and do who knows what. Most of all, I was scared that if we went further, I would fall in love with you."
The defeaning sound of silence from the other side of the door made Esteban feel a bit faint, wondering how she was reacting to this or how she would reply to what he would say next.
"Which honestly was useless because I think I already am in love with you. So if you want to continue this grudge, I'll just forget about it and go home."
The door slowly opened and Esteban let out the breath that he had just realized he had been holding in.
Doña didn't look angry but confused as if she couldn't believe what was coming out of his mouth or if she was questioning his sanity.
"We should talk about this" She said in an uncharacteristically quiet voice.
"We should," Esteban took a step forward and cupped her cheek, and tilted her chin so they could lock gazes.
It was an odd sense of deja vu from the drunken kiss they had shared so long ago. It was just the two of them, and as he stared at her large emerald eyes, he felt their surroundings fade away.
It felt claustrophobic but thrilling, and his senses heightened to where he felt all sorts of small points he never had noticed before like softness of her skin, the faint whiff of rose perfume, the heat of their bodies so close to another.
He waited to see if she would say anything but she seemed too shocked by the turn of events to know where to start.
It was new ground for both of them but at least he had the foresight to prepare a small speech before coming here.
He licked his lips in anticipation, and his heart pounded faster than before. His mouth felt full of cotton and he panicked, wondering if he could say it aloud.
He forgot what exactly he had wanted to say first, if it would make more sense to talk about their first impression or maybe he should just talk about what he wanted their relationship to be like or a million other ideas flooded his mind in a jumbled slew of words and sentences.
He opened his mouth and spoke in a rapid fashion, trying to make sure the words made at least made some sense even if he babbled.
"You drive me crazy, you annoy me, you insult me, but these last few days of not talking made me miss you. It made me think about the kiss a lot. Really think and I've realized it was one of the sweetest moments of pleasure I had during Shuriki's rule. The more I thought about it, most of the time I spent with you during Shuriki's rule are some of the only good memories during those dark years. You challenged me, and made me become more enthusiastic and ambitious than before. All that in the hopes of proving you wrong I'll admit. I haven't had such riveting conversations about politics with other leaders, at least ones that enjoy doing.”
“We understand things about each other that I don't think anyone else knows. We talked about our families and the guilt and the loneliness. I know our love may not be as picture perfect or "adorable" as the king and queen's but we understand each other and we still, care at least I care about you in all the years we've worked side by side. “
“And if you feel the same way...I don't think we'll be lonely or in want for any sort of affection. So if you'll let me start with this one..."
Before he could even lean in, Doña pulled him towards her. Their lips crashed against each other in a passionate fervor that Esteban felt was equal to the taste of delicious, gooey melted chocolate with the surprise of a firework.
He felt a boyish sort of giddiness as one thought sped through his mine, "She likes me!"
She raked her hands through his hair, pulling a bit, urging him to move closer. He did so, sliding his arms around her waist to pull her closer, savoring the warmth and perfect fit of their bodies plastered against each other, and revealing in the feeling of affection.
Her other hand slid down his back, stopping to grab at his butt then drew back, quickly traveling up to shoulders as if realizing how inappropriate that gesture had been.
However for Esteban, that move made something in him light up so he grabbed tightly and lifted her up so her legs crossed around him and she only could hold onto him lest she wanted gravity to do its duty.
His breath became shortened and he forced himself to part lips for a moment, air rushing through before he returned to those soft lips that he had begun to associate with what paradise must feel like. Thrilling, all encompassing, warm, delightful, and the need to never leave it.
The kissing that had started tender eagerness became a small battle of vigor and who could put more fire into the intertwined embrace they were in.
He had new sense to win, not for dominance of tongues but for love. That he could somehow win this and then proceed to lavish her with warmth and devotion that they had been longing to have and to share for far too long.
He gave another shuddery sigh as they part and Doña nipped at his neck allowing him to regain another gulp of air, her nails pinched at his shoulder blades with an animalistic want.
A sense of satisfaction filled him as victory was achieved. He combed his head through her hair, knocking off her hat. From there, he drew small circles around the small of her back, then placed a kiss on her collarbone, holding it there sucking and letting the tension build until he finished by sliding his tongue across the bone and nip at her mouth. She let out an incomprehensible murmur, tensed, relaxed and melted into him.
The kisses slowed down to a steady eager pace so Esteban began to sneak his hand up her dress and brushed against her thigh.
"No no we should stop. I mean we shouldn't stop. I mean we should talk first" Doña stammered.
"Oh right we should" Esteban agreeded readily removing his hand and kissing her again.
"I do have a few things to add after your speech" Doña added between the kisses.
"Of course you do." Esteban murmured stopping for another kiss.
They quickly lapsed into silence, fully enjoying the lingering kisses between them, talking was far from their minds.
Then there was a knock and nervous laugh. They both turned to see Mateo at the door.
Esteban was momentarily confused in what possible situation would have brought the wizard to Doña's office when he remembered that Mateo had been the one that encouraged him to say his feelings, and had come with him to the emporium for moral support.
"Heh uh the door wasn't fully closed." Mateo said sheepishly.
"Sorry" Esteban said hastily putting Doña down and smoothing his rumpled clothes.
"I was wondering if I could go? I promised Elena I would be home in time for dinner." Mateo continued on with a teasing smile, "And I think you have things handled here. I'll tell them that you're occupied."
"Uh well maybe not. We could keep this a secret for a little bit?" Doña said a bit breathily, looking at him for confirmation. "You know, until we talked this out."
"Yes, that would be an excellent course of action." Esteban cleared his throat, willing his heart to stop beating like a hummingbird at his realization that this kind of encounter would happen again.
"Secret got it. Sure can do" Mateo nodded eagerly and ducked away.
Esteban turned to Doña who was still flushing profusely and bowed, "Will you save a date for tomorrow night?"
"Yes, of course. We'll defiantly have plenty to talk about." Doña winked.
Esteban bowed again and didn't bother fighting the broad smile that spread across his face when he left the store.
"Told you it would work!" Mateo cheered.
"Ay Mateo, it was...yes it worked. But remember not to say anything." Esteban reminded easily falling in step with him.
"Did you get a date?" Mateo asked.
"Yes, yes I did." Esteban answered catching on to Mateo's enthusiasm.
And hopes to many more.